{"product_id":"verybarista-ims-precision-16-18g-competition-filter-basket-for-51mm-portafilters-499-hole-stainless-steel-flat-bottom","title":"verybarista IMS Precision 16–18g Competition Filter Basket for 51mm Portafilters — 499-Hole Stainless Steel, Flat-Bottom","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMS Precision 16–18g Competition Series filter basket for DeLonghi La Specialista DL2TH26E is a stainless-steel, flat-bottomed double-espresso basket engineered to improve extraction for 16–18 gram doses.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis basket is a direct-replacement accessory made to fit 51mm portafilters used on many DeLonghi, Sage and Breville machines (including the La Specialista DL2TH26E). Crafted from AISI 304 stainless steel with a cylindrical body that narrows at the base and a high hole count, it’s designed to compress grounds into a denser puck to promote a more even flow of water and consistent espresso shots. Note that international items may differ in packaging, instructions or labeling compared with locally sold products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does this basket change shot extraction compared to the stock basket?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe IMS Precision basket’s shape and perforation pattern alter how the puck forms and how water is distributed. The narrowing at the base concentrates coffee grounds into a compact puck and the 499-hole flat-bottom design encourages a steadier, more uniform flow through the bed of coffee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e499 evenly spaced holes for consistent water dispersion\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFlat-bottom geometry to stabilize crema formation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBase narrowing creates a denser puck that resists channelling\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAISI 304 stainless steel resists corrosion and keeps flavor neutral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill this basket physically fit my DeLonghi La Specialista or other 51mm machines?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes—the IMS basket is sized to work in standard 51mm commercial-style portafilters. For some machines (like certain Dedica or older DeLonghi models) you may need to remove a plastic insert from the portafilter base to seat the metal basket correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOuter diameter: 51.5 mm to accept a 51 mm tamper\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDesigned for 51mm group-head portafilters used by DeLonghi, Sage, Breville\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRemove any plastic portafilter base inserts if present for a proper fit\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompatible with La Specialista DL2TH26E when installed correctly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat dose and basket geometry should I use for best results?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis basket is tuned for double espresso doses in the 16–18 gram range and has a 26 mm height. It works best when you measure your dose, distribute and tamp consistently to take advantage of the compact puck created by the narrowed base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTarget dose: 16–18 g of ground coffee\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBasket height: 26 mm for a compact double shot\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse a 51 mm tamper to achieve an even tamp across the flat bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFine-tune grind size and extraction time after switching baskets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this accessory for? This IMS Competition Series filter basket is aimed at home baristas and enthusiasts who want a small, reliable upgrade to improve shot consistency and control on 51mm portafilter machines such as the DeLonghi La Specialista DL2TH26E. It’s well suited for users who weigh doses, use a consistent tamp, and are experimenting with extraction variables—if you expect factory-stock performance without dialing grind and dose, you may need a brief adjustment period. Because it’s made of durable AISI 304 stainless steel and built for a 16–18 g double, it’s a practical, long-lasting part for anyone looking to extract more consistent espresso from their compatible machine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Is this IMS basket compatible with DeLonghi La Specialista DL2TH26E?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Yes. It fits 51mm portafilters including the La Specialista DL2TH26E, though some models need the plastic base insert removed for correct seating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What grind dose is this basket intended for?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: It’s designed for double espresso doses of 16–18 grams with a 26mm basket height for compact puck formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"verybarista","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49215322063067,"sku":"B09LQZX81L","price":42.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0845\/1188\/3483\/files\/verybarista-ims-filter-basket-front-view.jpg?v=1788378394","url":"https:\/\/homelypantry.co.uk\/products\/verybarista-ims-precision-16-18g-competition-filter-basket-for-51mm-portafilters-499-hole-stainless-steel-flat-bottom","provider":"The Homely Pantry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}