For years, VST and IMS were the gold standard for precision baskets. But a new wave of "high-extraction" (HE) baskets—costing upwards of $200—has entered the chat. Are they actually better, or just expensive jewelry for your portafilter?
The Problem with Traditional Baskets
Standard baskets (and even "precision" ones like VST) have a significant flaw: dead zones. The holes don't go all the way to the edge of the basket floor. This means the coffee puck's outer ring doesn't get extracted as efficiently as the center.
Enter the "Edge-to-Edge" Era
New entrants like Wafo, Sworksdesign, and the Weber Unifilter have reimagined the basket geometry. Their key feature is full-coverage holes that extend all the way to the very edge.
Key Differences of HE Baskets
- Hole Count: VST (700-800 holes) vs. Wafo/Sworks (1,500 - 3,000+ holes).
- Coverage: Holes extend to the vertical wall, eliminating dead zones.
- Rigidity: Often made of thicker steel to prevent floor bowing under 9 bars of pressure.
How They Change Your Espresso
Switching to a high-extraction basket fundamentally changes how you must dial in.
1. Drastically Increased Flow Rate
With thousands more holes, these baskets offer almost zero resistance. You must grind significantly finer—often finer than you ever thought possible.
2. Higher Extraction Yields (EY)
Because you can grind finer without clogging, you expose more surface area to water. This leads to higher extraction yields (commonly 22-26% EY vs. the standard 18-21%).
3. Flavor Profile Shift
HE baskets produce shots with extreme clarity, transparency, and sweetness, but often with less body. They are phenomenal for light roasts but can make dark roasts taste thin.
Are They Worth $200?
If you drink primarily medium to dark roasts, likely no. A standard VST or IMS basket (approx. $30) is perfect.
However, if you chase ultra-light specialty coffee and want to unlock every nuance, these baskets are a legitimate tool.
Quick Verdict
Buy IF: You brew exclusively light roasts, own a high-end grinder, and value clarity over body.
Skip IF: You enjoy traditional espresso body, drink milk drinks, or have a grinder with retention issues.