IMS Competition Precision Filter Basket 58 mm 2T H24.5

Get a more precise foundation for your espresso with the IMS Competition B702TH24.5M. This double filter basket is designed for espresso machines and portafilters that use baskets with a 70 mm outer rim and a 58 or 58.4 mm tamper.

The basket features 641 precisely manufactured micro-holes distributed according to the IMS M Pattern. The controlled perforation helps water move evenly through the coffee puck and provides excellent opportunities to work consistently with grind size, dosage, and puck preparation.

The IMS Competition Series

IMS Competition baskets are manufactured with a focus on consistent hole size and placement. The holes are re-laminated and calibrated after perforation to reduce variations between individual openings.

The B702TH24.5M features:

• 641 micro-holes

• Hole diameter of 0.30 mm

• M Pattern perforation

• Perforated area of 49 mm

• Patterned area of 44 mm

• Electropolished surface

• External retention groove

• Rounded internal corners

The rounded transition between the sides and the bottom of the basket helps to utilize the coffee puck and makes it easier to knock out the used puck after brewing.

For 58 and 58.4 mm tampers

IMS specifies the basket for use with 58 or 58.4 mm tampers. A tight-fitting tamper reduces the amount of loose coffee along the edge of the basket and makes it easier to create a level, horizontal puck.

The designation 58 mm describes the tamper and basket size, but does not automatically mean the basket fits all espresso machines with a so-called 58 mm brew head.

Therefore, always check the internal depth of the portafilter, the outer diameter of the basket, and the position of the retention spring before purchasing.

Dosage depends on the coffee

The practical capacity of the basket varies depending on the roast level, coffee density, and grind size.

IMS provides the following recommended dosage ranges:

• Dark roast coffee: approximately 16–18 g

• Medium roast coffee: approximately 17–19 g

• Light roast coffee: approximately 20–22.5 g

Light-roasted coffee beans often have a higher density and therefore take up less space at the same weight than darker roasts. The correct dose can therefore not be determined by the basket's height alone.

Ensure that there is appropriate clearance between the tamped coffee puck and the machine's shower screen. Excessive dosage can cause the puck to touch the brew head and affect water distribution.

Uniform perforation for precise espresso

A precision basket does not automatically eliminate the risk of channeling. The result still depends on:

• A consistent coffee grinder

• Correct grind size

• Even distribution of the coffee

• Potential use of WDT

• Level tamping

• Appropriate dosage

• Correct brewing temperature and pressure

However, the uniform perforation provides a more predictable starting point than many standard baskets. This makes it easier to adjust the espresso recipe and identify the effect of changes in grind size or dosage.

External retention groove

The basket has an external groove with a diameter of approximately 60.5 mm. The groove is used by the portafilter's spring to hold the basket in place.

This means that the basket usually stays in the portafilter when the coffee grounds are knocked out. However, the size and strength of the spring can affect how tightly the basket fits.

How to achieve a good result

1. Choose a starting dosage that fits the roast level of the coffee.

2. Distribute the coffee evenly in the filter basket.

3. Break up clumps with a WDT tool as needed.

4. Tamp horizontally with an appropriate 58 or 58.4 mm tamper.

5. Check the space between the coffee puck and the brew head.

6. Brew the espresso and evaluate flow, time, and taste.

7. Adjust primarily the grind size, while keeping the dosage stable.

When using a bottomless portafilter, you can more easily observe uneven flow and any potential channeling, but a bottomless portafilter is not necessary to use the basket.

Cleaning and maintenance

Knock out the coffee grounds after each brew and rinse the basket thoroughly with hot water. Regularly check that the micro-holes are not clogged by coffee oils or fine coffee particles.

For more thorough cleaning, the basket can be soaked in a suitable cleaning agent for espresso and coffee equipment. Follow the cleaning agent's dosage instructions and rinse the basket thoroughly with clean water after the treatment.

Avoid needles, steel brushes, and other sharp tools that can damage the micro-holes.

Specifications

• Brand: IMS

• Series: Competition

• Model number: B702TH24.5M

• Product type: Double precision filter basket

• Designation: 2T / 2 cups

• Height: 24.5 mm

• Outer rim: Ø70 mm

• Basket body: Ø60 mm

• Tamper size: Ø58–58.4 mm

• Retention groove: External, Ø60.5 mm

• Number of micro-holes: 641

• Hole diameter: 0.30 mm

• Perforated area: Ø49 mm

• M Pattern area: Ø44 mm

• Surface treatment: Electropolished

• Recommended capacity: Depends on roast level and coffee density

• Portafilter included: No

• Tamper included: No

The IMS Competition B702TH24.5M is an obvious choice for the espresso enthusiast who wants a precision basket with uniform perforation and a better opportunity to work systematically with their espresso recipe.

Frequently asked questions

Which tamper fits the filter basket?

IMS specifies the basket for tampers with a diameter of 58 or 58.4 mm. A tight-fitting tamper makes it easier to compress the coffee evenly all the way to the edge.

How much coffee fits in the basket?

The appropriate dose depends on the roast level, density, and grind size. IMS specifies approximately 16–18 g for dark roast coffee, 17–19 g for medium roast, and 20–22.5 g for light roast coffee.

Does the basket fit all 58 mm espresso machines?

No. You must also check the basket's 70 mm outer rim, the 24.5 mm height, and the portafilter design. Compare these measurements with your existing filter basket before purchasing.

What does 2T mean?

2T means that the basket is developed for a double portion of espresso. However, the actual dose depends on the coffee and the chosen recipe.

How many holes does the filter basket have?

The basket has 641 micro-holes with a diameter of 0.30 mm.

Does the filter basket have a retention groove?

Yes. The basket has an external groove that the portafilter's spring can engage with.

Does an IMS precision basket prevent channeling?

Not on its own. Consistent grind size, good distribution, correct dosage, and level tamping are still crucial. However, the basket's precise perforation provides a more uniform foundation for extraction.

Are a portafilter or tamper included?

No. The product consists only of the IMS filter basket. Portafilter, tamper, and other espresso equipment are purchased separately.