I wouldn't make an espresso without a metal puck screen thesedays. I tried paper at the bottom once but the ones I bought severely restricted flow (when they're meant to speed it up?) and made things taste weird and haven't tried again.
I've found mesh puck screens improved consistency, taste and (most importantly?) way less time spend cleaning the grouphead. The flat metal ones not so much difference in taste but still help reduce mess the same.
Yes, I'm gonna get one. I want to get back into the habit of using my Gaggia Classic, stupid to have it sitting there doing nothing. I've been enjoying espresso again over the holidays.
I was at a roasters for work a while ago and they basically said all this puck prep stuff is bs and it’s essentially to accommodate for bad grinding and to sell stuff not needed.
I’m a hypocrite because I love all these accessories. But how much difference will a puck screen really make?
I wouldn't make an espresso without a metal puck screen thesedays. I tried paper at the bottom once but the ones I bought severely restricted flow (when they're meant to speed it up?) and made things taste weird and haven't tried again.
I've found mesh puck screens improved consistency, taste and (most importantly?) way less time spend cleaning the grouphead. The flat metal ones not so much difference in taste but still help reduce mess the same.