IMS (Industrie Macchine Caffè)
IMS Competition Big Bang Basket For Breville 54mm Group - 18/20gr
Best precision upgrade for home baristas seeking balanced espresso extraction.
The IMS Competition Big Bang basket is an innovative filter designed for Breville 54mm group espresso machines. It features a unique pattern of fewer, smaller holes that concentrate towards the center, effectively reducing side channeling. This design promotes a more balanced extraction, resulting in coffee with softened acidity and a clean body. Manufactured from durable stainless steel, the basket is electropolished for a smooth, easy-to-clean finish that offers strong chemical resistance, making it a high-performance upgrade for dedicated home baristas.
$41.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
26
/ 719
#26 in Coffee Filter Baskets
Price vs Category Average
+37%
Above average
Capacity
1820
/ /g
Who it's for
- Home baristas seeking balanced, clear espresso flavors
- Coffee enthusiasts following modern, high-dose extraction recipes
- Serious hobbyists investing in long-term, durable equipment
Who should skip it
- Users relying on entry-level or stepped coffee grinders
- Beginners still mastering puck distribution and tamping technique
- Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing value over marginal performance gains
Performance breakdown
Channeling Resistance
The unique hole pattern effectively eliminates common side-channeling issues.
Extraction Uniformity
Centralized flow dynamics produce a remarkably balanced and consistent cup.
Build Quality
Electropolished stainless steel ensures professional-grade durability and chemical resistance.
Flavor Clarity
Refines the coffee profile by softening acidity and improving body.
Maintenance Ease
Smooth electropolished finish prevents residue buildup for effortless cleaning.
Compatibility Precision
Engineered specifically for Breville 54mm groups for a perfect fit.
Key Specs
Capacity
18/20g
Height
25.5 mm
Body Diameter
Ø54 mm (for Ø53/53.4mm tamper)
Border Diameter
Ø62.5mm
Hole Count/Size
497 round holes, 0.30mm diameter
Shape
Flat bottom (FH)
Material
Stainless Steel
Compatible Brand
Breville
Features
- Latest innovation from IMS
- Reduces side channeling via central flow focus
- Results in balanced coffee extraction
- Softens acidity and cleans body profile
- Electropolished for easy cleaning
- Strong chemical resistance
- Unique Big Bang hole pattern
What customers say
The IMS Big Bang Basket is widely considered a significant upgrade for 54mm Breville machines, primarily due to vastly improved extraction quality and consistency. Users consistently report achieving more uniform flow, substantially reducing channeling, and unlocking richer espresso flavors compared to the original basket. This precision design allows enthusiasts to reliably dose 18 to 20 grams, enabling greater experimentation. While the initial cost is higher, the consensus is that the professional grade performance gained justifies the investment. Many serious home baristas view this durable accessory as essential for elevating their machine's capabilities, provided they adjust their grinder settings accordingly.
Know before you buy
This basket is designed for Breville machines that use a 54mm portafilter, such as the Barista Express, Pro, Touch, and Bambino series. It is not compatible with Breville's commercial-style 58mm machines like the Oracle or Dual Boiler.
The Big Bang pattern features a unique distribution of holes that concentrates water flow toward the center of the puck. This design helps minimize side channeling, which is a common issue where water bypasses the coffee grounds along the edges of the basket, leading to a more even and balanced extraction.
Yes, because this basket has a 54mm body diameter, you should use a tamper sized between 53mm and 53.4mm for the best fit. A standard 58mm tamper will not fit, and a 53mm tamper will provide the necessary coverage to ensure an even puck density.
The electropolishing process creates a smoother surface that is less prone to coffee oil buildup and residue. This makes the basket significantly easier to clean and provides better chemical resistance against the detergents used in backflushing.
By promoting a more uniform extraction, this basket typically results in a cleaner body and a noticeable softening of acidity. It is an excellent choice if you find your current shots taste sharp or unevenly extracted.
The 18/20g capacity is a general guideline based on the density of medium-roast coffee. If you are using a very light roast, you may fit slightly less, while darker, more porous roasts may allow you to dose on the higher end of that range.
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