There are actually atleast three factors at play, when you test smaller vs wider diameter baskets. 1. Bed depth, 2. surface area and 3. headspace. Did Lance scientifically control factor 1 and 3 to test factor 2?
It’s almost impossible to test the impact of diameter variation, as diameter affects all 3 factors.
Additionally each basket has a different design, in terms of hole count, size, distribution, pattern, etc. Not sure how he would have controlled for that.
So the question is: what are you really testing for: surface area or bed depth or headspace? I suspect that the key factor is bed depth.
So what you would need is to do is to test two baskets of identical diameter and identical hole pattern design, with one basket being deeper than the other. Each basket would be dosed to maintain the same headspace, such that the only variable is bed depth. Did Lance do that?
And then test extraction yields and also score each taste attribute. And do it blind. Did he do that?
Espresso is the result of a complex system with a very large number of variables. Its very challenging to control all, to test one. As a result, I interpret many of Lances “next new thing” videos as having the same first initials as Blind Shaker, which was yet another piece of hype.
Sorry but I try to avoid watching Lances videos, or those of other influencers. Too much hype and I don’t like his presentation style.
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