I have got one kit too: tamper, basket, funnel and puck screen. It’s not a straight forward replacement, and I’m still learning. The results (taste wise) are great, I have to say. I’m dosing 19g.
I think pre-infusion is key. A 15 second one at least if not longer. Otherwise the extraction comes out uneven - at least with the Elizabeth, which is a vibe pump. Maybe it’s better with a rotary pump machine or a lever machine. The puck is wet and there is a lot of water at the top of the puck due to the depth of the basket. It’s easy to just tip that water onto the drip tray and leave the basket standing to drain further. The puck comes out in one piece.
I’m still experimenting, and my next goal is to remove the puck screen. However, it was night and day difference with that screen on compared to without it - but it’s early days.
I usually dose 19g on my VST 20g, or IMS 26.5h with the Niche Duo set to 6 for the coffee I’m drinking. With this step down basket, it’s set to 13.
The whole kit is really well made. The basket is ridged (rather than ridgeless). If anyone is thinking of getting one, it took about 2 weeks to arrive.
There were no customs charge upon delivery nor did I pay tax beforehand. I’m not sure why. The cost of everything was £87, delivered.
