Shower Screens

JesmondJester

The time has come to replace the shor screen on my ECM Mechanika Max. Actually, I think the time was about 6 months ago but I just haven’t got round to it.

This brings up a couple of questions:

How often do you replace yours? Just when it can’t be cleaned thoroughly enough?

Is it worth upgrading from a standard E61 screen to an IMS screen?

I am sure the answer to both of these is: “it depends” but you know, in the interest of conversation / procrastination . . .

memzey

I read something a while ago that suggested shower screens should be paired with filter baskets. That is to say, the performance of certain filter basket types are optimised by pairing them with certain types of shower screen. I can’t remember where I saw it and have no idea whether it’s true or not but the basic point did stick with me. I’m also an E61 user so will follow this thread with interest.

JesmondJester

memzey Sounds like brilliant marketing and exactly the sort of thing I’d fall for.

I use VST baskets, so I figure I may as well invest in an IMS shower screen. I think it is about 4x the price but in actual money, not bank-breaking. At least, not if I only replace it every couple of years.

Doram

JesmondJester How often do you replace yours? Just when it can’t be cleaned thoroughly enough?

Why do you want to replace the screen? Keep it clean and you should never need to replace it (and if you don’t keep it clean - no point in having a new screen anyway). On my previous machine, which I had for over 20 years, I only replaced the screen once (and that was to go from stock to IMS). When I got my current machine I also replaced the screen to IMS. This was a few years ago and it still looks and behaves like new. I don’t foresee having to change it, ever.

MediumRoastSteam

Doram - replacing the screen is about keeping it clean easier. Ims for e61 is a good one. Flat, smooth, a lot simpler to keep it clean.
On the Elizabeth… Original one is a mich nicer fit. The IMS version is not a good fit as the screw portrudes.

Adrianmsmith

memzey

The same company also produces:

Special edition (slip reduced) extra virgin rare snake oil

JesmondJester

Doram Life got in the way a bit so didn’t keep it as clean as I should.

Given the comments here, I think an IMS screen is the way to go and keep on top of maintenance.

Uncletits

I have a Max and fitted the IMS one immediately and a Cafelat silicone seal.

Nice and easy to clean and you’ll not need to replace them for a long time.