IMS vs Pesado: Which Filter Basket Improves Your Shot?
By Coffee Machine Warehouse | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Comparisons
Compare IMS and Pesado espresso baskets on precision, dose range, and fit. Find out which one suits your workflow and machine for better shots.
Quick answer
If you want a versatile basket that fits most 58mm portafilters and handles a wide dose range, the IMS 2CPS is your best bet. If you prefer a basket tailored to your exact dose and machine, the Pesado offers more size options—but you need to know your portafilter size.
Precision and consistency: what the facts tell you
Both IMS and Pesado are precision baskets, but they approach consistency differently. The IMS 2CPS is a single model with a stated dose range of 12–18 g, giving you flexibility without changing baskets. The Pesado, on the other hand, comes in multiple size options—from 15 g to 22 g—so you can match the basket exactly to your preferred dose.
That precision comes with a trade-off: the Pesado requires you to know your portafilter size and dose in advance. If you order the wrong size, you may need to exchange it. The IMS 2CPS is more forgiving if you like to experiment with dose.
Fit and compatibility: 58mm vs other sizes
The IMS 2CPS is designed for standard 58mm portafilters, which covers most commercial and prosumer espresso machines. The Pesado offers a range of sizes, including options for Breville 54mm portafilters, making it a better choice if you have a 54mm machine.
However, the Pesado’s size options are not just about portafilter diameter—they also correspond to dose. This means you need to match both the portafilter size and the dose to get the best fit. The IMS 2CPS, with its 12–18 g range, simplifies that decision.
Trade-offs to consider
- Dose flexibility: The IMS 2CPS handles 12–18 g, so you can switch between single and double shots without changing baskets. The Pesado locks you into a specific dose range, which is great if you always use the same amount. If you frequently change dose, the IMS is more convenient.
- Portafilter compatibility: The IMS 2CPS fits standard 58mm portafilters. The Pesado offers sizes for both 58mm and Breville 54mm, so it’s more versatile if you have a 54mm machine. Check your portafilter size before choosing Pesado.
- Precision vs. simplicity: Pesado’s electro-polished surface and exact size options aim for maximum precision, but you must know your dose and portafilter size. The IMS is simpler to buy and use, with a proven design. If you want a no-fuss upgrade, choose IMS; if you want to fine-tune, choose Pesado.
Product facts at a glance
- IMS Precision Filter Basket 2CPS (12/18gr): IMS Precision Filter Basket 2CPS (12/18gr) is an Italian-made IMS precision filter basket with a stated dose range of 12–18 g. This single basket covers a wide range of doses, so you can dial in different coffees without buying multiple baskets.
IMS Precision Filter Basket 2CPS (12/18gr) - Pesado Basket: Pesado Basket is a precision espresso filter basket with an electro-polished surface and holes, available in multiple sizes from 15 g to 22 g, including Breville 54mm options. The electro-polished surface and size options let you match the basket to your exact dose and portafilter, which can improve extraction consistency.
Pesado Basket
Who should buy which?
Best for
- Home baristas who want a versatile 58mm basket for different doses and coffees.
- Those who prefer a straightforward upgrade without measuring portafilter size.
Not for
- Users with a Breville 54mm portafilter who need a basket that fits—choose Pesado instead.
- Those who want a basket matched to a very specific dose (e.g., always 18g) and are willing to measure their portafilter.
