IMS Big Bang Basket Sizes: Depth, Dose and Portafilter Fit
A fit and sizing chart for every IMS Big Bang basket code, compiled from IMS Filtri product pages and the IMS filter code guide. These figures are manufacturer specifications; we did not measure the baskets.
Quick Answer
IMS Big Bang baskets come in four border sizes. B70 fits most 58mm portafilters, B62.5 fits Breville/Sage and Solis 54mm portafilters, B66 fits Dalla Corte, Izzo, San Marco and Olympia, and B65 fits La Spaziale, Aram, Astoria and Wega. Within each border, basket height sets the dose: the B70 runs from 21.5 mm (about 14–18 g) to 27.5 mm (about 22–26 g).
For how the IMS Big Bang performs and how to dial it in, read the IMS Big Bang espresso basket review. This page resolves which exact code to buy.
How to Read an IMS Big Bang Basket Code
Every IMS Big Bang basket code encodes its fit and size. The IMS filter code guide breaks a code into segments; applied to B702TFH23.5BB:
- B70 is the border diameter, which decides whether the IMS basket fits the portafilter.
- 2T is the dose convention for a double basket.
- F means a flat bottom (C would mean a convex bottom).
- H23.5 is the basket height in millimetres, which sets dose capacity.
- BB is the Big Bang hole pattern.
IMS Big Bang Portafilter Fit Chart by Border Code
IMS Big Bang portafilter fit depends only on the border code. The IMS filter guide says the border diameter must match the machine, while the internal body diameter sets the tamper size.
| IMS border | Tamper | Machines listed by IMS |
|---|---|---|
| B70 | 58/58.4 mm | E61 and most 58mm machines: La Marzocco, Lelit, Rocket, Rancilio, ECM, Expobar, Quick Mill, Nuova Simonelli and 40+ other brands |
| B68 | 58/58.4 mm | Gaggia, La Cimbali, Carimali. No B68 basket appears in the IMS Big Bang line. |
| B66 | 54/54.4 mm | Dalla Corte, Izzo, La San Marco, Olympia Express |
| B65 | 53 mm | La Spaziale, Aram, Astoria, Wega, 9 Barista |
| B62.5 | 53/53.4 mm | Breville/Sage, Solis (54mm portafilters) |
Sources: IMS filter code guide and linked IMS Big Bang product pages. Unsure of your portafilter size? See espresso portafilter sizes explained.
IMS Big Bang Basket Depth and Dose Chart
IMS publishes a dose range for each IMS Big Bang basket height, split by dark, medium and light roast. A deeper IMS Big Bang basket holds more coffee at the same headspace.
| Code | Border | Height | Dark | Medium | Light |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B702TFH21.5BB | B70 | 21.5 mm | 14–16 g | 15–17 g | 16–18 g |
| B702TFH23.5BB | B70 | 23.5 mm | 17–19 g | 18–20 g | 19–21 g |
| B702TFH25.5BB | B70 | 25.5 mm | 20–22.5 g | 21–23 g | 21.5–24 g |
| B702TFH27.5BB | B70 | 27.5 mm | 22–24.5 g | 23–25 g | 24.5–26 g |
| B62.52TFH21.5BB | B62.5 | 21.5 mm | 12–14.5 g | 13–15 g | 14–16 g |
| B62.52TFH23.5BB | B62.5 | 23.5 mm | 14–17 g | 15.5–18 g | 17.5–20 g |
| B62.52TFH25.5BB | B62.5 | 25.5 mm | 17–19.5 g | 18–21 g | 18–20.5 g |
| B62.52TFH27.5BB | B62.5 | 27.5 mm | 18–22 g | 18.5–22.5 g | 20–23 g |
| B652TFH27BB | B65 | 27 mm | 15–17 g | 16–19 g | 17–20 g |
| B662TFH25.5BB | B66 | 25.5 mm | 14–19 g across roasts | ||
| B662TFH31.5BB | B66 | 31.5 mm | 18–25 g across roasts | ||
Sources: IMS product pages for B70, B62.5, B65 and B66. IMS gives the B66 range per height, not per roast.
Choosing an IMS Big Bang Basket Size by Dose
- Find the border code first. Match your machine to the IMS Big Bang fit chart; the wrong border will not seat in the portafilter.
- Pick the IMS Big Bang height by your usual dose and roast. Choose the height whose range puts your dose near the middle, not the edge.
- Budget headspace for a puck screen. IMS sells Big Bang-perforated screens (DS58.5BB, DS53.5BB, DS51BB) on the Big Bang line page; a screen sits above the puck, so dose toward the lower end. See the puck screen guide.
- Match the tamper to the IMS body. 58/58.4 mm for B70, 53/53.4 mm for B62.5, 53 mm for B65, 54/54.4 mm for B66. Breville owners can compare 54mm Breville tampers.
IMS Big Bang Fit Problems to Check Before Buying
- Gaggia and La Cimbali 58mm portafilters: the IMS guide assigns them the B68 border, and the IMS Big Bang line lists no B68 basket.
- Ridgeless retention: IMS Big Bang baskets are ridgeless and flat-bottomed, so a portafilter spring clip designed around a ridged basket may hold an IMS Big Bang basket less firmly.
- Machine-specific codes: IMS lists separate Big Bang pages for B65 9 Barista, B65 Aram and B70 Superkop. Lever and manual machines should use their named page rather than the generic chart.
IMS Big Bang Basket Size FAQ
What size IMS Big Bang basket fits a 58mm portafilter?
Most 58mm portafilters, including E61 machines from Rocket, Lelit, ECM and La Marzocco, take the IMS Big Bang B70 basket with a 58/58.4 mm tamper. Gaggia, La Cimbali and Carimali 58mm portafilters use the IMS B68 border, and IMS does not list a B68 Big Bang basket.
What IMS Big Bang basket fits a Breville 54mm portafilter?
The IMS Big Bang B62.5 basket fits Breville/Sage and Solis 54mm portafilters. IMS sells the B62.5 Big Bang in 21.5, 23.5, 25.5 and 27.5 mm heights, used with a 53/53.4 mm tamper.
What do the numbers in an IMS Big Bang basket code mean?
In a code such as B702TFH23.5BB, B70 is the border size, 2T marks a double basket, F means flat bottom, H23.5 is the height in millimetres, and BB is the Big Bang hole pattern, according to the IMS filter code guide.
Which IMS Big Bang basket height holds 18 g?
For 18 g of medium roast, IMS lists the 23.5 mm B70 Big Bang basket (18–20 g) in 58mm portafilters and the 23.5 mm B62.5 Big Bang basket (15.5–18 g) or 25.5 mm B62.5 (18–21 g) in 54mm Breville portafilters.
Is there an IMS Big Bang basket for Gaggia or La Cimbali?
IMS does not list a B68 border in the Big Bang line, and B68 is the border IMS assigns to Gaggia, La Cimbali and Carimali. Owners of those machines should confirm fit with IMS before buying a B70 Big Bang basket.
Related: IMS Big Bang review · IMS vs VST vs Pullman · Espresso basket size guide · Tamper guide