When I first unboxed my Breville (or Sage, depending on where you are) espresso machine, I was filled with excitement at the thought of crafting cafe-quality coffee at home. I had spent weeks researching, watching YouTube tutorials, and reading blogs on how to make the perfect espresso. I was eager to put my new knowledge to the test. But what I didn’t realize was that making a perfect single shot was much trickier than expected—certainly more so than simply halving a double shot recipe.
The machine came equipped with two filter baskets: one for a single shot and another for a double shot. Pulling a double shot came naturally, almost as if the machine was perfectly calibrated for it. But when it came to the single basket, my struggles began. I quickly found myself in a cycle of experimentation and frustration. The taste was off, the shot volume was inconsistent, and it was lacking the rich flavor I was aiming for. It was clear that I needed to adjust my approach to master the elusive single shot. Here’s what I learned along the way.
Understanding the Difference Between Single and Double Baskets
The first thing I noticed was that the single and double baskets were not identical in design. The double basket had a flat bottom, while the single basket featured a tapered or conical shape. This might seem like a minor detail, but it makes a world of difference when it comes to water flow and extraction.
The single basket's conical shape often results in an uneven flow of water, leading to issues with channeling. Channeling is when water moves more quickly through some parts of the coffee puck than others, leading to an unbalanced extraction. In practical terms, this often means that while part of your coffee grounds are over-extracted (resulting in bitterness), others are under-extracted (leading to sourness). The result is a shot that tastes inconsistent—far from the rich, balanced espresso I was hoping for.
I found that whenever I made a single shot, it often tasted lacking compared to simply pulling a double shot and splitting it into two cups. The double shot consistently offered a fuller, richer flavor. But I was determined to make the single basket work, and after many experiments, I started to see some improvement.
Fine-Tuning Your Technique with the Single Basket
Increase the Coffee Dose
One of the first breakthroughs came when I adjusted the dose. Initially, I assumed that using half the coffee I’d use for a double shot (about 9 grams versus 18 grams) would do the trick. However, these attempts resulted in watery, underwhelming shots that pulled too quickly. After some reading and experimenting, I increased the dose to around 10 grams, which made a noticeable difference. This extra gram might seem insignificant, but it provided the resistance needed to extract richer flavors and achieve a more balanced shot.
Adjust the Grind Size
Next, I turned my focus to the grind size. My first attempts with the single basket pulled too fast, signaling that I needed a finer grind. By making the grind a couple of notches finer than what I used for a double shot, I was able to slow down the extraction. A finer grind helped ensure the water interacted evenly with all the coffee grounds, avoiding those dreaded under-extracted, sour notes. The difference was dramatic: the shot timing improved, the espresso had better texture, and the flavor balance was closer to what I wanted.
Use a Scale and Stick to a 1:2 Brew Ratio
After refining the dose and grind size, I realized that using a scale was essential for consistency. Without it, minor fluctuations in the amount of coffee or shot output led to inconsistent results. I aimed for a 1:2 brew ratio, meaning for every gram of ground coffee, I pulled twice that weight in espresso. For 10 grams of coffee, I pulled about 20 grams of liquid. This ensured that I wasn’t pulling shots that were too long (leading to over-extraction) or too short (under-extraction), and helped me achieve a more concentrated, balanced shot every time.
Don’t Forget to Purge the Grinder
Switching between single and double baskets required a bit of extra attention to my grinder. After adjusting the grind size specifically for the single basket, I made sure to purge any old grounds that could interfere with the consistency of my shots. Purging is especially important if you’re frequently alternating between the two basket sizes, as even a slight difference in grind can throw off your shot’s balance. Taking that extra moment to purge the grinder became a key part of my routine.
The Challenges and Rewards of the Single Basket
Mastering the single basket definitely proved to be a greater challenge than using the double. But over time, it became worth it. Using the single basket required more precision and patience, but it gave me the ability to pull clean, concentrated shots that worked beautifully in milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. The flavor was subtle and didn’t overpower the milk, making for a perfectly balanced drink.
If you’re like me and you enjoy a single shot for your milk drinks or simply want a lighter espresso experience, it’s well worth experimenting with these adjustments. Remember, each machine and each palate is different, so you may need to tweak your grind sizes, doses, and extraction times to suit your own preferences. The single basket may be finicky, but the end result is rewarding for those who are willing to put in the effort.
Additional Tips for Mastering the Single Basket
Pre-Infusion Helps
Many Breville or Sage espresso machines come with a pre-infusion feature. I found that using pre-infusion with the single basket made a significant difference in extraction quality. By allowing a small amount of water to gently saturate the coffee puck before the full pressure kicks in, pre-infusion helped avoid channeling and resulted in a more even extraction.
Keep Your Equipment Clean
Clean equipment is often overlooked, but it's incredibly important, especially when working with the more finicky single basket. Coffee oils and grounds build up over time, which can affect the quality of your espresso. Regularly cleaning the basket and portafilter helped me maintain consistency, ensuring I always had the best chance at pulling a great shot.
Experiment with Different Beans
I also learned that certain coffee beans work better for single shots. I had greater success with medium to dark roasts, which provided richer, deeper flavors that could come through even with the smaller dose of a single shot. Lighter roasts, which tend to be more acidic and require a more even extraction, were often harder to dial in and more unforgiving when it came to errors in technique.
Final Thoughts
Using the single basket with a Breville or Sage espresso machine might seem daunting at first, especially given the unique challenges presented by its conical shape and the increased risk of uneven extraction. However, with perseverance, careful adjustments to dose, grind size, and brew ratio, it is absolutely possible to produce a delicious, balanced single shot. For me, mastering the single basket not only improved my skills as a home barista but also enhanced my overall appreciation for the craft of espresso-making.
If you're willing to invest the time and patience, the rewards are well worth it. A perfectly extracted single shot offers a clean, concentrated flavor that's ideal for a variety of drinks. So keep experimenting, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and most importantly—enjoy the process. Happy brewing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the single basket have a conical shape?
A: The conical shape of the single basket helps manage the smaller volume of coffee grounds. However, it also makes extraction more challenging, as water tends to flow more quickly through the narrower base, which can lead to uneven extraction if not properly managed.
Q: How much coffee should I use for a single shot?
A: A good starting point is around 10 grams of coffee. You may need to adjust this slightly depending on your machine, beans, and personal taste, but 10 grams typically provides a balanced extraction for a single shot.
Q: Should I use the same grind size for single and double shots?
A: No, you will likely need a slightly finer grind for the single basket. The smaller volume of coffee means water passes through more quickly, so a finer grind helps slow down the flow for proper extraction.
Q: Is using a scale really necessary?
A: Yes, using a scale is crucial for consistency. Measuring both your coffee dose and shot output by weight helps ensure you achieve the desired brew ratio, which is key to pulling balanced, delicious espresso shots.
Q: Why do I need to purge the grinder when switching baskets?
A: Purging the grinder helps clear out any old grounds that could interfere with your shot. Since grind settings for single and double baskets differ, leftover grounds could throw off your extraction and negatively affect the flavor of your espresso.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for a single shot?
A: While it is possible, it’s not recommended. Freshly ground coffee offers much better flavor and consistency. Pre-ground coffee may not have the ideal grind size for your specific machine and can result in subpar shots, especially when using the single basket.