When I first unboxed my Breville (or Sage) espresso machine, I couldn’t wait to create café-quality espresso at home. After weeks of research, YouTube tutorials, and blog reading, I felt prepared to pull the perfect shot. However, I quickly learned that mastering the single shot wasn’t as easy as simply halving a double shot recipe. The process turned out to be more challenging and nuanced than I expected. Get a detailed look at the precision and features in our Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL review
The machine came with two filter baskets—one for single shots and one for double shots. While pulling a double shot felt natural and nearly flawless, my attempts with the single basket left much to be desired. The flavor was inconsistent, the shot volume was erratic, and the result lacked the depth I was aiming for. It became clear that I needed to rethink my approach. Here’s what I learned along the way. Learn about the sleek design and functionality in our Breville Barista Touch Impress review
The Key Differences Between Single and Double Baskets
The most noticeable difference between the single and double baskets is their shape. The double basket has a flat bottom, while the single basket has a conical or tapered design. This seemingly small difference has a significant impact on water flow and extraction. Compare performance and usability in our Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro review
With the single basket’s conical shape, water flows unevenly, increasing the risk of channeling. Channeling occurs when water moves faster through some areas of the coffee puck than others, resulting in an uneven extraction. This means some parts of the coffee are over-extracted (leading to bitterness), while others are under-extracted (leading to sourness). The result? A shot that’s far from the rich, balanced espresso I hoped for. Discover the key differences between these two models in our Breville Barista Pro vs Express review
I found that a double shot consistently delivered a fuller, more satisfying flavor, but I was determined to conquer the single basket. After many trials, I began to notice improvements and learned how to make it work. Explore the advanced capabilities in our Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch review
How to Perfect Your Single Basket Technique
1. Adjust the Coffee Dose
My first breakthrough came when I increased the coffee dose. Initially, I thought using half the amount of coffee compared to a double shot (around 9 grams) would work, but this often led to watery shots that pulled too quickly. After experimenting and reading more, I bumped up the dose to 10 grams, which made a noticeable difference. This small increase provided the resistance needed for better extraction and more balanced flavor.
2. Fine-Tune the Grind Size
Next, I turned my attention to the grind size. Initially, my shots with the single basket were pulling too fast, signaling the grind was too coarse. I adjusted it slightly finer than the grind I used for a double shot, and the results were impressive. The finer grind slowed down the flow, ensuring more even extraction and eliminating the under-extracted sourness that plagued my early attempts.
3. Use a Scale and Stick to a 1:2 Brew Ratio
To ensure consistency, I began using a scale for every shot. Without one, minor differences in coffee dose or shot volume led to inconsistent results. I aimed for a 1:2 brew ratio—meaning for every gram of ground coffee, I aimed for two grams of espresso. For a 10-gram dose, I aimed for around 20 grams of espresso. This helped me avoid under-extraction (short shots) or over-extraction (long shots) and allowed me to pull consistently balanced shots.
4. Purge the Grinder Between Shots
Switching between the single and double baskets required extra care with my grinder. After adjusting the grind for the single basket, I made sure to purge any old grounds that might interfere with consistency. Purging the grinder is especially important if you switch basket sizes frequently, as even slight differences in grind size can affect extraction quality.
Overcoming the Challenges of the Single Basket
Mastering the single basket was a much more complicated task than using the double. It took precision and patience, but the results were worth it. Once dialed in, the single basket allowed me to pull concentrated shots that worked wonderfully in milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The flavor was more subtle, providing a perfect balance without overpowering the milk.
If you prefer a lighter espresso or enjoy single shots for your milk-based beverages, it’s definitely worth experimenting with these adjustments. Remember, each machine and palate is different, so don’t be afraid to tweak your grind, dose, and timing to suit your tastes. With persistence, the single basket can produce fantastic results.
Extra Tips for Perfecting the Single Basket
1. Try Pre-Infusion
If your Breville or Sage machine includes a pre-infusion feature, definitely give it a try with the single basket. Pre-infusion involves applying a small amount of water to the coffee grounds before the full pressure kicks in. This process helps reduce channeling and leads to a more even extraction, improving shot quality.
2. Keep Everything Clean
Cleanliness is crucial, especially when using the single basket. Coffee oils and old grounds build up quickly, and if left unchecked, they can negatively affect shot consistency. Regular cleaning of the portafilter, basket, and machine parts ensures you get the best possible shots every time.
3. Experiment with Different Beans
The type of beans you use can significantly affect the outcome of a single shot. I found that medium to dark roasts worked better in the single basket. These beans offer richer, more robust flavors that come through even with the smaller dose. Lighter roasts, on the other hand, can be more temperamental, as they often require a more even extraction to prevent sourness.
Conclusion: The Reward of a Perfect Single Shot
Mastering the single basket on a Breville or Sage espresso machine requires time, patience, and experimentation. The conical shape of the basket can make extraction tricky, but with careful adjustments to dose, grind size, and brew ratio, you can achieve a balanced, delicious single shot. Though it presents more challenges than the double basket, once you get it right, the result is a beautifully concentrated shot with rich flavor.
If you’re willing to invest the effort, the rewards are well worth it. A well-pulled single shot provides a clean, concentrated espresso that is ideal for a variety of drinks, especially those with milk. Keep experimenting, learn from any 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 helps accommodate the smaller coffee volume but can make extraction trickier by causing uneven water flow.
Q: How much coffee should I use for a single shot?
A: Start with 10 grams of coffee for a balanced shot, adjusting depending on your machine, beans, and preferences.
Q: Should I use the same grind size for single and double shots?
A: No, the single basket typically requires a finer grind to ensure a slower and more even extraction.
Q: Is using a scale necessary for single shots?
A: Yes, a scale is essential for consistency. It ensures you achieve the correct brew ratio for a balanced shot.
Q: Why purge the grinder when switching baskets?
A: Purging clears old coffee grounds that might affect the grind consistency, ensuring that your shots are always balanced.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for a single shot?
A: While it’s possible, freshly ground coffee delivers better flavor and consistency, especially when dialing in the single basket.