Using a Single Basket with a Breville or Sage Home Espresso Machine

Tackling the Challenges of Single Shot Espresso

When I first started using my Breville (or Sage) espresso machine, I quickly discovered that crafting the perfect single shot wasn't as simple as just halving the amount of coffee used for a double shot. While double shots felt more intuitive, using the single filter basket required much more precision and fine-tuning. Here's what I learned about mastering the single basket to consistently pull delicious espresso shots.

Single vs. Double Filter Baskets

How the Design of the Basket Impacts Extraction

One of the first differences I noticed was the shape of the single basket compared to the double. Unlike the flat-bottomed double basket, the single basket has a conical or tapered design. This slight change significantly affects how water flows through the coffee grounds. The narrow base of the single basket tends to allow water to flow more quickly, which can lead to uneven extraction. This results in parts of the espresso being under-extracted while others are over-extracted.

This inconsistency made it difficult to replicate the full, balanced flavors I was used to from the double basket. Whenever I compared a single shot to a double shot split between two cups, the double consistently offered a fuller body and more satisfying aftertaste.

Adjusting for Better Single Basket Shots

1. Upping the Coffee Dose for Richer Flavor

Initially, I thought halving the coffee amount would work fine, using 9 grams instead of the 18 grams I typically use for a double shot. However, this resulted in shots that pulled too fast and lacked depth. After experimenting, I found that increasing the coffee dose slightly to about 10 grams helped improve extraction times, leading to a richer, more flavorful shot.

2. Fine-Tuning Your Grind for Precision

Another important adjustment was dialing in the grind size. My early single shots were pulling too quickly, signaling that my grind was too coarse. After adjusting my grinder to a finer setting—one or two notches finer—I noticed significant improvements in both the shot timing and flavor. A finer grind slows down the water flow, allowing for more even extraction and producing a smoother, balanced espresso.

3. Using the 1:2 Brew Ratio for Consistency

A digital scale became an invaluable tool in perfecting my espresso shots. Weighing both the coffee grounds and the espresso allowed me to maintain a consistent 1:2 brew ratio, meaning that for every gram of coffee, I aimed to pull double that weight in liquid espresso. For example, with 10 grams of coffee, I would extract 20 grams of espresso, ensuring that each shot wasn’t too weak or overly concentrated.

Maintaining Your Grinder for Single Shots

Purge the Grinder Between Basket Changes

Switching between single and double baskets requires careful attention to your grinder. After adjusting the grind size for a single shot, it’s essential to purge the grinder to remove any old grounds from the previous setting. This helps maintain consistency and prevents stale grounds from affecting the taste of your espresso.

The Benefits and Challenges of the Single Basket

Perfecting the Art of the Single Shot

There’s no question that using the single basket is more challenging than the double, but once you’ve refined your technique, it’s incredibly rewarding. The single shot demands more precision and patience, but it delivers a clean, concentrated espresso that’s ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, where a milder coffee flavor complements the milk.

If, like me, you enjoy the more delicate flavor profile of a single shot or prefer single shots for your milk-based beverages, spending the extra time fine-tuning your approach will result in a noticeably better cup. Every espresso machine and personal taste is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment with grind size, coffee dose, and extraction time to find the perfect balance for your setup.

Final Thoughts

Embrace the Process of Learning

Mastering the single basket on a Breville or Sage espresso machine can feel tricky at first, but it’s a highly rewarding challenge for any home barista. The basket’s tapered design requires careful adjustments to coffee dose and grind size to avoid issues with uneven extraction. However, with patience and persistence, you’ll soon be pulling balanced and flavorful single shots that are perfect for your espresso-based drinks.

For me, the journey of mastering the single basket has made me a more skilled barista and deepened my understanding of espresso extraction. With a bit of practice, you too can enjoy consistently delicious single shots. Happy brewing!