Using a Single Basket with a Breville or Sage Home Espresso Machine
When I first began using my Breville (or Sage) espresso machine at home, I quickly discovered that pulling a perfect single shot of espresso required more finesse than I initially thought. Unlike making a double shot, which is relatively straightforward, getting a single shot just right meant adjusting my technique beyond simply using half the coffee.
Understanding the Difference Between Single and Double Baskets
One of the first things I noticed was the difference in shape between the single and double baskets. While the double basket has a flat bottom, the single basket features a tapered or conical design. This shape significantly affects the water flow through the coffee grounds. In my experience, the single basket’s narrow bottom can lead to uneven extraction, where water channels through more quickly, causing parts of the espresso to be under-extracted while others are over-extracted.
This uneven flow makes it harder to achieve the rich, balanced flavor that’s easier to get with a double basket. When I compared my single shots to a double shot split across two cups, the double consistently tasted fuller, with a richer body and smoother finish.
Adjusting for the Single Basket
Determined to master the single basket, I began experimenting with a few critical adjustments:
1. Increasing the Coffee Dose
A key discovery was increasing the coffee dose. Initially, I assumed I should simply halve the amount of coffee I used for a double shot—around 18 grams—when using a single basket. However, this resulted in shots that pulled too quickly and tasted flat. By slightly increasing the dose to around 10 grams, I was able to improve the extraction time and achieve a richer, more flavorful shot. This small adjustment made a significant difference.
2. Fine-Tuning the Grind Size
Another crucial change was adjusting the grind size. Early on, my single shots were running too fast, signaling that the grind was too coarse. After dialing in a finer grind by one or two notches, the shot time improved, and the flavors balanced out nicely. A finer grind slows the water flow, allowing for more even extraction, which ultimately results in better-tasting espresso.
3. Using a Scale and Sticking to a 1:2 Brew Ratio
One of the most helpful tips I can offer is using a scale to weigh your coffee and measure your espresso output. I aimed for a 1:2 brew ratio, meaning for every gram of ground coffee, I aimed to extract double that weight in liquid espresso. For 10 grams of coffee, I pulled about 20 grams of espresso. Sticking to this ratio helped ensure I wasn’t left with a weak or overly diluted shot.
Purging the Grinder for Consistency
Switching between the single and double baskets required me to pay close attention to my grinder. After adjusting the grind size for the single basket, I made sure to purge the grinder by running a bit of coffee through it. This step helps remove old grounds, which can interfere with shot consistency. This is especially important if you switch between double and single shots frequently.
The Challenges and Rewards of the Single Basket
Although using a single basket is more challenging than a double, I found it rewarding once I got the hang of it. It requires greater attention to detail and a bit of patience, but the result is a clean, concentrated espresso shot that works particularly well for milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. For these drinks, I prefer the flavor of a single shot, as it’s more delicate and doesn’t overpower the milk.
If you’re someone who enjoys a lighter espresso flavor or prefers a single shot for milk-based drinks, experimenting with these adjustments can be well worth the effort. Of course, everyone’s preferences and machines are slightly different, so don’t hesitate to play around with grind sizes, doses, and extraction times to find what works best for your setup.
Final Thoughts
Using a single basket with a Breville or Sage espresso machine may seem tricky at first, but with some patience and experimentation, it’s possible to pull a perfectly balanced single shot. The conical design of the single basket does require adjustments in both dose and grind size to avoid uneven extraction. However, by fine-tuning these variables, you can create delicious single shots that are perfect for your favorite espresso-based drinks. The journey to mastering the single basket has made me a more skilled home barista, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Happy brewing!