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 learned that crafting a perfect single espresso wasn't as simple as just halving the coffee used for a double shot. The machine came equipped with two filter baskets: one for single shots and another for double shots. While pulling a double shot was straightforward, dialing in the perfect single shot required more finesse.

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. Unlike the double basket, which has a flat bottom, the single basket has a tapered or conical design. Although this might seem like a small difference, it significantly impacts how water flows through the coffee grounds. The narrower base in the single basket often leads to uneven extraction, with water moving more quickly through the center, which can result in channeling. This uneven flow creates an imbalance, where some parts of the espresso shot are under-extracted while others are over-extracted.

As a result, I found it challenging to achieve the full-bodied, balanced flavor I was hoping for with a single shot. Whenever I compared single shots to a double shot split into two cups, the double shot always delivered a richer, fuller flavor and a better overall finish.

Fine-Tuning Your Technique with the Single Basket

However, I was determined to perfect my single shots. Through trial and error, I discovered a few adjustments that made all the difference:

1. Increase the Coffee Dose

One game-changing tip was to modify the dose. Initially, I assumed that I should simply use half the coffee amount I’d typically use for a double shot (around 18 grams). However, this led to shots that pulled far too quickly, with flat, underwhelming flavors. Increasing the dose to approximately 10 grams allowed for a better extraction time and greatly improved the taste. This minor adjustment added more depth and richness to my single shots.

2. Adjust the Grind Size

Another critical factor was fine-tuning the grind size. My first few attempts with the single basket resulted in shots that brewed too fast, signaling that I needed a finer grind. After adjusting my grinder a couple of notches finer, I noticed significant improvements in both shot timing and flavor balance. A finer grind slows the water flow, ensuring more even extraction and a much better-tasting espresso.

3. Use a Scale and Stick to a 1:2 Brew Ratio

Using a scale became essential in ensuring precision in both the coffee dose and espresso output. I aimed for a 1:2 brew ratio, meaning for every gram of ground coffee, I pulled twice the weight in liquid espresso. With 10 grams of coffee, I pulled around 20 grams of espresso. This ratio helped me avoid weak or overly diluted shots, consistently delivering a balanced, concentrated espresso.

Don’t Forget to Purge the Grinder

Switching between single and double baskets also required me to pay extra attention to my grinder. After adjusting the grind size for a single shot, I made sure to purge the grinder of any old grounds that could interfere with shot consistency. This step is especially important if you're frequently alternating between the two basket sizes, as leftover grounds can throw off the grind and affect your shot's balance.

The Challenges and Rewards of the Single Basket

Using the single basket proved to be more challenging than the double, but once I got the hang of it, it was worth the effort. It required more precision and patience, but the reward was a clean, concentrated shot that was perfect for milk-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes, where I didn’t want the coffee flavor to overwhelm the milk.

For those who prefer a single shot in milk drinks or enjoy a lighter, more delicate espresso flavor, it's worth experimenting with these adjustments. Keep in mind that each machine and individual palate is different, so feel free to tweak grind sizes, doses, and extraction times until you find the sweet spot for your taste.

Final Thoughts

Using the single basket with a Breville or Sage espresso machine may seem tricky at first, particularly due to the basket's conical shape, which often demands tweaks to both the dose and grind size to prevent uneven extraction. However, with persistence and a bit of experimentation, it's entirely possible to pull a delicious, balanced single shot. Mastering the single basket has not only enhanced my espresso game but also made me a more skilled home barista—and I'm confident it will do the same for you.

Happy brewing!