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

When I began using my Breville (or Sage) espresso machine at home, I quickly discovered that crafting a perfect single espresso was not as straightforward as halving the amount of coffee used for a double shot. The machine came with both single and double filter baskets. While the double shot process was relatively simple, mastering the single shot required more precision and fine-tuning.

What’s the difference between the single and double baskets?

The first thing I observed was the distinct difference in shape between the single and double baskets. The double basket has a flat bottom, while the single basket is conical or tapered. Although this design might seem like a minor detail, it significantly influences how water moves through the coffee grounds. I soon learned that this tapered design often causes uneven extraction. Water tends to flow faster through the narrower bottom, leading to channeling. This results in some parts of the espresso being under-extracted while others are over-extracted.

This inconsistency makes it difficult to achieve the rich, balanced flavor I was aiming for. Whenever I compared a single shot to a double shot divided into two cups, the double shot always provided a fuller taste, a richer body, and a better aftertaste.

Making adjustments with the single basket

Determined to master the single basket, I started experimenting with a few key factors that ultimately made a big difference in my results:

1. Increasing the Dose

One major breakthrough in my single-shot espresso journey was adjusting the dose. Initially, I assumed halving the amount of coffee used for a double shot—around 18 grams—would work perfectly. However, when I did this, the shot pulled too quickly, resulting in a flat flavor. After some trial and error, I found that slightly increasing the dose to about 10 grams improved extraction time and enhanced the taste. This small tweak brought a richer flavor, even though I was still working with a single basket.

2. Adjusting the Grind Size

Another crucial adjustment was fine-tuning the grind size. Initially, my single shots were pulling far too quickly, signaling that the grind was too coarse. By making the grind finer—just one or two notches—I noticed a significant improvement in shot time and flavor balance. A finer grind slows the water flow, allowing for more even extraction and a better-tasting espresso.

3. Using a Scale and a 1:2 Brew Ratio

Utilizing a scale to weigh my coffee and measure the espresso output became an invaluable part of my process. I adhered to a 1:2 brew ratio, which means for every gram of coffee grounds, I aimed to pull twice the weight in espresso liquid. For example, with 10 grams of coffee, I would pull about 20 grams of espresso. Sticking to this ratio helped ensure that I didn’t end up with a weak or overly diluted shot.

Purging the Grinder

Switching between double and single baskets also required careful attention to my grinder. After adjusting the grind size for the single basket, I made sure to purge the grinder to remove any old coffee grounds that could affect the consistency of my shots. This step is particularly important if you frequently switch between double and single baskets like I do. Leftover grounds can clog the grinder and throw off the balance of your espresso.

The Challenges and Rewards

Using a single basket is undeniably more challenging than using the double basket, but once I got the hang of it, the effort was well worth it. It required more attention to detail and patience, but the result was a clean, concentrated espresso shot that worked beautifully in milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes, where I didn’t want the coffee flavor to overpower the milk.

For those who, like me, prefer a single shot in their milk-based drinks or enjoy the more subtle, nuanced flavors of a single espresso, it’s worth taking the time to make these adjustments. Everyone’s preferences and machines may vary slightly, so don’t hesitate to experiment with grind sizes, doses, and extraction times until you find the perfect balance for your taste.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the single basket with a Breville or Sage espresso machine can initially feel a bit tricky. The conical shape of the basket demands careful adjustments to both the dose and grind size to prevent uneven extraction. However, with patience and some experimentation, it’s entirely possible to pull a well-balanced, flavorful single shot that complements your favorite espresso drinks. In the end, the journey toward mastering the single basket has made me a better home barista, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Happy brewing!