When I first started brewing espresso at home with my Breville (or Sage) espresso machine, I was eager to perfect the art of pulling the ideal shot. While pulling a double shot seemed relatively straightforward, perfecting a single shot presented a new set of challenges. My espresso machine came with both a single and a double filter basket, but it quickly became clear that crafting a single shot was more nuanced than simply halving the coffee dose of a double shot. Get a detailed look at the precision and features in our Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL review
It took some time and a fair amount of trial and error to refine my technique, but once I figured out how to adjust my approach for the single basket, the results were rewarding. In this article, I'll walk you through the key differences between the single and double baskets, share the techniques that worked for me, and offer advice on how you can master the single shot for a cleaner, more focused espresso experience. Learn about the sleek design and functionality in our Breville Barista Touch Impress review
Key Differences Between Single and Double Baskets
One of the first things I noticed when using my Breville espresso machine was the clear distinction between the single and double baskets. The single basket has a narrower, conical shape, while the double basket is much wider with a flat base. This seemingly minor design difference plays a significant role in how the water flows through the coffee grounds, and it directly impacts the shot quality. Compare performance and usability in our Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro review
The single basket, with its tapered design, creates a more uneven extraction compared to the double basket. The narrow base of the single basket tends to concentrate the water flow more toward the center of the coffee bed, which can lead to an uneven extraction, sometimes resulting in channeling. Channeling occurs when water finds an easier path through the grounds, leading to some areas being under-extracted while others are over-extracted. Discover the key differences between these two models in our Breville Barista Pro vs Express review
For a long time, my single shots lacked the depth and complexity I achieved with a double shot. The double basket, with its more even distribution of coffee grounds, consistently produced a fuller, more balanced flavor profile. But I was determined to figure out how to make the single shot work—after all, it’s the classic choice for espresso in drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Over time, I found several adjustments that allowed me to fine-tune my technique and achieve a richer, more flavorful single shot. Explore the advanced capabilities in our Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch review
Techniques for Perfecting Single Shots
1. Increase the Coffee Dose
When I first started experimenting with the single basket, my instinct was to halve the coffee dose of a double shot. If I used 18 grams for a double shot, I thought using 9 grams for a single would be the right approach. Unfortunately, this led to weak, watery shots with a short extraction time. The resulting espresso tasted thin and underwhelming—definitely not what I was hoping for.
It wasn’t until I increased the dose to around 10 grams that I started seeing improvements. This extra gram of coffee helped slow down the extraction and gave me better control over the brewing process. A higher dose leads to more resistance during extraction, which improves the flow rate and ultimately results in a richer, fuller shot.
While this doesn’t follow the exact 1:1 ratio of a double shot, it does lead to a better balance of flavor and depth. A 10-gram dose gave me the right amount of coffee to achieve a more balanced shot, without being too strong or too weak.
2. Adjust the Grind Size
The grind size was another critical factor in perfecting my single shots. Initially, I used the same grind setting for both single and double shots, but this didn’t yield the best results. Since the single basket is narrower, the water flow through the grounds is different from a double basket, and it requires a finer grind to achieve a good extraction.
When I noticed that my single shots brewed too quickly, I realized that the grind was too coarse. To slow down the extraction and improve flavor, I dialed in a finer grind. This adjustment allowed me to extract more from the coffee grounds, resulting in a shot with better crema and a more complex flavor profile.
Finer grinds increase the resistance to water flow, which in turn extends the extraction time. The slower flow allows for a more even extraction, where the coffee is evenly saturated and the flavors are fully developed. The grind size has to be dialed in just right; too fine and the shot will be over-extracted and bitter, too coarse and it will be under-extracted and weak.
3. Use a Scale for Consistency
Precision became essential as I continued refining my technique. After increasing the dose and adjusting the grind size, I found that the best way to maintain consistency was to use a scale. I aimed to follow a 1:2 brew ratio for my single shots: for every gram of coffee, I wanted to extract twice the amount in espresso. For example, with a 10-gram dose, my goal was to extract 20 grams of espresso.
Using a scale helped me track the exact amount of espresso I was extracting, which ensured that my shots were consistently balanced and not too watery or too strong. This method helped me fine-tune the brewing process and avoid the trial-and-error approach, allowing me to quickly assess what worked and what didn’t.
4. Purge the Grinder Between Baskets
Switching between single and double baskets required more attention to detail, especially when it came to my grinder. Since the grind settings for a single shot are different from those used for a double shot, I had to be extra careful about residual grounds that might remain in the grinder after switching baskets.
After adjusting the grind size for a single shot, I always made sure to purge the grinder by grinding a small amount of coffee before brewing. This purging step ensured that no leftover grounds from a previous shot affected the consistency of the next grind. Failing to purge the grinder could lead to inconsistent grind sizes, which could negatively impact shot quality.
Purging also prevented any lingering flavors from interfering with my single shot. This small but important step helped me maintain the integrity of each shot I pulled, ensuring that each espresso was as fresh and flavorful as possible.
Overcoming Challenges and Enjoying the Outcome
Using the single basket was certainly more challenging than the double basket, but with the right adjustments, the results were rewarding. I found that the single basket demanded greater precision and patience, but when done correctly, it produced a beautifully focused shot. It also allowed me to appreciate the subtle flavors of the coffee more clearly.
As I continued refining my technique, I noticed that my single shots were perfect for creating milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The smaller volume of espresso made for a more concentrated flavor, which complemented the milk without being overpowered. The single shot also gave me more control over the ratio of espresso to milk, allowing me to experiment with different textures and flavors.
The process of perfecting the single shot has been a journey, but it’s also been a rewarding experience that deepened my understanding of espresso. I encourage others who are passionate about espresso to experiment with the single basket and see how adjusting dose, grind size, and technique can elevate your coffee-making skills.
Conclusion
Mastering the single basket on a Breville or Sage espresso machine is not as simple as halving the dose for a double shot, but with patience and experimentation, it’s absolutely possible to create a beautifully balanced espresso. By increasing the coffee dose, adjusting the grind size, using a scale for consistency, and purging the grinder between baskets, I was able to refine my technique and achieve a cleaner, more focused shot of espresso.
Perfecting the single basket was a rewarding challenge that not only improved my espresso-making skills but also deepened my appreciation for the nuances of brewing. If you’re looking to master the art of the single shot, I encourage you to experiment with these techniques and enjoy the process. Every espresso machine is a little different, and your taste preferences may require some adjustments, but with patience and persistence, you’ll soon be pulling perfect single shots that are rich, balanced, and full of flavor.