Using a Single Basket with a Breville or Sage Home Espresso Machine
When I first began using my Breville (or Sage) espresso machine, I quickly learned that making a flawless single shot wasn't as simple as halving the amount of coffee used for a double shot. While brewing a double shot felt intuitive, mastering the single basket required a more thoughtful approach and fine-tuning of various factors.
Understanding the Key Differences Between Single and Double Baskets
How Basket Design Influences Extraction
One of the first things I noticed was the distinct shape of the single basket. Unlike the flat-bottomed double basket, the single basket is more conical or tapered in design. While this may seem like a small difference, it significantly impacts the way water flows through the coffee grounds. The narrower base in the single basket speeds up water flow, which can lead to uneven extraction. Some areas of the espresso may end up under-extracted, while others might be over-extracted.
Due to this unique design, achieving the rich and balanced flavor I was used to with the double basket became more difficult. Whenever I compared the single shot to a double shot split between two cups, the double shot consistently delivered a fuller body and a more satisfying aftertaste.
Fine-Tuning Your Espresso with a Single Basket
1. Increasing Your Coffee Dose
One of the first adjustments I made was increasing the amount of coffee used. Initially, I tried simply halving the dose for a single shot, using approximately 9 grams instead of the usual 18 grams for a double shot. However, this caused the shot to pull too quickly, resulting in a bland flavor. Through experimentation, I discovered that using around 10 grams of coffee produced a better extraction time and yielded a richer, more flavorful espresso.
2. Modifying the Grind Size
Another crucial adjustment was fine-tuning the grind size. Early attempts at single shots flowed too fast, indicating that my grind was too coarse. By moving the grind one or two notches finer, I saw a dramatic improvement in both the timing and flavor of the shot. A finer grind slows the water flow, allowing for more even extraction and producing a smoother, more balanced espresso.
3. Maintaining Precision with a 1:2 Brew Ratio
One of the most valuable tools in this process was a digital scale. By weighing both the coffee grounds and the espresso yield, I maintained a consistent 1:2 brew ratio. For every gram of coffee, I aimed to extract twice that amount in liquid espresso. For instance, with 10 grams of coffee, I pulled 20 grams of espresso. This consistency helped ensure that each shot had the right strength and balance of flavors.
Taking Care of Your Grinder for Single Shots
Purging Your Grinder Between Basket Switches
Switching between the single and double baskets also demands attention to your grinder. After adjusting the grind size for a single shot, it's important to purge the grinder of any leftover grounds from the previous setting. This ensures the consistency of your shots and prevents stale grounds from impacting the flavor of your espresso.
The Rewards and Challenges of the Single Basket
Mastering the Craft of the Single Shot
There’s no doubt that using the single basket requires more precision and patience compared to the double, but the rewards make it worthwhile. Once you’ve refined your technique, you can achieve a clean, concentrated espresso that’s ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, where a milder coffee flavor is preferred.
If you enjoy the subtler flavors of a single shot, or if you prefer using single shots in milk-based drinks, the extra effort spent perfecting your method will be rewarding. Every espresso machine and taste preference is different, so don’t hesitate to experiment with various grind sizes, coffee doses, and extraction times until you find the perfect formula for your ideal espresso shot.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the Process of Learning
Mastering the single basket on your Breville or Sage espresso machine can feel challenging at first, but it’s a valuable learning experience for any home barista. The basket’s conical shape requires careful adjustments to coffee dose and grind size to prevent uneven extraction. With time and experimentation, you’ll find yourself pulling rich, flavorful single shots that elevate your espresso-based drinks.
For me, this journey of learning to master the single basket has not only improved my espresso skills but has also deepened my understanding of the espresso-making process. With a bit of patience and dedication, you’ll undoubtedly achieve the same results. Happy brewing!