When I first unboxed my Breville (or Sage) espresso machine, I couldn’t wait to start brewing café-quality espresso at home. After hours of research, watching YouTube tutorials, and reading countless blogs, I felt ready to pull the perfect shot. However, I quickly discovered that making the perfect single shot wasn’t as simple as halving a double shot recipe. The process turned out to be much more nuanced than I anticipated. Get a detailed look at the precision and features in our Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL review

The machine came with two filter baskets—one for single shots and one for double shots. While pulling a double shot seemed almost effortless, my attempts with the single basket didn’t go as smoothly. The shots were inconsistent, the volume was unpredictable, and the flavor lacked the richness I was aiming for. It became clear that I needed to rethink my approach. Here’s what I learned along the way. Learn about the sleek design and functionality in our Breville Barista Touch Impress review

How Single and Double Baskets Differ in Design and Function

The main difference between the single and double baskets lies in their shape. The double basket has a flat bottom, while the single basket is more conical or tapered. This small design variation plays a significant role in the flow of water and the overall extraction. Compare performance and usability in our Breville Barista Express Impress vs Pro review

With the single basket’s conical shape, water tends to flow unevenly, which increases the likelihood of channeling. Channeling happens when water flows more quickly through certain areas of the coffee puck, resulting in uneven extraction. This means that some parts of the coffee are over-extracted, creating bitterness, while others are under-extracted, leading to sourness. The outcome? A shot that doesn’t deliver the balanced, rich espresso I was hoping for. Discover the key differences between these two models in our Breville Barista Pro vs Express review

I found that pulling a double shot was consistently easier, producing a fuller and more satisfying flavor. But I was determined to master the single basket. After numerous attempts and some trial and error, I began to see improvements and learned how to make it work. Explore the advanced capabilities in our Breville Oracle vs Oracle Touch review

Tips for Perfecting Your Single Basket Shots

1. Experiment with Coffee Dose

My first breakthrough came when I increased the coffee dose. At first, I assumed using half the amount of coffee compared to a double shot (around 9 grams) would work, but this often resulted in watery shots that pulled too quickly. After some experimentation, I decided to bump the dose up to 10 grams, which made a noticeable difference. This small change created enough resistance to improve the extraction, leading to a more balanced shot with better flavor.

2. Adjust Your Grind Size

Next, I focused on the grind size. Initially, my shots with the single basket were pulling too fast, indicating that the grind was too coarse. I adjusted it slightly finer than the grind I used for a double shot, and the results were impressive. The finer grind slowed down the flow, promoting even extraction and eliminating the sourness that had plagued my earlier attempts.

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

To ensure more consistency, I started using a scale for every shot. Without one, small variations in coffee dose or shot volume led to unpredictable results. I aimed for a 1:2 brew ratio—meaning for every gram of ground coffee, I tried to get two grams of espresso. For a 10-gram dose, this meant pulling about 20 grams of espresso. This helped prevent under-extraction (short shots) or over-extraction (long shots), ensuring a balanced shot each time.

4. Purge the Grinder Between Shots

Switching between the single and double baskets required some extra attention to my grinder. After adjusting the grind for the single basket, I always made sure to purge the grinder of any old coffee grounds that might interfere with consistency. This step was particularly important if I switched basket sizes frequently, as even minor grind differences can impact the quality of extraction.

Overcoming the Hurdles of the Single Basket

Mastering the single basket proved to be a more complex challenge than using the double. It required precision and patience, but the results were worth it. Once I fine-tuned my technique, the single basket allowed me to pull concentrated shots that worked beautifully in milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The flavor was more subtle, providing the perfect balance without overpowering the milk.

If you prefer a lighter espresso or regularly use single shots for milk-based beverages, it’s definitely worth experimenting with these adjustments. Keep in mind that each machine and palate is unique, so don’t hesitate to tweak your grind, dose, and timing until you achieve your desired taste. With enough persistence, the single basket can produce excellent results.

Additional Tips for Perfecting Your Single Shot

1. Consider Pre-Infusion

If your Breville or Sage machine has a pre-infusion feature, try using it with the single basket. Pre-infusion involves applying a small amount of water to the coffee grounds before the full brewing pressure kicks in. This helps minimize channeling and promotes a more even extraction, resulting in a better shot.

2. Prioritize Cleanliness

Keeping your machine clean is essential, especially when working with the single basket. Coffee oils and old grounds can build up quickly, which can negatively affect shot quality. Regular cleaning of your portafilter, basket, and other parts of the machine ensures the best possible espresso every time.

3. Explore Different Beans

The type of beans you use can also have a big impact on the outcome of your single shot. I found that medium to dark roasts performed better in the single basket. These beans deliver richer, more robust flavors, even with the smaller dose. Lighter roasts can be more difficult to dial in, as they tend to require a more even extraction to avoid sourness.

Final Thoughts: The Reward of a Perfect Single Shot

Mastering the single basket on a Breville or Sage espresso machine takes time, patience, and a willingness to experiment. The conical shape of the basket presents challenges, but with careful adjustments to the coffee dose, grind size, and brew ratio, you can pull a beautifully balanced shot. Though it’s more challenging than using the double basket, once you nail it, the result is a concentrated espresso with a rich flavor.

If you’re willing to put in the effort, the rewards are well worth it. A well-pulled single shot delivers a clean, concentrated espresso that works great in a variety of drinks, especially those with milk. Keep experimenting, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly—enjoy the process. Happy brewing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the single basket have a conical shape?
A: The conical shape helps accommodate a smaller volume of coffee but can make extraction more difficult due to uneven water flow.

Q: How much coffee should I use for a single shot?
A: I recommend starting with around 10 grams of coffee, adjusting based on your preferences and machine performance.

Q: Should I use the same grind size for single and double shots?
A: No, the single basket generally requires a finer grind to ensure a slower, more even extraction.

Q: Is using a scale necessary for single shots?
A: Yes, using a scale is key to ensuring consistency and achieving the right brew ratio for a balanced shot.

Q: Why should I purge the grinder when switching baskets?
A: Purging removes any old coffee grounds that might impact grind consistency, ensuring a more balanced shot.

Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for a single shot?
A: While possible, freshly ground coffee will provide better flavor and consistency, especially when dialing in the single basket.