Single Baskets

Lacehim

I see KK and SS are using singles. Since I started on my coffee journey everyone said ditch the single, use a double. 😃

So, how many of us are actually using their single baskets. I used mine tonight to make the wife's coffee and she liked it, the pour was pretty good. She's always complaining that my coffees are too strong, I pull her a double ristretto and pull it early, but forget now and again. >😃

The single seemed to pour well, but I still had to pull it early because it got very watery near the end (remember I'm using a lever).

Happy wife, happy live though, so if it keeps me in the good books it's worth it! 🙂

Koffee_Kosmo

I have used singles for some years now And it's never been a challenge for me on the machines I have owned With the current machine the Strega I sometimes cheat and tamp a double basket with a single amount of grounds and it still works for me KK

Lizzi

Until recently I have always used a double or triple for ristretto for a single cup of coffee. But recently I bought a Synesso single and am using it with 12-13 gm of grinds to get very reasonable shots, albeit only about 25-30ml. Working on it! 😉 L

conikal

Lizzi wrote:

... very reasonable shots, albeit only about 25-30ml.

Why,?.. how many ml do you want for your single ?

UNM

Always use a 'double' basket myself, 18-19gram coffee, anywhere from 20-45gram shots which vary between 30-60ml. Never seen the need for a single. On the very few occasions a 'weak' coffee is requested, I just ditch part of the shot or stop early. So, is there any reason at all I should use a single? I don't think so, but am willing to be persuaded. I realise others may have more call for singles, just don't know if that applies to my own circumstances.

eggbert

Only have the one basket for mine, which takes about 13g coffee for the standard 30ml lever shot. Not sure I could fit a bigger basket inside the 49mm portafilter.

UNM

eggbert wrote:

Only have the one basket for mine, which takes about 13g coffee for the standard 30ml lever shot. Not sure I could fit a bigger basket inside the 49mm portafilter.

Size is not the only/main factor though. The shape of a single basket (or at least all those i have seen) changes the flow dramatically. Water flows past the coffee at the base of a single much quicker than at the top. That changes the technique required and flavor profile in the cup. Is your basket a single or double?

eggbert

I've always presumed it was a double basket as it has the shape of one as per this image:

UNM

Looks like a double. Small, but standard shape. Reminds me, I have a large (28g) double kicking around that hasn't been used in a while. Must go looking for it, roast a batch of robusta and man up.

eggbert

Standard shape but 49mm... forgot to mention that

Lacehim

Out of curiosity why don't singles just have the full width but shorter so they still have the same contact with the shower screen as a double.

Kevohere

I'd imagine you would need to grind "Turkish" and tamp "Swarzeneggish" to prevent a gusher! 😛 The thinner the biscuit, the easier it is to crumble :question:

Lacehim

Kevohere wrote:

I'd imagine you would need to grind "Turkish" and tamp "Swarzeneggish" to prevent a gusher! 😛 The thinner the biscuit, the easier it is to crumble :question:

Well yes, but I wonder if anyone has actually made one to try? Would be interesting to see the difference. If you dosed a single dose into a double basket there would be too much distance from the shower screen in my opinion.

UNM

Just went the other way and started using the 'man size double'. Nice consistent pour and the straight sides help the puck to knock out. Nominally a 28gram basket, but actually holds 26gram. It produces shots I am willing to split - getting rather nice 55gram double shots from it.