How much coffee should I use for a single shot?

Determining the right dose for a single shot is a common challenge for home baristas. While the traditional Italian standard for a single shot is 7 grams, modern specialty coffee recipes often lean toward 8–10 grams to achieve better flavor clarity. The exact amount depends on your specific basket's design and the roast level of your coffee; lighter roasts are often less dense and may require a slightly higher dose to fill the basket properly.

However, the biggest hurdle with single shots is the basket itself. Most single baskets have a tapered, funnel-like shape that makes it difficult to achieve a uniform puck. This geometry often leads to channeling, where water flows unevenly through the coffee, resulting in a shot that is thin, sour, or inconsistent. This is why many professionals avoid single baskets entirely, preferring to use a double basket for every shot.

If you find that your single shots are consistently disappointing, try using a double basket and pulling a 'split' shot or simply stopping the extraction early. By using a double basket, you benefit from a more uniform puck shape, which leads to a more consistent and balanced extraction. If you must use a single basket, ensure you are using a high-quality, precision-engineered version and be prepared to spend extra time on your distribution and tamping.

In practice, the best dose is the one that fits your basket without touching the shower screen when locked in. Use a scale to weigh your coffee every time, as even a half-gram difference can significantly change the flavor profile. By keeping your dose consistent and focusing on even distribution, you can achieve a great single shot, but don't be surprised if you find that a double basket consistently delivers better results.