Posted Sun Dec 26, 2010, 9:18pm Subject: Tamping single shot?
I am very new to this, sorry if it's a dumb question. Just bought a Gaggia Classic and it came with three filter baskets. Two pressurized and one traditional. I want to do just one shot on a traditional filter basket, however the only traditional basket they included is sized for a double shot.
Can you tamp the amount of coffee for a single shot into a double shot basket?
If not, can you recommend a good place to purchase a traditional single shot basket?
Also, they included a measuring spoon, but I see people leveling the coffee with the top of the basket before tamping. What do you do?
You would not want to do that because the coffee will not offer enough flow resistance and your extraction will be too fast.
For a proper single shot, you will need a single shot ( 7 gram ) filter basket. Fortunately, the Gaggias are standard 58mm, and most standard 58's will fit. Try here " www.caffeforte.com " . Bought a few 58mm baskets from them and they fit fine.
fwtechwiz Senior Member Joined: 19 Feb 2010 Posts: 468 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Evolution Grinder: Hario Skerton
Posted Mon Dec 27, 2010, 3:33am Subject: Re: Tamping single shot?
In a pinch, pulling a single from a double basket will work, but it takes some finesse to get the pull right, still working with that myself. I pulled a couple of singles yesterday, all I have is a double basket w/ bottomless portafilter. 8 g., Ground finer than I would when dosing a double, did light taps on the counter to level, and nutation at half dose and again at full dose, . Then firm tamp ~20 lbs and it pulled a pretty good shot, no channeling. Blonded early, but I expected that. Crema was sparse,but there, and the shot tasted ok, not bitter or sour, just light in body. Nothing to write home about.
Posted Mon Dec 27, 2010, 4:27pm Subject: Re: Tamping single shot?
I tried several single shots in the double basket and surprisingly one turned out amazing. Not bitter, had crema and some very good flavors I could taste. I think it pulled in 20 seconds and I'm using pre-ground Illy espresso. I can't imagine when my grinder, tamper and single shot basket arrive and I get things dialed in.
I ordered that basket on the link BTW, and more accessories of course, so thanks again.
I've got the bug officially and am getting excited at the possibilities down the road when I learn more. This is a great site
calblacksmith Senior Member Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 3,996 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: 2many I need to thin the... Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Fri Dec 31, 2010, 11:51am Subject: Re: Tamping single shot?
Congrats on getting acceptable results on Illy, I have never been able to do it and have moved on to much better coffee rather quickly. Waiting for gear to come in the mail can be the hardest part and when it does get to you, treat yourself to some of the outstanding coffees from any of the roasters on our list. I am currently pulling a lot of RedBird, truly a great deal in coffee. The price is great and the quality is high.
With fresh high quality coffee, a new grinder and some trial and effort, you will be enjoying your shots much more. Just a quick question, why only a single shot? The work is the same for a double, they are easier to pull and you get more goodness for your effort!
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