Single basket amount for a single espresso

[tonyausvenlo]

Hello,

I recently acquired an gaggia classic and a mazzer super jolly.
I am currently still experimenting with the settings and dosages of these machines and have already found a lot of interesting information on this website, i also have a question.

I use the single basket that came with the machine and was wondering what the amount of coffee is that you have to put in the basket because 7 grams is way too little to get a decent shot. I normally use around 11 grams of coffee, with this amount i get a fairly decent shot.
When i finish the shot there is a small subtle marking of the shower screen screw on my puck.

I was just wondering if it is normal to use that amount (11 grams) of coffee for a single espresso basket?

[HB]

I was just wondering if it is normal to use that amount (11 grams) of coffee for a single espresso basket?

It's true that the traditional definition says a single is 7 grams and a double is 14 grams. However, based on your own description, the results speak for themselves.

I think consistency is more important than dogmatic adherence to a traditional dose. Rather than weighing the coffee, a good starting point for many espresso machines is the dosage necessary for adequate puck to dispersion screen clearance (a coin's width is frequently recommended or about 2mm). This allows enough time for preinfusion / puck expansion, which hopefully closes small fissures that could lead to channeling. Assuming the extraction progresses evenly with good striping, I wouldn't advocate changing the dose simply because 7 grams is "normal".

[tonyausvenlo]

a good starting point for many espresso machines is the dosage necessary for adequate puck to dispersion screen clearance (a coin's width is frequently recommended or about 2mm).

So it is not good if i see a mark from the screw of the shower screen?
It would indicate that there is no 2mm clearance.

[HB]

So it is not good if i see a mark from the screw of the shower screen?

I suppose that depends on how much contact is involved and how big a screw we're taking about. Nevermind, that didn't come out right.

Take 2: Crashing the puck against the screen is inadvisable because it frequently leads to channeling. That said, I don't pull lots of singles. It's on my to-do list for the Semiautomatica, if only because Jim promises great things from singles in his Buyer's Guide to the Elektra Semiautomatica ("Flavors that are fugitive in the cup, that one has to grasp after to vaguely discern, come marching by as if brightly lit in these remarkable singles."). Thanks for the reminder to get back to them.

[cannonfodder]

When I was working on the Domobar Super I documented how I find the single basket dose volume. Your mileage may vary but I find it a good way to find a starting point.

[tonyausvenlo]

Thank you both for your reply, i'll give it a try with the coin when i return from school.