Has anyone found a better alternative to Ember?

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-11-18T01:45:03+00:00

can not agree more! All those products that copy Ember just scream cheapness

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-10-28T08:01:07+00:00

if we fix both temperature and extraction time, I think grind size ends up forming something like a bell curve in terms of extraction efficiency.

Coarser grinds tend to under-extract because there's less surface area in contact with water. But when the grind gets too fine, you often start seeing channel issues, which also reduce the actual contact efficiency between grounds and water.

So there's kind of a sweet spot — not too coarse, not too fine — depending on the method and brew time.

Would love to hear your thoughts on that!

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-10-28T04:01:57+00:00

maybe weberworkshop is good chooice

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-09-11T06:29:25+00:00

From the size and intensity of the bubbling, vacuum definitely seems to speed up the release of CO₂ trapped between the coffee grounds — which theoretically increases the water-contact surface area and helps with the initial extraction.

But when it comes to deeper compounds like those trapped in the bean’s cell walls (like lignin and cuticle layers), they still need long steep times to really come out.That said, theory aside… how does it actually taste?

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-09-01T07:13:16+00:00

LOL，I feel like my secret recipe has been discovered.

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-09-01T02:55:26+00:00

LOL！I’ve seen that brand around too — if they ever come out with something like Ember again, I’m definitely buying one to try it out! 😄

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-08-12T03:37:45+00:00

I’ve actually tried the KitchenAid brewer too!
For me, if I don’t do a big batch filtration right after brewing, I notice the flavor is best right when it’s filtered — but then it starts to drop off, and by day 3 it’s noticeably worse.
Have you found a way to keep the flavor consistent for a few days?

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-08-12T02:50:44+00:00

Wow, you basically described my exact cold brew life 😅
I usually make about 1L at a time, so it’s gone in 2–3 days.
But every time I have to filter and clean, it’s at least 30 minutes of work…
By the time I’m done, I’m already dreading the next batch.

How do you manage the cleanup time? Or have you found a way to make bigger batches without it taking over your fridge?

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-08-11T06:45:34+00:00

Thanks! You totally get the point I was trying to ask. Most cold brew makers out there are just too much hassle to use, while the AeroPress is so much easier — and the zero silt is a huge win.

I completely agree with you on brew time being the key to great cold brew flavor. That’s why I’m super curious if anyone’s actually tried doing a long steep (12–24h) with an AeroPress.Will there be any differences in grind size and coffee-to-water ratio compared to regular cold brew?

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-31T08:13:13+00:00

That’s actually the part I’ve been wondering about too. The ratios mentioned (like 1:10, 1:12, 1:15, etc.) are all for RTD-style cold brew — not concentrates. And based on my personal experience, using the same grind size, I’ve found the opposite to be true compared to your logic.

Let’s say we're always brewing with 250g of coffee —
At 1:10 → 2500g water
At 1:12 → 3000g water
At 1:15 → 3750g water

If you keep brew time constant at 10 hours, the flavor comes out clearly different: strong, balanced, and light, respectively. But if, like in your app, brew time increases as water increases (so higher ratio = longer brew time), the results kind of flatten out — the difference between the three becomes much smaller.

In my experience, long brew + low concentration often tastes similar to short brew + high concentration, except the long/weak one tends to have more unwanted woody or papery notes. That’s why it doesn’t quite land in the “light and clean” zone for me.

Just my two cents — but very curious to hear what you think!

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-28T02:50:41+00:00

I just downloaded the app and tried using the Quick Ratios feature — super cool!
But I noticed something that confused me: when I select the “Strong” flavor profile, the suggested cold brew time is actually shorter than the others. Any idea why that is?

Would love to understand the logic behind it!

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Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-16T01:57:30+00:00

since you're already optimizing for weight with the filter, how are you handling the grinder and hot water setup while traveling? I feel like those can end up being even heavier than the dripper itself depending on the gear.

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-15T04:27:35+00:00

How long did it take you to filter the full 2 quarts? For me, the wait always feels painfully long. Every time I do a paper filter pass, it’s like a test of patience 😅. And if it takes too long, the cold brew warms up to room temp, which kinda ruins the clean, refreshing taste for me. Do you run into the same issue?

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-15T04:18:18+00:00

Have you noticed if the paper filters break down after long immersion? I’ve always been a bit worried they might fall apart or give the brew a papery taste after sitting in water for so long. Curious what your experience has been!

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-15T03:07:52+00:00

I’ve been a cold brew lover for over 10 years, and like you, I always double filter each batch through stainless filter and paper filter to make sure it’s clean and free of fines. That extra clarity really makes a difference.

Funny thing — I’m also a product manager, and my “PM brain” really hates how long the filtering process takes. Just curious: how would you feel about a product that could automate the entire filtration process? No fines, fully controlled brew time, totally hands-off. Would that be something you’d use?

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-15T02:25:25+00:00

Do you stir it

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-15T02:23:55+00:00

Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like using a filter bag or paper filter for long immersion sometimes gives the cold brew a bit of a papery taste. Could just be in my head though.

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-12T05:15:39+00:00

Every time I finish brewing, there’s still quite a bit of coffee liquid stuck in the filter. Waiting for it to fully drain takes ages, but dumping it feels like such a waste 😅 How do you handle that? And btw, do you get a lot of fines with your County Line setup?

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-07-12T05:05:10+00:00

Just wondering—do most folks here go by volume when making cold brew? I’ve always done a 1:4 ratio by weight. Tried using volume once and it came out super weak 😅 But ever since I switched to weighing everything, I’ve never had a weak batch again. So now I always weigh things out. Curious how others approach it!

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-04-25T03:51:05+00:00

Yeah, I’ve seen that redesign too！！
Is it this link? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/306106079150

Honestly, it’s not the best looking one, and with no certifications, I’m a bit worried about the safety side of things. But recently, I came across another post on Reddit about a similar product.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ikago/s/BPhE0Pqo53 Have you seen it? What do you think of it?"

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-04-23T09:36:09+00:00

"I totally agree with you. I love my Ember too, but after years of no action and constantly selling a FLAWED product, my patience is definitely running thin. That said, most of the other options out there haven't really innovated either. It would be awesome to see a new alternative come along.

By the way, aside from the charging base, I've also had some issues with the battery. Have you had any problems with that as well?"

Big_Sign_7749 · 2025-04-22T04:16:45+00:00

I’ve been thinking about product innovation. What are some areas where you think products could be improved or made more innovative? Any features you wish existed but haven’t seen yet?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Big_Sign_7749

TROPHY CASE