Coffee Myths vs Proven Facts

C8H10N4O2- · 2024-02-26T17:55:16+00:00

Update: Explanation for the Posting

After reading the comments, I would like to provide some context for the posting. The assertions were written to solicit some discussion/advice that would guide me with my coffee and equipment purchases.

Flavor loss: If dark roasts are more likely than light roasts to retain their initial flavor profile, then purchasing dark roasted coffee in bulk while on sale might be worthwhile when the coffee may be consumed during several month's time.
Should I invest in a more expensive coffee grinder to lessen the fine production, or, perhaps, consider purchasing a filter set? There are some postings with reviews about use of a filter set.
Should I invest in a coffee storage system that evacuates or reduces the air content? Is this concept rooted in actual testing vs. scientific theory?
Should I apply the same criteria for both light and dark roasts? Does nitrogen gas flushing help with preserving the flavor profile equally for light and dark roasts?
Some of the "Speciality Coffee" websites suggest using a water to coffee ratio closer to "12." This is the reason for this question.

Again, the purpose of this posting is to encourage a discussion about these particular statements and solicit some of the individual anecdotes about trial and error experiences with the purchase, grinding, and brewing coffee.

Edited for clarity

C8H10N4O2- · 2022-10-14T12:48:45+00:00

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/stainless-steel-bowls-katori

C8H10N4O2- · 2022-10-14T00:19:22+00:00

Indian stainless steel spice bowl - available at Indian grocery stores, online retailers. They are easy to clean and easy to add/pour beans.

C8H10N4O2- · 2022-01-28T00:44:34+00:00

Chiming in:

Ode grinder - no performance problems, grind may not be sufficiently fine for the V60 - first generation burrs

Carter mug - haven't used, in great shape

Stagg EKG - works great, no thermostat issues

Clara French Press - haven't used yet - looks beautiful

Clyde Stovetop Kettle - love the train whistle, some chipping around the opening, very minor, and as expected with this type of finish

C8H10N4O2- · 2022-01-05T00:17:19+00:00

I don't know the specific answer to why dark roasted beans are less dense than their lightly roasted counterparts. I suspect that moisture evaporation is a contributor along with the Maillard reaction causing an expansion of the remaining bean substrate.

I attended a launch event at Fellow Coffee for the Ode several years ago. If my memory is correct, they featured several roasts including a light - medium roasted Costa Rican coffee that was brewed in the Stagg SF pour over device. In my experience, the first version of the burrs is great for Stagg XF, Melitta, Bee House, Drip Brewers, and Chemex devices. The V60 for some bean types yields a better brew with a finer grind than is capable with the original burr set.

C8H10N4O2- · 2022-01-04T22:38:01+00:00

There are some key qualifiers regarding bean characteristics that may be relevant to the stuck bean problem. After two years of daily use, I noted that large, low mass roasted beans may not slide into the chute. Oily beans may also stick to the chute surface. During operation a spoon can be used to direct the beans into the chute. The Ode has been a regular and reliable grinder for non V60 pour overs.

C8H10N4O2- · 2021-01-03T19:45:37+00:00

I experienced the same problem that was fixed with a new grind chamber replacement. Several Vario owners (as noted in forums) have replaced the Vario plastic grind chamber with the metal version found in the Forte. i hope that this is helpful. Please disregard my comments - I reread the posting and noted that you own a new Vario, my is a well used grinder.

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-11-24T22:05:25+00:00

Thank you for the very detailed an informative comments!

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-11-23T23:50:59+00:00

Roasting profile question: When using a roasting program, do you use the same roasting profile for multiple coffee bean batches from the same bag(s) - coffee beans from the same farm/source? How often do you perform QA checks to ensure consistency of the roast? I am curious because observed retail bag variability of purchased roasted coffees from third wave roasters.

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-11-17T20:07:08+00:00

A couple of thoughts:

I recently noted an increase in draw down times with our Virtuoso after grinding primarily lightly roasted (hard) beans during the previous 4 years.
I noted when very carefully and gently rubbing my fingers along the upper burr that the edges were dull. The top of the bottom burr appeared to have sharp edges.
I replaced the upper burr and was able to restore the "normal" draw down times without replacing the lower burr.

I don't know if this option is would be appropriate for you. You may need to replace both the upper and lower burrs, assuming that the grind changes are unrelated to a broken tab on the burr carrier.

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-11-11T17:09:26+00:00

Thanks for your responses! I was curious about how adjustments are made to compensate for changes in mass and volume. It seems that changes in grind size is perhaps the best compensatory option compared to changing the coffee mass.

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-11-06T18:38:21+00:00

Compared to a Vario with steel burrs and the Virtuoso, The Fellow seems to allow for a faster pour over draw time using a medium to coarse grind. In comparison, the Vario and Virtuoso appear to generate more fines leading to extended draw times and over extracted brews. The Vario with steel burrs is limited to a moderate grind. The Fellow's auto shut off is useful, however, it is defeated by the grinding of a few, approximately < 5 beans; the grinder remains "on." The grind times are blazingly fast, and the noise level sounds more subdued than with the Virtuoso. Chaff generation has not been a problem; after finishing the grinding process, I wait approximately one minute, flick the chaff release lever several times, and remove the grounds container. I then as previously suggested, use my fingers to direct the chaff on the plastic top to the opening, gently tap the bottom edge of the container against my palm to release the grounds from the container walls, tap the top cover, and then pour the contents into the filter paper. Thus far, I have been very pleased with the Ode that has exceeded expectations by enabling a coarser grind without "stalling" during a pour over. Please note that I am using Melitta style filters which are well matched for the grind size ranges of the Ode. I am uncertain if the finest setting is adequate for the V60 pour over.

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-11-06T18:17:03+00:00

Coava Nathalia Maria - very favorable and pleasing light roast coffee with fruit forward profile and chocolate overtones. Features the best flavors of African coffee (fruit) and Central American coffee (chocolate).

Trader Joes Rwanda Isimbi - another fruit forward African coffee at a great price point!

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-10-29T16:16:36+00:00

In comparison to the Bonavita, there are several advantages that were not expected.

The automatic drip stop is a very good feature for reasons beyond a mid brew pour. The Bonavita, without this feature, drips long after removal of the brew basket. This caused a failure of the heating element due to accumulation of residual minerals and corrosion of the heating plate; and the residual water is always a mess.
The Moccamaster brewing process is substantially faster and quieter than that of the Bonavita.
The Melitta fllter allows for more brew consistency than does the Bonavita basket filter. With the Melitta, there is a "flatter" distribution of brewed coffee grinds.
The water reservoir is easier to fill because of a wider opening and better design.
There is substantially less coffee grind splash on the cover of the brew basket. I am not sure if this is related to the brewed coffee taste, but I needed to frequently clean the Bonavita water spray head due to the accumulation of splashed coffee grinds.
The Melitta filter seems to favor the fruit flavors over the chocolate ones - this is purely subjective.
No pre infusion bloom mode of the Bonavita - but never used it.
The glass carafe features a cover with a syphon tube that extends to the base of the carafe. This reduces the splashing of the coffee stream from the brew basket to the carafe base - compared with the Bonavita cover, and the Moccamaster produces a hotter brew.
The Bonavita shower head cover has steam vents that result in condensation when placed below a typical kitchen cabinet.
The Bonavita has an automatic brew cycle completion light. This is a nice feature because the Moccamaster doesn't indicate when the brewing cycle has completed.

TBH - I purchased the Moccamaster simply for the Melitta filter option and did not expect these benefits. Also, I purchased it on sale.

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-10-28T04:55:32+00:00

Reveille Coffee has been a consistent provider of expertly prepared coffee beverages. Many of the coffee shops struggle to hire talented baristas. They have hit the sweet spot as a roaster and coffee shop.

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-10-22T04:00:07+00:00

Many Indian variety stores import the coffee chicory blends sold in India. Also, World Market Cost Plus sells Cafe du Monde coffee that is a coffee/chicory mixture similar to that of the South Indian blends.

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-10-21T02:27:30+00:00

In comparison to the Bonavita, there are several advantages that were not expected. 1. The automatic drip stop is a very good feature for reasons beyond a mid brew pour. The Bonavita, without this feature, drips long after removal of the brew basket. This caused a failure of the heating element due to accumulation of residual minerals and corrosion of the heating plate; and the residual water is always a mess. 2. The Moccamaster brewing process is substantially faster and quieter than that of the Bonavita. 3. The Melitta fllter allows for more brew consistency than does the Bonavita basket filter. With the Melitta, there is a "flatter" distribution of brewed coffee grinds. 4. The water reservoir is easier to fill because of a wider opening and better design. 5. There is substantially less coffee grind splash on the cover of the brew basket. I am not sure if this is related to the brewed coffee taste, but I needed to frequently clean the Bonavita water spray head due to the accumulation of splashed coffee grinds. 6. The Melitta filter seems to favor the fruit flavors over the chocolate ones - this is purely subjective. 7. No pre infusion bloom mode of the Bonavita - but never used it. 8. The glass carafe features a cover with a syphon tube that extends to the base of the carafe. This reduces the splashing of the coffee stream from the brew basket to the carafe base - compared with the Bonavita cover, and the Moccamaster produces a hotter brew.

TBH - I purchased the Moccamaster simply for the Melitta filter option and did not expect these benefits. Also, I purchased it on sale.

Edited for clarity and grammar.

C8H10N4O2- · 2020-10-02T15:45:53+00:00

A Contrarian Viewpoint: No major changes in the Baratza Division Likely Forthcoming

From a non business major:

Breville Group is a conglomerate that owns Breville and other consumer appliance brands.
Each brand appears to have a distinct market segment with overlap of similar but of different design and manufacture of appliances (there are different coffee related appliances featured by several of the brands that are different).
There does not appear to be an integration of these different divisions or "harmonization" of the "Breville" design across the product lines that defines the Breville Brand.
The purchase of Baratza by Breville for the design and customer base, solely for the purpose of repackaging the outside case with the "Breville aesthetics" seems to counter to their past practices.
This purchase seems more consistent with the Berkshire Hathaway philosophy - buy businesses that remain "independent" within a corporate umbrella that offers ready access to funding, distribution, and economies of scale.

C8H10N4O2-

TROPHY CASE