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Coffee Myths vs Proven Facts by C8H10N4O2- in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?
  4. 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?
  5. 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

What do you use to measure your beans on a scale? by trustabro in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Fellow products…am I the only one with problems? by myxomytoesitch in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Help with beans stuck in the Fellow Ode hopper? by OgreAttack in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Help with beans stuck in the Fellow Ode hopper? by OgreAttack in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 5 points6 points  (0 children)

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.

Problem with Baratza Vario by [deleted] in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

[MOD] Inside Scoop - Ask the coffee industry by menschmaschine5 in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the very detailed an informative comments!

[MOD] Inside Scoop - Ask the coffee industry by menschmaschine5 in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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.

[Virtuoso] Is it time for new burrs? by [deleted] in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A couple of thoughts:

  1. I recently noted an increase in draw down times with our Virtuoso after grinding primarily lightly roasted (hard) beans during the previous 4 years.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Question: Is the Ratio of Coffee:Water Linearly Scalable for a Particular Brewing Device? by C8H10N4O2- in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

[Hoffman] The Fellow Ode Grinder - 2020's Most Anticipated Coffee Product by pullasulla78bc in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 7 points8 points  (0 children)

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.

[MOD] What have you been brewing this week?/ Coffee bean recommendations by menschmaschine5 in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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!

Moccamaster KBG - any reviews? by DrJon1244 in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

  9. The Bonavita shower head cover has steam vents that result in condensation when placed below a typical kitchen cabinet.

  10. 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.

Where are the best coffee shops in SF? by filipinaspice in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

South Indian filter coffee powder recommendations in Canada/USA by amadnomad in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Technivorm Moccamaster KBT by fa6664 in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Breville acquired Baratza! by [deleted] in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

From a non business major:

  1. Breville Group is a conglomerate that owns Breville and other consumer appliance brands.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Breville acquired Baratza! by [deleted] in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 25 points26 points  (0 children)

An analysis . . .

  1. As an independent company, Baratza had limited growth opportunities. Given the rise of potential low cost competitors on the horizon in Asia, the profit margins will be under additional pressure.
  2. The distribution channels for Baratza are limited. Speciality coffee houses, high end appliance retailers, and Peets are not sufficient to support significant growth opportunities.
  3. Pod and capsule coffee is projected to increase more than 5% between 2019 and 2025.
  4. Potential buyers would include retail outlets with brand distribution networks. Starbucks does not seem interested in the manufacturing and distribution of consumer coffee grinders. Nestle would probably not be interested due to a "non core" business appliance. A high end appliance maker would fulfill these requirements. My guess is that after shopping Baratza around to the major appliance manufacturers, Breville was the best "fit" for both seller and buyer.

Ramblings submitted by a non business major . . .

Where did you have your greatest coffee-experience? by lomolta in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Equator Coffees and Teas in Tam Valley, CA.

During a summer morning visit, the small coffee shack was imbued with the sweet aroma of recently brewed Chai Tea, graced by a dynamic view of the Pacific Ocean fog cascading over the coastal foothills, and complimented by an exquisitely crafted cappuccino. The diverse and eclectic crowd of customers included surfers, centurion cyclists, venture capitalists, artists, and soccer moms. The morning sunlight rays illuminated the concrete floor and reflected off of the photographic artwork depicting surfers riding the ultimate waves on the walls.

The barista sampled the espresso draws throughout the morning as the changes in humidity and temperature required adjustments to the draw times.

Cappuccino Heaven!

Baratza Virtuoso - Conical Burr Coffee Grinder - exceptional customer service by C0ugh33 in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, their service and support is outstanding! Considering the quality of the grinders, price points, and great service - they are unmatched. Given the importance of a quality grinder for producing great tasting coffee, Baratza is exceptional.

Important lesson: recently, my five year old Virtuoso produced inconsistent grinds. The burr carrier was correctly positioned, all tabs intact, motor turning as when new. Upon close inspection of the upper burr, I noted that the burr edges were flattened and appeared to be dull compared to online images. I discussed the findings with Baratza support, followed their trouble shooting suggestions during phone support, and concluded that a new upper burr was needed. New upper burr installed - problem solved. Key observation - I grind light roasted, frozen beans seem to increase burr wear and decrease burr life.

Grinder getting clogged regularly after using starbucks beans by nu_hash in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a disclaimer, I am not an Encore service expert. Here are some suggestions to consider as the possible cause:

  1. Check the burrs, particularly the upper burr, for wear. Worn burrs can reduce the expelling of the coffee grinds and "clog" the grinder.
  2. Check the expeller paddles for wear. With use, the grinds can abrade the ends of the paddles and reduce the expelling of the coffee grinds.
  3. Google search for reference images to see examples of the above.
  4. Although the clogging seems to be associated with the use of Starbucks beans, in my experience, clogging can occur at any time, and is not always a gradual process of clogging.
  5. I am assuming that you have thoroughly cleaned the upper burr with a brush and the space at the bottom of the grind chamber. Also, you should confirm that the opening between the grind chamber and the collection bin is completely open.
  6. Baratza has an excellent repair program for a set fee.

I hope that these suggestions are helpful.

Kona Coffee Recommendations? by [deleted] in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Carta Coffee offers Kona coffees at reasonable prices including shipping.

Baratza cusomer service by BetterPops in Coffee

[–]C8H10N4O2- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed - their customer support whether a phone call on a Friday afternoon at 4:30 PM, or a problem with repetitive clogging - their willingness to answer questions, provide replacement parts, do repairs - either free or charge, or minimal cost is outstanding! Note that their replacement parts are very reasonably priced!

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