The key to a great cup of coffee lies in both the quality of the coffee beans and the equipment used to grind and brew the coffee. From the moment the coffee beans are ground to the moment you take your first sip, every step of the process plays a crucial role in extracting the great flavors and aromas.
Investing in good quality coffee equipment can therefore make a world of difference. Everything from the coffee grinder to espresso machines and coffee makers has a specific function that affects the taste of the coffee. When you understand how important your equipment is to the taste of your coffee, it becomes easier to understand the need to upgrade your coffee equipment.
1. Extraction, water, temperature and contact time
Grade of grind and consistency have a direct impact on the extraction process, which means the process of extracting flavor and aroma from the coffee beans. By using a coffee grinder with precise settings, you can set the perfect grind size for your preferred brewing method, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful cup of coffee.
Uniform coffee grinder
The best tasting coffee is made using 100 percent fresh and clean water. For example, the coffee flask is not suitable for filling the water tank because it may contain coffee residue that adds an unpleasant taste to the water.
Temperature also plays a crucial role in extracting flavors and aromas from the ground coffee. If you invest in equipment with precise temperature control, you can be sure that your coffee is brewed at the optimal temperature for maximum flavor extraction. The optimum temperature for the water is 92-96°C from the first drop and throughout the funnel process. Contact time means how long the water is in contact with the coffee powder before it drips into the flask of a coffee maker. The recommended time is 4-6 minutes, depending on the type of coffee you use.
2. The role of coffee equipment in coffee brewing
High-quality coffee equipment ensures that the ground coffee is extracted evenly and efficiently. It regulates the water temperature and the amount of water to ensure the best possible brew. You should have a funnel that empties the entire coffee maker of water between each brew, such as Wilfa Performance and Wilfa Precision do. Otherwise, you'll end up with a flat, bitter or sour cup of coffee - which you could have avoided with simple steps. By investing in reliable coffee equipment, you'll get a smoother and more flavorful cup of coffee.
Performance coffee maker
3. Evaluate your current coffee equipment
Before upgrading your coffee equipment, it's important to evaluate what you currently have and pay attention to the details.
Assess the quality of the coffee your coffee grinder is grinding, for example if you see any unevenness in the grind. Over time, older coffee grinders can produce uneven grind sizes, which can affect the flavor and extraction of the coffee. By identifying these signs of wear and tear, you can find out if it's time to upgrade.
Is your coffee maker showing signs of wear and tear? Worn coffee makers can have trouble maintaining the right brewing temperature, which can lead to under- or over-extracted coffee.
Another aspect to consider is whether the coffee maker is draining completely of water. You can easily check this by turning the coffee maker upside down, but make sure you do this over the sink.
4. Assess your coffee brewing needs
Consider what your needs and preferences are when it comes to coffee brewing. This will ensure that the upgrade is in line with your preferences and gives you the best coffee experience.
Among other things, it's important to think about how much coffee you usually brew. If you often brew coffee for a large group of people, you may need a coffee maker with a larger capacity. On the other hand, if you brew for a small household, it may be more appropriate to have a coffee maker that can also make smaller quantities of good quality coffee.
Once you've assessed your current coffee equipment, it's time to consider the key upgrades that will take your coffee brewing to the next level.
On our hoppers you can adjust the extraction time with the amount of coffee you want to make.
5. Upgrading your coffee grinder
A high-quality coffee grinder is a huge benefit for anyone who loves coffee. Imagine waking up in the morning, grabbing your coffee beans and grinding them to perfection. The aroma of coffee fills the air as the blades crush the beans effortlessly, creating an even and precise grind that ensures optimal extraction.
We recommend investing in a grinder with adjustable settings, as this allows you to fine-tune the grind to suit your preferred brewing method. Adjustable grind settings coupled with a high-quality grinder will ensure you get an even and precise grind every time, which is crucial for maximizing flavour extraction.
With a high-quality coffee grinder, you can unlock the full potential of your beans and transform them into an exceptional cup of coffee.