In search of the fastest pot of coffee

Question

Good Day,

I am in search of the fastest pot of coffee. As a brand new business, I am also shopping for a single or 2-pot capacity brewer. If you please, is there a source of fill-time statistics one can peruse?
Thank you for your kind attention.
Susan

Answer

Dear Susan,

There are several single cup options available at both retail and commercial levels. Single cup brewers give you a fresh brewed cup in approximately 30 to 60 seconds. The variety of coffees and teas is growing at the retail outlets.

Here are some websites with reviews of small capacity or single-serve coffee brewers.

Kevin Sinnott's Coffee Companion

Coffee Geek

Whole Latte Love

Single Serve Coffee

These are just a few of many on the internet.

Happy Brewing,
Dr. Brew

Good things come to those who wait

Question

From the Company Kitchen
Dear Dr. Brew,
In our kitchen at work, we use a 3-burner Bunn-O-Matic. I was chastised this morning by a coworker for sneaking in my cup underneath the brewing stream because I didn’t want to wait for the whole pot to fill. She complained that by doing so, I took all the "strong" coffee and that the coffee that brews at the end of the cycle is mostly water. Is this true? I have better things to do with my time than wait for the whole pot to brew but heaven forbid that I deprive my coworkers of the perfect "blend" of strong and weak coffee.
Seriously, it’s that important to these people.
Thanks,
Anne

Answer

Anne,

It is true! Good things come to those who wait. Drip brewed coffee does extract in phases. The great elixir you are retrieving in your cup during the early portion of the brew, is two to three times stronger than what is left for you co-workers. Allowing the brew to complete the cycle provides uniform brew strength and flavor profile.

Happy Brewing,
Dr. Brew

Maintaining grind size

Question

Dear Dr. Brewski,

Where can I obtain grind samples? I have 3 BUNN commercial grinders, but they all grind differently. I would like to see grind samples so I have some idea of what the grind is supposed to look like.

Many thanks,
Ken
Django’s Coffee
Lebanon, MO

Answer

Dear Ken,

Thanks for the questions related to grind size. Grind/particle size is one of the most important pieces of a properly brewed cup of coffee. As for three grinders giving different results, we need to start with a maintenance check. It's unclear if all grinders are the same model or age. To get to a fresh starting point, all three grinders should have the grind chambers disassembled and burrs, augers, chambers discharged and motor shafts checked for wear and cleaned. Following reassembly, all grinders should be adjusted according the manufacturers' manual.

Grind samples are not readily available. A suggestion would be to retain a sample from the grinders after the maintenance is completed. This would give you a sample that matches the type of grinder you use.

Generally there are a few guidelines for the grind size to use with your brewing system. The one we need to deal with here is time of contact between the ground coffee and the brew water. For brews completed within 4 minutes, the recommended grind is designated as fine grind, 4-6 minutes is designated as drip grind and 6-8 minutes as coarse grind.

Happy Brewing,

Dr. Brew

Removing airpot residue

Question

I have several airpots which have developed a residue on the inside. Is there a way to remove this residue? Is there a cleaner or chemical you suggest?

Thanks for your help.

30 year loyal Bunn user.

Paul

Answer

Dear Paul,

Thanks for the request of information. Keeping the inside of your servers and dispense tube assemblies clean is important to the quality of the beverages you serve. The type of cleaners can be different for the material construction of your servers. Glass-lined servers should only be cleaned with cleaners and brushes that do not scratch the surface. Stainless-lined servers are more durable, although most manufacturers recommend avoiding a chlorinated cleanser with a concentration of more than 50 ppm (parts per million). Wipe the outer surfaces with a soft cloth rinsed in a mild detergent and rinse away any residue.

Get more information on cleaning here.

Happy Brewing,
Dr. Brew