Reference¶
Extraction targets and equipment facts for dialing in a brew. See also: hub, Explanation, How-to guides.
Filter Coffee Targets¶
- Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (for example, 15g coffee to 225-250g water).
- Temperature: 90–93°C. Hotter for washed coffees, cooler for experimental/funky processed coffees.
- Time Window: 2:30 to 3:30 total brew time.
- Pours: 3 pours for most coffees. 4 for lighter roasts. 5 for ultra-light imports.
- TDS Target (Strength): 1.20% to 1.45% Total Dissolved Solids.
- Extraction Yield (EY): 18% to 22%. Extraction above 22% often leads to astringency. You can pass 22% only with perfectly aligned SSP MP burrs and ultra-light roasts.
Espresso Targets¶
- Ratio: 1:2 (for example, 20g in, 40g out).
- Time Window: 25–35 seconds total, including pre-infusion.
- Pressure: Typically 9 bar. Modern setups often use 6 bar for higher extraction yields and less channeling on light roasts.
- Water Chemistry for Machine Health:
- Total Hardness: 50–100 ppm (as CaCO₃)
- Alkalinity: 40–80 ppm (as CaCO₃)
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- Chlorine: 0 ppm (strictly enforced to prevent boiler pitting).
Burr Performance Comparison (80mm Flat)¶
| Metric | SSP Multipurpose (MP) | SSP High Uniformity (HU) / Weber ULF |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity | Very High | Moderate |
| Body/Mouthfeel | Light (Tea-like) | Heavy (Syrupy) |
| Fines Production | Extremely Low | Moderate (Intentional) |
| Ideal Application | Filter, Modern Light Espresso | Traditional Espresso, Milk Drinks |
| Flow Rate (Espresso) | Very Fast (Requires fine grind) | Traditional (More forgiving) |
| Forgiveness | Low (Demands perfect puck prep) | High (Tolerates minor inconsistencies) |
Note: Benchmarks reflect ideal operating conditions. Burr alignment, water temperature stability, and puck preparation consistency heavily dictate real-world extraction limits.
Sources¶
- NiR Coffee Brew Guide — Baseline recipes for filter and espresso, resting protocols, and equipment setups.
- Web Research: "water chemistry for coffee brewing ppm ro filter espresso" — Guidelines for remineralization of RO water.
- Web Research: "SSP MP burrs vs Weber ULF burrs coffee grinder" — Comparisons of burr geometries for clarity vs. body.