Single-boiler espresso machines operate with just one boiler that handles both brewing espresso and steaming milk. Switching between brewing and steaming can be a delightful challenge!

Advantages

1. Single boiler machines are generally more budget-friendly than dual boiler options, making them ideal for novices or those mindful of spending.

2. With fewer parts, maintenance is straightforward, reducing the likelihood of technical issues.

3. Many single boiler models feature a sleek, compact design for businesses with limitations on space.

Disadvantages

1. A single boiler machine boiler is relatively small, so it has limited steam capacity when switching to steam mode. This can affect steam speed, dryness, and wait time.

2. Switching between functions can cause temperature fluctuations, potentially affecting the quality of your espresso.

3. Single boiler machines use the same boiler for steaming milk and heating water, making it difficult to do both simultaneously. This can decrease performance, making them less suitable for high-volume cafes

Dual Boiler Espresso Machines

Dual boiler machines stand out with two separate boilers—one for brewing coffee and another for steaming milk! This advanced feature allows you to brew and steam simultaneously, making it a fantastic choice for fans of milk-based beverages.

Advantages

1. With dedicated boilers, you can maintain optimal brewing and steaming temperatures and consistently achieve flavourful espresso.

2. The ability to brew and steam simultaneously streamlines the process, making it perfect for busy baristas or hosting gatherings.

3. Better temperature and pressure control typically leads to exceptional extraction and foaming, elevating your coffee experience!

Disadvantages

1. Dual boiler machines have a higher price tag, which may be a factor for casual coffee drinkers or those new to espresso-making.

2. These machines usually take up more counter space, so consider your layout before committing.

3. More components mean more potential for maintenance issues, which might deter those who appreciate simplicity.

Ready to make a decision? Here are some key factors to consider before speaking with our team.

Volume of Sales

Consider the expected volume of coffee you’ll sell daily. If you anticipate high traffic, a dual boiler machine might more effectively handle multiple orders, especially for milk-based beverages.

Coffee Menu

Think about the types of drinks you plan to offer. If your menu includes many espresso and milk-based drinks (like lattes and cappuccinos), investing in a dual boiler machine can enhance the quality and speed of service.

Budget

Establish your budget beforehand. Single boiler machines are generally more economical, whereas dual boiler models are a more significant upfront investment. Factors include the machine cost, maintenance, repairs, and additional equipment (like grinders or bulk brewers).

Space Requirements

Evaluate the available space in your café. Dual boiler machines usually require more countertop space, so make sure your layout can accommodate the size of your chosen machine.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

If your baristas need to be more experienced, a straightforward single boiler machine might be easier to handle. Conversely, more professional staff might benefit from the precision and control of a dual boiler.

Brand and Reliability

Research different brands and their reputations in the industry. Look for machines known for durability and serviceability, as you want a machine that will stand up to daily use.

Features and Technology

Check for additional features like programmable settings, PID temperature control, and built-in grinders. These can enhance the user experience and the consistency of your brews.

Customer Service and Support

Ensure the manufacturer offers good customer support and service options. Reliable support can save you time and money in case of any issues.

Aesthetics  

Consider the coffee machine's design and aesthetics. Since the coffee machine is often a focal point in a café, its appearance should align with the café's overall branding and atmosphere.

Considering these factors can help you make a well-informed decision to benefit your café and enhance your customers’ coffee experience. To discuss coffee machinery with a team member today, reach out via the Contact Us page.

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of the AeroPress, especially if you’re a coffee enthusiast. This simple yet ingenious coffee brewing device has gained a cult following since its invention, transforming the way many of us enjoy our coffee at home or on the go. And with the annual World AeroPress Championships bringing coffee lovers from all over the globe together to celebrate this humble brewer, it’s clear that the AeroPress is here to stay.

This year, the WAC will be held in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal, where coffee enthusiasts and top-tier baristas from around the globe will gather to show off their brewing skills using this unassuming yet powerful device.

But what exactly makes the Aeropress so special? Let’s dive into its history, why it's a favorite among coffee champions, and how you can brew your own perfect cup at home—just like the pros.

A Brief History of the Aeropress

The Aeropress was invented in 2005 by Alan Adler, a Stanford University professor and engineer best known for his work on flying toys, including the famous Aerobie frisbee. Adler’s foray into the world of coffee brewing began when he sought to design a device that could brew a cup quickly while offering rich, nuanced flavors without bitterness. The result was the Aeropress, a small, cylindrical coffee maker that uses air pressure to push water through coffee grounds.

What set the Aeropress apart was its simplicity. In a world dominated by complicated coffee machines, the Aeropress was easy to use, portable, and incredibly versatile, capable of producing a wide range of coffee styles—from espresso-like shots to smooth, full-bodied cups.

Since its release, the AeroPress has captivated coffee lovers around the world for its ease of use, versatility, and ability to deliver exceptional coffee with minimal equipment. What began as a niche brewing device has now grown into an international sensation, leading to the creation of the World AeroPress Championships (WAC), where coffee aficionados from different countries gather annually to showcase their creative brewing techniques.

Despite its humble origins, the Aeropress quickly gained a cult following, and by 2008, the first World Aeropress Championship was held in Oslo, Norway. The competition has since grown into an international phenomenon, with competitors from over 60 countries vying for the title of best Aeropress brewer.

The World Aeropress Championship: Lisbon 2024

The World Aeropress Championship (WAC) is a celebration of creativity, precision, and the pursuit of the perfect cup. Competitors each bring their own unique brewing techniques and recipes, demonstrating the versatility of the Aeropress in extracting complex flavors from coffee beans.

This year, the WAC is hosted in the culturally rich city of Lisbon, Portugal—a fitting location for a championship that thrives on diversity and innovation. Lisbon’s vibrant coffee culture, with its history of traditional coffee houses and a growing specialty coffee scene, makes it the perfect backdrop for this global event. Baristas will go head-to-head, crafting their best brews in front of an international audience, each hoping to capture the title of Aeropress champion.

How to Brew Like a Champion with Your Aeropress

While the WAC competitors may have their own secret techniques and finely tuned recipes, you don’t need to be a barista to brew a championship-worthy cup. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use your Aeropress to create a delicious, balanced brew that highlights the flavors of your coffee beans.

What You’ll Need:

• Aeropress
• Paper filter
• Coffee beans (freshly ground for best results)
• Grinder
• Kettle
• Scale (optional but recommended)
• Stirrer
• Timer
• Water (heated to 85°C - 92°C or 185°F - 200°F)

The Inverted Method (Champion’s Favorite):

Many championship baristas use the inverted method—a simple variation on the standard brew technique that gives you more control over steeping time and extraction.

Step 1: Prepare Your Aeropress

1. Place the plunger inside the chamber, and turn the Aeropress upside down so the plunger is at the bottom.
2. Insert a paper filter into the filter cap, and rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste.

Step 2: Weigh and Grind Your Coffee

• Measure out 14-18 grams of coffee, depending on your taste preference.
• Grind your coffee to a medium-fine consistency—similar to table salt.

Step 3: Add the Coffee

• Pour the ground coffee into the inverted Aeropress chamber.

Step 4: Bloom the Coffee

• Start your timer and pour in about 40-50 grams of water to saturate the grounds, just enough to cover them.
• Let the coffee "bloom" for about 30 seconds—this releases carbon dioxide from the coffee, enhancing flavor.

Step 5: Add More Water

• After the bloom, pour in the remaining water until you reach around 200 grams in total.
• Stir the coffee gently for about 10 seconds to ensure even extraction.

Step 6: Attach the Filter Cap

• Secure the filter cap to the top of the Aeropress, being careful not to spill the liquid.

Step 7: Flip and Press

• After about 1:30 to 2:00 minutes of steeping, carefully flip the Aeropress onto your cup or mug.
• Slowly press the plunger down, applying even pressure until you hear a hissing sound, which means all the liquid has been extracted.

Step 8: Enjoy!

• Congratulations—you’ve just brewed a cup of coffee like a champion! Take a moment to savor the flavors in your cup.

Tuning Your Brew Like a Pro

One of the beauties of the Aeropress is its flexibility. You can tweak your recipe to match your taste or experiment with different brewing methods, just like the baristas at the WAC do. Here are a few variables you can play with to adjust the flavor profile of your brew:

• • Grind size: A finer grind will extract more quickly and produce a stronger, more intense flavor, while a coarser grind will give you a lighter, more delicate cup.
  • Water temperature: Hotter water will extract more bitterness and body, while slightly cooler water can bring out brighter, more nuanced flavors.
  • Brew time: Longer steeping times can intensify the flavor, but too long can lead to over-extraction and bitterness. Aim for a total brew time of 2-3 minutes to start, then adjust to taste.

Conclusion: Brew Like a Champion

Whether you’re competing in the World Aeropress Championship or simply brewing your morning coffee at home, the Aeropress offers endless possibilities to perfect your cup. Its reputation as a tool for both champions and casual brewers alike is well-earned, and with a bit of practice, you too can brew coffee that rivals the best in the world.

So, as the baristas in Lisbon compete for the title of Aeropress champion, why not join them in spirit? Purchase an Aeropress from our online store along with a bag of our expertly roasted specialty coffee, experiment with your brewing technique, and discover your own award-winning cup of coffee.

Who knows—you might just have what it takes to brew like a champion!

If you're a specialty coffee enthusiast, there's nothing quite like the smooth, rich taste of homemade cold brew coffee. It's the perfect way to enjoy your favorite coffee beans, especially during warmer months. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of making cold brew coffee at home, using specialty coffee key words to elevate your coffee game.

Ingredients:

• 50g coarsely ground specialty coffee beans (shop our coffee collection here)
• 4 cups cold, (preferably filtered) water

Equipment:

• Large jar or pitcher
• Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer
• Coffee filter or a fine sieve
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Specialty Coffee Beans:
   • Select high-quality, freshly roasted specialty coffee beans. The unique flavors and aromas of specialty coffee will shine in your cold brew.
2. Grind the Coffee Beans:
   • Use a burr grinder to grind the beans to a coarse consistency. Coarse grounds prevent over-extraction, resulting in a smooth and balanced cold brew.
3. Combine Coffee and Water:
   • Place the coarsely ground coffee in a large jar or pitcher.
   • Add the cold, filtered water, ensuring all coffee grounds are fully saturated.
4. Stir and Steep:
   • Stir the mixture gently to mix the coffee grounds and water thoroughly.
   • Cover the jar or pitcher and let it steep at room temperature for 12-24 hours. For a stronger, bolder flavor, steep for the full 24 hours.
5. Strain the Coffee:
   • After steeping, strain the coffee to remove the grounds. Use a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth, or a coffee filter placed in a sieve, to ensure a smooth, grit-free brew.
   • Pour the cold brew through the strainer into a clean jar or pitcher.
6. Store and Serve:
   • Transfer the strained cold brew concentrate to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
   • To serve, pour the cold brew concentrate over ice and dilute with water, milk, or your favorite milk alternative. A typical ratio is 1:1, but adjust to taste.
7. Customize Your Cold Brew:
   • Enhance your cold brew with various flavorings and sweeteners. Add a splash of vanilla extract, a drizzle of simple syrup, or experiment with different milk options to find your perfect combination.

Tips for the Perfect Cold Brew:

• Specialty Coffee Beans: Opt for single-origin beans to experience unique flavor profiles. Nicaragua Don Victor, Colombia La Leona and Guatemala Monte Cristo are excellent choices for cold brew.
• Freshness Matters: Use freshly roasted and freshly ground beans for the best results. Specialty coffee is all about capturing the peak flavors and aromas.
• Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time to match your taste preferences. A stronger brew can handle more dilution, making it versatile for different drinks.
• Keep It Cold: Serve your cold brew over ice for a refreshing beverage. Cold brew concentrate can also be heated gently for a smooth, low-acidity hot coffee.

Why Choose Cold Brew?

Cold brew coffee offers a smooth, low-acidity alternative to traditional hot brewing methods. It's perfect for those who prefer a milder coffee experience with nuanced flavors. Plus, it's incredibly versatile—enjoy it straight, over ice, or as the base for creative coffee drinks.

Making cold brew coffee at home is a rewarding process that allows you to fully appreciate the unique qualities of specialty coffee beans. Follow this guide, and you'll be savoring a delicious cold brew that highlights the best of your favorite coffee beans in no time. Enjoy the journey of discovering your perfect cup! We've used our Nicaragua for a refreshing, floral cup ☕️