Data logging and experiment design
How to design structured coffee experiments and use data logging to track variables, extract insights, and improve consistency.
- Coffee Basics Nerds
- 2 min read
Article 9 of 12 in Advanced Extraction & Research/
Why Experiment Design Matters
- Coffee extraction involves many interacting variables (grind, dose, water temp, pressure, time).
- Without structured methods, it’s hard to isolate what truly drives flavor changes.
- Experiment design ensures valid, repeatable results.
Core Elements of Experiment Design
- Define Objective: What question are you answering? (e.g., Does water temp affect perceived acidity?).
- Independent Variables: Factors you manipulate (grind size, brew ratio).
- Dependent Variables: Outcomes measured (extraction yield, sensory score).
- Controls: Keep other factors constant (water composition, roast age).
- Replication: Multiple trials ensure reliability.
Data Logging Tools
- Roasting Software: Logs temperature curves, rate of rise.
- Espresso Machines: Pressure and flow profiling logs.
- Scales & Refractometers: Automate EY and TDS tracking.
- Spreadsheets & Apps: Record recipes, times, and sensory notes.
Structured Experiment Approaches
- Single Variable Testing (SVT): Change one factor, hold others constant.
- Factorial Designs: Vary multiple factors simultaneously to detect interactions.
- Response Surface Methodology (RSM): Advanced statistical modeling for optimization.
Practical Example
- Question: Does grind size affect balance in V60 brews?
- Design: 3 grind levels, fixed dose, fixed water temp.
- Data: Record TDS, EY, drawdown time, cupping scores.
- Analysis: Compare means, plot grind vs extraction curves.
Benefits of Logging & Design
- Creates objective data to support sensory observations.
- Improves repeatability across baristas and sessions.
- Helps troubleshoot inconsistencies systematically.
Summary
Data logging and experiment design transform coffee brewing from guesswork into structured learning. By recording variables, controlling experiments, and analyzing results, professionals can refine methods and achieve consistent, evidence-based improvements in coffee quality.
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- Tags:
- Grind Size
- Coffee Quality
- Matters Coffee
- Extraction Yield
- Espresso Machines
- Cupping Scores
- Coffee Brewing
- Brew Ratio
- Rate Rise
- Dose Water
- Coffee Extraction
- Tds Ey
- Data Logging
- Grind Dose
- Pressure Flow
- Flow Profiling
- Achieve Consistent
- Variables Grind
- Water Temp
- Ey Tds
- Sensory Notes
- Practical Example
- Perceived Acidity
- Repeatable Results
- Size Brew