VST LAB Coffee III
TESTED IN 05 · USED IN 02
Tested in
NO. 08 · 2016Examining the Impact of Particulate Matter in Refractometry for Coffee AssessmentVST syringe filters remove much, but not all, of the particulate matter that skews refractometer readings. They also remove some dissolved solids and release particles of their own.BREWING · MEASUREMENT · TOOLS● SupportedNO. 07 · 2015Comparing the Impact of Tamper on ExtractionOf the four tampers tested, only the La Marzocco changed extraction, giving significantly lower TDS and extraction yield. The other three were statistically the same.ESPRESSO · TOOLS● SupportedNO. 06 · 2015The Impact of Tamping Pressure on Espresso ExtractionTamping anywhere from 5 to 20 kg made no difference to espresso TDS or extraction. Brew weight was the only factor that mattered.ESPRESSO○ Not supportedNO. 05 · 2015Measuring Total Dissolved Solids: A Refractometer Comparison (Part III — Espresso & Filters)For espresso, the Atago PAL-COFFEE, VST LAB II and VST LAB III measured TDS comparably. The Atago gave the tightest repeat readings.ESPRESSO · MEASUREMENT · TOOLS—NO. 03 · 2015Measuring Total Dissolved Solids: A Refractometer Comparison (Part II)The VST LAB III and Atago PAL-COFFEE performed comparably, and both were significantly less variable than the older VST LAB II.BREWING · MEASUREMENT · TOOLS—Studies that measured this piece of gear or its effect.
Used in
NO. 10 · 2016Examining the Impact of the OCD (and OCD 2) on Total Dissolved Solids ExtractionThe OCD and OCD 2 distribution tools consistently lowered espresso TDS and extraction yield, and didn't make shots any more consistent.ESPRESSO · TOOLS○ Not supportedNO. 09 · 2016Exploring the Impact of Particles on Espresso ExtractionParticle size alone didn't predict espresso extraction, but a wider range of particle sizes increased it. Smaller particles lengthened shots; where they sat in the puck didn't matter.ESPRESSO · GRINDING · TOOLS○ Not supported● SupportedStudies where it was part of the setup, not the subject.