can you make a small batch of concentrate using, say, 8oz of grounds or does it only work properly making a big batch?
762918
It's all in the ratios. But, since it takes so long to brew a batch I'm inclined to make as much as I can. But, if you follow the ratio of water and grounds, and follow the steps, I'm sure it would work just fine.
762919
I am sure the process would scale up and down as long as you kept the proportions correct. My only hesitation is that the process itself seems to be VERY sensitive to order and layering... e.g., you put in a cup of water, then the first round of ground beans to create kind of a mash (which seems to help keep the filter from clogging). Then you add more beans, more water, etc. I would ANTICIPATE if you kept that first layer consistent, the size of the subsequent layers and amounts of water wouldn't matter so much. All that said, having made five batches now, I think still think the whole system is pretty rickety, and I probably wouldn't buy it again. The concentrate I get out of it seems good, but not sensational. I probably should try a few different types of beans (been using Trader Joe's AA Kenyan and French Roast Decaf the last two batches). It also seems to use a lot of coffee (13 oz.) for a pot of concentrate -- which I end up using full strength over ice with just a splash of light cream (so, a lot of beans for a relatively few cups of iced coffee). I am inclined to go back to brewing a small thing of half-caf espresso in my Krups espresso maker, pouring it over ice, and sticking with an iced Americano. Good luck!
762920
I have'nt tried that yet but I don't see why that would'nt work with this unit..
1909035
well if you are making say 30 ml you would use maybe 1 -8 drops depending on flavor and the mix you are creating i ordered small graduated pipettes to make xtra small drops
143720
Minimum 1 drop, just pour enough water so the grounds can absorb and then release 1 drop of coffee.Maximum infinite, just keep pouring. Adjust grounds as necessary to get the flavor profile you want. For me ~14g ground is good for 8-12 oz coffee, I tried to get 16-24oz with that and lacked boldness.
1362558
I limit batch sizes to around 75 grams. More than that and you won't get good rotation of the beans. Also the unit will last longer. They do burn out pretty quick though.
299197
Yes. There is an adjustment that will slow down the dripping through the ground coffee so you can use a smaller amount of water and coffee to brew the amount you want. I use this every day to make just one large mug of coffee. It might take you a few times to get just the right amount of water and coffee to suit your taste, but it does make a great cup of coffee.
788668
Depends on your coffee strength and how much water you use. I use one heaping tablespoon per 8 oz. The more the better!
1065312
The smallesThe smallest amount you can grind is for 2 cups; if you don't grind I would imagine you could brew a single cup but that defeats the purpose of fresh ground coffee. The aroma from a fresh grind is unbelievable. I make 2 cups in the morning.
1321533
This does NOT make coffee concentrate...This makes cold brew coffee. They're not the same thing.
1033287
You can, but you probably won't like the result. There's a reason why these come in different sizes. They rely on fixed amounts of water and grounds. I have a friend who has two - one this size and a smaller one - trying to make a smaller batch in a bigger pot - undrinkable, like dirty socks and burnt rubber. Best bet is make a full pot and dump out what you don't drink
1911931
Yes, I microwave some water, then add the concentrate. If needed I will give it a bit more in the microwave. I only use expresso coffee as other blends won't give enough flavor.
77679
Yes, you can make less cups -- as a matter of fact, 8 cups is deceiving because their 8 cups is 5 ozs each and most people I know consider a cup to be 8 ozs, so it really doesn't make 8 cups; but I have made four with it and even two, and that works fine. I got the 8 cup size so I would be able to make a four to six cups at a time. It wouldn't work to have 8 real cups.
355807
Well, not exactly - it's a bit too small but it does work if you're making less than 8 cups. Any more than that and the grounds will probably overflow the filter - at least that's what happened to me. I use paper filters when I'm brewing 8 cups or more.
1627882
I have used it for a little and full. Works fine no matter how much you are making. Adjust your grounds and water and make what you need.
129947
From my experience with only grinding for one pot of coffee per day, I don't think that the container to hold the ground coffee is large enough to hold a full grind of the beans from the top container. My guess is that you would have to do it in two or three batches and that would take a few minutes.
2210988
I'm sure it could, but I agree with the others... unless you're grinding a whole bunch of it, it'd just make a mess, and even with a large batch, I don't think you'd get a consistent grind. Better to use a small coffee grinder.
2027468
I have made less, just used less water, 1/2 the amount and half the coffee in the container. Worked just fine for me.
1484461
I have made a small 4oz cup in it using regular grounds but it is much better for making espresso or cappuccino you will have to play with the amount of coffee you use two scoops is going to be strong I used 1/2 scoop. If you like regular coffee I suggest you look as one of the small one or two cup coffee makers.