Brew Methods

While most other brewers can only be used in one way, the Free2BRU system gives you the flexibility to adjust and customize your brew method to explore what your coffee beans have to offer or simply just because you are feeling like something different.

The 5 methods below are great starting points to start using the Free2BRU System. See the "Customizations" section below and the "Troubleshooting" page to learn about the different ways to analyze and adjust your brew process.

Basic Methods

Immersion

The Immersion method lets the coffee grinds soak in hot water leading to a more even extraction of the coffee grinds. This method typically provides a sweeter tasting cup of coffee and is less prone to clogging and over extraction.

Summary:

- Is the most simple method to use.

- Best method to use when extracting coffee grinds that are prone to clogging.

- Lets you to brew coffee without a gooseneck kettle or pour aids.

- Typically produces a sweeter cup of coffee and is less prone to over extraction.

Instructions

Step 1 - Assemble the filter assembly and place it into the glass mug. Add 150 ml of hot water into the filter assembly to preheat the filter assembly and cup then pour the water out.

Step 2 - First add hot water then add coffee grounds second (20g Medium-fine ground coffee and 360ml water recommended as a starting point).

Step 3 - Stir with spoon while taking care not to scrape the filter. Stop stirring and allow the coffee to settle for 2 minutes.

Step 4 - Place the filter assembly on top of the mug with the support ring to allow the coffee to drain out of the filter assembly. Ensure that the support ring and filter assembly is securely placed on top of the mug with the support ring recessed into the cup.

Step 5 (Optional) – When flow reduces to a slow drip, place the lid onto the filter assembly. With one finger, slowly press and hold the middle of the lid with up to 3 pounds of force to speed up the flow. Once the flow slows down to a drip again, take your finger off and lift the lid slightly to equalize pressure within the filter assembly. Repeat pressing and lifting of the lid until the coffee has fully drained.

Caution: Ensure that the cup is on a solid and stable surface with the filter assembly securely supported on top of the cup before pressing. Do not apply more than 3 pounds of force onto the lid.

Step 6 – Place the filter assembly onto the lid then enjoy your coffee!

 

Percolation (Pour Over)

This method allows water to immediately flow through the coffee grinds as the water is added. This does not allow the coffee grinds to sit in a still bath of water which gives you more control over the taste of your coffee. This method is more prone to clogging and over extraction of the coffee grinds.

Summary:

- Gives more control over the taste of the coffee.

- Can provide the shortest brew time since there is no steep time.

- More prone to clogging and over extraction.

Instructions

Step 1 - Assemble the filter assembly and place it into the glass mug. Add 150 ml of hot water into the filter assembly to preheat the filter assembly and cup then pour the water out.

Step 2 - Place the filter assembly on top of the glass mug with the support ring. Ensure that the support ring and filter assembly is placed securely on top of the mug with the support ring recessed into the cup.

Step 3 - Add ground coffee (20g Medium-fine ground coffee recommended).

Step 4 - Using a pour aid (see "pour aid" in the customizations section below for details), slowly add in 60g of water into the filter assembly to wet (bloom) the coffee grinds.

Step 5 - Wait 45 seconds to allow the water to soak into the coffee grinds.

Step 6 - Using the pour aid, slowly add another 300g of water into the filter assembly and allow it to fully drain into the cup.

Step 7 (Optional) – When flow reduces to a slow drip, place the lid onto the filter assembly. With one finger, slowly press and hold the middle of the lid with up to 3 pounds of force to speed up the flow. Once the flow slows down to a drip again, take your finger off and lift the lid slightly to equalize pressure within the filter assembly. Repeat pressing and lifting of the lid until the coffee has fully drained.

Caution: Ensure that the cup is on a solid and stable surface with the filter assembly securely supported on top of the cup before pressing. Do not apply more than 3 pounds of force onto the lid.

Step 8 – Place the filter assembly onto the lid then enjoy your coffee!

 

Immersion / Percolation Hybrid

The Immersion / Percolation Hybrid method combines the immersion and percolation methods to let you extract as much out of your coffee grinds as possible. The immersion process is first used to complete the majority of the extraction process then the percolation process is used after to flush out the remaining coffee that is trapped within the coffee bed and also continue extracting the coffee with fresh water that is more "absorbent". This is method is best used to explore the limits of your coffee beans however it is prone to over extraction and clogging of the filter.

The Immersion / Percolation Hybrid method also lets you to make a cup of coffee with a taste profile which has characteristics of both the Immersion and percolation processes.

Summary:

- Allows you to maximize extraction of your coffee beans.

- Can be used to make coffee with both immersion and percolation taste characteristics.

- More prone to clogging and over extraction.

Instructions

Step 1 -  Assemble the filter assembly and place it into the glass mug. Add 150 ml of hot water into the filter assembly to preheat the filter assembly and cup then pour the water out

Step 2 - First add hot water then add coffee grounds second (20g Medium-fine ground coffee and 260ml water recommended as a starting point).

Step 3 - Stir with spoon while taking care not to scrape the filter. Stop stirring and allow the coffee to settle for 2 minutes.

Step 4 - Place the filter assembly on top of the mug with the support ring to allow the coffee to drain out of the filter assembly. Ensure that the support ring and filter assembly is securely placed on top of the mug with the support ring recessed into the cup.

Step 6 - Once the coffee has finished draining, use the pour aid (see "Pour Aid" in the customizations section below for details) to slowly add another 100g of water into the filter assembly and allow it to fully drain.

Step 7 (Optional) – When flow reduces to a slow drip, place the lid onto the filter assembly. With one finger, slowly press and hold the middle of the lid with up to 3 pounds of force to speed up the flow. Once the flow slows down to a drip again, take your finger off and lift the lid slightly to equalize pressure within the filter assembly. Repeat pressing and lifting of the lid until the coffee has fully drained.

Caution: Ensure that the cup is on a solid and stable surface with the filter assembly securely supported on top of the cup before pressing. Do not apply more than 3 pounds of force onto the lid.

Step 8 – Place filter assembly onto the lid then enjoy your coffee!

 

Cold Brew (Overnight Brew)

The nesting design of the Free2BRU allows you to make cold brew. Because the coffee does not drain until the filter assembly is lifted out of the cup, coffee grinds can steep in cold water overnight to make cold brew. Cold brew slowly extracts the flavor out of the coffee beans so it is best to prepare it the night before.

Instructions

Step 1 - Assemble the filter assembly and place it into the glass mug. Add 100 ml of cold water into the filter assembly to rinse the paper filter, then pour the water out.

Step 2 - First add cold water then add coffee grounds second (25g Medium-fine ground coffee and 360ml water recommended).

Step 3 - Stir with a spoon while taking care not to scrape the filter.

Step 4 - Cover the filter assembly and cup with the silicone lid and place it in the refrigerator to steep over night.

Step 5 - When ready to drink, remove the cup and filter assembly from the refrigerator and place it on a sturdy and level surface.

Step 6 - Remove the lid and place the filter assembly on top of mug with the support ring to allow the coffee to drain out of the filter assembly. Ensure that the support ring and filter assembly is securely placed on top of the mug with the support ring recessed into the cup.

Step 7 (Optional) – When flow reduces to a slow drip, place the lid onto the filter assembly. With one finger, slowly press and hold the middle of the lid with up to 3 pounds of force to speed up the flow. Once the flow slows down to a drip again, take your finger off and lift the lid slightly to equalize pressure within the filter assembly. Repeat pressing and lifting of the lid until the coffee has fully drained.

Caution: Ensure that the cup is on a solid and stable surface with the filter assembly securely supported on top of the cup before pressing. Do not apply more than 3 pounds of force onto the lid.

Step 8 – Place the filter assembly onto the lid then enjoy your coffee!

 

Ice Brew (Fast Brew)

The nesting design of the Free2BRU allows you to first extract the coffee with hot water and then add ice to the mixture of hot water and coffee grinds while it is still brewing. Adding the ice during the brew process will cool down the mixture and also allow the water that melts from the ice to further extract the coffee grinds. This allows you to make cold brew quickly without needing to add excessive amounts of ice after (and watering down your coffee).

Instructions

Step 1 - Assemble the filter assembly and place it into the glass mug. Add 100 ml of hot water into the filter assembly to rinse the paper filter, then pour the water out.

 Step 2 - First add hot water then add coffee grounds second (20g Medium-fine ground coffee and 200 ml water recommended).

Step 3 - Stir with a spoon while taking care not to scrape the filter.

Step 4 - Cover the filter assembly and cup with the silicone lid and let settle for 2 minutes.

Step 5 - Add 160g of ice into filter assembly then stir with a spoon while taking care not to scrape the filter.

Step 6 - Cover the filter assembly and cup with the silicone lid and let the coffee settle for 5 minutes. This allows the ice to cool down the coffee.

Step 7 - Remove the lid and place the filter assembly on top of the mug with the support ring to allow the coffee to drain out of the filter assembly. Ensure that the support ring and filter assembly is placed securely on top of the mug with the support ring recessed into the cup.

Step 8 (Optional) – When flow reduces to a slow drip, place the lid onto the filter assembly. With one finger, slowly press and hold the middle of the lid with up to 3 pounds of force to speed up the flow. Once the flow slows down to a drip again, take your finger off and lift the lid slightly to equalize pressure within the filter assembly. Repeat pressing and lifting of the lid until the coffee has fully drained.

Caution: Ensure that the cup is on a solid and stable surface with the filter assembly securely supported on top of the cup before pressing. Do not apply more than 3 pounds of force onto the lid.

Step 9 – Place the filter assembly onto the lid.

Step 10 - Add ice to keep your coffee cold and enjoy!

Customizations and Adjustments

Brew Style - Percolation, Immersion, or Hybrid

Immersion brewing is easier to produce a consistent cup and is less prone to over-extraction. Coffee grinds are extracted more gently with this method because it sits in a bath of water with little relative movement. As the water extracts the coffee grinds, the brew process slows down because the water becomes less "absorbent" as the coffee grinds are extracted. This method will promote more even extraction throughout the coffee particles leaving a cup of coffee with a more uniform and sweeter taste profile.

Percolation brewing is harder to use because it is more prone to clogging and over-extraction. The flushing of fresh water extracts coffee fines and the surface of coffee particles more aggressively while leaving the core of the coffee particles less extracted leading to a cup of coffee that is more dynamic but can become astringent (bitter) if over-done. The flushing of water also increases the risk of clogging because the flushing separates the fines from the coffee bed and doesn't allow the coffee bed to settle. Because of this, it is recommended to use a pour aid to minimize agitation of the coffee bed.

The Hybrid Brew Process is a unique brew process where the Free2BRU system allows you first brew with the immersion method and then the percolation brew method to adjust the taste profiles given by the immersion and percolation brew processes.

Coffee to water ratio

The ratio of water to coffee grinds will affect the strength of the coffee. Use less water if a stronger cup of coffee is desired or add more water to make it more diluted.

Adding more water to the brew process will affect the taste profile of the coffee as it will affect the brew process. If you don't want to change the taste profile and just make the cup of coffee weaker, add it to the coffee after it is finished brewing.

Addition of Water and Coffee Grinds

Adding water BEFORE the coffee grinds for the immersion method will yield a weaker extraction but will give a faster brew time. With a empty space between the cup and the brewer, the water that fills this void does not contribute to the extraction of the coffee grinds.

Adding water AFTER the coffee grinds for the immersion method will yield a stronger extraction but will result in a longer extraction. Water passes through the coffee bed and will extract and carry the easily dissolved components into the void space between the filter assembly and the cup. This allows all of the water to contribute to the brew processes and leaves more "absorbent" water within the filter assembly to extract the coffee during the steeping process. In addition to this, the water that flows into the void space will first agitate the coffee bed and carry fines into the paper filter resulting in reduced flow and a extended brew time resulting in a stronger extraction.

Multiple doses of coffee grinds at different times during the brew process will give a cup of coffee that is more dynamic because there will a mixture of coffee grinds with different extraction times.

Coffee Grind Size

Finer ground coffee will be more easily extracted due to the increased presence of fines, increased surface area of the coffee bed, and creation of smaller particles. This leads to a stronger extraction but can be over-extracted more readily (and taste more astringent / bitter).

Coarser ground coffee will be harder to extract due to the reduction of fines, reduction of bed surface area, and larger particles. This reduces extraction levels but may cause the coffee to be under-extracted (and taste sour).

Keep in mind that that brew times will be extended if the coffee beans are ground too fine or too coarse. Due to the efficient design of the Free2BRU system, it uses the coffee grinds as a pre-filter to filter fines which reduces clogging of the paper filter. Coffee grinds that are too coarse will allow the coffee to flow through quickly however it does not act as a effective pre-filter and will allow fines to flow through the coffee bed and clog the paper filter. Coffee grinds that are too fine will extend drain times as it will not allow coffee to flow through the coffee bed as easily and also be too effective at filtering out fines leading to clogging of the filter bed caused by a excessive buildup of coffee fines on the surface of the coffee bed. To figure out the ideal grind size, it should be first be adjusted so the surface of the coffee bed starts showing the presence of fines then adjusted for taste and brew speed.

Water Temperature

Hotter water will better extract the coffee however the coffee can become bitter due to over-extraction if the water is too hot.

Cooler water does not extract the coffee as well and can be used if the coffee is too bitter. If it is too cool, it may cause the cup of coffee to be under extracted and taste weaker and / or sour.

Settlement Time (Immersion Process)

Additional Settlement time will let the coffee grinds swell and settle on top of the paper filter. This lets the coffee bed act as a better pre-filter and also extends the brew time leading to a stronger extraction.

A excessive settlement time can lead to extended brew times and / or clogging which may cause over extraction.

Lid Function

The lid can be used to insulate the top of the filter assembly while coffee is brewing. Make sure that the lid is only sitting on top (without the handle placed through the slot) since the lid can create a air lock and stop coffee from draining out of the filter assembly.

The lid can be used as a pump to force coffee through the coffee bed and filter when drain times are excessive or when the brewer stalls. However, use of the lid will cause the coffee to be less "clean" as the added pressure forces fines through the paper filter and into your cup of coffee. To use the lid as a pump, simply place the lid on top of the filter assembly (with the handle placed through the slot) and gradually press down on the middle of the lid to force the coffee through the filter. Once the flow slows down, slightly lift the lid up to let air into the filter assembly. Repeat pressing and lifting until the coffee has finished draining.

Caution: Ensure that the cup is on a solid and stable surface with the filter assembly securely supported on top of the cup before pressing. Do not apply more than 3 pounds of force onto the lid.

The lid can be used to cover your cup and keep your coffee hot. The wide mouth design of the mug will allow the coffee to quickly cool down to a drinkable temperature when not covered.

The lid can be used used to hold the filter assembly once the coffee is done brewing to catch any drips. This will allow you to brew your coffee anywhere you like without needing additional items to catch drips from the filter assembly.

Stirring / Agitation

Stirring or agitation will speed up diffusion, prevent clumping, and prevent channeling however it will separate the fines from the coffee bed and let it recollect on the bed surface or the paper filter which can lead to extended brew times.

Stirring or excessive agitation of the coffee grinds without allowing it to settle should be avoided as it can clog the paper filter very quickly.

Pre-heat

The Free2BRU System is designed to let the filter assembly sit in a bath of hot water to let it preheat where other pour over brewers only get preheated momentarily as hot water flows through it.

An improved pre-heat process will reduce how much the coffee is cooled by the brewer and cup.

Pour Aids

Agitation of coffee grinds without allowing it to settle can quickly clog the paper filter. With the percolation method, simply pouring water into the filter assembly may cause enough agitation to clog the paper filter. Because the percolation method does not allow the coffee bed to settle, it is highly recommended to use a pour aid to reduce the amount of agitation caused by the water that is poured into the filter assembly.

To make a pour aid, simply take a tea spoon and bend it 90 degrees right above the bowl of the spoon so the bottom of the bowl is pointing upwards. Choose a spoon with a small bowl (to maximize maneuverability) and a long handle (to keep hands away from hot water or steam when in use).

To use the pour aid, hold the pour aid so the bowl of the spoon is slightly above the surface of the coffee grinds. Pour water onto the bowl of the spoon while slowly moving the spoon around to direct the water onto dry spots of the coffee bed. The spoon will break the fall of the water and let it gently flow onto the surface of the coffee bed to reduce agitation.

Caution: Hot water or steam may burn your hand. Ensure water is carefully poured in and choose a spoon that will give an adequate distance between your hand and hot water or steam coming from the hot water.

Second Paper Filter

The Free2BRU uses high flow filters that allow a small amount of sediment to pass which creates a unique taste profile. Two paper filters can be used at the same time to reduce the amount of sediment and produce a cleaner cup of coffee.

All information listed above are observations or informal interpretations that were developed to help explain the brew process and adjustments. We would be really interested in hearing from you if you have made any discoveries or want to improve on any of our recommendations!