ULTIMATE COFFEE REFRACTOMETER SHOWDOWN (Plus Methodology and Best Practices)

Ойын-сауық

Refractometer best practices, explanation of TDS and EY, and a refractometer showdown. What more can you want as a coffee nerd?
Why is the VST my baseline?
Here is an independent study showing the VST is at most at .03% accuracy vs. over drying:
www.nature.com/articles/s4159...
Scroll to the supplementary info and see Supp Fig 3!
(here is a link- static-content.springer.com/e... )
TIME CUES BELOW
Thank you for watching! Please consider subscribing if you have yet to do so. Every bit of interaction helps fuel both this channel monetarily but myself motivationally.
Thank you Jonathan Gagne for the help creating the graphs and to my discord for giving me some company while brewing and measuring. Find data and graphs here- www.dropbox.com/sh/yonpqn2cma...
QUICK NOTE- I actually took 10 samples of espresso, not 5. I did 5 more after filming to match the 10 for filter.
If you'd like to BUY an Atago or Difluid, please consider using the following links if and only if you are planning on using amazon. Personally, I would prefer you find another means to obtain these pieces of equipment, if you are going this route, I'd appreciate taking a bite out of their apple. I get a small commission on any purchases made with them. I also have an amazon storefront wherein you can buy most anything through it and I'll receive some kickback. Again, only if you aren't able to find them at local shops or reputable resellers. Thanks!
Atago- amzn.to/3TlhQxo
"Yellow Boi"- amzn.to/3PWlV84
DiFluid- amzn.to/3RhKRIw
My storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/lancehedrick
__________________
Join my Patreon community at:
/ lancehedrick
Find me on IG at:
/ lancehedrick
Find me on Facebook at:
/ lancehedrickcoffee
__________________
Watch JKim Makes Aforementioned Video:
• Refractometers, How Do...
Jonathan Gagne on Refractometry:
coffeeadastra.com/2019/02/20/...
coffeeadastra.com/2019/02/17/...
coffeeadastra.com/2019/09/21/...
Scott Rao on Refractometry:
• Episode #83 Refractome...
• Scott Rao - On extract...
pBsGWKtRlz...
A Waste of Coffee Guide:
awasteof.coffee/how-to/measur...
awasteof.coffee/2019/02/24/ne...
Calculator:
awasteof.coffee/tools/univers...
Precision notes from VST:
cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/009...
cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/009...
0:00- Introduction
3:40- TDS and EY Defined
6:47- Percolation Equation
10:00- Immersion Equation
11:19- Mixed Methods Equation
13:21- LRR and Interstitial
16:13- Methodology
22:43- Digression 1 on Distilled vs Brew Water
23:47- Methodology cont'd
27:41- Digression 2 on Mushrooms
31:21- SHOWDOWN
38:18- Results
42:27- Concluding Thoughts
Thanks to the following!
Track: Phoria - Metro Vice (ft. Dubfest) [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Phoria (ft. Dubfest) -...
Free Download / Stream: alplus.io/phoria

Пікірлер: 316

  • @LanceHedrick
    @LanceHedrick Жыл бұрын

    OK people. I understand audio isn't great. I just moved continents and am still trying to get everything set up. I'm filming in a coffee school and the echo is quite bad, distorting audio. This has great info in it, so give it a try. If not, no worries! Cheers

  • @alexblank91

    @alexblank91

    Жыл бұрын

    It's not that bad (just my opinion, but as an audio engineer, I can only say it could be way worse and is really just a bit reverby). There *could have been* noise, clipping-related distortion, phasing issues, but there's only a bit of reverb-not that bad and not worth getting upset over. Don't let the moaners spoil the pride and accomplishment of your work

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Especially since you're an AE, means a lot

  • @germy8211

    @germy8211

    Жыл бұрын

    I was so mesmerized by the moustache I forgot to actually listen to the video anyway

  • @zachgoldstein4411

    @zachgoldstein4411

    Жыл бұрын

    @@alexblank91 yeah also a professional audio engineer and its just a little far away in a room w a lot of hard surfaces. Im not hearing any audible clipping. Agree its no issue

  • @JonFairhurst

    @JonFairhurst

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah, I found the audio to be annoying, so I stopped the video after about 10 seconds. I guess I’ll watch it with captions. Definitely get a lapel mic. Rode has a nice wireless one for a reasonable price. And yes, the space is poor for audio. If you can hang blankets behind the camera, it would help a lot, even with a lavalier mic on your shirt. As they say, audio is more than 50% of video!

  • @bubba_sawyer
    @bubba_sawyer Жыл бұрын

    I just don’t understand why so many people on here are quick to bring up negativity with Lance’s channel. The dude seems super chill, and he’s giving us info we enjoy. He’s allowed to have an opinion, and his audio is fine…the amount of rude comments is so irritating.

  • @Fatboypool

    @Fatboypool

    Жыл бұрын

    Lance is a great person. And his videos have passion and love in them. What more can anyone ask for?

  • @bubba_sawyer

    @bubba_sawyer

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Fatboypool exactly!!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @ystebadvonschlegel3295

    @ystebadvonschlegel3295

    Жыл бұрын

    I’m 15 seconds in but I would imagine people are commenting on the hollow echo sound. It’s not good. Such comments are constructive feedback. Not hating but his content is good so presentation should rise as well. Love you, Lance.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Oh some comments were constructive. Saying "damn, terrible audio" is not constructive at all

  • @brandonwentz655
    @brandonwentz655 Жыл бұрын

    Is the audio perfect? Nope. The lighting the best? Nah. Is it the content we need? Absolutely. We all see these being used but struggle to decipher price and necessity. You’re the real hero here Lance.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you, brandon! Appreciate the support

  • @itsxris
    @itsxris Жыл бұрын

    I went through 7 different microphone/audio setups over 2 years before finally being satisfied with what I've got - it takes time people! Video is still understandable enough to learn from :)

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    For sure! But also, this was a location with bad reverb. Will be better in my studio!

  • @linshu-hong855
    @linshu-hong855 Жыл бұрын

    As a former laboratory scientist, I really enjoy the detailed explanation on calculations, careful calibration and care for instruments, and data-driven conclusions. As always, thank you for the good work!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the kind words!

  • @osammah
    @osammah Жыл бұрын

    Wow! Watched every second with great joy! Paused to take some notes. This is the video I needed the most! I’ve been looking for this information for the past month & I can’t believe how this vid was made for EVERY question I had thought of, and more! Thanks for the effort. And oh by the way, I am watching while traveling with the car audio, and it’s perfectly fine. If people hate the sound, they should look at the positive (the effort put in).

  • @huntercarmical4016
    @huntercarmical4016 Жыл бұрын

    Glad this video went out before I bought a budget refractometer. Love the super in depth scientific videos. Got 2 pages of notes out of this video and probably more after I write down the workflow. Thanks as always, Lance!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Oh wow! I love hearing you took notes! Makes me feel like i'm teaching undergrad courses again. Thank you!

  • @rupertmcleod4198
    @rupertmcleod4198 Жыл бұрын

    Cheers! I am constantly amazed at how involved one can get with coffee brewing and the science behind it!

  • @klaus.thomsen
    @klaus.thomsen Жыл бұрын

    Great video Lance. Been using the VST refractometers for years, and the Atago always reminded me a lot of the first "ExtractMojo" refractomer that Vince of VST made. I still have mine and yes, it works. Just requires calibration quite often and it's very finicky with temperature. At home it's great, but I don't understand any professional environment that doesn't go for the VST Lab refractometer. It's SO much easier to use, doesn't require calibration very often, hard to destroy and gives very accurate readings (also accounts somewhat for temperature fluctuations, although cooling the sample is still super important). The money a coffee shop spends on this is by far returned in quality, providing the baristas know how to properly use it. Also, thanks for saving me the money on those two cheaper alternatives. Glad I can skip testing them myself, now you've done all the hard work :)

  • @serenabalassi6024
    @serenabalassi6024 Жыл бұрын

    This video saved my life during an intermediate barista class I was really struggling with! Thank you!!!!

  • @peterfraunhoffer7126
    @peterfraunhoffer7126 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the great video! A lot of work went into it and the explanations are really good and easy to follow! This is the important fact, not the quality of the sound. Yours has become one of the best coffee channels on YT. Keep up the good work and thank you for it!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Peter! That truly means a lot. Happy you enjoyed the video!

  • @hodgesmt
    @hodgesmt Жыл бұрын

    Love the intro, your videos are always a highlight of my day. Keep the the great work!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! I appreciate it loads

  • @GermySleeps
    @GermySleeps Жыл бұрын

    I really thought I knew how refractometer's and tds worked but you still taught me so many things... thanks for the great content as always!! Very helpful

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Great! So glad you enjoyed it!

  • @pedrobrites2
    @pedrobrites2 Жыл бұрын

    Sunday night perfect for this one 😀 thanks for all the joy and share of knowledge you provide 👍

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    haha hope it didn't lull you to sleep! haha

  • @willhomerrr
    @willhomerrr Жыл бұрын

    Brilliant video. So much info that touches on so many important things, especially the methodology which can get forgotten about when it's a refractometer that lives on a bar. One thing I'd like to share; it's not perfect, but a budget alternative to VST filters that I was shown is using an aeropress filter folded into quarters, like a chemex paper. Again, not perfect, but at least its a lot less waste than the VST syringe method.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    This is true and something I used exclusively prior to this video haha!

  • @lukemorison2355
    @lukemorison2355 Жыл бұрын

    you’re awesome, this video is awesome, your channel is awesome. can’t believe how accessible you make coffee to our industry, thanks again for providing such insane knowledge without a paywall. seriously hope the negative nancys in these comments move beyond their tunnel vision for good audio with bold assumptions, and instead appreciate the good work that you do for our awesome industry. cheers Lance!

  • @sugarysuzy1
    @sugarysuzy1 Жыл бұрын

    So grateful for this indepth review! Thank you 👍🏻

  • @dersnuka
    @dersnuka Жыл бұрын

    I’m seriously waiting for the Hance Ledrick KZread channel. Awesome info as always to geek out about.

  • @ej-kg4vy
    @ej-kg4vyАй бұрын

    This has to be the only video on coffee that ive watched that filled so much of my notebook hahahhaaa, the replay factor on this video alone is insane

  • @dragade101
    @dragade101 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for diving into the nerdy stuff!

  • @adamholliefield878
    @adamholliefield878 Жыл бұрын

    Been waiting for this one for a long time!! Thanks Lance!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Hope it lived up to your expectations!

  • @ElectTheChopStick
    @ElectTheChopStick Жыл бұрын

    No issue with the audio, i can understand anything you say and that's what matters. This is an amazing video on a topic that is extremely interesting and yet quite scary if you do not have all this info available. I have to say that i am quite disappointed with di fluid, i hoped that it was a better tool. I cannot justify to pay more for a refractometer as a home Barista. Thanks again for this info, videos like this and the one about about paper filters are what makes your content so much special imo. Explaining "nerdy" and intimidating concepts in such an understandable way is truly a talent. Keep up the great and educational content :).

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! Really means a lot!

  • @khupsamliankhaute7951
    @khupsamliankhaute7951 Жыл бұрын

    Another great content Lance!!! Keep up the great work. ❤

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you so much! Really appreciate the support!

  • @jonascampos1895
    @jonascampos1895 Жыл бұрын

    Very important video for the industry at large! Well done

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you! Means a lot! Appreciate you

  • @yannickschilli2477
    @yannickschilli2477 Жыл бұрын

    I‘ve got „the yellow one“ since a few years and was waiting for a video like this! Thank you so much! I think I need to wish an other for christmas 😅

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm glad you enjoyed it!

  • @devonmoonie6860
    @devonmoonie6860 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for this in-depth video Lance.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you, Devon, for watching!

  • @KrazyShark
    @KrazyShark Жыл бұрын

    Finally a video about refractometers :D by none other but our fav coffee nerd. The audio is way better this time around. Some fellas might've had a bad coffee day cause it takes time and effort to set up in a new place. No need to be rude, just sip back ☕ relax.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Really appreciate it. Next video will be even better.

  • @amthy15
    @amthy15 Жыл бұрын

    Yo this was incredible, this is why lance was an INSTANT sub for me a while back, the clarity and attention to detail is unparalleled. So fuckin good.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! These are my favorite videos to make but usually get the least love. Appreciate it!

  • @amthy15

    @amthy15

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LanceHedrick idk man, it might not pay the bills entirely but i think I've watched your like 40+ minute long deep dives into gear and concepts like, 8+ times each 😂, 8 whole views! Just lil ol me! That's like what, $0.0004 in KZread premium revenue? Yeah they totally pay creators fairly and reasonably... Nah but actually tho, I just like putting long form informative food/coffee videos on while I work/do stuff around the apartment. They're excellent, i totally get it if they don't drive engagement but I genuinely love every single one. Thanks for the content. (Brb while i go remember you have a patreon, and go actually compensate you lol what a wild concept)

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Really appreciate this! I'll always do long form as one style simply because they're my favorite. But super stoked to hear you vibe with them!

  • @alexblank91
    @alexblank91 Жыл бұрын

    Double the Lance Moments! What a value!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Haha thank you!

  • @jz2450
    @jz24509 ай бұрын

    I appreciate such thorough review

  • @noahreeverts465
    @noahreeverts465 Жыл бұрын

    Heck yeah, Love this kind of content!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    haha thank you! So glad you enjoyed it, Noah!

  • @Andrew-wp1bz
    @Andrew-wp1bz Жыл бұрын

    Great video as always Lance! This is super helpful because I have been having a really hard time figuring out if the yellow boi was accurate for taking actual measurements. I’ve seen a lot of people using it, but very little hard data on it. Guess I’ll be waiting for the technology to catch up with my budget haha

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! Appreciate the support. And apologies to your future wallet haha!

  • @quentinpalade3146
    @quentinpalade3146 Жыл бұрын

    Amazing content, thank you!

  • @UncleSkiBum
    @UncleSkiBum Жыл бұрын

    Yay been waiting for this, I bought one of Ali express but don't really know what I'm doing so glad to learn how to actually use my new toy

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Hope you enjoy it!

  • @UncleSkiBum

    @UncleSkiBum

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LanceHedrick well I do own a yellow boi so maybe I should just retire it..."hello darkness my old friend " 😁🤣

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    What a good song to put jt down to lol

  • @ChaseDaigle
    @ChaseDaigle Жыл бұрын

    I appreciate the work Lance!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you sincerely!

  • @brtspl
    @brtspl Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video Lance, thank you

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you so much!

  • @braxtonjens7839
    @braxtonjens7839 Жыл бұрын

    A fun video to see, would be you tasting difference brews of different TDS, and seeing if you can guess the TDS. Awesome video!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Oh that would be fun! Can definitely tell TDS within .1. Have done this a few times. Need to think of a way to make that into a video!

  • @danielgarrido546
    @danielgarrido546 Жыл бұрын

    Heck yeah Lance been waiting for someone to put out a video about refractometers

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Hope you enjoy!

  • @BBB_025
    @BBB_025 Жыл бұрын

    Love the video Lance!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you so much!

  • @dmdrosselmeyer
    @dmdrosselmeyer Жыл бұрын

    This is dope, thank you! I used to use those little plastic refractometers in beer brewing, they usually measure in °Brix, °Plato and/or Specific Gravity

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah- those do a decent job at brix. The conversion is a bit wonky, though, so having a refractometer is nice if tryign to nerd out!

  • @dmdrosselmeyer

    @dmdrosselmeyer

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LanceHedrick and I can only imagine a refractometer would be much more accurate! Lighting is frustrating for sure; those plastic ones can definitely be open to interpretation haha Thanks again and thank you for the response! I hope you have a fantastic adventure abroad my guy🙏

  • @DiegoNunes
    @DiegoNunes Жыл бұрын

    Lance, great work as always, you have the best in-depth coffee videos hands down. The content speaks for itself and I can only imagine the amount of effort you put into it. Indeed the audio isn't great on this one, but isn’t terrible either. I completely forgot about it after a few minutes.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    I appreciate it! Always working on making things better, but sometimes, sh*t happens. Thanks for recognizing the hard work!

  • @nickrockon
    @nickrockon Жыл бұрын

    great video, so much good info

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

  • @adroaldohenriquecarneiro6158
    @adroaldohenriquecarneiro6158 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video Lance! Gonna wait a little longer for a cheaper alternative, an also since taking care of the refractometer is so important, I will not buy it in the used market. Thanks :D

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    I agree! And I think they are coming soon!

  • @eusevis
    @eusevis Жыл бұрын

    hey, i learned something today, thanks Lance

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    fantastic! That is so great to hear!

  • @3omar_a7maad
    @3omar_a7maad Жыл бұрын

    great video my friend

  • @samueldeguise3118
    @samueldeguise3118 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Lance !!! Congratulations for your great performance of the video editing, the transitions, the intro and I really loved the quality of the images. Nice job i really appreciate!!👌

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    thank you! Now I have to improve the audiO!

  • @troggmoffie
    @troggmoffie Жыл бұрын

    thanks dude!

  • @mjbutterworth
    @mjbutterworth Жыл бұрын

    Great video. I wonder about immersion brews though-- even though we say the retained liquid is the same concentration as the beverage, in reality that's kind of hard to prove, isn't it? I'm imagining a French press that's been brewed and decanted. If I squeeze out enough liquid from the grounds to take a sample, is it going to match the rest of the brew? Kind of want to test this now.

  • @marcin.sobocinski
    @marcin.sobocinski Жыл бұрын

    @Lance Hedrick You're like Google, you deliver the video I need before I even clicked "search" button 😃

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    haha! Love the predictive KZread. lol

  • @petermaris9697
    @petermaris9697 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for geeking out. Will keep my 150euro in my pocket and keep my TDS by taste measurement ;) I was tempted by all the difluid commercial posts going by but there had to be a disclaimer to account for the price difference from 150 to 400 euro.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    for sure! Your tongue is just as accurate haha!

  • @TomJones-tx7pb
    @TomJones-tx7pb Жыл бұрын

    Nice video. Being a chemist myself, I have been wondering about how these devices are meaningfully used in the coffee industry. I can see that a cafe might be interested in this to reduce cost by maximizing extraction, but at home I am more concerned about not over-extracting or channelling an espresso shot than getting maximum extraction. I do not want the tails pour over flavors in my espresso shot, as I sometimes get in coffee shops. If I want more flavor I can always up the dosage a bit as long as I do not get over caffeinated by doing so.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    You can actually push extraction a lot more if you are doing a good job of mitigating channels. Plus, at home, you can realize at what drinking stregnth and EY you like so you can waste less coffee in the future dialing in!

  • @CoffeeandWater
    @CoffeeandWater Жыл бұрын

    Lance, if you can track one down, I would suggest using a Rode Lavalier Go. It's an inexpensive lav that can plug into your phone and just sync the audio in post. I did an interview with one at a lofty roastery a few years back and the audio turned out great. I've heard good things about Deity lav mics but have never used them.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah! I have one. Issue here was the room had insane reverbs and I didn't have a solution for it in the pinch I was in. We were supposed to be in my studio but there were last minute delays. Thanks for the comment!

  • @pieter539
    @pieter539 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this ultimate showdown Lance! Greatly appreciate it! I was a little surprised, though, that the DiFluid performed so badly, especially given some of the recent reviews such as the review by Lifestyle Lab or the one by Robert McKeon Aloe, both of which seem to suggest the DiFluid is as accurate as the Atago (or VST) IF the sample is allowed to properly cool before measurement. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on what may explain this discrepancy? In any case, I hope many more coffee folk like you will subject the DiFluid to an in-depth review and comparison, so we can all benefit and learn from more empirical data. It would be awesome to have an affordable refractometer for home baristas. Cheers!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    It is interesting. They are literally the only two I know who have had positive results. I've spoken with about a dozen others who have had other results

  • @SicTransit1000

    @SicTransit1000

    Жыл бұрын

    I can confim the DiFluid unit I have is not measuring anywhere near correct and the company is pretty quick to swipe negative comments under the rug on their social media.

  • @s96822
    @s96822 Жыл бұрын

    Eagerly awaiting Lance's coffee bean electron microspocy video.

  • @JuanLuna-bs3tm
    @JuanLuna-bs3tm Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge I have a question what do you think of HM digital refractometer?.

  • @danielcohn6884
    @danielcohn6884 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Lance, one thing to consider regarding accuracy of Difluid: While I think it's clear from your testing that the Difluid calibration drifts much more than the more expensive options, a less exhaustive test from Lifestyle Labs seems to suggest that his unit is quite accurate (under ideal conditions with calibration every test). Not implying his tests are right and yours are wrong. There could be some QC issues/unit-unit variation. Also, I suspect some of the reading drift you experienced within a single test (when you hit test again after letting it sit for a time) are largely evaporative in nature, and also maybe a function of temperature stabilization. My rationale is as follows: Difluid has a MUCH smaller sample dish. Because of this, the surface area to volume ratio of the Difluid sample is much higher than any of the other units. This means that differences due to evaporation (which occurs at the sample's surface) will have a much more significant impact on readings. Add the fact that the sample is open/exposed to air (unless using the magic lid) and you have a lot more opportunity for evaporation. This is certainly a design flaw of theDifluid, but I think it's a point worth clarifying and/or exploring further in a future video. Also, others have noted that the materials/design of the dish in Difluid make it much less temperature stable, and thus subject to temperature/reading drift until temperature does stabilize. No doubt these flaws make it a less appealing product, but they are distinctly different criticisms than concluding it has accuracy issues in general. I loved the video by the way, just thought I'd offer some constructive thoughts/ideas. Keep em coming, Dan

  • @emil_k

    @emil_k

    Жыл бұрын

    Interestingly I just finished playing with the Difluid a few hours before watching the video. I took 3 different espresso shots ranging from a stac-tamp to a regular tamped. Took 3 measurements and averaged for every shot, I did use way too much sample and no filter. The readings were very close (21.94;21.86;21.88%) or (22.67;22.79;22.70) etc. I did not clean with alcohol, did use distilled and a lint free microfiber. Did touch the lens with the paper towel a few times, oops. I have no idea if these readings were accurate but I believe to get a baseline it seemed pretty stable. All shots were room temperature and I used a glass pipette, did reuse the same one but cleaned out with distilled for every sample. Will try the spoon method in future to compare. Think in a home environment the difluid is fine assuming these numbers were accurate 😬.

  • @emil_k

    @emil_k

    Жыл бұрын

    Forgot to mention the difluid has a pretty good app, does the EY calculation and has a chart if it's bitter, strong, underdeveloped, etc. It was not mentioned in the video and I appreciate not having to calculate myself, just enter the dosage and output for espresso.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Evaporation doesn't mean nearly as much as you think. Gagne had proven this. And I've taken WAY more than these 20 readings. I know people want an affordable unit but this isn't it. I've also compared numbers with at least a dozen other coffee pros who have a solid measuring methodology.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Should be noted I do say it is sufficient for espresso. And the graphs say as much. Just don't rely on it when comparing with users of atago or vst

  • @andrewwdouglas
    @andrewwdouglas Жыл бұрын

    excellet video. it would be interesting to compare the results of VST/atago with the oven drying method with home equipment and/or lab equipment (if you can get your hands on some)

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    For sure. Maybe something for down the line

  • @nicholashongkong
    @nicholashongkong Жыл бұрын

    43 mins video with no ads and full of content, this is a lot of work and I should say thank you for all of your work. I have a Difluid and also find that the reading is not reliable, but until I have finished your video, I do not know the procedure of sampling and calibration is that important and I think I have messed up with my previous test. I would still recommend the cheaper options even if they are not reliable, for espresso newbie like me. As sometimes it is not easy to taste the different between bitter and sour at the begining, the EY readying give you a very rough idea of where you at and help you made adjustment. But once you have calibrated your taste buds, you should be much more reliable then the cheaper options.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    DiFluid for espresso really isn't awful, as the data suggests. It is quite terrible for filter, though! lol

  • @TomsCoffeeCorner
    @TomsCoffeeCorner Жыл бұрын

    Hey Lance, will you be reviewing the Kafmasino? I saw it in the background of one of your videos. Hope you are doing well. -T

  • @jennifermarchlewski1607
    @jennifermarchlewski1607 Жыл бұрын

    "a Lance moment"...I get it. I totally relate.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    hahaha those things are LOONNGGGGG

  • @jfgad
    @jfgad Жыл бұрын

    Great video Lance, thanks. Tap water has TDS inside. Sometimes, almost none, (30ppm at my place ) Sometimes a lot (600 at my in-laws) so imo, tds from brew water should be removed since it vary so much. Calibrating with brew water would automatically remove tds from brew water and this way you can talk about extractions. It doesn't make senses trying to have the most precise % without addressing this major variable .

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    This is why I said I'd let the scientists respond. Let me go grab Gagne or Smrke to respond to this. Also, I've personally taken readings with coffees using 40ppm water and 250ppm water and the final tds was the same (with calibration at 0)

  • @mprz8188

    @mprz8188

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LanceHedrick Brewing water tds and its dissolving power (at same temperature and ATM pressure) are inversely proportional.

  • @ncokicsi

    @ncokicsi

    Жыл бұрын

    i usually calibrate with the same water i used for coffee making

  • @mprz8188

    @mprz8188

    Жыл бұрын

    @@ncokicsi as long as it is pure enough (RO filtered or light mineral) you'll be fine zeroing with your brewing water. Distilled water is recommended when absolute precision is a must (lab grade work) but for coffee business ain't that necessary TBH

  • @mprz8188

    @mprz8188

    Жыл бұрын

    Agree with you. Your refractometer must be used to measure extractions. You don't need absolute zero. Just need to rule out your water TDS (as long as you brew with soft water) In case your water is hard I'd suggest to try a purer sample to calibrate the sensor. DiFluid was so kind and sent me their coffee refractometer. From my tests, i find it accurate enough, fast enough and really affordable for what it offers. The app works great. The device itself is really compact and clean. Nice build quality and clear display. Can't complain for what it is and it's main purpose. People, yeah, there are certainly other high-end devices on the market and if you're seriously into coffee research and need a high precision tool, well, that comes at a much higher price tag, as expected. But for most people, home baristas, enthusiasts, Atago or even the baby DiFluid will do the trick really well if you're patient, careful and take your time to understand your findings. Coffee science is beautiful and rich but this ain't like landing people on Mars. This is coffee and regardless of how expensive or precise your refractometer is, taste is the ultimate judge.

  • @tdsxbmoverdose
    @tdsxbmoverdose Жыл бұрын

    dude, i love it, best video of all time! excited to explore the nfc option on my atago! fwiw, i do the ‘lance dump’ and just run the atago dish under the tap for a few seconds before wiping with a microfiber cloth, i personally don’t bother with distilled or isopropyl alcohol and haven’t had any issues (ie: same parameter brews within 0.03% or less) funny story, i got schooled a long time ago by my buddy caleb for not zeroing my refractometer, the last time i had zeroed it was in a different season and so my reading was off by more than 0.1%!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Definitely need to calibrate often! And with the same temp as your room temp or you'll get skewed readings! Glad you enjoyed the video, though! And gotta love the dump haha

  • @jpjay1584
    @jpjay1584 Жыл бұрын

    the small white one is also sold by Time More. I paid 78$. and yes, it doesn't show constant values. need to find out how to use it.

  • @johnwiencek
    @johnwiencek Жыл бұрын

    Have you tried the Difluid R2 yet? Seems to have addressed the issues you identified

  • @rubenserhalawan571
    @rubenserhalawan571 Жыл бұрын

    What about popping your brewed V60 filter in a dehydrator to then measure by weight (subtracting the weight of the filter) how much you extracted. That should get you sort of in the ballpark right?

  • @davidddmaoqiu
    @davidddmaoqiu Жыл бұрын

    As a PhD in chemistry and molecular biology, I think zero with DI water, take TDS reading of brew water and the take TDS of extracted liquid makes real sense. The brew water will definitely have impact on the final TDS reading, which in turn affect the extraction yield calculation.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    I work with a PhD in chemistry at Uni of Zurich and he begs to differ

  • @prefixcactus5221
    @prefixcactus5221 Жыл бұрын

    It makes sense to calibrate the instrument with distilled water, but the issue of stuff already dissolved in the brew water before it hits the grounds does still stand... What about TDSing the raw brew water separately, though? And then, um, subtracting that from the reading you get for the brew, in order to get whatever's been dissolved from the coffee? Hopefully the number of question marks gives away that I've no idea what I'm talking about, just kinda using my usual engineer logic to get to some hypotheses. In fact, I came here to try and figure out whether I want to get myself one of these or not... Oh, and by the way.. Is there any source for a detailed derivation of the extraction percentage formulae you provide in the video that I could dive into? I can't seem to quite grasp the logic behind some parts of those, especially the 1/1-C factor...

  • @espressofun6091
    @espressofun6091 Жыл бұрын

    Did you cover the DiFluid when taking a sample? The reading will change due to evaporation which has a greater effect with just two or three drops.

  • @vancitycanucks

    @vancitycanucks

    Жыл бұрын

    Great point.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes. I also address the nearly negligible effect of evaporation in the video. Thanks

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    But I did multiple covered vs non covered readings regardless and minimal to no change. So little no correlation could effectively be drawn

  • @jmsaffroy
    @jmsaffroy Жыл бұрын

    This video reminds me, I once noticed that VST refractometers look a LOT like Misco refractometers. Except Misco has refractometers for a wide range of domains, but not for coffee. And VST is like twice the price of a Misco. So, would a reading from a Misco plus some calculation actually give a good reading and save money? This is left as an exercise for the vlogger. ;)

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    I'll need to get one! I doubt it will be as accurate but always happy to test!

  • @sebastiancph

    @sebastiancph

    Жыл бұрын

    For someone who has never used a refractometer outside of coffee, how do those made for other stuff differ from the ones we use in coffee? I get that some might be better for liquids with a higher TDS. But for those that is used to measure similar concentrations, why can't we just use those?

  • @jmsaffroy

    @jmsaffroy

    Жыл бұрын

    @@sebastiancph I think that's a very good question. I have never used one myself (not even for coffee), and have only recently browsed a few pages on the topic, so take the following with the appropriate level of caution. :) AFAIK all refractometers measure how much light is refracted (deviated) in a certain medium (liquid). Some people say they measure "the speed of light", which is technically true (there is a direct relation between the refractive index and the speed of light in a medium), but the measure itself relies on measuring how much a ray of light deviates. A number of application domains can make use of a refractometer for their own purposes. For instance, wine makers want to know how much sugar there is in a liquid (I think both in grapes before harvest, and at later stages). Same with beer. There are different assumptions in each domain, for example the presence of alcohol can influence the result. As a result, many domains use their own particular scale: sugar concentration is one example, TDS for coffee is another. A scale is nothing more than a table matching a measurement value to a useful value in the application domain: from refraction index to sugar, for example. The Brix scale is typically used for sugar, and is a very common scale. Some people have established that for coffee, TDS can be derived from Degrees Brix with a simple formula: TDS = 0.85 * Brix Now, looking at Misco, they offer customized refractometers: www.misco.com/build-your-own-refractometer/ So it seems to me that the same hardware is simply programmed with different scales, and the precision of hardware simply dictates precision for a certain application domain. And my conclusion is that I tend to agree with you, i.e. it seems likely that refractometers for domains requiring similar precision should be mostly interchangeable. It's only a "small matter of testing". ;)

  • @sebastiancph

    @sebastiancph

    Жыл бұрын

    @@jmsaffroy your comment is very interesting and I hope someone with the kproper knowledge will make a video about this. Thank you!

  • @thefatiguedpalate
    @thefatiguedpalate Жыл бұрын

    could you share why there are different equations for percolation, immersion, and mixed?

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey! It just depends on the brewing itself. They each have slightly different effects. Think about how a French press extracts vs a percolation. Because one has water passing thru (doesn't account for water in slurry) and the other is same concentration as that in the slurry, they need to be treated differently.

  • @dragade101
    @dragade101 Жыл бұрын

    Are you able to install sound panels on the walls and ceiling? It isnt about cutting all reverb and making a sound proof room but making the reflections sound less harsh

  • @doc8125

    @doc8125

    Жыл бұрын

    His studio is getting propper sound treatment. This space was a temporary space he was allowed to use while his studio is being built (it's basically ready now though I think)

  • @madjaffa
    @madjaffa Жыл бұрын

    Is there any point in using refractometers that are meant for beer/spirits, to get ballpark idea. i.e. alcometer or brix meter. I’m guessing they are not sensitive enough or are on the wrong scale. 🤷‍♂️

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    I wouldn't. Just brew and enjoy haha

  • @coffeenerdaaron
    @coffeenerdaaron Жыл бұрын

    I’m a coffee nerd!!!! 😂 literally the name of my channel 🤘☕️

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    hell yeah! Love it!

  • @user-kd2ez2mb3c
    @user-kd2ez2mb3c Жыл бұрын

    Lance, thanks for this video. I own the yellow boy and gotta admit I'm a little upset. I've always been using Gagne's chart to convert from brix(yellow boy) to Standard TDS. And I thought it was good enough. In the video, you mentioned that yellow boy readings are typically understated, which which even after conversion, it's still an undercalculation? Cheers

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    It would seem the yellow ones are extremely hit or miss. I have friends who have theirs read close to 30%extraction often and assume who read like mine. Just not a reliable machine at all.

  • @user-kd2ez2mb3c

    @user-kd2ez2mb3c

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LanceHedrick Appreciate your response Lance. Yellow boi has been a bad boi all this while !

  • @nipunlokuwithanage3433
    @nipunlokuwithanage3433 Жыл бұрын

    im in uni so the best i can afford is timing how long it takes for the coffee to send me to the bathroom

  • @diudiamoustache7765
    @diudiamoustache7765 Жыл бұрын

    That's a video of my life, you're super cool dude.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Haha! Thank you!

  • @elicordeero
    @elicordeero Жыл бұрын

    Dude this is extremely valuable content. It's a shame audio is not the best. I know you are working with a professional team, and don't wanna be disrespectful at all; but if you get bad audio in the future, send me a DM and I will try to improve it in post as much as I can.

  • @junger613
    @junger613 Жыл бұрын

    While it’s true that the content needs to be valuable, nowadays it’s really not that hard to get great audio even when moving continents or continued traveling. One example would be using a mic like the rode wireless go. Even with the phone the audio will be professional and match the quality of this content. Many watchers don’t want to Listen to mediocre audio. That’s not negativity. It’s just personal preference. And that’s ok. Still love your content lance and can’t wait for more.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    You realize this is with rode. I'm shooting at a location with bad reverb. I don't have my location yet. Thanks

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    You can have the best mic in the world but if there is bad echo, you're screwed. I have a nice mic. The room had bad reverb.

  • @sercheese
    @sercheese Жыл бұрын

    Hello, is Difluid R2 a newer version or other kind of refractometer?

  • @JPC326
    @JPC326 Жыл бұрын

    Someone should do a quick cheat sheet of an infographic of this video thats crazy cool :)

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes! I'll chat with a friend!

  • @Speegasoutdoors
    @Speegasoutdoors9 ай бұрын

    Waiting for a review of the difluid r2

  • @xitanul
    @xitanul Жыл бұрын

    I wish i could write that neatly

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Ha! Thank you

  • @ridinghighwithbill
    @ridinghighwithbill Жыл бұрын

    How many ft-lb of torque would it take to crush my skull in a 8" bench vise?

  • @scottintexas
    @scottintexas4 ай бұрын

    I’m watching this a year later. Has DiFluid rehearsed their improved model? If so, which one is it? Is it the R2? If so, have you tested it yet (personally, not necessarily in a YT video)?

  • @YoItsM0
    @YoItsM0 Жыл бұрын

    Should one account for TDS of the brew water when calculating, or is it's effect negligible? Calibrating with distilled water and then ignoring the the brew water TDS when trying to measure extraction doesn't seem right to me - i wonder to what extent brew water inflates readings?. I'm not suggesting to calibrate with brew water btw, just to subtract the water TDS from the coffee TDS when calculating extractions and wondering how big a difference this "true extraction" calculation would make.

  • @coreycannon4511

    @coreycannon4511

    Жыл бұрын

    I was wondering the exact same thing.

  • @YoItsM0

    @YoItsM0

    Жыл бұрын

    @@coreycannon4511 yeah I hope somebody addresses this. Perhaps it's just too negligible. Like 80mg/litre water would mean a 250ml beverage would only have 0.02g of dissolved mineral solids. However if you wanted to measure how eg: tap water with a high ppm extracts, defo not negligible!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    I address this lightly in the video

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Tldr- calibrate with distilled. Maybe I can convince samo to make a post about it to divulge more info as to why

  • @xquadra
    @xquadra Жыл бұрын

    Weird question. What brand is the server you're using at 18:28

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm not sure! It is not mine lol

  • @markburness5609
    @markburness5609 Жыл бұрын

    There's only data for 9 filter brews? Did you use different brew methods for filter?

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    No- I screwed up transferring my data from paper to computer. I hate computers lol

  • @jnsnle
    @jnsnle Жыл бұрын

    Where can I get those metal mushroom cap thing?

  • @KingCafes
    @KingCafes Жыл бұрын

    Hello, I bought DiFluid, it comes defective and the support doesn't answer.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Sorry that happened! I have no affiliation with them and didn't recommend the product in this video. Good luck!

  • @graemevans
    @graemevans Жыл бұрын

    Best Video on You Tube? Absolutely!

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Huge praise! Thank you!

  • @graemevans

    @graemevans

    Жыл бұрын

    See you at Mice?

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely

  • @graemevans

    @graemevans

    Жыл бұрын

    Will be on the Coffee Tools Stand minus the beanie & beard. Love the channel, keep up the great work. Ignore the negatives, they are everywhere 😀

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Appreciate you!

  • @karl70552
    @karl705526 ай бұрын

    Isn't the extraction different using distilled water? So I understand, that the refractomer may not read correctly or you would need to do a correction to account for the TDS of your water pre-brew, but as far as I know, water has different extractive qualities at different alkalinity and TDS rates and different minerals. So it would make sense to test it using the water that actually does the extraction. Is there no way to calculate a water correction?

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    6 ай бұрын

    no. you need to zero with distilled.

  • @LivingTheLifeRetired
    @LivingTheLifeRetired4 ай бұрын

    I wish I listened to you. I bought the R2 because of the price but it gives wildly differing results for the same sample of coffee leading to extraction yields between 18-21% for the same sample. Which one do I believe? The R2 is garbage in my opinion.

  • @LordHosenscheisser
    @LordHosenscheisser Жыл бұрын

    Anywone written an excel to just put in the numbers for the extraction equations?

  • @leckel1996
    @leckel1996 Жыл бұрын

    People need to chill. I mix records and for a super informative video that I’m watching on my phone, the audio is not that bad.

  • @sofronio.
    @sofronio. Жыл бұрын

    I've bought that yellow one in the past, the test variation was so bad that I returned it the day I bought it.

  • @abahcaoe9551
    @abahcaoe9551 Жыл бұрын

    Where can I buy the atago "magic" cap?

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    From their website!

  • @Nevermindthrbrewmethod
    @Nevermindthrbrewmethod Жыл бұрын

    Timemore have joined the party, you can get the Atago for half the cost of the VST and you can even get full ISO certification for calibration.

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    Wait. Is this a joke? do they really have one? I wouldn't be surprised. lol

  • @Nevermindthrbrewmethod

    @Nevermindthrbrewmethod

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LanceHedrick Sorry it's Timemore not Normcore, but it's not a joke. I'd wager it's the exact same technology is the DiFluid but in black.

  • @juliocesarfranco3160
    @juliocesarfranco3160 Жыл бұрын

    29:34 I'm not sure it makes sense. Isn't a bigger sample more representative of the entire solution than a smaller sample?

  • @LanceHedrick

    @LanceHedrick

    Жыл бұрын

    No

  • @johnchardine1886
    @johnchardine1886 Жыл бұрын

    Which continent did you move to Lance?

  • @painpeace3619
    @painpeace3619 Жыл бұрын

    My main question is, why can't we just tds meter to measure tds value?

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