How to choose specialty coffee?

Choosing specialty coffee can seem like a daunting task at first, but with a little knowledge and attention to detail, you can find exceptional coffees that will delight your palate. Here are some key things to consider:

a) Origin: The origin of coffee plays a crucial role in its flavor and aroma. Each coffee region has its own unique climate, soil, and altitude characteristics, which translate into distinctive flavor profiles. Explore coffees from different countries and regions to discover your favorites.
b) Variety: Like wine, coffee has different varieties, each with its own characteristics. The most common varieties include Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its smooth and complex flavor, while Robusta has a more intense flavor and high caffeine content.
c) Roast: The roast of the coffee also significantly influences its flavor. A light roast will bring out the more delicate flavors of the coffee, while a dark roast will develop more caramelized and chocolatey flavors. Experiment with different roast levels to find your preference.
d) Freshness: Freshness is essential to enjoying the best specialty coffee experience. Look for coffees that have been recently roasted and consumed within 4-6 weeks of roasting.
e) Certifications: There are various certifications that guarantee quality and sustainable practices in coffee cultivation and processing. Look for coffees with seals such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance or UTZ Certified to support coffee growers and the environment.
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Why is coffee roasted?

What is a PID temperature control?
The function of the PID temperature control is to control the temperature of the two boilers. The temperature is kept at the programmed value with minimum deviations of 1°C. PID stands for "proportional-integral-derivative". Temperature plays an important role in the preparation of coffee.

Can the temperature of the machine be adjusted?
The machine temperature can only be changed on models with PID control. For other models, the adjustment must be carried out by an authorised specialist dealer.
Please note that our machines are factory set to the optimal brewing temperature of 88-95°C.

What is the optimal pressure for making coffee?
The optimal pressure during coffee preparation is between 9 and 11 bars.

How do I set the pump pressure?
With our models with a vibrating pump, you can set the machine to the desired brewing pressure. To do this, tighten the portafilter with the blind filter inserted into the machine. Press the brew group lever as if you were making an espresso. You will see the pressure increase to the set value on the pump pressure gauge. Turn the larger screw (next to the water tank) clockwise to increase the pressure and turn the screw counter-clockwise to reduce the pump pressure. The pump pressure gauge shows the change.
Machines with rotary pumps should only be adjusted by a specialist dealer.
Please note that Profitec advises against increasing the screw pressure and refers you to your dealer. The machines are factory-set to a pressure of 9 bar. If you use the machine with a direct water connection, please note that the pump pressure is adjusted to the existing pressure. In this case too, the pump pressure should only be readjusted by your specialist dealer.

How do I make the perfect espresso?
The filling quantity for one espresso is 25-30 ml.
The time it takes from turning the coffee group lever to obtaining the perfect espresso is 23 to 25 seconds.
Use filtered water and a clean portafilter without old coffee grounds.
Grind freshly ground coffee. As soon as oxygen reaches the ground coffee, the aromas evaporate.
Start the brewing process immediately after inserting the portafilter into the hot brew group, otherwise the coffee will burn.
The preparation
Preheat the cups on the cup warmer tray. Leave the portafilter attached to the machine during the warming phase.
Fill the portafilter with freshly ground coffee. The coffee grounds should fall "easily and in chunks" from the coffee grinder into the portafilter.
Press the ground coffee with a pressure of approx. 15-20 kg. You can use our pressure regulating tamper to do this. Make sure that the ground coffee is pressed tightly into the filter holder. To check whether you have pressed it correctly, you can, among other things, turn the filter holder and the coffee should not fall out.
Preheat the mug by pouring hot water into it.
Empty the cup and run some water through the brew group.
Insert the portafilter, place the cup underneath and prepare the espresso.

The espresso has no crema. What can I do?
Adjust the grinding degree.
Increase tamping pressure.
The coffee is too old

My espresso is too cold. What could be the cause?
The preparation group is not yet hot enough.
The machine is calcified.
The portafilter was not secured during the heating phase and was still unable to absorb heat through the brew group.

What do I need the blind filter for?
The blind filter is necessary to measure the actual pressure of the machine pump.
The blind filter is required for group cleaning.

Common problems and how to solve them

What should I do if the machine remains unused for a long period of time?
Please empty the boiler(s).
To empty the boiler on a single boiler machine, you must allow the machine to heat up and then drain the old water through the brew group. It is not possible to completely empty the boiler (see instructions).
With a heat exchanger system, empty the boiler by removing hot water.
The double boiler machine is emptied through the coffee group and the extraction of hot water.
We recommend cleaning the coffee group and descaling it.

How do I connect a machine that can be switched from tank operation to a direct water connection and what do I need?
Connection may only be carried out by authorised specialist personnel. Please use our contact form to contact a specialist dealer.
A pressure reducer (item no. 89455) is required for connection and a shut-off valve is recommended.
Please note that it is not possible to connect water filters to the water tank adapters on rotary pump machines. Use water filters (item no. 89440) or pre-filtered water, e.g. Brita.

The machine does not draw in water when the water filter (item no. C639900940) is used. What could be the cause and what can be done?
The water filter was not submerged in water long enough.
The water filter must be connected to the silicone hose underwater to avoid air bubbles.
The water filter must be inserted into the water tank.
If this is not possible, there is still air in the water filter.

Why won't the machine start?
Lack of water. The swimmer is not sitting correctly on the machine. (The correct position of the float can be found in the user manual).

How do I set the expansion valve?
There is a large adjustment screw on the water tank, turn it clockwise to increase the brewing pressure (see user manual).

How often should machine maintenance be performed?
We recommend a maintenance interval of 3 to 4 years. Maintenance should be carried out by an authorized dealer. To request a dealer near you, you can use our contact form.

Descaling and group cleaning: How often should it be done?
Descaling is recommended depending on the degree of hardness of the water.
We recommend cleaning the coffee group every 150 cups.


Where can I order spare parts?
Only through our authorized dealers. We will be happy to inform you about the dealers closest to you. Please use our contact form.

What is the roasting process?

Roasting coffee is both an art and a science, and there are many different ways to roast coffee beans. There are also several different ways to roast coffee beans, and each method can produce different results.

For example, drum roasters use indirect heat to slowly roast beans, while hot air roasters use a stream of hot air to roast beans more quickly.

As a result, drum roasted coffees tend to have a more uniform coloration. Conversely, hot air roasted coffees can have a more consistent end result.

Regardless of the method used, there are three key aspects that will affect the quality of the roasted beans, whether it is drum roasted or hot air roasted, the elements that build the roast profile are:

Time

The length of time the beans are roasted will determine how light or dark the roast will be. The longer the beans are roasted, the darker they will be.

Temperature

The temperature at which the beans are roasted will also affect the lightness or darkness of the roast. The higher the temperature, the darker the roast.

Air flow

The amount of air circulated during the roasting process will also affect the lightness or darkness of the roast. The more air circulated, the lighter the roast will be. This is why it is essential to consume coffee beans within two weeks of purchase.

The key differences between light, medium and dark roast coffees

LIGHT ROAST COFFEE BEANS

The lightest roast type is light roast coffee. This results in a lighter colored bean with more caffeine, higher acidity and less body.
Light roasts have brighter and more complex flavors, with notes of fruit and berries. Some people find light roasts to have a fresher flavor, while darker roasts can be sweeter and heavier.
Advantages
Lighter body and flavor.
More caffeine
Less bitter

Cons
It tends to highlight citrus flavors, which some might interpret as acidity (but it is not).

MEDIUM ROAST COFFEE


Medium roast coffee has a light to medium-light brown color with no oils on the surface. It is a versatile type of coffee that everyone can enjoy. It has a rich flavor without being too bitter and can be enjoyed with or without milk.
Medium roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer period of time than light roast beans, allowing them to develop more flavor. It has a light body with slightly less pronounced acidity than light roast beans.

Advantages
It is a balanced and delicious morning cup.
It is generally less acidic than dark roast.
It has more body and richness.

Cons
It can be a little more bitter if not applied to a suitable coffee variety.

DARK ROAST COFFEE

This results in a more intense flavor and the beans are usually darker in color. Many people like dark roast coffee for its rich, full-bodied flavor. However, others find it too strong or bitter.
There are many different ways to prepare dark roast coffee. The most common method is to roast the beans for a longer time, but some coffee roasters also use a higher temperature. This creates a more uniform product, but can also result in a somewhat bitter taste.

Advantages
It has a more robust flavor than light roast coffee.
It is less acidic than medium roast.
It is richer in nutrients.

Cons
More oil and fat is lost to the surface, causing the beans to lose their flavor more quickly.

Why does the roast level of coffee change?

In recent years, there has been a shift in the coffee roasting landscape. While dark roasts were once the norm, lighter roasts are now becoming more popular.

This change is due to many factors.

First, coffee drinkers are becoming more adventurous and more willing to try new things. Light and medium roasts offer a more vibrant flavor palette than dark roasts, and many people find them more interesting and complex.

Secondly, the rise of specialty coffee has led to a greater focus on quality over quantity. Light and medium roasts bring out the unique flavours of each coffee bean, making them ideal for the most discerning palates.

Finally, technological changes have made it possible to roast coffee beans more evenly, resulting in a smoother, more consistent flavor.

Whatever the reason, it's clear that light roast coffees are on the rise.

PS: Is dark roast bad for me?

We often get asked this question. The answer is yes, but that only applies to very dark roasted coffee.
Excessive roasting (and this applies to all foods) results in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are a byproduct of pyrolysis, the chemical breakdown that occurs when organic materials are exposed to heat.

Along with acrylamide, PAHs are the main culprits in the development of cataracts, kidney and liver damage, and sometimes even DNA mutations such as cancer.

Roasting too dark subjects the coffee beans to high temperatures for long periods of time, which increases the risk of these unsightly components forming inside the coffee bean.

So make sure that even if you prefer a darker roast, your coffee beans are never darker than a medium-dark brown color.

Why do light roast and dark roast coffee taste different?

There are many different factors that contribute to the flavor differences between lightly roasted beans and dark roast coffee.

The type of bean, growing conditions, roast profile and cold brew method all influence the final flavor of the coffee.

TYPE OF BEANS
 When it comes to bean type, there are literally hundreds of different varieties of coffee beans that can be used for light or dark roasts.
Therefore, it is difficult to say definitively that one type of bean will always taste better when roasted light or dark.
However, certain beans tend to be better suited to specific roast profiles.
For example, Honduran coffee beans typically have bright, floral flavors that stand out best in lighter roasts. But there is always an exception to the rule: like our Yellow Catuai and Parainema :)

GROWING CONDITIONS
The growing conditions of coffee beans also have an impact on the final flavor of the coffee. For example, coffee beans grown at high altitudes typically have brighter, more complex flavors, while beans grown at lower altitudes are smoother and more balanced.

The best preparation methods for each type of coffee roast

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are light and dark coffee roasts different?

The main difference between light and dark roast coffee is the roasting time. Light roast coffees are roasted for a shorter period of time than dark roast coffees. This means that light roast coffees will have more caffeine than dark roast coffees.
Dark roasted coffee beans will also have a more intense flavor as the longer roasting time allows for greater caramelization of the coffee beans.

Does a light roast have more or less acidity than a dark roast?

The acidity level of coffee is determined by a number of factors, including the type of bean, the roasting process, and the brewing method. In general, light roast coffees have more acidity than dark roast coffees. Light roast coffees are roasted for a shorter period of time, which helps preserve some of the coffee's natural acids.
However, it is important to note that the brewing method can also affect the acidity level of the coffee. For example, espresso has a higher acidity than filter coffee because it is brewed under pressure, which extracts more acids from the coffee beans.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the acidity level of coffee is to taste it yourself. Everyone perceives acidity differently, so what seems acidic to one person may not seem as acidic to another.

Which roasted coffee has the most caffeine?

The “stronger” taste you get from dark roast coffee has nothing to do with caffeine. Not at all.
In fact, a 2017 study published in South Korea’s Journal of Medicinal Food confirmed that caffeine does not vary with roast level. In short, a light roast will give you all the health benefits of CGAs and reduce the risk of consuming PHAs, while still giving you the same caffeine kick as a lean, charred dark roast.

Why do some roasts taste bitter?

When roasting coffee, the beans release certain oils and chemicals. Some of these compounds can have a bitter taste.
The more the beans are roasted, the more bitter compounds will be released.
So if your coffee tastes bitter, it may be because it was roasted for a longer time.

Why do some roasts taste sweet?

A roast can have a sweet taste due to the caramelization process that occurs as the meat cooks.
Caramelization is a Maillard reaction, which is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that results in the creation of hundreds of flavor compounds.
These compounds are what give roasted meats their characteristic flavor and sweetness.

Why is coffee that is too dark bad for your health?

Many people believe that dark roast coffee is stronger and more flavorful than light roast coffee. However, the roasting process actually has an impact on the caffeine content of the beans. The longer the beans are roasted, the more caffeine is burned off.
So while dark roast coffee may have a more intense flavor, it actually contains less caffeine than light roast coffee.
Additionally, dark roast coffee is more likely to be bitter and acidic. This is because the roasting process breaks down some of the compounds in the beans, resulting in a less balanced flavor.
So if you're looking for a coffee that's strong and flavorful, you might want to go for light or medium roasts.