Coffee Research Lab
Independent Studies on Extraction Science & Brewing Consistency
The Vihi Coffee Research Lab operates independently to explore the physics, chemistry, and geometry behind manual brewing. Led by a Royal College of Art PhD graduate, our team combines industrial design expertise with rigorous scientific methodology to solve real brewing consistency problems.
Unlike marketing-driven “research,” our studies are data-first. We publish our methodologies, share raw data when possible, and welcome peer review from the coffee community.
Research Focus Areas
Filter Geometry
How paper structure affects flow dynamics and extraction uniformity
Extraction Science
TDS, EY%, and flavor compound analysis across brewing variables
Brewer Comparison
Side-by-side testing of flat-bottom vs cone drippers
Consistency Metrics
Identifying and controlling variables for repeatable results
Latest Research Articles
-
Mastering Flat-Bottom Brewing with Origami: Kalita Wave Filters for Enhanced Sweetness
Introduction The pursuit of optimal sweetness extraction in specialty coffee brewing represents a fundamental objective within the Third Wave coffee…
-
How to Pre-Shape Kalita Wave 155 Filter Paper
Pre-shaping a Kalita Wave 155 filter paper is a small step done before rinsing. The goal is simple: help the…
-
Kalita Wave 155 vs 185 Filter Geometry
The Kalita Wave 155 and Kalita Wave 185 share the same flat-bottom brewing idea, but their filter geometry behaves differently…
-
Origami Dripper vs. V60: When to Choose Cone Filters for Maximum Clarity
Origami Dripper vs. V60: Cone Filters for Maximum Clarity 1. Introduction The pursuit of clarity in brewed coffee has emerged…
-
The Origami Dripper Single Pour Technique: Maximizing Sweetness and Clarity
Introduction The pursuit of optimal extraction in pour-over coffee brewing represents a complex interplay of fluid dynamics, particle size distribution,…
-
Origami Dripper vs. V60: Which Should You Buy for Your Brewing Style?
Introduction The pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee has driven significant innovation in manual brewing equipment, with the pour-over…
-
Ceramic vs Resin Origami Dripper: Which Material is Right for Your Brewing?
Introduction The pursuit of the optimal pour-over coffee experience has driven significant innovation in brewing equipment, with the dripper—the vessel…
-
The Science Behind Origami Dripper Ribs: How They Control Extraction Speed
Introduction The pursuit of precision in pour-over coffee brewing has driven significant innovation in dripper design, moving beyond mere material…
-
Why Your Kalita Wave Coffee Tastes Inconsistent: The Hidden Science of Filter Geometry
Discover why stacked Kalita Wave filters cause extraction inconsistency.
Research Methodology
Every experiment in our lab follows rigorous protocols to ensure reproducibility and accuracy:
- Controlled Variables: Temperature, grind size, and water chemistry are standardized using laboratory-grade equipment
- Measurement Tools: VST Coffee Refractometer for TDS, precision scales (0.01g), and FLIR thermal imaging
- Statistical Rigor: Minimum n=12 samples per condition, with outlier detection and confidence intervals
- Blind Protocols: Taste evaluations use double-blind methodology to eliminate bias
- Open Data: Raw data and methodologies available for peer review upon request