SoftBrew
SoftBrew is a coffee brewing device from Italy, created by the designer George Sowden in 2010.[1]
The device uses a simple infusion method for brewing coffee. A stainless steel filter allows any grind of coffee to be used. This includes fine, medium or coarse ground coffee.[2]
Soft brew
Soft brew is a method of coffee-making that is very different from the espresso method. The process of the espresso method relies on water forced through the group head under pressure to make coffee. However, soft brew coffee uses a stainless steel filter which can be washed and reused indefinitely.
According to Chris White, Director at Altura Coffee Co. in New Zealand, "Soft brew makes it much easier to pick up on the distinct taste characteristics coffee. For example, it is hard to distinguish between the flavour characteristics of Kenyan and Guatemalan coffee in an espresso – but as soft brew you get a much better flavour range on your palatte and can really pick up on the nuances."[3]
Devices similar to the Sowden SoftBrew include manual drip coffee makers (like French drip coffee pots and variants), French press coffee makers, the Empot, and, to a limited extent, other pour-over and drip coffee filters.
How to soft-brew coffee using Sowden SoftBrew
Coffee grounds are put into the filter to brew coffee with the Sowden SoftBrew. This filter sits in a pot. Water is then poured over the grounds, covering them, and the coffee is allowed to steep for at least four minutes or overnight for a stronger cold brew.
The strength of the coffee can be adjusted by altering the amount of grounds that are initially placed in the filter.
The filter can be rinsed and reused indefinitely, making it more environmentally conscious.
Tea
The SoftBrew teapot uses a concept similar to SoftBrew coffee in which the stainless steel filter is filled with tea leaves instead of ground coffee.
References
- Green, Penelope. "George Sowden, an Industrial Designer". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-09-19.
- "Home". Sowden at home. Retrieved 2022-09-08.
- "The What, The Why and How of soft brew coffee". Altura Coffee. 2018-11-16. Retrieved 2022-09-08.
Further reading
- "Sowden SoftBrew: A Brewer Disguised As A Teapot". Retrieved 2010-06-28.
- "How to Make a Simple Cup of Coffee". Retrieved 2014-03-01.
- "SoftBrew by Sowden". Retrieved 2014-04-10.
- "Sowden Softbrew: Immersion Coffee Brewing". Retrieved 2016-01-25.