Coffee Refractometer: What Does It Do and How to Use It

With the rise of specialty coffee came the rise of specialty coffee tools. Among them is the so-called coffee refractometer.

But what is this scientific gadget? How and why is it used? And most importantly, can it help you brew better coffee? Keep reading to find out!

What is a coffee refractometer?

A refractometer measures how light bends (aka refracts) as it moves between air and liquid. This gives us information about the properties of the fluid. The coffee measures the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), allowing us to calculate the extraction yield (1).

What is TDS, you ask?

The dissolved solids in your morning brew are the roasted and ground coffee parts that dissolve in the brewing water; essentially, they’re the coffee in your coffee. Once you’ve measured the TDS, you can use this formula to calculate the extraction yield. However, most companies will do this with software.

As we all know, the extraction has a huge impact on a coffee’s flavor, so it’s a useful bit of information to gather.

Experts found the ideal extraction yield for drip coffee to be between 18% and 22% in the past. The TDS percentage was between 1.15 and 1.35. However, as the quality of specialty coffee has improved, these numbers can be pushed even higher.

Why use a coffee refractometer?

Lately, refractometers are being used more and more by coffee roasters, beverage companies, and high-end coffee shops. Even the rare ultra-keen home brewer is jumping on board.

When coupled with a well-trained palate, they’re an excellent way to dial in a new coffee or perform quality control (QC), according to industry expert Chris Baca:

Once you’ve brewed an exceptional cup of coffee, you can use the refractometer to measure its TDS and extraction yield. That way, you’ll know if you’ve reproduced it precisely in the future.

But plotting TDS and extraction yield can help you get an idea of what corrections are needed if your coffee tastes off. Whether your coffee is too strong or weak, under extracted or over extracted can be hard to distinguish on taste alone.

How do I use a coffee refractometer?

Even though all this scientific terminology sounds complicated, using a refractometer is very simple. In fact, the hardest part might be opening your wallet, as most run upwards of $500.

Just add a few drops of brewed coffee to the refractometer’s sample well, and it will report a TDS value. If you’re using espresso, it’s just slightly more difficult as you’ll have to filter it first.

Here’s a video demonstration from former World Brewers Cup champion Matt Perger:

Repeat this process using different recipes while tasting until you land on the most delicious cup. Then you’ll know the optimal extraction yield for your coffee.

The Verdict

Do you really need a coffee refractometer? Of course not. But if you have the budget and a scientific mind, it’s a fun way to learn more about your coffee and achieve more consistently delicious brews.