Author
Keith E. Lyons
Keith E. Lyons is the author of The Complete World of Coffee and Pour Over Coffee, and the founder of Lyons Den Publishing. He writes about the history, science, and craft of specialty coffee.
21 articles published
Is Pour Over Coffee Better Than a French Press?
Neither method wins outright: French press delivers body, oils, and richness, while pour over delivers clarity and delicate flavor separation. Here is how the filter, grind, and technique differences actually play out in the cup.
Coffee Grind Size Guide: How Grind Size Affects Extraction, Flow Rate, and Flavor
There is no single universal grind size for coffee. Ground coffee is a distribution of particle sizes rather than one precise particle diameter, and that distribution affects both extraction and flow. Fine, medium, and coarse are starting descriptions, not standardized measurements.
Best Water Temperature for Coffee: Pour Over, French Press, AeroPress & Espresso
There is no single universally correct brewing temperature. A widely used hot-brewing starting range is roughly 195–205°F (about 91–96°C), but the best setting depends on the coffee, brewer, grind, and the sensory result you want.
Coffee Extraction Yield: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and What the Numbers Mean
Extraction yield is the percentage of the dry coffee dose dissolved during brewing. This guide explains how it differs from strength and brew ratio, how to calculate it from TDS and beverage mass, and why the 18–22% range is a reference rather than a rule.
How Coffee Extraction Works: Extraction Yield, TDS, and the 18–22% Range
Coffee extraction is a solid–liquid process. This guide explains the difference between extraction yield and TDS, why the 18–22% range is a reference band rather than a rule, and how immersion, percolation, and espresso extraction differ.
Is Coffee Farming Actually Profitable in 2026?
Coffee farming can be profitable, but only with the right yields, costs, and market access. See realistic per-acre numbers and the 3-year timeline to profit.
What pour over coffee equipment do you actually need?
See the five essential pieces of pour over coffee equipment, what each one costs, and which dripper, kettle, and grinder are actually worth buying.
What Are the Best Pour-Over Coffee Filters in 2026?
Find the right pour-over filter for your dripper. Compare flow rates, taste, cost, and paper vs. metal to brew a cleaner or fuller-bodied cup.
What should you look for in a grinder for pour over coffee?
Find the right pour over grinder: burr type, grind size, hand vs electric, and the models enthusiasts actually recommend for a cleaner cup.
What water temperature should you use for pour over coffee?
Learn the ideal pour over water temperature range, how roast level changes it, and simple ways to hit the right temp without a thermometer.
Coffee Extraction Time Chart: Brewing Times for Pour Over, French Press, AeroPress & Espresso
There is no single correct coffee extraction time. This guide breaks down typical brewing times for pour over, French press, AeroPress, and espresso, explains why identical brew times can extract differently, and shows why taste beats a stopwatch target.
Coffee Extraction Chart: How to Read It and Dial In Better Coffee
The coffee extraction chart — the Brewing Control Chart — plots strength (TDS) against extraction yield, with brew ratio linking them. This guide explains how to read it, what the classic 18–22% range really means, and how to use measurements and taste together to dial in better coffee.
What Is the Best Comprehensive Book on Coffee History and Science?
No single coffee book is universally the best. This guide compares the leading coffee books on history, origins, brewing, and science — from narrative histories and visual atlases to specialized brewing-science texts and broad single-volume references — so you can find the right coffee book for your goals.
What are the best books about specialty coffee?
Find the right specialty coffee book for your goals, from brewing and science to history and roasting. Compare trusted titles and choose with confidence.
What is the best comprehensive book on coffee history and science?
Compare the top coffee books on history, science, and brewing. See which comprehensive guide fits your goals, from Uncommon Grounds to The World Atlas of Coffee.
When to Stop Drinking Coffee for Better Sleep Quality
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant, but its impact on sleep is often underestimated. Discover how caffeine metabolism works and the optimal timing to enjoy...
From Prayer to Politics: The Rise of the Coffeehouse
Discover how coffee transformed from a sacred aid for Sufi prayers in Yemen into the catalyst for political discourse and the birth of the 'penny...
Arabica vs. Robusta: Understanding the Two Giants of Coffee
Coffee is not just a single beverage; it is a complex world of two distinct giants. Explore the biological and sensory differences between Arabica and...
Debunking Coffee Myths: Separating Fact from Folklore
Coffee is surrounded by persistent myths that confuse even seasoned drinkers. I clarify common misconceptions about caffeine, dehydration, and health,...
Is Coffee Healthy? Decoding the Complexities of Your Brew
Discover the truth about coffee and your health. Beyond simple labels, I dive into how bioactivity, dosage, and preparation methods influence your body in...
Specialty Coffee Explained: Origin, Flavor & Grading Guide
Dive deep into the world of specialty coffee. From understanding the 80-point SCA scale to mastering the nuances of single origin vs blends and roasting...