From Guesswork to Data: The 6 Most Important Features in Coffee Testing Equipment

Is your coffee sometimes fantastic and other times a bit flat, even though you’re doing "the same thing"? The answer lies in the invisible variables. At BloomVik, we offer the market’s leading measurement equipment from DiFluid, CoffMeter, and RoastRite, which help you crack the code to the perfect roasting and brewing.

Here are the 6 essential measurement functions that elevate your coffee from hobby level to professional precision.

CoffMeter A1 - Præcis Ristemåler (Agtron) - BloomVik

Roast Color (Agtron Scale)

Color is your primary indicator of flavor development. We use the Agtron scale (0–150), where a higher number means a lighter roast.

The science: By measuring the reflection of near-infrared light (NIR), you get an accurate value to determine whether you have achieved a light coffee with high acidity (80-100+) or a dark coffee with deep body (<55).

Why measure it? It reveals "baking" or "tipping" (unevenness) before you even taste it.

Top models: CoffMeter A1 (lightning fast) or DiFluid Omni, which uses NIR imaging to display a detailed histogram of color distribution.

2. Moisture Content (%)

Water content in green beans is crucial for how heat is conducted into the core.

Sweet spot: Ideally, green coffee should have 10–12% moisture. Too much moisture can cause mold; too little can result in a grassy taste because the bean roasts too quickly on the surface.

Top models: RoastRite RM-800 or the multifunctional DiFluid Omix Plus, which measures with a precision of ±0.1%.

DiFluid Omix Plus - Det komplette kaffelaboratorium - BloomVik

3. Water Activity (aw)

While moisture content measures the total amount of water, aw measures the "free" water that microorganisms can feed on.

Importance: It is the best indicator of coffee shelf life. A water activity between 0.45 and 0.55 is the gold standard. If it is higher, you risk rapid oxidation and flavor loss.

Top model: DiFluid Omix Plus uses "chilled-mirror" technology – the absolute peak in precision.

CoffMeter M1 - Fugt- & Densitetsmåler til Kaffe - BloomVik

4. Density (Mass Density)

Density (g/L) tells you how compact the bean is. Beans grown at high altitudes are often very hard and dense.

In the roaster: A bean with high density requires more energy at the start of roasting. Knowing your density can help you avoid "scorching" (burning the surface) on softer beans.

Top models: CoffMeter M1, DiFluid Omix Plus or RoastRite RM-800.

DiFluid Omni - Kaffe Farve- & Partikelanalysator - BloomVik

5. Particle Size (Grind Analysis)

If your grinder produces too many "fines" (dust), your coffee will taste bitter. If it’s too coarse, it will taste sour.

The analysis: By scanning the ground coffee, you can see if your grinder needs new blades or calibration. An even distribution ensures a balanced extraction without channeling.

Top model: DiFluid Omni – it can both measure roast color and analyze particle size in one machine.

DiFluid R2 Extract - TDS Refraktometer til Kaffe - BloomVik

6. Extraction Measurement (TDS & EY)

This is the final check. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) tells you exactly how much coffee is actually dissolved in the water.

Goal: The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) recommends an Extraction Yield (EY) of 18–22%.

Top model: DiFluid R2 Extract. It is waterproof, lightning fast, and syncs directly with the CoffeeOS app, which automatically calculates your Brew Chart.

Integration & user-friendliness – the thing that ties it all together

CoffeeOS app (DiFluid): Sync all data, track trends across batches, OTA updates

Touchscreens, one-touch operation, long battery life

Portable design with carrying case (e.g., RoastRite RA-720BF)

Quick overview: What should you choose?

Funktion	Bedst til nybegyndere	Bedst til proffer
Ristningsfarve	CoffMeter A1	DiFluid Omni, RoastRite RA-720BF
Fugtindhold	CoffMeter M1	DiFluid Omix Plus, RoastRite RM-800
Vandaktivitet (aw)	CoffMeter W1	DiFluid Omix Plus
Densitet	CoffMeter M1	DiFluid Omix Plus, RoastRite RM-800
Partikelstørrelse (PSD)	DiFluid Omni	DiFluid Omni
Ekstraktionsmåling (TDS & EY)	DiFluid R2 Extract (basisbrug)	DiFluid R2 Extract

Coffee Test Equipment

Conclusion: Take control of your data

When you start measuring your coffee, you move from hoping for a good result to knowing how to create it. Data makes the process more enjoyable, reduces waste, and ensures your customers or guests get the same fantastic experience every time.

Ready to take your coffee to the next level? Check out our full range of testing equipment from DiFluid, CoffMeter, and RoastRite here at BloomVik.

View all testing equipment here

Not sure which meter is most important for your setup?

We’re here to help! Contact us via chat or send an email to kontakt@bloomvik.dk for a personal recommendation.

CONTACT US FOR A PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION!