Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction
3. A New Portable Coffee Contender
4. From Turbo to Soup
5. Soup's On
6. Understanding the Appeal

Key Highlights:

• The OXO Brew Rapid Brewer introduces an innovative way to make coffee, blending convenience with quality.
• By utilizing a unique brew method, it allows users to create "soup shots," a new coffee trend developed by the coffee community that emphasizes low pressure and unique flavor profiles.
• The affordability and accessibility of the Rapid Brewer along with its user-friendly design make it a contender in the world of coffee devices, appealing to both casual drinkers and coffee aficionados.

Introduction

Coffee culture has evolved significantly over the years, and with it, the devices that promise to perfect our brewing experience. Among the latest innovations, the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer stands out as a game changer for coffee enthusiasts. Designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, this compact coffee maker not only aims to rival devices like the Aeropress but also introduces a revolutionary brewing method that has captured the imagination of the coffee community. What was once the realm of espresso machines and manual brewers has opened up to new interpretations and experiences, including the intriguing concept of "soup shots." This article delves into the making and impact of the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer, illustrating its role in shaping modern coffee experiences.

A New Portable Coffee Contender

The OXO Brew Rapid Brewer, affectionately known by fans as the "ORB," applies innovative technology to the age-old tradition of brewing coffee. This device claims to create robust hot or cold concentrated coffee in under five minutes, providing an accessible method for café-quality brews right at home.

To utilize the Rapid Brewer, the process begins with disassembling the machine, a design that highlights its compact nature. Coffee lovers can place the included carafe beneath the brewer, grind fresh coffee beans, and pour the grounds into the lower basket. The self-stored tamper aids in compressing the grounds, simulating conditions similar to espresso preparation. By introducing hot or cold water into the top chamber, users initiate the brewing cycle which culminates in forcing water through the coffee grounds with a built-in pump mechanism. The versatility of the machine allows users to experiment with various immersion times or methods of brewing depending on personal preference.

While some may initially liken the Rapid Brewer to the classic Aeropress, crucial differences set them apart. The Aeropress relies on paper filters to extract flavors, whereas the OXO method utilizes a dense puck akin to espresso shots. With a focus on immersion, the coffee extraction process diverges significantly, creating a unique profile that many find appealing.

Now, the true appeal of the Rapid Brewer transcends its basic functionality; it lies in how the coffee community has embraced and repurposed its capabilities.

From Turbo to Soup

Within the confines of the coffee enthusiast community, experimentation thrives, often leading to novel brewing techniques. This drive to innovate has brought about the “soup shot,” a new genre of coffee that redefines the espresso experience. The inception of the soup concept draws inspiration from the turbo shot, a brewing style birthed from a 2020 research paper advocating for lower pressure, coarser grinds, and abbreviated extraction times. Unlike traditional espresso which typically operates under nine bars of pressure, turbo shots experiment with a reduction to six bars, allowing for a sweeter, more accessible coffee flavor profile.

The “soup” shots take this experimentation further. Uniquely characterized by drastically lower pressures—never exceeding one bar—and the employ of significantly coarser coffee grinds than traditional espresso shots, the results verge on the creation of a highly aromatic, drinkable coffee devoid of the weighty oiliness typically associated with espresso. This avant-garde brewing style allows for the characteristic notes of light roasts to harmonize beautifully, showcasing the delicate nuances of various coffee beans.

Within the Espresso Aficionados Discord community, a spirited dialogue and experimentation surrounding these brewing methods have unfolded, further emboldening enthusiasts to embrace this playful nomenclature. While terms like “yeet” and “piss” flirted with popularity, “soup” emerged as a more gentle moniker—reflective of its friendly experimentation spirit.

Members of the community have documented their successful forays into soup shots using various equipment, but the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer has garnered particular acclaim for its unique synergy with this style. As creators have modified their brewing techniques in response to the capabilities of the Rapid Brewer, a surge of interest has flourished, cementing the machine’s place as an instrument of innovation.

Soup's On

To embark on crafting a soup shot, one requires minimal equipment—primarily a high-quality coffee grinder, a kettle, and, of course, the Rapid Brewer. The beauty of the soup method is in its simplicity coupled with nuanced flavor extraction. A shift in bean selection is vital; lighter roasts are typically favored to accentuate the clarity and intricate flavors within the cup.

Adjusting your grind size is crucial to achieving the desired outcome. Ideal results suggest a finely-tuned grind that facilitates a steady drip through the grounds when water is introduced, advocating an exploratory dance between various coarseness levels—often settling somewhere between a fine moka grind and a coarser espresso grind.

When making soup, the brewing process entails a pre-infusion stage to prepare the coffee puck adequately, followed by a meticulous application of pressure. The introduction of circular paper filters above and below the puck allows for even extraction and helps maintain consistency, with some users opting for custom-cut Chemex filters as an upgrade for more defined results.

Typically, users have found success using a ratio of roughly 18-20 grams of coffee with about 82 ml of nearly boiling water. By mastering the intricacies of pre-infusion and extraction timing—alongside experimenting with varied brewing ratios and recipes—coffee aficionados report creating drinks rich in clarity and robust flavor, often equated with qualities found in expertly brewed espresso.

For those overly familiar with espresso’s thick, oily texture, the solace of a soup shot lies in its playful juxtaposition. With a vibrant clarity reminiscent of a pourover but enriched by espresso-like extraction, drinkers can enjoy a more lighthearted, approachable coffee experience akin to a whimsical invention crafted in your kitchen.

Understanding the Appeal

As a distinctive offering in the coffee realm, the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer embraces its dual role as an accessible espresso alternative and a platform for methodical experimentation. The fact that dedicated fans are even 3D-printing custom accessories to elevate their brewing experience speaks to the fervor that this machine has ignited within the coffee community.

What once required a substantial investment in high-end espresso equipment is now available for a fraction of the cost. The affordability and multifunctionality of the Rapid Brewer cater to both occasional coffee drinkers and passionate enthusiasts alike. With its user-friendly design, coffee lovers need not worry about steep learning curves or expensive outlays; all that's required is a commitment to trial and error.

Users can substitute costly espresso machines with the Rapid Brewer to craft new experiences without sacrificing taste or richness. The community surrounding the OXO retains a spirit of innovation, with ideas bouncing off one another, leading to an inspiring cycle of creativity that consistently pushes the boundaries of how coffee can be enjoyed.

As the world of specialty coffee continues to evolve, devices like the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer play a pivotal role in expanding horizons. The emergence of soup shots represents not just a trend but a cultural shift where coffee becomes an experience, centered on exploration and accessibility.

FAQ

What is the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer?
The OXO Brew Rapid Brewer is a compact coffee maker designed to create concentrated hot or cold coffee beverages in under five minutes.

How does the Rapid Brewer differ from the Aeropress?
While both devices serve the same market, the Rapid Brewer operates without the need for paper filters by creating a dense coffee puck, allowing for a different brewing method and flavor profile compared to the Aeropress.

What are soup shots?
Soup shots are a new coffee brewing style characterized by very low brewing pressure, using coarse grinds, and shorter extraction times, resulting in a clear, flavorful coffee lacking the heavy oiliness of traditional espresso.

Can I use different coffee beans for soup shots?
Yes, lighter roasts are typically recommended for soup shots, as they allow the intricate flavors and aromas to shine through in the final brew.

Why should I consider using the OXO Brew Rapid Brewer?
The Rapid Brewer offers an affordable and versatile method for home brewing, allowing users to explore new coffee trends like soup shots without the significant investment typically required for espresso machines.