With over 70 per cent of coffee and tea extraction efficiency depending on particle size, and in a market where flavour and consistency define product success, equipment manufacturers Heat and Control say manufacturers can’t afford to get this step wrong.
The company says achieving a premium end product starts with precise size reduction of raw ingredients, ensuring optimal surface area for flavour capture.
When particle size is inconsistent, extraction efficiency suffers – leading to wasted product, undesirable bitterness, or weak flavour profiles.
For processors using integrated extraction systems, controlling the particle size of roasted coffee beans and tea leaves is critical: too coarse, and valuable flavour compounds may not be fully extracted. Too fine, and excess bitterness or over-extraction can occur.
Achieving the perfect balance in particle size requires advanced technology, which is where Heat and Control’s Comitrol processors from Urschel can make all the difference.
Importance of Particle Size in Extraction
In modern coffee and tea processing, the ground ingredients are mixed with water to create a slurry – a thick liquid mixture that allows for efficient extraction of flavour compounds. This process is essential in the production of coffee essences, instant coffee, and tea concentrates.
At this stage, the efficiency of flavour extraction is directly linked to how precisely the ingredients have been reduced in size. Inconsistent or oversized particles may result in uneven extraction, reducing yield and overall quality.
Heat and Control says Urschel’s Comitrol processors ensure a highly controlled, uniform particle size, allowing manufacturers to achieve: maximised flavour capture; higher yield efficiency; process consistency; and with the Comitrol M3600S, uniform particle size for optimal extraction.
The Comitrol M3600S is a leading solution for grinding roasted coffee beans and tea leaves before extraction. It’s designed for precision size reduction, ensuring particles are uniform and optimal for slurry preparation.
By maintaining tight control over particle size, Comitrol M3600S prevents inconsistencies that lead to flavour degradation or loss. This translates to a better-quality final product – whether for coffee extracts used in ready-to-drink (RTD) applications or premium instant tea concentrates.
For manufacturers requiring greater flexibility in size reduction, the Comitrol Processor M1700 provides multiple cutting options in a single machine. This model allows processors to fine-tune particle size based on their specific application, for example:
- Finely milled coffee or tea powders for instant extraction.
- Micro-cut tea leaves for enhanced flavour infusion.
- Pre-ground coffee for instant formulations with consistent texture.
Comitrol M1700’s precision cutting heads ensure that every batch meets the required specifications, reducing waste and improving process efficiency.
Beyond flavour optimisation, the Comitrol series from Urschel delivers additional operational benefits, including:
- High throughput – handles large volumes with minimal operator intervention.
- Sanitary, enclosed design – prevents dust, vapour, or liquid escape, ensuring cleanliness.
- Low maintenance – durable stainless-steel construction for easy cleaning and longevity.
“For coffee and tea manufacturers aiming to maximise flavour retention, optimise extraction, and enhance product consistency, investing in precision size reduction technology is essential. Both the Comitrol M3600S and Comitrol M1700 models will ensure superior results in every batch,” says Heat and Control.
“By utilising advanced size reduction equipment, manufacturers can produce higher-quality extracts, increase efficiency, and deliver premium coffee and tea products to a global market.”
