The chain milk tea brand Grandpa's Tea launched a limited-edition garden thermos to celebrate its sixth anniversary, attracting many fans to collect the merchandise. However, some consumers discovered rust at the rim of the cup along with a strange odor after use, raising concerns about product quality. Multiple users posted about similar issues on social media, yet the after-sales handling failed to satisfy consumers. After media reports on October 22, the brand took the matter seriously, sent the product for testing, and released preliminary investigation results confirming that the metal inner liner was indeed 316 stainless steel, and that the rust was caused by the manufacturing process, after which it immediately initiated a recall of the affected batch of thermoses. Front Street Coffee reminds coffee lovers that when choosing a thermos, they should pay attention to material and craftsmanship details, and promptly defend their rights if they encounter quality issues. [more…]

As temperatures drop, pour-over coffee quickly goes cold. Front Street Coffee conducted an experiment using a washed Yirgacheffe Gedingding, pouring freshly brewed coffee into a 316 stainless steel thermos and sealing it, then measuring the temperature and tasting the flavor hour by hour. At 1 hour, 65.8°C, it still retained floral and citrus notes; at 2 hours, 60°C, there was almost no change; at 3 hours, 54°C, the flavor was slightly weaker; at 4 hours, 50°C, the floral notes had dissipated and the acidity and sweetness became more prominent; at 5 hours, 46°C, only honey green tea and citrus acidity remained. The test shows that a qualified thermos can preserve the flavor well for 2-3 hours, making it suitable for taking to work, but after 4-5 hours the drop in temperature makes it prone to bacterial growth, so long-term storage is not recommended. [more…]

When drinking iced coffee in summer, it tends to become diluted toward the end, so some people have thought of using stainless steel ice cubes instead of traditional ice. Are these reusable metal ice cubes really suitable for coffee? Front Street conducted an actual comparison test, analyzing the structure of stainless steel ice cubes, their cooling speed, and their impact on flavor. The results show that although stainless steel ice cubes have the advantage of not melting, their cooling effect is far inferior to homemade ice cubes, especially performing poorly in the ice pour-over step. The article also shares a pour-over plan using a mix of the two types of ice cubes, and explores why coffee shops rarely use stainless steel ice cubes. [more…]

On a scorching summer day, you want to drink iced pour-over but worry the flavor will be watered down, so a friend suggests: use stainless steel ice cubes to cool down hot pour-over—wouldn't that give you both full flavor and a refreshing chill? This idea sounds beautiful, but through comparative experiments, Front Street Coffee found that although stainless steel ice cubes can preserve coffee concentration, they fall short of traditional ice cubes in temperature and mouthfeel. This article documents in detail the parameter differences between regular iced brew and the experimental iced brew with stainless steel ice cubes, the actual measured temperature results, and the inherent shortcomings of stainless steel ice cubes—slow cooling and not cold enough—to help you decide whether they are worth using in iced pour-over. [more…]

Starbucks has previously implemented deposit-based reusable cups in Korea, Seattle, London, and other places, but the results were not ideal. Starbucks Japan was the first to change its approach, launching a stainless steel cup rental service at ten stores in Tokyo. Customers can scan a code via a mobile app to borrow a cup, return it within three days, and even enjoy a discount on their drink. After return, the cups are uniformly washed at high temperature and disinfected. The company emphasizes that there is no need to worry about residual viruses or bacteria. Can this model truly promote environmental protection, and can it be replicated in other regions? This article will provide a detailed interpretation for you. [more…]

Over time, a moka pot can develop dark spots or patches on its body, and this is usually caused by improper cleaning methods. Many people focus only on how to brew coffee with a moka pot, but overlook that cleaning and maintenance are equally important. With proper care, a moka pot can stay with you for many years; with improper care, not only will its lifespan be shortened, but it will also absorb odors and affect the flavor of your coffee. Moka pots on the market are mainly divided into two types: aluminum and stainless steel, and different materials require very different cleaning methods. Aluminum pots require particular attention, because they easily react with alkaline ingredients or chlorine in cleaning agents, leading to corrosion and oxidation, and they also absorb the smell of detergent. This article will systematically share the correct steps for daily moka pot cleaning, the differences in care between aluminum and stainless steel pots, and repair techniques for when the pot body has already turned "black," helping you extend the life of your beloved pot and keep every cup of moka coffee pure and delicious. [more…]

Want to enjoy a refreshing glass of iced pour-over coffee but worry that melting ice will dilute the flavor? This article focuses on making iced pour-over, with an emphasis on explaining why you need to adopt a "high concentration, low extraction" approach to redesign your brewing parameters, and offers specific coffee-to-water ratio recommendations. It also discusses whether stainless steel ice cubes can replace regular ice, along with related product recommendations from Front Street Coffee. Whether you're a beginner just getting into pour-over or a seasoned enthusiast looking to refine your summer iced coffee recipe, you'll find practical solutions here. [more…]

Manner has long been known for its "bring your own cup and get 5 yuan off" policy and for frequently giving away stylish cups. The stainless steel straw cup launched last November sparked controversy because it could only be obtained by purchasing a 75-yuan set meal. After more than half a year, the official announcement on the last day of August revealed an additional silver model, officially launching on September 2, with stock increased to 60,000, and the threshold relaxed to receiving one free with the purchase of two iced coffees through delivery channels. The high aesthetic appeal and low barrier made cup collectors eager, with many people preemptively monitoring mini-programs or delivery platforms for price changes, ready to order promptly and wait for delivery. However, less than 12 hours after the campaign launched, complaints began appearing on social media: after rinsing the new cup with clean water, paint peeled off the outer side of the lid, as if the silver coating had been scratched, instantly blemishing the originally striking new cup. Some netizens checked the packaging information and found that the cup body and straw are made of metal, while the lid is PP polypropylene plastic with an outer coating, which easily peels off when exposed to water or light scraping. [more…]

It is no longer news that chain coffee brands sell merchandise. Products such as cups, pins, and canvas bags can not only increase revenue but also cultivate fan loyalty. However, once merchandise has quality problems, after-sales disputes follow one after another. Recently, a netizen posted that the bottom of the inner liner of a stainless steel insulated cup they bought from Starbucks had black rust spots, and when they asked the official side for a replacement, they were refused on the grounds that it was "beyond the after-sales time limit." The post resonated with a large number of consumers. Some complained that quality control was worrying, while others believed that the way it was used might be the key. Three days after the incident gained traction, the blogger updated the progress, saying that Starbucks had agreed to replace it. Who is actually responsible in this dispute? And how should brands balance the appearance and quality of merchandise? [more…]

Moka pots are convenient to use, but cleaning and maintenance involve quite a few finer points. The aluminum body easily reacts with cleaning agents, causing oxidation and blackening, and if the gasket and filter screen are not removed and cleaned for a long time, a large amount of coffee liquid and grounds will remain, affecting the seal and flavor. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the daily cleaning steps for moka pots, the differences in cleaning aluminum versus stainless steel pots, the key points for removing and reinstalling the gasket and filter screen, and the white vinegar and lemon juice repair method after oxidation and blackening. No matter which material you use, mastering these details can extend the life of the pot and make every cup of coffee purer. Front Street Coffee also offers practical reminders in the article. [more…]

Starbucks partnered with Ele.me to launch the "Special Delivery" "Fortune Bowl" holiday set. During the promotion, customers who order designated two-cup drinks or add 39.9 yuan can snap up the co-branded golden rice bowl. Although this food-grade stainless steel merchandise comes with an anti-scald bowl sleeve and heat-insulating bowl mat, the bottom is labeled "suitable temperature <45°C," creating a contrast with its original purpose of holding hot food and prompting netizens to joke that "for alms, you can only beg for iced Americanos." Since each store has only one in stock, the rush to buy created a tense atmosphere. Some people got one easily, while others encountered problems such as failed add-to-cart attempts, canceled orders, or even sudden price changes. Starbucks explained this as a system bug. [more…]

People who buy their own beans, grind them, and brew pour-over coffee often face a choice when it comes to filtration: should they use disposable paper filters, reusable stainless steel mesh filters, or flannel cloth filters? Each of the three methods has its own adherents, and each directly affects the clarity, body, and aroma expression of the coffee in the cup. This article starts from material characteristics, ease of use, taste differences, and maintenance points, comparing the pros and cons of paper filters, metal mesh filters, and cloth filters one by one, and offers selection suggestions for different taste preferences. If you often drink Front Street Coffee's medium-to-dark roasted beans, or prefer light-roasted beans with floral and fruity notes, understanding these filtration details can help you adjust your brewing direction more accurately and find the cup of coffee that suits you better. [more…]

Front Street Coffee has shared quite a few tips on using a moka pot and methods for making coffee with it, yet we've never systematically talked about cleaning and maintenance. As a result, the same question keeps popping up in our messages: what should you do when your moka pot has "gone dark"? So-called darkening refers to the pot's body turning black in spots due to oxidation, which often stems from improper cleaning after use. In fact, cleaning and maintenance are just as important as brewing—maintain your moka pot well and it will last a long time; maintain it poorly and not only will its lifespan be shortened, but it will also absorb odors and affect the flavor of your coffee. Today, Front Street Coffee will explain in detail the correct way to clean a moka pot, the key points of maintenance, and how to repair a moka pot that has already oxidized and turned black. [more…]

Espresso is the foundation and soul of many coffee drinks, and almost any bean variety and roast level can be used to make it. However, around Espresso there are a whole set of "siblings" such as Ristretto, Lungo, Doppio, and Americano, as well as milk coffee and dessert variations like cappuccino, latte, flat white, macchiato, cortado, and affogato, and the differences between them are often confusing. This article systematically sorts out the definitions, extraction parameters, and flavor characteristics of ten common espresso drinks, and includes step-by-step preparation methods for the cappuccino family and other classic styles, helping coffee lovers clarify the full picture of espresso at once. Front Street Coffee will also recommend suitable beans and equipment ideas for you, making it easy to replicate at home. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts are familiar with using a moka pot and the brewing techniques involved, but how to properly clean and maintain it afterward is often overlooked. Although Front Street Coffee has shared a great deal of content related to moka pots, it has never systematically covered the topic of cleaning, and as a result, the back office keeps receiving requests for help with pots that have "turned black." What is called blackening is actually spotting caused by oxidation, mostly triggered by improper cleaning. With proper care, a moka pot can last for many years; without it, not only is its lifespan shortened, but it will also absorb odors that affect the flavor of the coffee. This article explains the key points of cleaning by material, teaches you how to disassemble and wash the gasket and filter screen, how to repair an already oxidized pot body, and also recommends Front Street Coffee beans suitable for moka pots. [more…]

As a traditional Italian coffee apparatus, the Moka pot is favored by enthusiasts for its simple operation and rich flavor. This article systematically organizes common questions about the Moka pot's brewing principles, grind size and tamping key points, water temperature control, and heat adjustment, and explains cleaning and maintenance methods in detail. At the same time, it compares the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum and stainless steel materials, and answers various questions that arise during use. The article also combines recommendations from the Front Street Coffee brand to provide coffee bean selection suggestions for readers pursuing a full-bodied or balanced flavor, helping you easily master Moka pot extraction techniques. [more…]

The moka pot is a common tool for many coffee lovers brewing espresso at home, but during operation, problems such as poor flow, overly bitter or sour taste, or almost no crema are often encountered. This article focuses on the practical use scenarios of the moka pot, organizing the complete process from material selection, heating methods to extraction parameters and post-brew cleaning, and provides troubleshooting ideas for common faults. The article also combines the production experience of Front Street Coffee to explain the key points of coordination among coffee grounds amount, water amount, grind size, and heat level, helping readers more consistently make a cup of rich-bodied moka pot coffee. [more…]

The appeal of pour-over coffee lies in the fact that everyone can brew a flavor that is uniquely their own. This article is aimed at home enthusiasts and small coffee shops, and provides a systematic overview of all the equipment needed to get started with pour-over—from gooseneck kettles, drippers, and grinders to filter papers, digital scales, thermometers, and carafes—offering an analysis of the pros and cons of specific brand models along with purchasing advice, and including a complete eight-step brewing tutorial. Finally, it recommends several highly cost-effective Front Street single-origin coffee beans, at a cost of only about six yuan per cup, making them ideal for daily practice and home enjoyment. [more…]

In recent years, anaerobic fermentation and red wine processing methods have continued to gain popularity in the specialty coffee world. From the promotion by 2015 WBC champion Sasa Sestic to the early explorations of Costa Rican coffee farmers, these processing techniques, which draw on winemaking ideas, have brought coffee rich flavors such as strawberry jam, fermented wine aromas, and tropical fruits. This article systematically reviews the scientific principles of anaerobic fermentation, its essential differences from traditional processing methods, and the specific operational workflow of carbonic maceration. It also combines two representative beans from Front Street Coffee—Colombia Flower Moon Night and Panama Hartmann—to share roasting and brewing parameters, helping coffee lovers gain a deeper understanding of the core logic of this special processing method. [more…]

The moka pot is a staple piece of equipment in many coffee lovers' homes, but if daily cleaning isn't done carefully enough, the aluminum body can easily oxidize and turn black, and the gasket and filter screen are often overlooked. This article explains in detail the key cleaning points for aluminum and stainless steel moka pots, walks through the steps for removing and cleaning the gasket and filter screen, their installation orientation, and replacement intervals, and offers repair solutions using white vinegar or lemon juice soaks for pots that have already oxidized. Mastering these methods not only keeps your coffee's flavor pure, but also effectively extends the moka pot's lifespan, letting it reliably brew every cup of coffee for you for years to come. [more…]