The Canberra Times

Best coffee bean storage solutions for freshness and flavour

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Find the best storage solution for your coffee beans. Picture by Alternative Brewing.
Find the best storage solution for your coffee beans. Picture by Alternative Brewing.

An airtight container with a one-way valve that releases carbon dioxide without letting air in is the best container you can store your coffee beans in. But did you know there are other solutions such as vacuum-sealed receptacles, airtight canisters, and dedicated coffee storage vaults?

Each kind has advantages of its own, protecting the beans from unfavourable environments to increase their longevity and preserve their tastes and scents.

Here are picks for the five best storage solutions to keep your roasted coffee beans in top shape.

  1. Fellow Atmos Coffee Vacuum Canister - Best overall air-tight cannister
  2. Turn-n-seal Vacuum Container - Best air-tight container for large coffee bean volumes
  3. Normcore Coffee Bean Cellars - Perfect for storing different coffee beans separately
  4. Prepara Large EVAK - Best coffee bean container for families
  5. Airscape Coffee Saviour - A durable, food-grade, and BPA-free coffee storage container

The other thing you'll need for an outstanding brew is a coffee machine.

If you don't have a decent coffee machine or want to upgrade then you can get our insights into the top coffee machines in Australia.

Why we picked these coffee bean storage solutions

The quality of your beans can be harmed by exposure to air, heat, moisture, and light, therefore proper storage is crucial.

Our selection ensures that your coffee stays as flavorful and aromatic as the day you bought it by reflecting the best options available on the market to accommodate a range of tastes and price points.

Best overall air-tight cannister

Picture by Alternative Brewing.
Picture by Alternative Brewing.

At the forefront of bean preservation, the Fellow Atmos Coffee Vacuum Canister stands as a beacon of innovation. Constructed with robust stainless steel, its twist-lock lid ensures an airtight seal, creating a vacuum within the container.

By efficiently removing fresh air to prevent oxidation, this canister keeps your beans fresh for an extended period - up to two times longer in fact. Stylish, durable, and available in various sizes ranging from 0.4L (6 oz beans) to 1.2L (16 oz beans), the Fellow Atmos is a stellar choice for daily or weekly use, allowing you to maintain the optimal freshness of your beans.

Personally, the clear glass version is better over the white and black matte ones because you can see the beans inside, and know when it needs topping up.

Pros:

  • A simple and no-fuss air-tight container.
  • Prevents oxidation to keep beans fresher for longer.
  • Comes in three sizes depending on your coffee consumption.
  • Very affordable.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for dishwasher use.

Best air-tight container for large coffee bean volumes

Picture by Alternative Brewing
Picture by Alternative Brewing

Sharing the spotlight, the Ankomn Turn-n-seal Vacuum Container is a formidable guardian against staleness. Operating on the principle of a vacuum-sealed environment, this container slows down the staling process, preserving your beans' freshness.

Easily stackable with their modular design, they are made from BPA-free and recyclable polycarbonate for durability. They also come in a range of sizes from 0.3L to 2.4L, meaning they are perfect for just about anything in the kitchen pantry. And that's flexibility we like.

With the exception of the lid which needs to be hand-washed, the body can be put in the dishwasher. To start the vacuum process, all you need to do is turn the lid.

If design and looks are just as important to you as functionality then you're in luck. The Ankomn containers come in an array of colours, and will accommodate Aussies who prefer a well-balanced kitchen.

Pros:

  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • 1,000 turns warranty.
  • Modular stackable design.

Cons:

  • The lid can't be put in the dishwasher.

Perfect for storing different coffee beans separately

Picture by Alternative Brewing
Picture by Alternative Brewing

While not your typical vacuum canisters, the Normcore Coffee Bean Cellars bring a unique approach to bean storage. Designed to complement vacuum canisters, these cellars provide a dedicated space to measure out and store each dose before brewing.

If you have a coffee bean grinder and like to brew different blends from time to time, then this option is going to prove its worth. Not only will they keep them airtight and release carbon dioxide to slow the oxidation process, but you can also see what beans you have available.

By limiting exposure to air and moisture, they help maintain the freshness of your beans. With a beautiful stand and easy-to-use features, Normcore Cellars enhance the aesthetics of your coffee bar while providing practical single-dose convenience.

Pros:

  • An airtight container that also releases carbon dioxide.
  • Great for partitioning coffee beans.
  • Comes in a set of 6 or 12 with different styles.

Cons:

  • Not designed to store coffee beans in large amounts.

Best coffee bean container for families

Picture amazon.com.au
Picture amazon.com.au

For those of us who take our coffee seriously, the freshness of beans is paramount. Using the Prepara Large EVAK, our beans stay fresh, thanks to its innovative airtight technology. The process of pushing out air keeps beans at peak freshness, which we find essential for a superior cup of java.

We appreciate items that are as pleasing to the eye as they are functional. The Prepara Large EVAK's sleek design ensures it looks great on any counter. Not just about looks, its glass and stainless steel construction makes for a sturdy container - assuming it's handled with care.

Our coffee-making routine can often be streamlined with dishwasher-friendly items, and thankfully, this container fits the bill. After a simple cleaning cycle, it's ready to use again without any fuss. It's worth noting, that we advise monitoring the silicone seal over time as it can harden and might prove difficult to replace.

Pros

  • Maintains freshness with an airtight seal.
  • Elegant design that complements any kitchen décor.
  • Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Cons

  • The vacuum can be too strong sometimes.
  • Glass construction so it can break.
  • Replacement parts for the silicone seal may be hard to find.

A durable, food-grade, and BPA-free coffee storage container

Picture amazon.com.au
Picture amazon.com.au

It's critical to preserve the freshness of your coffee beans, and the unique plunger lid on this canister changes everything. We value the fact that it actively expels air and preserves flavour, extending the shelf life of your coffee beans. For those of us who take our coffee seriously, the lid's swoosh sound serves as a handy aural indicator that it's done its job.

With its BPA-free stainless steel construction, this canister's durability is yet another strength. So if you don't want the stress of glass then this is the one to buy.

Stackability is sometimes forgotten, but this is not the case with the Coffee Saviour. If you have different bean blends then the ability to stack these on top of one another will prove to be convenient in the pantry.

Beyond its attractive appearance (I couldn't resist the turquoise option), this medium-sized Airscape Canister is large enough to nearly hold 1.9 kg of coffee beans. If you're a daily coffee drinker then consider this capacity.

Pros

  • Creative air-evacuating technology aids in preserving freshness.
  • Made from sturdy, restaurant-quality materials.
  • Convenient see-through lid.

Cons

  • High-end pricing.
  • Only hand wash.

For bulk coffee bean storage

Picture amazon.com.au
Picture amazon.com.au

If you have a need to keep bulk volumes of coffee beans fresh (and other dry foods as a matter of fact), then the next storage solution could be ideal.

The Airscape Kilo Canister is the next size up from the Coffee Saviour. It has all the same features and technology to keep perishable foods fresher, except the capacity is larger at 2.5 lbs (or 1.1kg of coffee beans).

Because this canister is very large, be sure it fits in your pantry before making a purchase. It is a useful but fashionable addition to any modern kitchen because of its durability and matte surface.

Pros

  • Clever two-way valve mechanism to preserve freshness.
  • Adaptable to a wide range of dry items, not just coffee.
  • Large enough to handle purchases in bulk.

Cons

  • Possibly too big for tiny kitchen areas.
  • Costs a bit more.

Great multi-purpose storage container

Picture amazon.com.au
Picture amazon.com.au

The airtight closure of the TEDSWAIT Coffee Canister plays a crucial role in prolonging your coffee's shelf life and reducing the stale flavour that could otherwise ruin your morning cup. But it doesn't stop there.

It also includes a handy date tracker so you can keep track of how long your beans have been in there. The inner lid keeps a great seal whilst the vacuum pump contributes to the improved shelf life of your whole beans.

Because of the transparent window, you can see how much coffee is left without opening the container and exposing yourself to more air. It even comes with a small spoon, which will be immensely handy if you decide to store coffee grounds in it instead.

Pros

  • Keeps coffee fresher with an airtight seal.
  • Includes a scoop and convenient date tracker.
  • A transparent window allows for easy monitoring of contents.

Cons

  • The finish may be prone to wear over time.

The benefits of proper coffee bean storage

Coffee beans must be kept fresh and flavorful by being stored in an airtight container. Coffee beans go through a procedure called oxidation when they are exposed to air.

The oils and other substances in the beans react with the oxygen in the air, causing the flavour and scent to fade. When the beans are ground, more surface area is exposed to air, which speeds up this process.

Moreover, coffee beans may absorb undesirable tastes and smells from their environment when exposed to air. When making coffee, this may lead to a weakened flavour profile.

Coffee beans can be kept fresher for longer by keeping them in an airtight container, which acts as a barrier to keep oxygen from getting to the beans.

This aids in preserving the coffee's ideal flavour profile for an extended amount of time. Furthermore, an airtight container helps shield the beans from light, moisture, and other elements that over time might deteriorate their quality.

If you don't want the hassle of storing coffee beans and manually grinding them, then you might be better off with a pod machine.

Here's a list of the best pod machines in Australia for quick and tasty coffee.

How should coffee beans be stored to maintain freshness?

Storing coffee beans and ground coffee must be done correctly to preserve their freshness. The following are some crucial actions:

  • Use an airtight container: As soon as the roasted coffee beans' original packing is opened, place them in an airtight container. Select a container with a tight-fitting lid that is composed of materials like glass or ceramic. By doing this, you can help build a barrier that will keep out light, moisture, and oxygen, all of which can harm the beans.
  • Store the coffee canister in a cool, dark area away from light and heat. The coffee beans' flavour and aroma can be lost as a result of the rapid deterioration caused by heat and light. Keep the container away from stoves, windows, and other heat or light sources.
  • Keep the temperature consistent: Variations in temperature can also impact how fresh the coffee beans are. Try to keep them in a temperature-controlled space, ideally at room temperature or a little bit below. Coffee beans should not be kept in the freezer or refrigerator since the moisture and temperature changes will affect the flavour of the beans.
  • Prevent excessive air exposure: To limit air exposure, open the airtight container as little as possible. Oxygen enters the container every time it is opened, which can cause oxidation and a loss of freshness. If you find yourself reaching for the beans often, perhaps about dividing them into smaller receptacles.
  • Grind right before brewing: Grind the coffee beans right before brewing for the freshest flavour. Given that grinding increases the surface area exposed to air and speeds up oxidation, whole coffee beans keep their freshness longer than ground coffee. To get constant particle size and optimal extraction, get a high-quality burr grinder.

Frequently asked questions

What are the advantages of using a vacuum canister for coffee storage?

By drawing air out of the container, a vacuum canister slows down the oxidation process. This aids in extending the shelf life of the coffee beans' flavour and aroma.

Which is more effective for coffee storage: ceramic or glass containers?

Glass containers might let light seep into the beans over time, so ceramic containers-ideally with an airtight seal-are preferable.

Can you recommend an airtight container for preserving coffee bean flavour?

Coffee bean flavour can be effectively preserved by using airtight stainless steel containers with a one-way valve, which lets out natural gases without allowing air to enter.

How does storage impact the shelf life of coffee beans?

Coffee beans have a far longer shelf life when they are stored properly, away from elements like air, moisture, and light that might hasten their deterioration.

In what ways do storage materials affect coffee bean quality?

Due to their capacity to maintain an airtight seal and shield coffee beans from light and moisture, storage materials including ceramic, glass, and metal can have an impact on the quality of coffee beans. Because of its opacity, ceramic is preferred, although metal provides extra light shielding and durability.