mug to sip from, consider it’s the process – whether manual, mechanical, or electronic – which will determine whether your morning/afternoon cup tastes worthy of all the preparation and money spent on good whole beans. There are numerous coffee brewing and roasting machines far superior to the drip machines your parents used or the one sitting in your office break room. All 12 of these coffee contraptions offer the addition of pleasing the eyes as much as the palate:
Trinity ONE: Mark Folker’s stainless steel and black walnut timber finish coffee device is advertised “to be on display, not hidden away”, a multi-technique preparation station capable of pour over, air pressure, and cold brew so users can experience the taste of beans in numerous ways.
The Ottomatic by Chemex: Is there any name more connected to the renaissance of barista experience coffee preparation than Chemex? Their new machine takes on a punny turn with its name, a nod to the brands departure from manual pour over preparation and to an automated brewing system which handles the heating and pour for you.
Moka Pot: Designer Joey Roth has already applied his keen eye for material, form and function in the realm of audio speakers and self-watering planters. He put those same talents to use while partnering with much beloved Blue Bottle Coffee Roasters to create an updated design of the classic Moka Pot (with some Hayes Valley Espresso, please!).
Dutch Lab Eiffel: Would anyone like a cup of slow cold drip Dutch coffee? Oui! As much a design statement as a coffee preparation device.
notNeutral Gino & Lino Dripper Set: Small, simple, and easy to take anywhere for pour-over duty, this would make a nice Father’s Day gift alongside a couple bags of your local roaster’s best.
KitchenAid Siphon Brewer: One of the bigger brands primarily known for small kitchen appliances like mixers and blenders, the eye-catching brewing globe will likely mesmerize those waiting for their cup as the water transfer from the reservoir chamber up to siphon and brew in a liquid dance. The brewing method is a little shorter from start to finish, producing a milder cup.
Ikawa Home Roaster: Scheduled to arrive February 2016, this Kickstarter is ramping up for production, bringing the bean roasting right to the drinker’s home and onto iOS and Android devices. The whole roasting process can be customized according to beans used, then monitored using the compatible smartphone app, tracking temperature while the beans turn from green to different degrees of brown, sending a notification when the roasting process is finished.
Poppy Pour Over: Subjectively speaking, the statuesque all-in-one grind and pour-over Poppy is our favorite design. Water temperature, grind size (burr-type), and brew times are all adjustable, while scheduling brewing time is accessible via app, making this brewing machine equal parts brain and beauty.
BKON Craft Brewer: If Tony Stark was to ever design a coffee brewing machine this touch-panel laboratory-style equipment would be it. The makers call the technology used here RAIN — Reverse Atmospheric INfusion – a vacuum flavor extraction process which works with coffee, tea, fruit, or even booze. Watch the process here and check if your bank account allows for a spare $14,000, because that’s how much one will set you back.
Wilfa Precision: The Wilfa Precision was released back in 2013, but only became available recently in the United States after US kitchen and cooking retailer, William-Sonoma partnered with the Nordic coffee maker to bring it to their stores. Designed by world champion barista Tim Wendelboe, the Wilfa is engineered to bring water to the perfect temperature before brewing begins.
Ratio Coffee: That’s not a cheap plastic body. Oh no, the Ratio is comprised of die-cast aluminum with a satin nickel ceramic finish and walnut wood arms, partnered with a lab-grade borosilicate glass carafe, and a natural cork stopper to seal in heat and flavor after this pour over carefully blooms and collects a serving one drip at a time.
Cold Bruer: We not only got to see the Cold Bruer in person at last week’s Dwell On Design show, but also had the opportunity to enjoy several cups made with this affordable cold drip machine. Cold drip coffee lovers can adjust brewing time between 3-12 hours using the simple to use drip control valve; it’s a dummy proof design (“1 drip per second and you’ll be safe.”). This isn’t for the impulsive drinker, but for careful planners and schedulers who waiting for a good thing is worth it – the final brewed batch we tasted was characterized by a very vibrant and full flavor, sans any acidity marring the cup. Our sample of Ethiopia Boke from Temple Coffee & Tea made with the Cold Bruer was so good we refilled twice!
