When I travel to a new place, one of the things that I always want to try out are the local coffee places. However, not all places have really great original beans and not all coffee addict travelers would trust coffee shops especially if there are not a lot of recommended places. So I know some people who are picky with their caffeine fix who actually travel with all sorts of coffee paraphernalia. Of course this adds to their luggage so it’s not always that convenient. So having paraphernalia that’s handy and at the same time gives you that kick that you need is a must.
Designers: Vanshika Singhal and Yashi Jivnani
BrewPin is a portable coffee machine using the moka pot brewing method that was developed as a concept for coffee brand Bialetti. It is meant for those picky travelers that need to have their espresso shot when they want a caffeine boost and there isn’t any local coffee shop that would suit their taste or if there aren’t any coffee shops in general, like in the mountains or in rural areas. It looks like your typical portable coffee tool but it looks like it’s much easier to use.
The bottom part has a silicone cover with power coat and above it, you find the stainless steel water tank. There’s also a funnel filter and a coffee pod tank as well as a perforated plate where the moka magic happens. There’s a borosilicate glass on top where you pour your coffee in and a nozzle to pour the coffee from. Basically you just plug in the BrewPin, let the coffee brew your espresso shot and then flip it, twist off the cup, and enjoy your caffeine boost.
As someone who often complains that the hotel coffee is almost always no good, this can be a great tool to tide me over until I’m able to get to a proper coffee shop. The only downside to this is that you need to plug it in but if they’re able to create something that would harness energy from somewhere else to get that espresso shot, it would be perfect.
The term “revolutionary” is often overused whenever a new product is announced. However, it’s rare for a product to live up to such a label truly. One that does is the iPhone, and the reasons for this are well-known. The coffee brewing machine industry is a significant global market. In 2020, it was valued at approximately $6.36 billion and is projected to grow annually by 7% from 2021 to 2028. The Keurig coffee maker is the most popular machine so far, and it is known for its convenience and wide variety of flavors. But if you desire more than a quick cup of coffee or yearn for a variety of flavors that extend beyond a pod, the KUKU Maker is for you. It’s a revolutionary machine that combines high-tech brewing and extraction features with the satisfying experience of old-school hand-poured coffee. Let’s delve into the details, making it the most innovative coffee maker ever.
The KUKU Maker allows for customized extraction parameters, giving you complete control of the extraction pressure, temperature, grind fineness, and extraction time. The outcome for traditionalists ensures their needs are met if not exceeded. Still, modern coffee brewers can’t even come close to achieving this for the adventurist looking to boldly brew into new territories.
KUKU Maker uses centrifugal force to generate pressure, which makes it possible to maintain a stable extraction pressure throughout the extraction process, regardless of the state of other parameters.
Streamlining the coffee-making process and brewing great tasting coffee is what the KUKU Maker does best. You no longer have to manually prepare the coffee puck or invest in extra resources for even water flow through the coffee grounds. This is due to the machine’s use of centrifugal force to distribute the coffee powder along the funnel’s wall. There’s an open water chamber and a funnel for coffee powder, which can be removed. The funnel rotates at high speed, pulling water from the chamber into the funnel. This creates pressure through centrifugal force. During brewing, the water rises into the funnel from the high-speed rotation, passing through the coffee powder evenly due to centrifugal force. This automation removes the need for manual tasks like tamping down the coffee grounds, preventing issues such as channeling, and ensuring a more consistent coffee extraction process.
You have the flexibility to use ice water or room temperature water directly for extraction, or you can employ KUKU Maker to swiftly heat room temperature water to your desired temperature before initiating the extraction process.
The size of the coffee grinds plays a vital role in the coffee-making process as it affects the amount of time the water interacts with the coffee grounds, ultimately impacting the brew’s flavor. For instance, coarser grinds are best suited for methods requiring longer extraction time, such as the French press or cold brew. The larger particle size allows the water to extract the coffee slowly over several minutes, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful brew. On the other hand, a finer grind is ideal for an espresso or a Moka pot, where the water passes through the coffee quickly under high pressure. This rapid extraction process requires smaller coffee particles to ensure that the water can extract the coffee’s flavors efficiently. With the KUKU Maker, you can effortlessly adjust the grind size to match your preferred brewing method and taste preference.
Another way to assert your control over how your coffee tastes is to customize the size of the coffee grinds from very fine to very coarse. You can adjust each setting separately, so changing one won’t affect the others. Varying the temperature and pressure settings allows you to experiment with the grind size to bring out different flavors in your coffee. So, even if you don’t get the grind size right, you still have a tasty cup of coffee and experience new flavors.
Room Temperature Espresso
Between the tangy and sweet extremes, there’s a world of flavors to explore, such as floral, nutty, or earthy notes. The ability to adjust multiple parameters with the KUKU Maker opens up a world of possibilities, letting you craft a coffee experience that is uniquely yours. These flavors are improved by a brushless motor and intelligent software that control the extraction pressure. The pressure can be altered simply by adjusting the motor speed. Furthermore, you can select the desired rotations per minute (RPM) during extraction, ranging from 3000 to 7000 RPM. The motor will immediately adjust its speed to match your selection.
The KUKU Maker is a multifunctional coffee device that can quickly make not only cold-brew coffee but also cold-brew espresso.
The temperature of coffee extraction affects its flavor and aroma. Cold brew coffee is made using lower temperatures and longer extraction times. It is prepared by immersing ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. KUKU Maker can make a cold brew in just two minutes using ice water. Alternatively, you can use room-temperature water for extraction or heat the water to your preferred temperature using electromagnetic induction heating technology. This advanced method allows you to brew the perfect espresso in under 50 seconds with 60 ml of water. If you prefer an Americano, heating 300 ml of water takes about 4 minutes.
The KUKU Maker offers a unique way to control the strength of your coffee. Using cyclic extraction, you can adjust the water flow through the coffee powder to personalize your coffee experience. This machine provides flexibility for adjusting the concentration of your coffee grounds, allowing you to brew a perfect cup to suit your taste. Cleaning the KUKU Maker is a straightforward process. Start by pouring about 100ml of water into the water chamber. Set a cup on the drip tray to collect the rinse water. Activate the machine’s toggle or select the clean button on the KUKU Maker APP to start the auto-cleaning mode. Within 20 seconds, any lingering stains will be rinsed out through the spout. Your KUKU Maker is now clean and ready for your next coffee brewing session.
Unlike traditional espresso machines, the KUKU Maker is easy to maintain. Conventional machines often require frequent cleaning and part replacements, particularly the brewing head, which is crucial for coffee extraction. Over time, you might need to replace small parts like the rubber ring to avoid clogging and potential taste issues. Cleaning out the Coffee grounds is relatively quick and simple since they’re only contained in the removable powder funnel, not the water chamber. Its minimalistic design, featuring only a coffee dispensing spout, reduces the chances of breakdowns. Therefore, it requires less upkeep than traditional coffee makers. Its body is made from corrosion-resistant, food-grade stainless steel and aluminum alloy, and it is IP65-rated to protect its electronic components from damage in humid environments. The machine also features a multiple Hall sensor solution with sealed Hall switches for durability. Additionally, it has a hidden display to reveal information during operation, designed to prevent damage from humidity or impact.
Everyone has a beverage of choice that they need in the morning to wake them up – usually, it is coffee or tea. For me personally it is coffee! I love coffee, I need it to start my day, or else I simply refuse to start my day! It’s the boost of energy, dose of motivation, and rush of serotonin that I need every morning. And, I’m pretty sure that’s the case for most of us. We all need our cup of tea or coffee. There is a different satisfaction and pleasure in sipping caffeine that you know is the result of your hard work, something precariously prepared with your personal touch to it. And if you’re someone who’s chasing that feeling, then a unique, innovative, and interactive coffee machine or tea brewer is all you need, and ninety-five percent of the battle is won (the other five percent is you setting aside your laziness and operating the machine)! From a smart teapot to the Tesla of coffee machines – this collection of super cool and easy-to-use tools will start you off on your coffee/tea brewing journey. Cheers!
1. xBloom
Meet the futuristic xBloom – the Tesla of Coffee Machines. It is the first coffee machine with an Autopilot feature, making it quite an innovative and unique one. This makes preparing coffee super easy and efficient, almost transforming it into an art. The coffee machine is quite sleek and pristine, and looks like it jumped straight out of a sci-fi movie!
Why is it noteworthy?
The xBloom was designed by ex-Apple employees, and it identifies, grinds, dispenses, brews, and pours your coffee for you. The machine uses the finest beans sourced from the top roasters worldwide, offering you the finest cup of coffee to enjoy!
What we like
With the xBloom, it feels as if a professional barista is making you a cup of coffee, creating an elevated coffee-drinking experience
Features the power of NFC technology
What we dislike
It does not accommodate instant coffee, which can be a hassle for some coffee drinkers
2. Smart Tea Pot
If you prefer tea over coffee, then you need to get your hands on the Smart Tea Pot. This connected teapot lets you brew yourself a cup of tea with the help of technology, creating the perfect brew for you. You can prepare a delicious brew based on the kind of tea you like, depending on your mood and needs.
The Smart Tea Pot features advanced brewing adjustments that are influenced by the kind of tea you need, and your tea-drinking requirements. It has a “Golden Drop” rotating infuser, which is a perfect example of Japanese minimalism, and it merges technology with simplicity.
What we like
Has a compact size, and clean minimal aesthetics allowing it to perfectly fuse with your kitchen and dining space
What we dislike
The Smart Tea Pot employs technology for brewing customizations, which can be complicated for those who prefer traditional, simple tea-making processes
3. Ceramic Cup
This minimalist-looking mug is finely crafted, and is a true meeting of the earth and wood in a unique and subtle symphony of texture. It is designed to be a lovely treat for your sensitive lips as well as your fingers. As you drink from it, you are invited into a sensory experience where you can truly enjoy sipping your tea.
When we’re sipping a drink, our lips come into contact with the surface of a glass or mug, and this impression sets the mood for the entire experience. This beautiful mug intends to create that kind of engagement in the form of a design with intriguing contrasts.
What we like
Crafted from quality Japanese ceramic
What we dislike
You cannot put the mug into a microwave
The aesthetics can be considered a bit simple and boring
4. Brewster
This battery-powered coffee machine is called the Brewster, and it is designed for the future. It will satisfy your random coffee cravings with complete convenience and precision, allowing you to enjoy the perfect cup of joe everywhere you like. It is a portable design providing you with coffee anytime, anywhere.
Why is it noteworthy?
Brewster is more than just a coffee machine, it is a lifestyle innovation designed for the future. It features a convenient compact design, that makes it super easy to carry around.
What we like
Features a battery-powered design that doesn’t really need to be tethered to a chord
It has an intuitive design that offers a hassle-free coffee-making experience
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional and practical it will be as a real product
5. Earth-friendly Stacking Cup
Enjoy your favorite beverage with this Earth-friendly stacking cup. It is a stylish and minimal stacking cup that helps you save the environment. It is built from eco-friendly synthetic materials and has a unique texture which contributes to a distinctive and sensory tea-drinking experience.
The texture of the stacking cup is unique and resembles ceramic and wood. It provides a distinctive sensory experience to your mouth and lips, while also embodying minimal aesthetics and eco-friendly practices, forming a soul-enriching drinking experience that you won’t forget.
What we like
Made from plant-derived biodegradable resin
The material biodegrades into water and carbon dioxide through natural microbial action
What we dislike
Aesthetically quite common to other cups on the market, nothing to set it apart
6. Earth-friendly Tumbler
Have you ever heard of PAPLUS? It is a new kind of thermoplastic resin that can be mixed with biodegradable paper to add durability, heat resistance, and moldability which normal PLA often tacks. This unique earth-friendly tumbler is made using PAPLUS, making it a sustainable and stylish drinking tumbler for your coffee or tea.
The earth-friendly tumbler is made using an eco-friendly material to add a unique texture that is similar to the surface of ceramic or wooden cups. As you take a sip from this tumbler, a wonderful flavor is brought to your tongue, which creates an engaging sensation for your lips.
What we like
Uplifts the act of drinking beverages to a new sensory experience for your tongue and lips
Has a heat resistance of 120°, allowing you to enjoy piping hot as well as ice-cold drinks
What we dislike
The natural color of the tumbler can fade or become uneven with use, which may not be appreciated by users
7. F1 Coffee Grinder
Dubbed the F1, this portable and sleek wireless coffee grinder works automatically and manually. It features industrial-grade conical burrs, and a motor that provides 100 grind settings, allowing you to prepare fresh coffee when you’re at home or even out camping!
Why is it noteworthy?
Features a built-in fold-out collection tray, and allows you to hot-swap for one-button electric grinding or a hank-crank for a more hands-on grinding experience. The grinder is the size of a small thermos, and can easily fit into bags and suitcases.
What we like
Travel-friendly grinder with Scandinavian minimalism
What we dislike
You need to remove the motor, before washing it in the dishwasher
8. Slim Fold Dish Rack
This unique and innovative dish rack can be carried anywhere with you. It has a patent pending spring mechanism, that you can adjust and shrink from 14″ to 1.2″ within seconds. Deployment of the dish rack is also just as fast, making it quite easy to set up and use.
Called the Slim Fold Dish Rack, this product has a minimalist yet durable design, which ensures adequate ventilation, and has plenty of space for plates, utensils, and cookware of any size. It is an excellent design for your kitchen or for camping outdoors.
What we like
Flexible collapsible form that will clean and dry your utensils in no time
Easy to clean and dishwasher-friendly
What we dislike
The slim wires will find it difficult to hold heavy utensils (pots and pans)
9. Steampunk Espresso Machine
Called the Steampunk Espresso Machine, this unique espresso machine was designed by Ahmet Kemal Daşhan for Steam Espresso. It is adorned with brass fittings that take you on an exciting and surreal journey through time. It has a distinctive appearance, that makes it stand apart from boxy and typical coffee machines on the market.
Why is it noteworthy?
The espresso machine features exposed gears that are reminiscent of a bygone era’ mechanical marvels, which besides serving a functional purpose, also add a touch of authenticity to the entire espresso-making experience. The machine features vintage aesthetics which take you back in time.
What we like
Helps you embark on a visual journey through time
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we are unsure how it will translate into a tangible product
10. DOTS
Called DOTS, this portable coffee machine is an excellent fit for automated vehicles, but it can also be used for other on-the-go scenarios as well. It is a great option for those long car journeys, where you need to get somewhere in a jiffy, and cannot stop for a much-needed coffee break.
Why is it noteworthy?
The DOTS coffee machine has a removable bottom, so it can be adapted for whatever use you have for it. It utilizes coffee capsules instead of the usual brewing method to make it easier to use.
What we like
A control or lever lets you adjust the intensity of the extraction method from the capsule
What we dislike
It has a lid to place a straw on it, but sipping hot coffee with a straw seems weird and uncomfortable
There might be jokes about being the golden brown fuel that runs the world, but coffee really has a special place in many people’s daily routines. Of course, that doesn’t mean everyone enjoys coffee in exactly the same way. There are people who are fine with quick instant coffee, much to the horror of connoisseurs, as long as they get their caffeine fix. Others, however, have developed very particular requirements to satisfy their taste buds as well. Different people also like different types of coffee, from espressos to drips to hot to cold, and sometimes even the same person likes different brews depending on their mood. It’s difficult to find one machine that can deliver all of those, especially for home use, but that’s exactly the kind of ground-breaking innovation that this revolutionary coffee machine offers, giving users full control over the brewing process so that they can have the coffee they want the way they want it.
KUKU Maker uses centrifugal force to generate pressure, which makes it possible to maintain a stable extraction pressure throughout the extraction process, regardless of the state of other parameters.
Baristas make it look too easy, but there’s actually a science and an art to brewing the perfect cup of joe. It’s not just the grind size that affects the way coffee tastes but also variables like water temperature, extraction pressure, and more. Your run-of-the-mill coffee machine usually only has one or a few presets for these in order to simplify the process, but that also takes out much of the fun and the power away from true-blooded coffee lovers.
You have the flexibility to use ice water or room temperature water directly for extraction, or you can employ KUKU Maker to swiftly heat room temperature water to your desired temperature before initiating the extraction process.
Enter KUKU, a genius design that lets you have consistent traditional coffee when you need it as well as easy, customized brews when you want it, all thanks to a combination of cyclic extraction and centrifugal force. That flexibility comes from KUKU’s ability to let you be in control of those variables, namely extraction pressure, temperature, time, and, of course, grind size. And best of all, you don’t need to adjust all of those when you don’t want to. For example, you can preset temperature and pressure while only adjusting the grind size to anywhere between superfine to extra course. And if you happened to select the wrong grind size, you aren’t punished but are instead rewarded with a new flavor you might have never discovered on your own.
Room Temperature Espresso
The KUKU Maker is a multifunctional coffee device that can quickly make not only cold-brew coffee but also cold-brew espresso.
Unlike other coffee machines, KUKU uses centrifugal force to generate pressure, and thanks to an inductive brushless motor and intelligent control algorithms, you can precisely define how that happens. Go from normal atmospheric pressure to high pressure or from 3000 to 7000 RPM speeds in a snap, controlling this variable to meet your preferred brew’s requirements. The temperature of the water used during extraction also has a significant impact not only on the taste of the coffee but also on the aroma, and KUKU gives you the freedom to use whatever kind of water you need. Pour crushed ice or ice water for your icy cold beverages or get room temperature water heated to your preferred levels. With electromagnetic induction heating, it takes less than a minute to heat 60ml of water for an espresso and 4 minutes for 300ml of water for an Americano.
With all these powerful features, it comes as a pleasant surprise that you don’t have to be a veteran barista to use KUKU. Your favorite type of coffee is just a single toggle switch away or, if you prefer the hands-free approach, a few taps on the KUKU mobile app. You can even download recipes from the app and try out different profiles made by coffee experts and champions. And at the end of the day, you don’t have to stress over the mess thanks to an easy cleaning process that will help keep your machine in tip-top shape with very little work. Whether your caffeine fix is a cold-brew espresso or you find joy in expertly crafted recipes, the innovative KUKU coffee machine gives you all the control you need for the perfect cup and the flexibility to experiment and discover a whole new world of flavor in every brew.
I love coffee, I need it to start my day, or else I simply refuse to start my day! It’s the boost of energy, dose of motivation, and rush of serotonin that I need every morning. And, I’m pretty sure that’s the case for most of us. There is a different satisfaction and pleasure in sipping caffeine that you know is the result of your hard work, something precariously prepared with your personal touch to it. And if you’re someone who’s chasing that feeling, then a unique, innovative, and interactive coffee machine is all you need, and ninety-five percent of the battle is won (the other five percent is you setting aside your laziness and operating the machine)! From a warm and gentle capsule coffee machine to the Tesla of coffee machines – this collection of super cool and easy-to-use coffee machines will start you off on your coffee brewing journey. Cheers!
1. xBloom
Called the Tesla of Coffee Machines, the futuristic xBloom is the first coffee machine with an innovative Autopilot feature that makes preparing coffee super easy and an art. It is a super sleek and pristine coffee machine that looks like it jumped out of a sci-fi movie!
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed by ex-Apple employees, the xBloom identifies, grinds, dispenses, brews, and pours your coffee for you! It uses some of the finest beans sourced from the top roasters worldwide, providing you with the finest cup of coffee ever.
What we like
It quite literally feels as if a professional barista made you a cup of coffee, creating an elevated coffee-drinking experience
Equipped with the power of NFC technology
What we dislike
The xBloom does not accommodate instant coffee, which could be inconvenient for some coffee drinks
2. Brewster
Brewster is a battery-powered coffee machine of the future that satisfies your random coffee cravings with complete convenience and precision, enabling you to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee anytime, anywhere.
Why is it noteworthy?
Brewster is more than just a coffee machine, it is a lifestyle innovation designed for the future. It features a convenient compact design, that makes it super easy to carry around.
What we like
Battery-powered design, that doesn’t need to be tethered to a chord
Intuitive design that supports a hassle-free coffee-making experience
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional and practical it will be as a real product
3. The Drip Pod Youbi
The Drip Pod Youbi is a game-changer, as it is designed to be a portable coffee drip machine that completely revamps the coffee-making experience. The Drip Pod Youbi can be placed anywhere in your home, whether it’s your living room, home office, or outdoor sanctuary.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Drip Pod Youbi is a capsule-type coffee machine that is inspired by a combination of portability and elegance. It features subtle curves within a sturdy square body. It is a sleek and practical machine.
What we like
Lightweight design with a large handle that makes it easy to carry around
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
4. DOTS
DOTS is a portable coffee machine that works specifically for automated vehicles but can be utilized in other on-the-go scenarios as well. The portable coffee machine is an excellent option for those long car journeys!
Why is it noteworthy?
It has a removable bottom to adapt to whatever or wherever you’re using it. It also uses coffee capsules instead of the usual brewing method to make it easier to use.
What we like
A control or lever lets you adjust the intensity of the extraction method from the capsule
What we dislike
It has a lid to place a straw on it, but sipping hot coffee with a straw seems weird and uncomfortable
5. F1
Dubbed the F1, this portable and sleek wireless coffee grinder works automatically and manually. It features industrial-grade conical burrs, and a motor that provides 100 grind settings, allowing you to prepare fresh coffee when you’re at home or even out camping!
Why is it noteworthy?
Features a built-in fold-out collection tray, and allows you to hot-swap for one-button electric grinding or a hank-crank for a more hands-on grinding experience. The grinder is the size of a small thermos, and can easily fit into bags and suitcases.
What we like
Travel-friendly grinder with Scandinavian minimalism
What we dislike
You need to remove the motor, before washing it in the dishwasher
6. Coffee Jockey
Commissioned by machine manufacturer Moak, this eye-catching and innovative coffee machine is designed to be brutalist, modernist, and minimal. It is designed by Italian industrial designer Odo Fioravanti.
Why is it noteworthy?
Called the CJ (Coffee Jockey), the coffee machine includes various geometric shapes that have been bundled up together to create a design that is simple and beautiful. It has a soft pastel color which imparts the espresso machine with a classy and refined look.
What we like
You can prepare more coffee in one go, by placing two coffee cups in the front and getting two sizable espresso shots out of one process
What we dislike
The new coffee blend and capsule system are not shown yet, so we are not sure of its functionality
7. Shelbru’s Carafes
Shelbru’s innovative carafe design makes preparing cold brew a fun, efficient, and simplified process. It enables you to prepare and serve cold coffee in the carafe itself, without the hassle of dealing with filter bags, which tend to drip all over the place.
Why is it noteworthy?
The carafes make enough coffee concentrate for almost 3 jugs of cold brew, owing to its dual-layer metal filtration system that performs the task of a disposable coffee filter without producing any single-use waste.
What we like
Creates the easiest, smoothest cold-brew concentrate that you can either pour over ice, into milk
What we dislike
The metal filter is a bit loose, and sometimes the coffee seeps out
8. Woolly Capsule Coffee Machine
Called the Woolly capsule coffee machine concept, this unique coffee machine has a soft and approachable aesthetic that is made up of straight lines and a muted color palette.
Why is it noteworthy?
The coffee machine consists of wooden panels and metallic accents that contrast interestingly against the textured plastic surface of the body, creating a unique composition that is appealing to the eyes.
What we like
Soft muted aesthetic unlike the typical coffee machines we come across
Amped with embedded touch-sensitive buttons on the panel that take interaction to a whole new level
What we dislike
A wooden body and coffee-stained fingers may disrupt the aesthetics of the machine
9. BURRUS
The BURRUS coffee grinder is far apart from any other standard grinder you’ve seen. It features both automatic and hand-cranked mechanisms and a circular display on top that allows you to sift through various settings depending on the kind of grind you want and need.
Why is it noteworthy?
The BURRUS coffee grinder is equipped with a magnetically docking wooden collector mug at the bottom and it efficiently gathers all your grounds and transports them to your coffee maker. It also has an integrated precision scale that allows you to measure out every gram of coffee you grind.
What we like
Equipped with a wireless charging pad that powers the automatic grinder’s motor
What we dislike
Hefty price tag
10. Breeze Coffee Machine
The Breeze Coffee Machine is designed by South Korean coffee brand Dongsuh and it is a unique capsule coffee machine with a twist. It features a refreshing soft color palette with white, charcoal, and pink variants.
Designed by the South Korean coffee brand Dongush, this innovative capsule coffee machine has a twist. It features a refreshing soft color palette with white, charcoal, and pink variants.
Why is it noteworthy?
The coffee machine features a ridged surface wrapped around the base, which contrasts with the smoother texture of the head. The tall water tank at the back complements the subdued hues of the machine, sending a message of calm.
What we like
The design includes a more tactile interface to operate the machine, using marked LED-backlit buttons at the top of the head
What we dislike
There is no knowledge shared on how to make the process reduce wastage or make it more sustainable
They say money makes the world go round, but coffee is probably just as critical for some people. Connoisseurs will undoubtedly tell anyone willing to listen to brew their own cup, but not everyone has the luxury of doing that daily. If you don’t know of a local shop you can call your home away from home, you’d probably be at the mercy of the big, expensive chains that put more sugar than you’re going to be comfortable with. Establishing a fixed store in a nook or building isn’t going to be cheap for some businesses, and it also means not being able to reach customers where they are. Coffee trucks can solve the problem of portability, but this concept design takes that idea even further by having the whole operation run on solar power, potentially bringing that coffee experience anywhere, even away from the grid.
Although you can see them almost everywhere, big chain stores like Starbucks won’t always please everyone. Some simply don’t like their selection or the way they do business. Others simply prefer to patronize smaller businesses to help them grow and thrive. Either way, the majority of these stores force you to go to their location, which is not a problem unless there isn’t one nearby. It would definitely be great if the coffee could come to where the people are rather than the other way around, which is what coffee trucks are trying to do.
Although they are a viable business model, such mobile coffee dispensing stores have a few logistic issues to iron out, specifically one of power. Sure, you can run the machines on the same battery that drives the truck, but it also risks you running out of fuel when you need it the most. And with some vehicles turning to electric power, such a power source might no longer be feasible. This unnamed concept thus turns toward an ever-present source, at least during the time when people are most likely to chug their black or brown fuel.
The solar-powered coffee truck is exactly as it sounds, an operation that runs on solar energy rather than fuel or car batteries. There’s a single large solar panel on top of the truck, but it’s easy enough to extend the design to have multiple panels on the “wings” that fold out from the sides of the truck. This way, the energy needs of the coffee machines and the truck itself are kept separate and you don’t have to worry about one eating into the reserves of the other.
The design of the truck itself is pretty standard, with sliding tables to let customers put down their cups for a while or enjoy some sandwiches that the mobile cafe might offer. What’s interesting, however, is the idea that the coffee truck would offer all sorts of coffee, including those from capsule machines. It’s a good way to diversify and hit many types of customers while also ensuring the speed of service, though pure-blood coffee lovers might turn their noses up at such a thought.
Diving into the world of coffee is a slippery slope because it’s a never-ending void of products and processes that can improve your brew. The last time I checked, people were recommending using a frozen metal ball in the espresso pouring process to help preserve more delicate flavor profiles. The point is, coffee aficionados will stop at nothing to make sure they’re brewing the best coffee possible… and for the most part, the products they use are absolutely unnecessary (I’m looking at you, coffee needle distributors), but the second I lay my eyes on the Olympus Knock Box, I knew there was something different about it. Designed as a practical addition to your coffee brewing setup, the Olympus Knock Box is a two-part accessory that serves as a tamping station as well as a bin for your coffee after it’s been brewed. Made from molded cork, powder-coated steel, and silicone, the Olympus helps you brew your coffee efficiently (and cleanly too). The tamping station lets you quickly tamp your portafilter, while the knock box itself lets you whack out that puck of coffee after it’s been brewed and extracted. Unlike extracting your espresso over a frozen metal orb, the Olympus Knock Box is just one of those devices that makes the brewing process more convenient, cleaner, and just more effective, whether you’re a home-brewer or a barista at an artisanal cafe.
Knock Boxes have been around for a while, but haven’t really gained much prominence and I think it’s time we change that. Having a knock box with your coffee machine is just about as sensible as wearing an apron while cooking. Just like you wouldn’t want to get your clothes dirty while making food, you wouldn’t want to have your counter or floor a mess while you’re tamping your coffee or knocking the espresso puck out into a bin after extraction. The Olympus provides a nifty station for you to do both activities, keeping your kitchen clean while looking like an elegant little container worthy of adorning your countertop.
Olympus’ knock box design does away with the traditional knock bar, instead utilizing a central rubber silicone pad. This way you can empty out your portafilter with just one clean mess-free hit – perfect for the home coffee bar (that might be doubling as a counter).
The Olympus has a gorgeously simple-looking design that relies on a winning combination of minimalism and a brown/black color palette. The Olympus’ base is made from a molded cork composite that uses micro-granules of cork bound with a natural binding agent that’s nature-friendly, toxin-free, and has zero plastics. It has the appeal of engineered wood, which goes rather well with the black components that sit on top. Nested into this cork base is the powder-coated steel bin that holds as many as 6 espresso pucks in its receptacle.
Once filled, you can merely empty the bin into your trash or add it to your compost pile or kitchen garden. Finally, upon the steel tray sits the Olympus’ tamping station, made out of stiff-yet-flexible silicone. The station has a unique design that accepts portafilters of various sizes, ranging from 51mm to as big as 58mm. The filter snugly fits in, getting secured by a set of silicone fins that prevent it from slipping as you firmly tamp your coffee grounds. Once you’re done, the rim of the tamping station is the perfect point to knock your filter, causing the puck of coffee to fall out in the bin. The silicone is stiff enough to provide a reliable knock without any loud clacking sound.
Designed for homes and tiny hideout cafes, the Olympus has a compact form factor that occupies a mere 6.75″x5.6″ rectangle on your countertop (with a 4″ vertical). Although our hearts are overwhelmingly set on the brown and black variant, there’s another one with a brown base and a white tray and tamping station (although you’ll probably notice dirt faster on it). For coffee enthusiasts looking to own a perfect knock box, the Olympus starts at a 20% discounted price of $99 and ships globally starting Jan-Feb 2024.
I’m not one to throw the words Apple and Dyson too flippantly, but that’s pretty much the feeling you get looking at the BURRUS coffee grinder. While you’d expect a regular coffee grinder to simply crush your coffee beans to a fine powder, the BURRUS far outpaces anything you’d expect from a standard grinder. It comes with both automatic and hand-cranked mechanisms, and has a circular display on top that lets you cycle through various settings depending on the kind of grind you want, a magnetically docking wooden collector-mug at the bottom that gathers all your grounds to be transported to your coffee maker, an integrated precision scale that lets you measure out every gram of coffee you grind, and a wireless charging pad that powers the automatic grinder’s motor while also moonlighting as a smartphone charger every now and then. Even the grinder itself is built to the highest standards, with 48mm conical burrs that grind your beans with unmatched consistency, along with a magnetic pre-filter that catches any stray objects like staples that may accidentally end up in your grinder, damaging it. The entire product comes ensconced in an anodized aluminum and mahogany wood exterior, boasting a minimal design that’s still captivating to the eye… like if Sir James Dyson met ace barista James Hoffmann.
Say goodbye to costly high-end electric grinders. Harness the Power or Go Manual The Choice is Yours!
Standing tall with its metal + wood body, the BURRUS occupies less physical as well as visual space on your kitchen countertop. Its design marries great style with cutting-edge tech, complementing your state-of-the-art coffee machine and premium single-origin coffee beans. The grinder comes in two variants, a hand-cranked manual version that lets you personally grind each batch of coffee, or an automatic version that relies on an electrical motor that grinds exactly the right amount of coffee down to the milligram with staggering consistency.
With 200 distinct grind settings, you’re not just making coffee – you’re crafting an experience.
Whether it’s the rich oils of a dark roast or the subtle notes of a light roast, our 48mm burr captures the essence, delivering a grind that’s both precise and consistent.
The hand-cranked version is still miles ahead of any manual burr grinder you could find on Amazon. It has a mahogany-knobbed handle that snaps into the grinder magnetically, while the grinder itself is slim enough to be gripped with your other hand. A ring on the base lets you set the coarseness of your grind (coarse for a French press or pour-over, fine for a Moka pot or espresso machine), with a staggering 200 grind settings to choose from. 48mm stainless steel conical burr grinders help crush your beans with incredible consistency. The conical shape of the grinders guides your bean downwards while ensuring the grinding gears don’t shift around too much. This means every coffee ground particle that comes out of the BURRUS is roughly the same size, resulting in a uniform brew. The grounds get collected in a wooden container cup made from mahogany. The cup sits inside the BURRUS, docking magnetically in place. Hold it by the handle and pull it out when you’re done and you can pour the grounds directly into the coffee machine of your choosing.
If you fancy yourself something a little more high-tech, just replace the handle with BURRUS’ electric motor module that turns your manual grinder into an automatic one. The module comes with a 1.3-inch display on the top with a rotating bezel that lets you cycle through the grinder’s multitude of options. You can choose your grind speed, and even program exactly how many grams of coffee you want ground. Hit the button and the BURRUS gets to work, effectively (and silently) crushing your roasted beans to perfection. Grounds are dispensed into the mahogany container below, and a precision scale under it tells the BURRUS exactly when to stop. This means you grind exactly how much coffee you need without any wastage, while also saving money on an additional weighing scale that you’d have to buy separately.
Set your desired grind amount, adjust the speed, and tailor your brew with a level of precision unprecedented in coffee grinders.
The BURRUS comes in black and white color variants, with bronze metal accents and mahogany wood detailing in the handle, base, and the cup. You can alternate between hand-cranked and automatic modes simply by switching the modules on the top, going from a personal experience to an electric motor-powered one depending on what you’re in the mood for. A ring on the waist of the grinder lets you select the burr size, and when in automatic mode, you can even select the grind amount down to a micro-level as well as determine the grind speed you want. The patented inner hardware works silently, so your coffee-grinding ritual doesn’t end up waking everyone else. The automatic grinder also knows exactly when to stop grinding, and in the event that a bean gets stuck in the burrs, an anti-stuck feature allows the BURRUS to course-correct and dislodge the stuck bean. Each grinder is also accompanied by a mahogany wood charging base that you can rest your grinder on… with MagSafe no less, allowing you to also charge your smartphone!
The BURRUS starts at a specially discounted $349 (for just the first 48 hours of the sale) before settling to its super early bird price of $499. It ships globally, and you can also choose to add a wooden cleaning brush (to maintain your grinder) or a premium hard-shell carrying case to your pledge.
For the uninitiated, Advent Calendars aren’t your standard calendars. Rather than chronicling the 365 days into 12 months, Advent Calendars have just one simple purpose – to count down the days till Christmas. The calendar became somewhat of a tradition in the 1850s, with 24 different flaps that had Bible verses that you’d read every day up until Christmas Day on the 25th of December. In modern times, the calendar has become more of a gifting ritual, with brands creating tiny calendars with products/gifts for each day. This year, the folks at Onyx Coffee Lab decided to make a calendar that quite literally gets you ‘charged up’ for Christmas. The 2023 Coffee Advent Calendar comes in a gorgeous box that opens up to reveal an entire spread of coffee. The box itself is decorated beautifully with gold foil, and creates a wonderful fanned presentation of coffee sachets when opened. I imagine once you’re done drinking all that coffee, it would make for an incredible book or magazine holder!
Featuring 24 days of coffee, the calendar explores various origins, blends, and processing methods, allowing you to experience a veritable tapestry of coffee flavors leading up to Christmas. It’s a perfect way to explore the world through a single cup before deciding on what coffee you want to try more of in the next year!
While Onyx delights practically every year with its gorgeous advent calendars, this year’s packaging exudes elegance and is designed to leave a lasting impression. The box’s exterior is adorned with stunning seasonal illustrations, enhanced with gold foil treatments. Upon opening the box, you’ll discover an accordion-style collection box revealing 24 individually wrapped bags of coffee. Each bag is marked from Day 1 to Day 24, guiding you on a daily journey of coffee discovery. A beautifully designed information card is also included, providing details about each coffee, adding to the overall unique coffee experience.
Nowadays almost everything is being 3D printed, so why should architecture be an exception? Many architectural firms have adopted 3D printing as their preferred technique for building structures. And 3D-printed architecture has truly gained a lot of popularity and momentum. It has paved a path for itself in modern architecture. And I mean, no wonder, it has a ton of benefits! It’s a simple, efficient, and innovative technique that lowers the risks of errors, and also manages to save time. 3D printing eradicates a lot of tedious steps during the construction process and simplifies it. And Nescafé has also jumped onto the 3D printing bandwagon with its first 3D-printed pop-up store!
Brazilian architecture studio Estudio Guto Requena designed an innovative 3D-printed pop-up store for Nescafé. Called the Dolce Gusto Neo store, and located in São Paulo, the store was built using algorithmic 3D printing. The sustainable store was built using a combination of biodegradable materials and recycled plastic, which are an excellent alternative to traditional construction materials such as steel and concrete, both of which lead to carbon emissions and resource depletion. The concept and structure of the store were inspired by the five petals of the coffee flower. The store is groundbreaking, since it is a commendable effort towards regenerative architecture, and offers a conscious and innovative method to create prefabricated retail stores.
“The design for the Dolce Gusto Neo Flagship unites innovation, sustainability, and architecture,” said Estudio Guto Requena. “The building architecture invites us to reflect on potential futures that we could design, especially given the climate emergency we are facing.”
The Dolce Gusto Neo is built using a mix of glued laminated timber (GLT), from reforested pine trees, which serves as an eco-friendly source. It has a dome-shaped design supported by fixed axes, which accommodate five glassed archways that provide lovely views of the surrounding green space. A timber decking covers the store as well. The innovative and unique pop-up store is the first of its kind in Latin America and is truly paving the way for 3D-printed structures built using biodegradable materials.
