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.
Mocaf is the ideal electric coffee bean grinder for daily coffee lovers who enjoy crafting their favorite brew at home. It effortlessly transforms beans into uniformly sized grains for immediate brewing. Equipped with ultra-sharp 60mm stainless steel flat burrs, 29 grind settings, and 4-speed adjustments, it gives aficionados the perfect way to create a fresh, flavorful brew every time.
Finding the perfect coffee grind is as personal and crucial for coffee enthusiasts as a Wall Street trader seeking a custom-tailored suit. Coffee grounds come in many varieties, and the grind significantly influences the richness of the brew. That’s why Mocaf’s 29 grind settings range from coarse to extra fine settings, letting you achieve the perfect blend that matches your preferred coffee flavor and strength, aligning perfectly with your unique taste preferences.
The size of coffee grounds significantly impacts the brewing process and the resulting flavor of the coffee. When water passes through the coffee grounds, it extracts flavors and compounds. If the grind is too coarse, the water will pass through too quickly and not extract enough flavor, resulting in a weak and under-extracted brew. Conversely, if the grind is too fine, the water will take longer to pass through, leading to over-extraction and a bitter taste. Therefore, having control over the grind size allows for precise control over the extraction process, enabling you to fine-tune the strength and flavor of your brew to your exact preference.
For instance, it’s generally recommended to use a medium to coarse grind for iced coffee. This is because iced coffee is often brewed using the cold brew method, requiring longer extraction time. A medium to coarse grind ensures the coffee isn’t over-extracted during this process, which could lead to a bitter taste. Instead, it allows for a smooth, well-rounded flavor that is perfect for a refreshing iced coffee. On the other hand, for espresso, a fine grind is typically recommended. The espresso brewing process is quick, usually taking just 20-30 seconds, and requires finely ground coffee to ensure optimal extraction. The fine grind exposes more coffee to the hot water during brewing, leading to a robust and full-bodied shot of espresso. However, the grind should not be too fine, as that could cause over-extraction, leading to a bitter and burnt taste. Therefore, achieving the right balance with a fine, but not too fine grind is the key to a perfect espresso shot.
The 29 grind size levels range from a powder-like consistency for Turkish coffee to a coarser grind for Cold Brew. Turkish coffee, known for its traditional and rich flavor, is prepared directly in a pot by simmering finely ground coffee, often with sugar. The coffee is then served, allowing the grounds to settle at the bottom of the cup. This method is celebrated for its bold and robust taste, providing a unique coffee experience deeply rooted in cultural traditions—the settings range from gear 1 to 3.
Espresso is a fundamental aspect of coffee culture, crafted by pushing a minimal amount of nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee beans under high pressure. This brewing technique is celebrated for its intense flavor and creamy consistency. Espresso forms the base for a variety of beloved coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more, making it a staple in the coffee community. Mocaf recommends gear 4-9 if you’re using an espresso machine.
The Moka Pot, an Italian invention named after the Yemeni city of Mocha, offers a unique coffee-making method. This stovetop or electric device brews coffee through ground coffee by forcing boiling water, pressurized by steam. The result is a robust brew, similar to espresso, known for its rich flavor. For optimal taste, use gear settings between 10-16.
Pour-over coffee involves a hands-on brewing process where hot water is meticulously poured over coffee grounds in a filter. The water slowly seeps through the grounds, dripping into a carafe or directly into a cup. This approach provides significant control over brewing, resulting in a clean, flavor-rich coffee. It appeals to those who enjoy the subtleties of coffee tasting. For this method, use gear settings 17-22.
The art of cold brew coffee involves settings on gear 23-29. It’s unique for its preparation method, where coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for an extended period, usually between 12 and 24 hours. This approach yields a smoother, milder coffee concentrate with less acidity than hot-brewed coffee. Cold brew is versatile and often served over ice, diluted as desired with water or milk for a refreshing, gentle coffee experience.
The grinding speed of coffee grounds significantly affects the final quality and flavor of the brewed coffee. This is mainly due to heat generation and grind consistency, which are both influenced by the speed of grinding.
Variable Coffee Grinding Speeds Accommodate Diverse Tastes
Mocaf offers four different grinding speeds to cater to your personal preferences. Choose a rate that suits your taste. Selecting a speed that’s too high can generate heat due to friction between the beans and the grinder’s burrs. This heat could further roast or partially cook the beans, potentially reducing the coffee’s nuanced flavors and aromatic oils. These oils and flavors are crucial for the coffee’s overall taste profile, so preserving them for the best brew quality is important. Therefore, controlling the grinding speed is essential to limit heat production and retain the coffee’s original flavors.
Another critical component of a quality coffee grinder is the burrs. These determine the consistency and quality of the ground coffee, which are crucial for optimal extraction and flavor. Unlike blade grinders that chop beans inconsistently, burr grinders crush coffee beans between two abrasive surfaces (burrs) to achieve a more uniform grind size.
Uniformity in the size of coffee grinds is crucial for even extraction during brewing. If the particles vary in size, water won’t flow through them consistently. This inconsistency can lead to over-extraction in some particles and under-extraction in others, resulting in a bitter and sour coffee cup. A uniform grind ensures all coffee particles are exposed to water for the same duration, yielding a balanced and flavorful cup.
Professional 60mm Flat Burrs Guarantee Consistent Grind Sizes
In essence, Mocaf features a set of precision 60mm stainless steel flat burrs to ensure a consistent, adjustable, and quality grind that is crucial for extracting the full flavor potential of coffee beans and enhancing the overall coffee experience.
Mocaf ensures minimal coffee grounds retention due to its razor-sharp steel burrs and innovative high-force grinds knocker design. This allows for completely capturing and dispensing coffee particles into your custom cup.
Designed with Powerful Knockers to Ensure Zero Leftover Grounds
Mocaf’s integrated scale and timer are vital features. You can set your desired grind weight or grinding time. The device automatically turns off when it reaches the set parameters. This guarantees a precise amount of ground coffee every time.
Mocaf Coffee Grinder includes features such as automatic stop, and options for grinding based on weight or time
A magnetic anti-splash cup is not essential, but it makes dosing coffee grounds directly into the cup neat and clean. Just put the cup on the base, and it will align to the center automatically and accurately.
To top it off, Mocaf features a spacious detachable bean hopper that can hold up to 850 grams of whole coffee beans, ensuring a fresh grind is always available. Its transparent container provides a clear view, enabling easy bean-level monitoring.
Mocaf Coffee Grinder has a capacity to hold up to 850 grams of coffee beans
Once you’ve finished grinding the coffee beans to perfection, cleaning is simple and quick, enabling you to enjoy your drink sooner.
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.
As much as I hate to admit it, I absolutely cannot start my day without a freshly brewed cup of coffee! 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. However, brewing coffee is an intimate and intricate process by itself, and a few handy products are always needed to peacefully create and enjoy our much-needed cup of coffee. So, we’ve curated a collection of product designs including unique coffee machines, pour-over brewers, sustainable to-go cups, and more to make your morning coffee routine just a little bit more enjoyable. From reusable coffee cups made from recycled coffee waste to an old-school espresso machine – these products are a must-have for all coffee lovers.
1. The Kreis Cup
Meet the Kreis Cup, a sustainable, durable coffee cup designed to enhance your coffee-drinking experience! The Kreis Cup is a reusable cup made from used coffee grounds and plant-based materials, free of petroleum-based plastics, and available in a cup and travel-mug styles.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is heat resistant and designed to keep your coffee hot longer. That being said, the Kreis Cup is still ultimately biodegradable, unlike the plastic-based to-go mugs you get at your local cafe or the breakable ceramic mugs you use at home. Once it reaches the end of its lifespan, the Kreis Cup disintegrates quickly into the soil, leaving absolutely nothing behind.
What we like
Made from spent coffee grounds that have been dried, treated, and then suspended in a natural, plant-based polymer
It has the faint, unmistakable scent of coffee
What we dislike
There is currently no scope for personalization
2. Breeze
Breeze, designed for the South Korean coffee brand Dongsuh, drastically changes the appearance of a capsule coffee machine. This comparatively newer breed of coffee makers often have more stylish and less industrial designs, but they still can’t get rid of that shiny metallic luster common to kitchen appliances and tools. In contrast, Breeze applies a refreshing and softer color palette, favoring pastel variants of white, charcoal, and pink to convey a gentler personality.
Why is it noteworthy?
A ridged surface wraps around the base, contrasting with the smoother texture of the head. Another point of contrast is the tall water tank at the back, a transparent container that projects an image of clarity that, when taken together with the more subdued hues of the machine, seems to send a message of calm.
What we like
The design includes a more tactile interface to operate the machine, using clearly marked LED-backlit buttons at the top of the head
What we dislike
It’s a capsule-based coffee machine but there is no knowledge shared on how to make the process reduce wastage or make it more sustainable
3. The CJ
Espresso machine manufacturer Moak commissioned the Italian industrial designer to create a machine that are modernist and minimalist and is actually brutalist in its final render.
Why is it noteworthy?
The CJ (Coffee Jockey) is made up of various geometric shapes that are put together into something simple and beautiful that produces something beautiful as well for caffeine-addicted users. The soft, pastel color shown in the renders adds to the simple but classy look of the espresso machine.
What we like
You can actually put two coffee cups in front and get two sizable espresso shots out of one process
What we dislike
The design is for Moak, and promises a new coffee blend and capsule system that is not shown yet, so we cannot speak on its functionality
4. The Polaroid Express
Who knew Polaroid and espresso were unlikely companions? This concept rather cleverly combines the two into the ‘ultimate coffee machine for amateurs’. If Polaroid brought great retro photography (and photo development) to the masses, the Polaroid Express does the same for instant coffee.
Why is it noteworthy?
The coffee machine looks like a massive camera, with the signature friendly rectangular form and the clever use of colors to create that friendly appeal associated with the instant camera company. Designed to be portable (it IS a concept, after all), the apparatus has a rather simple form factor and feels intuitive to operate.
What we like
The Polaroid Express’ simple design models itself on the cameras
The rainbow color scheme brings a certain joy to the coffee-making experience
What we dislike
More suited for amateur coffee makers/drinkers
5. CoffeeB
Swedish coffee brand CoffeeB has come up with a coffee machine that uses eco-friendly single-serve Coffee Balls. So basically it’s similar to the coffee pod machines except this one doesn’t have any plastic pods or capsules so you don’t contribute to the world’s plastic waste.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Coffee Balls can last up to three months at room temperature or if you store them in your ref. And after you use them, they can be turned into compost or natural fertilizer for your home plants and gardens. In case you don’t know how to use them post-coffee, the machine comes with instructions and guides on how to properly recycle them.
What we like
Made from partially-recycled materials
The coffee grounds used are certified organic and Fair Trade
What we dislike
No specifications were mentioned on whether the packaging could affect the flavor of the coffee
6. The Retro Modern Espresso Machine
The product concept for the Retro Modern espresso machine brings back vibes of authentic American diners, old-school muscle cars, and scooters, retro radios and toasters, and all the pastel goodness from the 60s and 70s. In fact, these are what inspired the designer to create something like this that brings together the retro design with the modern machine that supplies liquids to all the caffeine-deprived people who go to coffee shops.
Why is it noteworthy?
The pastel green and cream colors of the renders will look right at home at restaurants, coffee bars, or even kitchens that have a softer aesthetic. It’s very attractive for both coffee lovers and those that love old-school designs with a modern twist.
What we like
Perfect for those who love old-school designs
Minimal + soft
What we dislike
Given its aesthetics, the design should have more colour options to match our kitchen setup
The added functionalities or any other “bonus” application of this coffee maker is unknown
7. The SüpKüp
The SüpKüp is a travel mug that is not really a mug in itself but serves more as an alternative to the disposable paper coffee sleeves. It is able to hold the paper cups (medium and large at least) that most coffee shops provide, including the still pretty popular Starbucks.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is made from durable polycarbonate and has a pretty elegant and minimalist design that can still display whatever cup is snugly placed inside. This holder doesn’t need any liquid transfer or constant cleaning that’s why it’s more convenient.
What we like
Your hot drink can remain hot for longer, 50% longer, than when you just hold your paper cup
Has a double helix screw ejector that lets you eject the cup when you’ve finished just by twisting the rotating base
What we dislike
It helps retain your coffee drinkability rather than an alternative to disposable cups, leaving more scope for future improvements which we hope to see soon
8. The Apple Drip
The Apple Drip officially becomes the first Apple concept we’ve seen that’s designed for the kitchen. Truth be told, Apple’s brand of minimalism fits pretty much anywhere, after all, a HomePod looks pretty darn good in a kitchen, right?
Why is it noteworthy?
The Apple Drip has a style that’s comparable to the Ember Mug (fun fact, Ember’s lead designer Robert Brunner worked extensively at Apple) with a slick, black design that looks equal parts mysterious and approachable. Uncomplicated, yet professional. The black cylinder comes with a touchscreen interface on its upper rim, with just three buttons – a power button, a temperature button, and a coffee dispensing button. Designed to work (one assumes) with an app or even with Siri, the Drip dispenses coffee into a sleek-looking mug that sits in its designated place on a larger rectangular platform.
What we like
Turns an ill-received desktop computer into a tabletop brewer
Features a dispenser nozzle that slides out to dispense coffee
What we dislike
The single-body design may be difficult to clean
9. The Origin Coffee Machine
Whenever I take my first sip of coffee in the morning, I am always thankful to whoever it was that first developed coffee and the farmers who harvested this particular blend I’m drinking. While some of the world’s best coffee is generally known to come from Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam (my country, the Philippines, will hopefully someday be included in that list), one of the unsung heroes of the industry is Ethiopia where coffee beans have been thriving since the 7th century. This concept design for a coffee maker pays tribute to the East African country.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Origin coffee maker concept wants to bring “meaningful coffee” to your cup by reminding you of its origins. The shape of the coffee maker is inspired by the map of Ethiopia, although of course it’s not in the exact shape but is modeled after the basic outline. This way, the designer is able to “honor” the origin of coffee, although historians can’t really say that the locals who grew the beans cultivated or consumed these precious beans there.
What we like
There are just a few buttons you need to press including the on/off and open/close buttons
You have the option to make an espresso or an americano and there’s also a button or level for the water and the beans
What we dislike
The industrial aesthetics make it a tough fit in modern kitchens
10. The Platypus Coffee Machine
This coffee machine concept will probably remind you of Perry the Platypus. Perry who? He’s the fictional platypus from the animated series ‘Phineas and Ferb.’ The younger generation may be quick to identify the character but don’t fret if you don’t recognize him; perhaps after having a cup of coffee, you will remember.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Platypus Coffee Machine is yet another quirky-designed kitchen appliance that can make you start the day right. Our life cannot be perfect, but coffee can be, and the Platypus will do it right for you. The streamlined style of the coffee maker starts with solid lines that make it stand out from the other coffee machines available in the market.
What we like
The choice of sapphire (although it looks teal to me) as color makes it another fun device that can make your kitchen countertop or coffee area cheerful
Easy to maintain with the catch pan to store used grounds
Face the day full of life with a beautiful tool that starts your morning right.
When we do things day in and day out, they tend to take on an almost mechanical nature. Sure, it becomes second nature and allows us to go on autopilot to think of something else, but it sometimes also causes us to go through life like zombies. Being mindful and intentional with some of our actions is also important for certain activities and certain times of the day, especially when our brains are just waking up for the day. We all have visual cues or triggers that cause our minds to pause and take stock of our surroundings, and sometimes, that can be a single, simple thing like a well-crafted and beautiful tool that we’ll use to scoop up coffee beans and grounds that will fuel us for the rest of the day.
It’s too easy to take for granted the tools we use for our everyday activities, like the utensils we put into our mouths or the scoops we use to make coffee. A well-designed background shouldn’t get in the way, of course, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful while being functional and valuable at the same time. A plastic scoop can work fine, but one that is beautifully crafted does more than just hold coffee grounds. It can also be the gateway to a state of calm.
The Cofee Iron Scoop is a prime example of how a product can do more than what it’s meant to do without actually doing anything. It’s a Zen-like metaphor that fits perfectly with the motif of this Japanese-inspired kitchen tool. It is made of materials born of the Earth, with a cast iron scoop whose dark gray surface contrasts and complements its handle. Made of walnut wood, that handle not only brings comfort to each touch but also some personality thanks to the grains that are unique to each and every piece.
Together, the iron and wood scoop makes a handy tool whose primary purpose is to help make you the perfect cup of coffee each and every time. The scoop is designed to hold 10 grams of coffee grounds, which is just the right amount to make a single cup. To ensure the user’s safety, the cast iron is coated with SGS-certified and US FDA-complaint Teflon. The scoop also has a special trick, thanks to its modest composition. That metal head can magnetically attach to any metal surface. This will let you keep it close and out in the open, ready for use, rather than hiding it inside a drawer that you have to search each time.
Simple yet elegant, this coffee scoop provides a gentle visual nudge to your brain, making you become more aware of your actions as you make your morning drink, encouraging you to take a breath and smell the coffee. Its dual-tone design also makes it the perfect partner to our ceramic mug, designed to look like cast iron with a wooden handle. Waking up couldn’t get more Zen than this!
Oblic Dropper is an immersion coffee brewer that’s designed with an angled silhouette and silicone covering for accurate pouring and coffee on the go.
If we can agree on one thing, it’s that there can never be enough coffee designs. From portable grinders to instant brewers, and from robotic coffee makers to smart espresso machines, designers are endlessly inspired by the thrill of a morning brew. Reinterpreting the classic coffee dripper through a portable, compact lens, industrial designer JenFu Yang conceptualized the Oblic Dropper, a handheld pour-over device ideal for bringing coffee with you on the go.
Following a similar build to conventional immersion coffee drippers, the Oblic Dropper allows users to brew pour-over sin record time across multiple coffee mugs. Equipped with an integrated stopper, transferring Oblic Dropper from one cup to the next can be a clean, seamless transition without any spillage.
Constructed from glass, Oblic Dropper comes with an angled silhouette that brings a modern touch to the traditional design. The angled silhouette of Oblic Dropper allows users to tilt the glass cup to make sure hot water can be poured all around the edges, making for the perfect pour-over.
Supporting the glass cup with silicone covering, the Oblic Dropper has a no-slip grip that keeps it in place on countertops and coffee mugs. The brewing mechanisms of Oblic Dropper screw into the silicone base covering and come with an internal infuser.
The internal infuser features tiny enough steep holes to catch any stray grinds so that each cup of coffee is as smooth and silky as the cup your go-to barista makes for you. Conceptualized in an array of different colors, users can pick their favorite to suit their taste and additional coffee accessories.
Designer: JenFu Yang
The coffee brewer’s tilted silhouette ensures that water can be poured from all angles.
The internal infuser ensures no stray grinds end up in your cup!
The silicone base screws into the glass cup of Oblic Dropper to lock securely into place.
The “Minimal” is a travel drip coffee maker that’s portable and lightweight by design, offering a technical build to ensure the perfect drip with each brew.
Coffee drinking is serious business. No matter where we might find ourselves when we wake up in the morning, there’s only one thing on our minds: coffee. Possibly one of the worst feelings in the world is when you’re craving a cup of coffee but don’t have access to one. Whether you’re camping or just away from your favorite coffee shop, having a travel coffee maker is essential. Minimal, a travel drip coffee maker designed by Eilong ensures you’ll never be without coffee, wherever you might find your mornings.
Encased in a vinyl travel case, Minimal is made up of a glass dripper and cup, and a filter stand stocked with reusable cloth filters. Both the glass dripper and cup are made from borosilicate glass to ensure the same quality heat resistance found in glassware like Pyrex and lab flasks.
Minimal also comes with a wooden lid that doubles as a coaster so when you’re camping, you’ll always have a place to set your cup. Minimal was designed to be portable, so the whole set allows room for around 9.5 oz of liquid, just the right amount of coffee to get you through the morning. The glass filter and cloth filters were both shaped into a cone to ensure strong brews and the ideal drip speed.
All of the items that comprise Minimal can be consolidated into the vinyl travel case and come with a leather grip loop so it’s easy to bring Minimal with you wherever you go. Recognized by the Red Dot jury for its portability and organic materials used in construction, the Red Dot Award jury notes, “Natural materials promote a way of preparing coffee that is perceived as highly original. The astonishing functionality of this set is highly convincing.”
I’m part of the crowd that thinks getting coffee should be a reasonable excuse for being late. Business meetings, sports games, parent-teacher conferences, and lunch reservations can wait. Coffee comes first‒always. Some of us are thinking about coffee before we even brush our teeth in the morning. If you can skip the coffee, all the power to you. Besides the pursuit of punctuality, having access to a quick caffeine fix when you’re camping or on a road trip makes the difference between Hell and happiness. That’s just the truth. Giving life to that caffeine fix, Chinese designer Jiia Liu developed Saturnbird, a modular glass bottle that brews coffee in a matter of seconds.
Saturnbird comes in four pieces: a brewing top, liquid basin, lid, and coffee pods, allowing for easy brewing and cleaning. In Liu’s 3D visualization, the pods each seem to contain instant coffee grounds that turn into iced coffee when mixed with water. Once the liquid basin is filled with water, users can mix in a pod of coffee grounds, screw the brewing top back on, shake the bottle, and voilà! Instant coffee. The liquid basin displays line measurements that, when filled with water, indicates which coffee pod to pour‒140ml of water requiring a smaller pod than the pod mixed into 210ml of water. Featuring such a simple brew method, Saturnbird could become the go-to accessory for many campers whose first thought in the morning isn’t the chorus of chirping birds or the beautiful landscape, but how they’re gonna get their paws on their first cup of coffee. The liquid basin is constructed from glass with a silicone-coated glass brewing top and lid for a non-slip grip, allowing you to bring Saturnbird on hikes or water-based activities.
Whether you’re waking up in a forest, hundreds of miles away from the nearest cafe or in a daze, five minutes away from your first job interview across town, coffee accessories like Saturnbird allow coffee drinkers to get in their caffeine fix and get on with their day quicker than they could muster up a lame (and unnecessary) excuse for being late. Go ahead and walk into that meeting with a cup of coffee in your hands. You deserve it (and the one after it).
Designer: Jiia Liu
Saturnbird’s glass liquid basin screws onto a silicone brewing top for a non-slip grip.
Users simply mix coffee grounds with water for instant iced coffee.
The screw-top lid of Saturnbird allows users to insert their own straw.
The measurement lines indicate which coffee pods to use.
Modular by design, Saturnbird breaks away from its four components for easy cleaning.
If there was an emergency, I would instantly protect my dog and my coffee. So if you are anything like me then the BruTrek Expedition Coffee Kit is essential for you! Planetary Design has created one of the world’s most rugged, portable, coffee brewing kits for modern-day explorers who need more than just a french press. This coffee kit has a full range of accessories and looks like it is ready to be air-dropped into a war zone and I just know it will survive with the 29-L Zarges case that protects it.
The brewing range comes in a sturdy, custom foam cushioned, lightweight German aluminum box which is popular for overlanding and can be neatly stacked over other similar-sized Zarges boxes or strapped to the outside of a vehicle if needed. It is designed to keep dust and moisture out, and it is also IGBC-certified bear-resistant according to Zarges USA – so no aggressive grizzlies will be stealing your coffee although, before coffee, some of us might be like angry bears ourselves! The kit includes a large 32-oz (946-ml) BruTrek French press with a more group-friendly option feauturing a handle and a spout. The french press comes with all the gear needed to store and pour the perfect cup outdoors – four 8-oz cups, an 8-oz Airscape air-lockout coffee canister, a small “CarGo Can” container for sugar and a coffee scoop!
Of course, you’ll need to bring along the actual coffee and water, as well as a pot and stove to heat that water up. Those who prefer to grind their own fresh beans every morning might also want to carry something like the VSSL Java.
With an MSRP of US$500, the BruTrek Expedition Coffee Kit will very likely price out many a casual camper, and it’s definitely more than we’ll be spending for Father’s Day this year (sorry, Dad). Still, it’s clearly one of the most rugged, neatly packaged go-anywhere coffee solutions out there, and that Zarges case alone retails for just over $260, so we certainly won’t be surprised to see overland adventurers strapping these kits to their six-figure expedition rigs in short order. A good cup of fresh coffee in the middle of nowhere can prove rather priceless, after all.
Those looking for something similar for a fraction of the cost might consider the basic BruTrek Camp Coffee Kit, which packages together the French press, two cups, Airscape canister and scoop in a soft carry bag for a $213 MSRP (on sale for $154 as of publishing). Or, they could just throw their existing inexpensive coffee gear and outdoor mugs into a Rubbermaid box and call it a day.
