A classic style pour-over set that people love to spend time on it.
Pour-over coffee's origins trace back to 1908 when filtration and percolation dominated brewing methods. A German mother, bothered by coffee grounds in her teeth, improvised the world's first pour-over filter set using her son's notebook and a hole-punctured tin can.
Image source: Wikipedia. On the right is Melitta Bentz, the inventor of the first pour-over coffee apparatus.
A "home experiment" rooted in life's daily essentials unveiled a new coffee culture chapter. Later, exploring filter design and pouring techniques made coffee a personal immersion ritual, rather than a social etiquette.
When brewing coffee becomes an individual's daily ritual, the slower the process, the more beautiful it becomes. Especially after pour-over coffee became popular in Japan, the meticulous spirit of tea ceremonies extended into the coffee brewing ritual. Various schools of thought emerged, such as the volcanic pour-over, drip method, and Matsuya method, emphasizing a sense of "zen" in the pour-over process.
Throughout the pour-over ritual, the brewer's gaze must attend to factors like water infusion speed, extraction rate, water temperature, and coffee grounds' changes. The level of focus borders on meditation, profoundly influencing the design of pour-over coffee equipment. In this discussion, we won't delve into the technical aspects of filter design. Instead, we'll focus on a few designs that immerse themselves in the aesthetic beauty of the pour-over art, recommending them to those who also enjoy hand-brewing coffee.
HMM Gaze
Check Gaze
HMM's Gaze pour-over coffee set takes the stage with its emphasis on visual engagement. Crafted with double-curved glass for heat isolation and transparency, it offers a warm, tactile experience while allowing precise observation of water dynamics, drop by drop.
The hourglass-like combination of upper and lower vessels visualizes time during brewing. Baristas can adjust water flow as needed, and Gaze serves 1-2 cups, ideal for personal coffee moments.
CHEMEX®
Image source: ClarityCoffee.com
In pour-over gear, the renowned Chemex pour-over pot stands out. It integrates the filter and lower vessel, reminiscent of laboratory beakers, possibly influenced by its German chemist creator. Its hourglass shape seamlessly connects filter and vessel, offering a comfortable grip while saving space by eliminating the traditional glass pot handle, resulting in a sleek, modern design. A genuinely clever approach to design.
A subtle side air channel prevents clogs and improves brewing fluidity, also serving as the pour spout in the one-piece glass design.
After brewing, the filter paper removed reveals a sharing pitcher, reminiscent of a wine decanter when swirled. The blend of materials with a wooden waistband and leather cord offers a unique sense of comfort and aesthetics. Despite newer versions with glass handles and slimmer upper vessels, the original classic proportion remains the most cherished.
bi.du.haev Greeting coffee stand
Image source: bi.du.haev Facebook page
Wang Xuan, our beloved designer, has always been a favorite. In the realm of pour-over artistry, bi.du.haev's classic hand brew stand is a must-see. Hand-blown swirling glass, supported by a copper and bronze frame anchored with wooden blocks, emanates an antique charm, creating a more refined setting for the pour-over coffee experience.
The valve knob under the filter adds playfulness, and selecting lower vessels removes size constraints, letting enthusiasts match their cups. The round glass pot, adorned with a heat-resistant cover, is already charming, complementing the coffee stand's curve and evoking a French perfume bottle allure.
Kinto Slow Coffe Style S04
Image source: Kinto USA
If bi.du.haev embodies a romantic antique charm through its use of lines and diverse materials, then the epitome of modern minimalism is the four-piece set from Kinto Slow Coffee Style. Resembling laboratory alcohol lamps and burners, the entire pour-over stand is crafted with bold black lines, exceptionally sleek. The stainless steel frame is adorned with cast iron sandblasting, adding a touch of tactility to the minimalist design.
The design that allows for adjustable filter cup height liberates the lower vessel's constraints during daily home brewing. You no longer need to worry about whether your favorite cup matches the filter cup's diameter. Moreover, you can adjust the height according to the brewer's visual needs. It may appear distanced at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you'll notice the thoughtful practical design in every aspect.
TOAST h.a.n.d.
Image source: TOAST Living Website
TOAST creates a range of pour-over coffee equipment using red copper wire, and one of the most striking pieces is the asymmetrical high-legged pour-over coffee stand. The winding red copper wire creates an eye-catching, almost abstract visual appeal, elevating the pour-over process. Paired with their 600ml coffee pot, it allows for a quiet appreciation of the water flowing through coffee grounds, transforming into liquid coffee, even when brewing for multiple people.
Despite the fast-paced nature of modern life and the rise of batch brew culture, the slow aesthetics of pour-over coffee remain a cherished passion for many coffee enthusiasts. Brewing a cup of coffee is a step-by-step, intricate process, providing moments of tranquility. So, select a pour-over set you love and treat yourself to a well-brewed cup of coffee!