Coffee gear; it’s evolving, changing, turning into something pleasing to the eye or something that’s is made to bring a different ease to the process. There’s traditional go-to’s, easy on the wallet, or equipment meant for the full splurge for your dream home café. Gear is all over the board and can become a big part of a routine which means a unique process for you and any combination of all the things.
What really struck my interest recently is the varying degrees in which people can take gear and for what purpose. I’ve come across some very niche looking items and I can’t help but be excited about what the future holds for gear (especially for the everyday home brewer).
So, let’s jump into some of the ones that have caught my attention!
Wooden Pour-Over Coffee Maker:
The Canadiano.
This super simple system is locally made in Toronto, eco-friendly with biodegradable or recyclable material (this includes the packaging) and designed in such a way that doesn’t require you to use paper filters or need replacement parts. It just is what it is!
This little personal device also comes with recommended pairings depending on the type of wood used to make pour-over because the coffee will have eventual effect on the wood from the oils seasoning it for every cup of coffee, making it truly yours and your very own experience.
The price varies depending on the type and quality of wood used to create the product, but they do include a ‘rough-batch’ series of devices that may have not quite made the visual cut, but still function as intended.
Out of the three that will be included here, I think this one not only peaked my interest, but is somewhat in my price range as well as functions well to my lifestyle. Long story short, I may have been sold! If the day comes, i’ll be sure to include a review in the future.
Pakt Coffee Kit
Getting into home or camp brewing can begin a slow journey down a rabbit hole of all things gear related. First the preferred brew method, maybe some filters, a decanter? Now a scale, oh! and a kettle! These things not only add up in price, but in space as well. And whether you have everything you need at home or with you, sometimes there’s a bit of sacrifice when prepping your coffee out and away.
Packed away in a case weighing in a little under 4 pounds sits a kettle, in that a tumbler, in that a coffee container, and a collapsable pour over device with a reusable filter packed on top.
Similarly to the Canadiano, Pakt as a company prides themselves on 100% plastic free packaging and sustainable manufacturing.
The main concern that comes with kits like this would be the quality and long-term worth. So, it made it pretty great to find out that each part is made to be individually serviced if necessary and the ruggedness of the kit and design of the parts don’t sell it short of being an investment, but one worth having (especially for travellers).
It’s sleek, compact, and mobile. It may not include a hand grinder, but in most cases I think that’s okay. Finding a quality hand grinder to match the kit would kick up the price pretty significantly, or opting for a cheaper grinder could really break a really great coffee. If there’s anything to be picky and personal about, it’s your grinder.
Currently a project on kickstarter, the Pakt Coffee Kit can either be supported or bought and received by December of this year!
The AnZa
Not made for travel, not even sure it’s made to do much other than to be stared at, appreciated, maybe made to question the true meaning of life.
Home espresso machines can vary across the board, but typically you get what you pay for. The La Marzocco Linea Mini by far (at least for now) will always be a dream home espresso machine, maybe a little over the top. In this case though, the AnZa has the Linea beat there.
In the words of the developers “The AnZa is what happens when you treat an appliance like a sculpture or a piece of furniture”. Yeah, with unconventional materials such as concrete, wood, steel, and glass; these aren’t typically found in espresso machines, but sculptures and furniture.
The AnZa has a concrete has a concrete and corian version.
The concrete has more of a rugged and peculiar look while also holding delicate and clean accents. A functioning espresso machine, but also a very large conversation piece and a perfect addition for that edgy and artsy itch.
The still gorgeous, but maybe a tad tamed, is the corian. One that may play nice with other appliances, but still steals the show with its stark white design and wood/brass accents.
While both bad & bougie, the aesthetics are nothing to be feared as its incredibly simplistic design makes for a user-friendly experience that you would find with a Breville or a Rancillio.
While these don’t all fall into the same categories of interest, they do push some of the extremes and the options when it comes to what gear is evolving into for what purposes.
So, here’s a question.
What do you notice when you make coffee? Is there something missing, something that could be enhanced maybe? Or have you found the perfect combination of gear that suits your needs, wants, and lifestyle? I’m curious! Especially with having an eye on gear wholesalers like Eight Ounce Coffee, it’s always amazing to see what new and improved method comes from just the simplest of “this would made X a bit easier if…”.
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