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These Tea Kettles and Coffee Makers Put Breville to Shame

Chris Chan

Chris Chan

Co-Founder @ Marmalade

Published on: November 17, 2024
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Breville's sleek electric kettles and automated coffee makers have become fixtures in upscale kitchens across America. While the Australian brand's temperature-controlled brewing equipment deserves its reputation, several lesser-known manufacturers are crafting alternatives that rival – and often surpass – Breville's offerings. We've discovered brands that bring fresh perspectives to brewing equipment, from minimalist kettles to revolutionary coffee makers that double as alarm clocks.

Fellow
Stagg EKG: Where Engineering Meets Modern Art

Fellow emerged from a Stanford engineer's quest to revolutionize coffee brewing, and their products reflect an almost obsessive attention to detail. The Stagg EKG Electric Kettle exemplifies their approach with its striking silhouette and precise functionality.
The kettle's counterbalanced handle shifts the center of gravity toward your hand, while the base features a minimalist LCD display showing real-time temperature data. These aren't just aesthetic choices – each design element serves a specific purpose. We're particularly intrigued by the built-in brew stopwatch and temperature hold function, features that demonstrate Fellow's understanding of what coffee enthusiasts actually need.

Why we like Fellow

  • 1

    Precision Engineering

    Temperature control accurate to the degree

  • 2

    Ergonomic Design

    Counterbalanced handle for optimal pouring control

  • 3

    Smart Features

    Built-in stopwatch and temperature hold function

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Ovalware
RJ3: The Zero-Compromise Cold Brew System

Ovalware approaches cold brew with the precision of a scientific instrument. Their RJ3 Cold Brew Maker uses extra-thick borosilicate glass and medical-grade stainless steel, creating a system that's both beautiful and remarkably functional.
The dual-layer mesh filter system catches even the finest grounds, while the airtight seal keeps coffee fresh for weeks. What caught our attention is Ovalware's commitment to sustainability – their eco-friendly packaging and durable construction reduce waste without compromising performance. The attention to material quality suggests these pieces will last for years, not months.

Why we like Ovalware

  • 1

    Superior Filtration

    Dual-layer mesh system for crystal clear brew

  • 2

    Premium Materials

    Medical-grade stainless steel and borosilicate glass

  • 3

    Extended Freshness

    Airtight seal preserves coffee for weeks

Jimmy Lin

Jimmy Lin

10/09/24

Really nice to keep a pitcher in the fridge. The central cylinder is sized properly for the pitcher so no need to preweigh. No leaked grounds, but it takes a bit longer to steep than normal if you don't stir occasionally.

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Joy Resolve
Barisieur: The Coffee Maker That Moonlights as Modern Art

The Barisieur by Joy Resolve sounds like something from a science fiction novel: an alarm clock that brews coffee. But this ambitious fusion of timepiece and brewing system delivers on its promise with surprising sophistication.
The system employs induction heating to reach precise temperatures while keeping milk fresh overnight through a built-in cooling system. We're fascinated by how the Barisieur's analog elements – the bubbling water, the evening ritual of preparing grounds – create moments of mindfulness in our digital world. The combination of borosilicate glass and walnut wood transforms what could have been a gimmick into a genuine piece of functional art.

Why we like Joy Resolve

  • 1

    Innovative Design

    Combines alarm clock with automated brewing

  • 2

    Temperature Control

    Induction heating for precise brewing temperatures

  • 3

    Thoughtful Details

    Built-in cooling system for overnight milk storage

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Canyon Coffee
Bona: The Kettle That Honors Tradition

Canyon Coffee's Bona Pourover Kettle proves that sometimes simpler is better. Founded by Ally Walsh and Casey Wojtalewicz, the company brings an artist's eye to traditional brewing equipment.
The kettle's enamel coating and wooden handle aren't just aesthetic choices – they contribute to heat distribution and comfort during use. We appreciate how the vented lid prevents splashing, while the gooseneck spout offers precise control over water flow. The design encourages users to slow down and engage with the brewing process, making each cup an intentional act rather than a rushed routine.

Why we like Canyon Coffee

  • 1

    Traditional Craftsmanship

    Enamel coating and wooden handle for optimal heat distribution

  • 2

    Precise Control

    Gooseneck spout for accurate water flow

  • 3

    Thoughtful Design

    Vented lid prevents splashing during pouring

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Beast Health
B10: The Unexpected Coffee Solution

Beast Health has created something unexpected with their B10 Health Blender: a multi-purpose machine that excels at grinding coffee. The aerospace-inspired engineering behind this device yields consistently excellent results for both coffee beans and other ingredients.
The 12-rib vessel design and proprietary blade geometry create a vortex effect that ensures uniform particle size. Our interest was piqued by the Tritanâ„¢ vessels, specifically chosen for their resistance to coffee oils and flavor transfer. The simplified interface masks sophisticated technology within, making it accessible without sacrificing capability.

Why we like Beast Health

  • 1

    Versatile Design

    Multi-purpose functionality without compromising quality

  • 2

    Advanced Engineering

    12-rib vessel design for uniform grinding

  • 3

    Premium Materials

    Oil-resistant Tritanâ„¢ vessels prevent flavor transfer

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Ratio
Eight: The Pour-Over Perfectionist

The Ratio Eight Coffee Machine automates pour-over coffee with unprecedented precision. After years studying the variables that influence brew quality, founder Mark Hellweg developed a system that mimics the techniques of skilled baristas.
Built in Portland, Oregon, each machine features a die-cast aluminum body and thoughtfully selected components designed for decades of service. The brewing algorithm controls water flow and temperature throughout the process, while the shower head ensures even distribution. We're impressed by how the hardwood accents and hand-blown glass transform this technical achievement into a statement piece.

Why we like Ratio

  • 1

    Precision Automation

    Algorithm-controlled brewing process

  • 2

    Premium Construction

    Die-cast aluminum body and hand-blown glass

  • 3

    Artisanal Details

    Hardwood accents and thoughtful design elements

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Brod & Taylor
: Temperature Control Taken Seriously

While Brod & Taylor made their name in bread proofing equipment, their coffee and tea tools demonstrate an impressive grasp of temperature management. Their products focus on maintaining exact temperatures throughout the brewing cycle.
The company's approach to user education stands out – they provide detailed resources explaining the science behind brewing variables. We find their commitment to consistent performance particularly noteworthy, with each product designed to deliver reliable results over thousands of uses.

Why we like Brod & Taylor

  • 1

    Temperature Expertise

    Precise temperature management throughout brewing

  • 2

    Educational Focus

    Detailed resources on brewing science

  • 3

    Reliable Performance

    Designed for consistency over long-term use

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AeroPress
: Small Device, Infinite Possibilities

Stanford engineering instructor Alan Adler's AeroPress represents one of the most innovative developments in coffee brewing history. This deceptively simple device uses air pressure and temperature control to produce exceptional coffee in minutes.
The hexagonal plunger ensures even pressure distribution, while food-grade polypropylene maintains consistent brewing temperatures. We're drawn to its versatility – the AeroPress can create everything from concentrated shots to clean filter coffee. The design prioritizes function over aesthetics, with each element serving a specific purpose rather than just looking good on a counter.

Why we like AeroPress

  • 1

    Innovative Design

    Air pressure brewing for optimal extraction

  • 2

    Versatile Brewing

    Capable of multiple brewing styles

  • 3

    Quality Materials

    Food-grade polypropylene for temperature stability

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The Future of Better Brewing

These manufacturers represent a new wave in coffee and tea preparation equipment. Each brings unique insights to age-old brewing challenges, whether through innovative engineering, thoughtful design, or novel approaches to familiar processes. As the coffee industry continues to evolve, these brands demonstrate that there's always room for improvement in how we brew our daily cup.