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
What we dislike
- The quirky aesthetics may not be for everyone
