"The Brew" by Balmuda, interesting new very high end brewer

#1: Post by **FieryShrimp** » August 1st, 2023, 5:46 pm

https://us.balmuda.com/collections/brew ... XyEALw_wcB

I just saw this pop up and it's a very interesting brewer. Obviously $700 is just a bit high for a pour over brewer, but it does some interesting things. Partway through the brew it does a "bypass pouring" where it effectively waters down the brew by pouring directly into the carafe. For the price I'm surprised it doesn't give you much control over the process, but what do you guys think? Seems interesting, but I don't know if I'd ever go for it at that price.

August 1st, 2023, 10:44 pm

Looks like junk. I want complete control over every phase if I'm paying that kind of price.

#3: Post by **rmongiovi** » August 2nd, 2023, 1:56 am

I didn't think "junk." More like boondoggle. How does it take $700 worth of whatever to implement "iced", "strong", "regular" x "S", "M", and "L"? That seems like a "fool and his money are soon parted" level of hype.

#4: Post by **Sal** » August 2nd, 2023, 12:14 pm

Hey, at least their brand of electric kettle is more reasonably priced. LOL
https://us.balmuda.com/collections/kettle
I am sure anyone on this forum can pour as good or better coffee with the kettle alone. A $550 saving!

#5: Post by **SutterMill** » August 2nd, 2023, 12:42 pm

I think you missed the point. Its designed so anyone in the house can make coffee and get a consistently great cup.
But that price though...

The X-Bloom looks more appealing to my eye

August 2nd, 2023, 7:00 pm

It's very on brand for Balmuda I think, I mean they also have the $400 toaster. They're a company that makes products anyone can use to get exceptional results. I really want to try brewing in a v60 and doing a bypass pour to see if it has any benefits.

#7: Post by **Jeff** » August 2nd, 2023, 7:30 pm

XBloom, in my experience, delivers on more than a premium looking product. The in-cup results are very good, even if you're used to premium coffees, high-end grinders, and skilled pouring. While the pods are convenient and include top roasters such as La Cabra, your own coffee can also be used.

#8: Post by **rmongiovi** » August 2nd, 2023, 11:56 pm

There's also the psychological issue that if you spend top dollar for a device cognitive dissonance will push you to evaluate the device as exceptional (otherwise why would you have paid top dollar).

#9: Post by **cpreston** » August 3rd, 2023, 6:20 am

I can second Jeff's comments re Xbloom. Mine can make all kinds of coffees very well and very easily.

#10: Post by **jpender** » August 3rd, 2023, 10:09 am

They asked 2017 World Barista Champion Mika Suzuki to give an honest impression of the taste from the coffee maker. She chose her words carefully:

Miki Suzuki wrote:The good thing about this coffee maker is that you can enjoy a certain level of taste no matter what kind of beans you use.