Accessories – CoffeeGeek https://www.coffeegeek.fr The essential blog for coffee lovers!! Thu, 01 Aug 2024 19:33:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://i0.wp.com/www.coffeegeek.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/coffeegeek_icone_grain_cafe.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Accessories – CoffeeGeek https://www.coffeegeek.fr 32 32 221037668 Upgrade Your Coffee Experience with the Brita Glass Carafe https://www.coffeegeek.fr/en/upgrade-coffee-brita/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=upgrade-coffee-brita https://www.coffeegeek.fr/en/upgrade-coffee-brita/#respond Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:28:33 +0000 https://www.coffeegeek.fr/?p=4718 As a coffee enthusiast, I was keen on shielding my coffee equipment from limescale. I also wanted to sidestep the recurring expense of bottled water. So, I promptly opted for filter carafes. At first, I was the proud owner of a Philips decanter (which I’ll discuss further in this review), but later, I upgraded to […]

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As a coffee enthusiast, I was keen on shielding my coffee equipment from limescale. I also wanted to sidestep the recurring expense of bottled water. So, I promptly opted for filter carafes. At first, I was the proud owner of a Philips decanter (which I’ll discuss further in this review), but later, I upgraded to a Brita glass decanter.

https://www.coffeegeek.fr/en/bottle-vs-filter-water/
Older article that led me to prefer a carafe filter to store-bought bottled water.

At first, I was drawn to the Philips pitcher primarily due to its attractive price point. Indeed, it’s noticeably more affordable than its Brita counterparts. However, I soon discovered that the design of the Philips pitcher left much to be desired, and I found the water filtration to be less than satisfactory. You might be wondering why. Well, it turns out that Brita utilizes a unique system that slows down the water flow through the filter. This means that, even with the same filter, Brita manages to provide a more thorough filtration process.

Explore the Unique Design of the Brita Glass Decanter

Introducing Brita’s latest glass model, a true milestone in design evolution. When compared to its predecessors, this fresh design boasts a more rounded appearance, moving away from the traditional carafe filter look. Let’s delve into the noteworthy changes that this model brings to the table.

Old generation brita. These have now been replaced by the new generation, including glass filter carafes.
Brita’s previous generation: the Fjord model. It was all plastic, with a less attractive design than the new generation.
Full Brita glass carafe filter test: carafe side view
New generation Brita, the subject of this test.

First innovation: Brita’s glass model introduces a convenient small lid that effortlessly lifts up, allowing you to fill the reservoir with water for filtration. This lid can be securely locked at the end of its stroke, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free pouring experience. The previous plastic model lacked this feature, and the lid would inconveniently slide inwards during pouring, resulting in dust accumulation in the tank. For this reason, I find the glass lid to be a superior choice.

Complete Brita glass carafe filter test: carafe lid opens upwards

One more delightful feature to note is that the carafe is designed in such a way that it can be fully inverted to pour out the water. Thanks to its leak-proof lid, not even a single drop of water will escape. Unfortunately, this is a feature you won’t find in plastic models from Brita or Philips, as they lack a watertight lid.

Old filter status indicator. This has disappeared on the new generation Brita, making the carafe much more aesthetically pleasing.
Former filter status indicator. This has disappeared on the new generation of Brita, making the carafe much more aesthetically pleasing.
Complete Brita glass carafe filter test: LED color indicates whether or not the carafe filter needs replacing

At last, the renowned tiny indicator that signals when it’s time to change the filter has been replaced in this latest model. In its place, a system featuring a subtle LED light has been introduced, which harmonizes beautifully with the carafe’s overall design.

Complete Brita glass carafe filter test: empty carafe

Here’s some fantastic news for those of you who’ve been curious: Indeed, the Brita glass carafe can be used with filters from different brands. I’ve had the opportunity to personally try out Philips filters, and I can confirm that they fit perfectly with the Brita carafe and do an excellent job at filtering water.

While I may not possess a laboratory to precisely measure and evaluate the filtration efficiency of the various filters, I can confidently vouch for their effectiveness. The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the water! Filtered tap water has a distinctly fresh taste, and my tea and coffee accessories are practically devoid of any limescale.

We offer two distinct models of glass decanters for your selection. The only difference between them, aside from the price, is the number of filters included. Our first model, which you can often find on special offer, comes with one filter. On the other hand, our second model provides you with three filters for a more versatile experience.

Looking for Brita filters? You can easily find them here. Also, if you’re in need of compatible filters, just click here to find them. Happy shopping!

Complete test of the Brita glass carafe filter: the carafe can be turned completely upside down in order to pour out the water. This was impossible with the previous plastic model. Here, I'm filling my fellow kettle

Making the Most of Your Brita Glass Carafe Filter Every Day

Right from the start of this piece, I’ve expressed my admiration for this decanter. It’s an investment that truly pays off. Apart from its “filtration” feature, which largely depends on the type of filter used, I believe this carafe shines in both its aesthetic appeal and practicality. A case in point is the option to tilt it at a 45° angle, allowing for a quicker water drainage – a feature that adds significant value.

When it comes to materials, I’m a firm believer in the “let’s minimize plastic use whenever we can” philosophy. Despite the fact that certain food-grade plastics are marked as “BPA free” (indicating they’re free from endocrine disruptors), I still prefer to err on the side of caution. To top it off, glass carafes are a breeze to clean compared to their plastic counterparts.

After careful consideration, I’ve decided to award it a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Let’s Highlight the Positives

  • Materials (mostly glass)
  • Carafe compatibility with filters from other brands
  • Design

Areas for Improvement

  • The high price tag

Great news! Until the end of 2024, Brita is offering a fantastic deal where you can get a €15 refund on your purchase of a glass carafe. The best part? This offer is also valid for purchases made on Amazon. To grab this opportunity, simply visit the Brita website here. Don’t miss out!

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Isothermal bottle: tips for making the right choice https://www.coffeegeek.fr/en/isothermal-bottle-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=isothermal-bottle-tips https://www.coffeegeek.fr/en/isothermal-bottle-tips/#comments Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:40:09 +0000 https://www.coffeegeek.fr/?p=4064 My workplace doesn’t have facilities for making tea or coffee. So, I came up with the idea to bring my own tea to work, necessitating an insulated bottle. Finding the perfect Thermos model was a bit of a challenge, as I was looking for a well-insulated bottle that was also convenient, visually appealing, and simple […]

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My workplace doesn’t have facilities for making tea or coffee. So, I came up with the idea to bring my own tea to work, necessitating an insulated bottle. Finding the perfect Thermos model was a bit of a challenge, as I was looking for a well-insulated bottle that was also convenient, visually appealing, and simple to clean. In this article, I’m excited to share my journey and the essential factors to consider for making an informed choice.

How I Choose the Perfect Isothermal Bottle

Before comparing products, I’ve compiled a list of 9 essential criteria for choosing an isothermal water bottle(click to expand) :
  1. Thermal insulation: Ability to maintain the temperature of hot or cold beverages for long hours.
  2. Capacity: Volume.
  3. Materials: Quality materials, including stainless steel for the bottle and BPA-free materials for the cap and spout.
  4. Watertightness: Guarantee that the water bottle won’t leak when it’s knocked over or shaken, an important criterion for me, especially when cycling.
  5. Easy to clean: Designed for easy cleaning.
  6. Ergonomics: Easy to handle, simple to open and close.
  7. Weight and portability: Lightweight and easy to transport.
  8. Design: Aesthetics and style to match your personal preferences.
  9. Price: Value for money.

Following a thorough exploration and comparison, I’ve handpicked two exceptional models of isothermal water bottles that truly shine due to their superior performance and impressive features.

Isothermal bottle: tips for making the right choice; thermos on the right, kinto travel on the left

Exploring the Thermos Light and Compact Stainless Steel Flask 1L: A Comprehensive Review and User Opinions

When the term “isothermal bottle” comes up, one brand instantly pops into our minds: Thermos. This brand has become so iconic that it’s often used as a generic term for this type of product, much like how we use “Blanco” to refer to white concealer or “frigo” for a refrigerator.

Thus, I embarked on a journey to explore what this brand had in store. After a thorough search, I chose a particular model and placed an order for it on Amazon.

Isothermal bottle: tips for making the right choice; thermos with cap

Offered in two convenient sizes (0.5l and 1l) and a variety of vibrant colors, this Thermos pledges to maintain your beverages at the perfect temperature, hot or cold, for a full 24 hours. But does it truly live up to this promise? Let’s find out.

Exploring the Ergonomic Design of this Thermos

Thermos continues to uphold its esteemed reputation by providing water bottles that can maintain temperature for extended periods. However, this superior insulation necessitates thicker walls, which gives the bottle a somewhat substantial presence. The Thermos Light and Compact Stainless Steel Flask, with its 1L capacity, is nearly as large as a 1.5L water bottle.

Isothermal bottle: tips for making the right choice; thermos cap opening details

One aspect that could be improved is the cleaning process. The opening of the bottle is somewhat small (4 cm), which can make cleaning a bit challenging, particularly in the dishwasher. The water jets may not be able to thoroughly clean the inside of the bottle due to its narrow opening. However, it’s worth noting that this might seem like a minor issue, considering the current trend of water bottles designed with a slender opening.

The drinking stopper is not only well-crafted but also exudes a sense of quality. It’s designed with convenience in mind, allowing you to easily unscrew the top part for a thorough cleaning. Plus, the thermos features a cleverly designed cap that doubles as a cup. This ensures a secure closure, preventing any accidental opening of the drinking cap during transit.

The Thermos cap can be removed for thorough cleaning.
Opening for drinking: closed
Isothermal bottle: tips for making the right choice; thermos cap opening details
Opening for drinking: open

Exploring the Insulation Capabilities of a Thermos

In order to evaluate the performance of the thermos’ isothermal insulation, I decided to conduct a little experiment. I filled the thermos with water heated to 80°C, which is the ideal brewing temperature for my favorite green tea. I then patiently waited until the afternoon to take a sip. The result? My tea was still piping hot, with steam swirling up from the surface.

My Personal Take on This Thermos

While this Thermos is impressively insulating and boasts a generous capacity, it didn’t quite match my requirements. I was on the hunt for a moderately-sized, insulated water bottle to carry my tea to work. In retrospect, the 500-mL model might have been a more suitable choice for my needs.

This Thermos is a top-notch selection for anyone in search of an insulated water bottle that boasts superior thermal insulation and a generous capacity. It’s the perfect companion for adventurous travelers, winter sports aficionados, or those who relish lengthy fishing sessions.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This Thermos bottle, althoughultra-insulating and offering a large capacity, didn’t meet my needs. In fact, I was looking fora medium-sized insulated water bottle to bring tea to work. I think the 500-mL model would have better met my needs.

However, this Thermos is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an isothermal bottle offering both excellent thermal insulation and large volume. It’s ideal for travelers, winter sports enthusiasts or those who spend long hours fishing.

The Bright Side

  • Very good insulation
  • Easy-to-clean pourer cap
  • Presenting a cup
  • Volumes available (500 ml and 1l)
  • Good value for money

Areas for Improvement

  • Slightly narrow opening for cleaning
  • Large size

Why I Chose the Kinto Travel Tumbler: A Personal Review

I stumbled upon Kinto, a delightful brand hailing from Japan. This brand specializes in providing a variety of kitchenware, with a particular focus on items designed for brewing tea and coffee.

In my quest to deliver a comprehensive article, and intrigued by the potential superiority of their product over the Thermos, I made the decision to purchase it for a hands-on evaluation.

Promotional photo of the kinto travel isothermal bottle/water bottle
Kinto travel 500 ml

Exploring the Ergonomics of the Kinto Travel Tumbler

Kinto presents a product that embraces a unique philosophy compared to the traditional thermos. It’s more akin to an isothermal cup. Once you’ve unscrewed the top, you can sip from any side, eliminating the need for a conventional “ON/OFF” mechanism found in thermoses with pouring stoppers. Kinto has thoughtfully included an “ice block” feature to keep ice cubes from obstructing your drink during those hot summer days. The design of the Kinto cup is reminiscent of the Nespresso’s NOMAD isothermal mug. Once opened, you can drink from any angle, much like a regular mug, making it an ideal companion for those long hours in front of the computer. With Kinto, you can always count on your drink staying hot, even after several hours.

Isothermal bottle: tips for making the right choice: I'm pouring tea into a Kinto isothermal bottle.
Tea brewed in the Kinto unitea glass teapot
Isothermal bottle: tips for making the right choice; kinto travel open top
Kinto Travel ready to use.

The mouth of this isothermal cup boasts a generous 5.9 cm diameter, ensuring a hassle-free cleaning experience, cap included.

Our insulated water bottle comes in two convenient sizes: 350 ml and 500 ml. While some might find the lack of a larger capacity a minor drawback, it’s worth noting that a bigger size could potentially make the bottle too cumbersome, a common issue seen with thermoses.

Exploring the Insulation Capabilities of the Travel Tumbler Insulated Water Bottle

I decided to put Kinto’s isothermal insulation to the test. I poured tea at a temperature of 80°C into it and patiently waited until the afternoon to take a sip. To my delight, the tea was still hot! This flask truly offers impressive insulation.

There were two compelling reasons that swayed my decision towards the Kinto over the Nespresso:

  1. The design: it’s entirely personal, but I prefer the design of the Kinto.
  2. The locking system: although the Nespresso system is watertight, I feel more reassured with the Kinto system for my bike trips.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

There were two compelling reasons that swayed my decision towards the Kinto over the Nespresso:

  1. The design: it’s entirely personal, but I prefer the design of the Kinto.
  2. The locking system: although the Nespresso system is watertight, I feel more reassured with the Kinto system for my bike trips.

This Kinto insulated water bottle fully meets my need for a medium-capacity insulated water bottle to take tea to work. Although I would have preferred a slightly larger volume, I find it practical, attractive and good value for money, despite a slightly higher price than the Thermos.

The Bright Side

  • Very good insulation
  • Watertight plug
  • 360°C drinking option
  • Practical for working in front of the computer

Areas for Improvement

  • Volumes available (350 ml and 500 ml)

But is it truly so?

Why, you might ask, have I been emphasizing tea over coffee throughout this article? The answer is simple. I could easily use my Aeropress or my V60 to brew a delightful cup of tea. But why would I do that? There are two main reasons: Firstly, I’m making an effort to reduce my coffee intake and, more significantly, I’ve noticed that the enticing aromas of coffee tend to fade over time. To put it simply, if I sip on coffee that’s been kept hot in a thermos for several hours after brewing, I find that its captivating aroma diminishes.

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