Introduction:The Origami foldable pour over dripper has become a focal point among pour over enthusiasts thanks to its distinctive design and practical functionality. From 2019 World Champion Du Jiani to 2023’s Carlos, this dripper has made repeated appearances on the international stage. Beyond its high-end aesthetic, its precisely engineered 20-fold design is compatible with both conical and flat-bottom filters, allowing brewers to adjust pouring rhythm and highlight different flavor layers. This article delves into its design highlights, competitive origins, and compares brewing differences between the two filter types using measured data.
Among the many pour over tools available, the Origami dripper has long been favored by coffee lovers for its unique design and practical performance. Not only does it boast a sleek and elegant appearance, but it also demonstrates remarkable flexibility and efficiency in real-world use. The dripper’s 20 evenly spaced folds not only serve a functional flow-guiding purpose but also give it a strong Nordic minimalist design aesthetic, helping it stand out in the market.
When selecting a dripper, many consumers often refer to online reviews and brewing data. However, the Origami dripper is an exception—many are drawn to purchase it after being captivated by its appearance at first glance. Its name “Origami” means “paper folding” in Japanese, and the design is directly inspired by that concept. The dripper resembles paper that has been intricately folded multiple times, forming 20 distinct creases that combine beauty with function.
The reason this dripper continues to attract attention isn’t just its outstanding visual design—it’s also due in part to the boost it’s received from world coffee brewing competitions. In the 2019 competition, Chinese competitor Du Jiani used the Origami dripper (including the server) to claim victory, and later in 2023, Chilean competitor Carlos also won the championship using the same dripper. These competitions not only elevated the dripper’s profile but also drew more coffee enthusiasts’ attention to its performance in professional settings.
The practicality of the Origami dripper is another key reason for its popularity. It is compatible with two different types of filters: conical and flat-bottom (cake) filters, allowing users to adjust their brewing pace according to preference. When using a conical filter, the dripper’s 20 ridges effectively support the filter, providing a flow rate similar to that of a V60, which helps accentuate the coffee’s aroma and layered flavors. In contrast, when using a cake filter, the filter adheres closely to the dripper’s folds, slowing down the water flow and enhancing immersion, thereby improving the coffee’s body and richness.
To gain deeper insight into the Origami dripper’s performance, we conducted a comparative test. Using Panamanian Hartmann Geisha beans, ground to a 9.5 setting on the EK43 grinder with an 85% extraction rate through a #20 sieve, at a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio (225ml) and a water temperature of 92°C, we employed a three-pour brewing method. With a conical filter, the total brew time was 2 minutes, yielding a coffee with bright pineapple juice-like notes, prominent blueberry and bergamot aromas, and an Earl Grey tea finish, offering a richly layered cup. When using a cake filter, the brew time extended to 2 minutes and 15 seconds, resulting in softer acidity, enhanced sweetness, a more pronounced Earl Grey flavor, and an overall fuller body. Both brewing methods have their unique characteristics, suiting different taste preferences among coffee drinkers.
In summary, the Origami foldable dripper’s enduring popularity in the market isn’t solely due to its attractive appearance or exposure from competitions. Its unique design and multifunctionality allow users to tailor the brewing process to their personal tastes and needs—that’s the real reason it remains a long-term favorite.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
