The Home Barista Show has officially named the UFO coffee dripper as its brewer of choice. Every demonstration, hands-on activity, and competition will use the UFO. Whether you are a seasoned home brewer or just starting out, this is the dripper you will brew with on the day.
Why we chose the UFO coffee dripper
We tested the UFO across a wide range of coffees and pouring styles. It delivered consistently balanced brews without requiring perfect technique. The results were clean, expressive, and repeatable. Key traits for any brewer we trust at the center of the Home Barista Show.
We wanted a brewer that could handle both light and dark roasts, respond well to a range of pour rates, and stay forgiving when the variables shift slightly. The UFO coffee dripper did all of that while encouraging curiosity and experimentation. That’s exactly what this event is about.
What makes the UFO different
The UFO is a conical pourover dripper, but it is unlike a V60 or Origami. Its internal angle is set at 80 degrees, which flattens the bed slightly and increases water contact time. This slows the drawdown just enough to create more even extractions without stalling flow.
Instead of traditional ridges, the UFO features open air channels that vent pressure and stabilize the filter during the brew. That means fewer clogs, more consistency, and a smoother cup even when your pour is not perfect.
UFO vs V60 vs Kalita Wave
When we brewed the same washed Ethiopian coffee across the UFO, the V60, and the Kalita Wave, the UFO produced the clearest and most expressive cup. It held onto brightness while preserving sweetness. It offered more stability across multiple brews and gave us better structure in the finish.
With natural processed coffees, the UFO coffee dripper gave more clarity and less muddiness, especially when used with slower pours and tighter grind settings.
Jay Kim and the ethos behind the UFO
The UFO was co-created by Jay Kim, a barista and coffee educator known for his open and unfiltered approach to specialty coffee. On Instagram, Jay talks candidly about hospitality, brewing intuition, and the emotional side of coffee that often gets overlooked.
He is a big reason the UFO has built such a loyal following. While Jay will not be joining us in person due to scheduling conflicts, his support for the event has been generous. He has sent over official UFO merchandise, which we will be giving away throughout the day.
The importance of sticking to one brewer
Earlier this year, we published an article on FLTR Magazine titled “Why one brewer is enough”. The point was simple: using the same coffee dripper over and over again builds real brewing skill. You notice more. You improve faster. You waste less coffee.
That philosophy underpins this entire event. When everyone brews with the same dripper, the learning gets sharper. You can isolate variables. Compare approaches. Focus on technique. It becomes easier to see what changes what.
What to expect at the Home Barista Show
Every brewing station will use the UFO dripper.
All workshops and demonstrations will be based on UFO-specific design features.
You will learn how to fold the filter correctly, how to adjust flow rate, and how to find the right grind settings for this dripper.
We will release a full guide on UFO brewing in the weeks leading up to the show. If you already own a UFO, this will help you brew more confidently. If you have never tried it, this event will be your chance to test it hands-on. If you don’t want to wait until the event, you can pick one up here.
For updates on The Home Barista Show, click here.
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