iKoffy Gobrew Review – Smart Coffee Mug For Coffee On The Go

As a busy coffee lover always on the move, the iKoffy GoBrew caught my eye during its Kickstarter campaign. This nifty gadget promises to be more than just a travel mug – it’s a portable coffee brewing system with built-in smarts.

I decided to put it through its paces for a week to see if it lives up to the hype, you will be surprised.

TL;DR:

The iKoffy GoBrew is a clever blend of technology and coffee craft, ideal for busy professionals and travelers who refuse to compromise on their coffee quality. Its built-in scale and mobile app-based brewing guides make it easy to brew a great cup anywhere. However, it’s not without its quirks.

Bottom line: If you’re a coffee enthusiast who values convenience and precision in your brewing, the GoBrew is worth considering. It’s particularly suited for office workers, frequent travelers, and those who enjoy the technical side of coffee making. It does not replace your home setup, but I think it’s a solid option for great coffee on the go.

GoBrew Details

The iKoffy GoBrew aims to simplify the pour-over coffee process by combining several tools into one smart device. It replaces a few things to potentially streamline your coffee setup:

• Coffee scale,
• carafe,
• thermal mug.

As someone who’s juggled multiple pieces of equipment while trying to make a decent cup of coffee on the go, I appreciate the all-in-one approach.

The built-in Bluetooth scale is a standout feature, allowing for precise measurements without extra gear.

I tested its accuracy vs my go to coffee scale, and it consistently showed the exact same measurements.

This is particularly useful for getting consistent coffee-to-water ratios, though it took some getting used to.

The app guides you through the brewing process, which is helpful for beginners but might feel restrictive for experienced brewers. I only used it with the custom brew program.

One aspect I’m on the fence about is the ceramic interior. While it’s great for preserving coffee flavor, I worry about its durability compared to stainless steel alternatives. Only time will tell how well it holds up to daily use and the occasional bump or drop when you’re on the go.

The rounded bottom design and 78° flared lip are nice touches that supposedly enhance the coffee’s flavor and aroma. If there is a difference, it’s subtle – don’t expect miracles. I didn’t notice anything.

Here’s a breakdown of the GoBrew’s key technical specifications:

While the GoBrew offers a lot, it’s not without drawbacks. You still need access to hot water, and bring along a hand grinder, a separate dripper (preferably collapsible), and filters for pour-over brewing.

Overall, I think the GoBrew packs a lot of functionality into a portable package. It’s a clever solution for coffee enthusiasts who value precision and convenience, but it’s undoubtedly overkill for casual drinkers who just want a simple cup of joe made from dark roast beans and have never heard of coffee scales.

My Week With The GoBrew

Over the past week, I put the iKoffy GoBrew through its paces in various settings.

Here’s how it went:

Monday, made coffee at home: The GoBrew shined in my kitchen. The built-in scale made it easy to measure my beans precisely, and the app guided me through a pour-over recipe. The resulting coffee was on par with my usual setup, which impressed me. I put the sealing cap on, and took the mug with me in the car.

Wednesday, made coffee at the office: This is where the GoBrew’s portability came in handy. I got a few curious looks as I ground my beans, but the aroma quickly won over my coworkers. The insulation kept my coffee hot through back-to-back meetings, which was a big plus.

Friday, made coffee at the park: Taking the GoBrew to the park was a mixed bag. While I managed to brew a decent cup using hot water from a nearby café, the pour-over coffee process felt a bit cumbersome in public.

Saturday, didn’t make coffee hiking: Here’s where I hit a snag. Without easy access to hot water, the GoBrew’s functionality was limited. It still served as a great insulated mug, but I couldn’t use its brewing features.

One benefit I didn’t expect was using the GoBrew as a coffee diary. The app’s ability to record water flow helped was cool to analyze. My goto Timemore scale does not have a flow meter, nor does it connect to an app like those super expensive scales. So it was nice to see the flow chart at this price.

While the GoBrew didn’t revolutionize my coffee routine, it did make brewing good coffee more convenient in most situations. It’s not perfect – the lack of an included dripper is a notable omission – but it’s a solid option for coffee enthusiasts who value precision and portability.

Alternatives

While the iKoffy GoBrew offers a unique combination of features, it’s worth considering how it stacks up against other popular portable coffee makers. Let’s compare it to the AeroPress Go and the Wacaco Minipresso.

AeroPress Go

The AeroPress Go is a compact, lightweight option that’s been a favorite among travelers for years.

It’s simpler to use than the GoBrew, with fewer parts and no need for electricity.

However, it lacks the precision of the GoBrew’s built-in scale and app guidance.

The AeroPress Go is also more versatile, capable of making both American-style coffee and a concentrated brew similar to espresso.

At around $50, it’s generally cheaper than the GoBrew.

Wacaco Minipresso

The Wacaco Minipresso is designed specifically for espresso lovers.

It’s even more compact than the GoBrew and uses a hand-pump mechanism to create pressure.

While it can produce a decent espresso with crema, it doesn’t offer the variety of brew methods or the smart features of the GoBrew.

The Minipresso is also limited to smaller quantities, typically producing a single shot of espresso per use.

Price-wise, it stand in between the Aeropress Go, and the iKoffy GoBrew.

Compared to these alternatives, the iKoffy GoBrew stands out for its smart features. It is the better option for making high-quality pour-over style coffee since the built-in scale and app guidance make it easier to achieve consistent results. Its larger capacity and better insulation also make it more suitable for those who want to brew larger quantities or keep their coffee hot for longer periods.

However, the GoBrew is likely to be more expensive than both the AeroPress Go and the Minipresso.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs.

If you value precision and smart features, the GoBrew could be your best bet. For simplicity and versatility, the AeroPress Go is hard to beat. And for espresso lovers who prioritize compactness, the Minipresso remains a solid choice.