On a cold day like this, why not enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

A morning moment shared with family right after waking up,

a coffee picked up to take away at a coffee shop before work,

a coffee break enjoyed with friends in the early afternoon, or time spent with someone dear on a chilly evening.

Coffee has woven its way deeply into our daily lives,

and it feels as though it enriches our days.

As coffee has become more familiar to us,

more and more people have come to take great care in brewing each cup, one at a time.

But there are probably many people who are interested yet feel that

brewing a delicious cup themselves seems difficult.

Choosing coffee beans at a favorite coffee shop and bringing them home.

Wanting to enjoy that same delicious coffee at home!

But what equipment do you actually need? And is there a particular way to brew it?

For those who are just beginning their home coffee journey,

and for those who want something a little different from their usual coffee maker,

we'd like to introduce drip coffee makers impressive enough to win over even professionals.

◇KONO Coffee Maker

Since it isn't produced in large quantities, it may not be widely known to the general public, but

among coffee lovers and within the coffee industry,

the "KONO Drip Coffee Maker" is said to be known by virtually everyone.

At coffee shops that pride themselves on carefully brewing each cup,

it's not uncommon to discover that they've actually been using a KONO drip maker all along!

From those without much knowledge who simply want to brew a delicious cup at home,

to true coffee connoisseurs, this maker is designed to satisfy everyone—that's its defining feature.

KONO is a brand created by Koffee Siphon Co., Ltd.,

a company founded in Taisho 14 (1925).

Let's start by taking a look at what's included

in the Meimon Dripper Set we're introducing this time.

1. Filter

There's a small hole at the bottom, into which you insert the dedicated "conical paper" filter.
This is said to allow you to brew coffee in the most delicious way possible,
achieving a flavor comparable to "nel drip," which uses a cloth filter for extraction.

2. Glass pot
3. Measuring cup
4. Paper filters (40 sheets)

◇Sannowa 2-chome Nel Dripper

This is a coffee maker that lets you enjoy nel drip brewing.

It's said that nel drip allows you to brew the most delicious coffee possible,

making this, in a sense, the ultimate coffee maker.

It takes a bit more effort, but just as the child who requires the most care is often the most beloved,

we recommend this to anyone interested in that kind of cherished, hands-on coffee time.

Stylish, yet with a warmth that puts you at ease.

This piece was created by Koizumi Glass Manufacturing. Since its founding in Meiji 45 (1912),

this long-established glass maker has continued producing

scientific and medical glassware such as beakers and flasks.

The product name "Sannowa 2-chome" comes from the place where Koizumi Glass Manufacturing was born and raised.

Rather than a paper type, the filter uses what's called "nel,"

a brushed woolen fabric.

Unlike paper, this isn't disposable—it can be used again and again.

Brewing with nel results in a smooth mouthfeel and a gentle, mellow flavor.

It often produces a well-rounded taste,

earning tremendous support from those who love rich, mellow coffee.

It comes in a stylish wooden box, nice enough to give as a gift.

The contents are wonderfully simple: a "dripper," "two nel (filter cloth) sheets," and an "instruction booklet."

Coffee Beans

Roughly 12g for 120ml, and 24g for 240ml—

this is the guideline recommended by Koffee Siphon Co., Ltd.

For the Koizumi Glass Manufacturing nel dripper,

about 10g per 120–130cc is recommended, but

since the nel dripper is known for producing rich, full-bodied coffee,

it's suggested that you adjust the amount of beans to your own taste.

For both methods, a "medium grind" suited for filter brewing is recommended.

Hot Water

The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is just before boiling,

approximately 80–90°C.

If you transfer boiled water into a narrow-spouted pot before use,

it will naturally cool to close to this range, so this method is recommended.

Now, let's take a look at how to use these two coffee makers.

Once you have your tools ready, start by boiling water.

Boil enough not only for the coffee itself, but also to warm the cup and glass pot beforehand.

Set the paper filter (or nel) in place,

add the ground coffee, and all that's left is to pour in the hot water.

This pouring process is one of the key factors that determines the flavor of the coffee,

and it's one of the reasons coffee enthusiasts favor hand drip brewing.

In this image, you can see hot water being poured in a thin stream continuously at the center of the grounds, allowing the hot water to soak into the coffee,

causing bubbles to form as air is released.

Once the coffee grounds swell and then begin to settle, filtration starts.

Pour the water in a spiral motion so that it spreads evenly through the coffee grounds.

The pouring time is roughly 3 minutes as a guideline, but taking more time than usual

can allow you to extract an even richer coffee.

It seems best to first brew it the standard way, and then gradually adjust

to bring the flavor closer to your own personal taste.

And it's ready.

Among the many methods of brewing coffee, paper drip and flannel (nel) drip

allow for a high degree of freedom when brewing, and their defining feature is that the way you pour can bring out a wide range of different flavors.

They're easy to use, yet capable of producing a cup that would impress even a coffee connoisseur—

this is another reason we recommend these two drippers.

【Caring for the Meimon Dripper Set】

After use, simply discard the paper filter, then

gently rinse it clean.

To avoid scratching the glass, please refrain from using

steel wool, cleanser, or sponges with aluminum foil scouring pads,

as these can easily cause scratches. 

【Caring for the Minowa 2-chome Nel Dripper】

As with the Meimon Dripper Set,

please wash it carefully so as not to scratch the glass.

If the leather is left wet, it may discolor or lose its shape,

so be sure to wipe off any moisture as soon as possible.

The leather can also be removed, so if you'd like to wash the dripper thoroughly,

please take it off first.

【Caring for the Flannel (Nel)】

Before using the flannel filter for the first time, sterilize it by boiling.

When not in use, keep it submerged in water and store it in the refrigerator.

Just before use, take it out of the water, wring it out well,

wipe it with a paper towel, and then set it in place.

After use, rinse it carefully with water only, without using any detergent.

So, what did you think?

Coffee time is one of the things that enriches our daily lives.

You might set yourself up with a set to enjoy at home and serve to guests,

or perhaps give one as a wedding gift to a friend or relative,

paired with a mug or a plate—that would be lovely too.

May you find a moment of calm with a cup of coffee amid your busy days.