Review: Hario Air Kettle

An interesting one, and I'm really interested in people's thoughts on this. Thank you to the team at Hario for helping me make a direct purchase.

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[jca]

I've just watched, and enjoyed, a review of a plastic jug

[harlothompson]

Hario is a funny company. When I lived in Japan I would visit the coffee corner at Tokyu Hands two or three times a month, and almost every month Hario would release a new product. Whether they were good or bad is subjective, but I often found that, rather than being good or bad, they were just something that nobody had really been asking for. Some would be a hit and remain in stock while others would slowly disappeared never to be seen again. Hario has a strong heritage and will always be one of the biggest names in brewing accessories, but I get the impression that over the last few years, with a growing number of competitors, Hario is pushing to be innovative where innovation may not be needed. The one good thing I can say for certain is that they are typically very affordable products. I'd rather see attempts of low-cost innovations like these than more pseudo-smart devices that costs an arm and a leg.

[deft]

I’m “new” to coffee and have been using a plastic measuring jug for my V60’s because it’s all I had. Now I realise I was just an early adopter!

[martinmuller]

I think this one makes a lot of sense in Japan where most people already have a sort of waterboiler/dispenser that keeps the temperature at a constant level. Mine dose 98, 90, 80 or 70 degrees. These are usually used for instant noodles or green tea. When you have hot water like that you’d only need something to pore to make a good drip coffee.
But then again, I have seen a lot of gooseneck kettles in the stores here in Kyoto but never one of these.

[letshaveago]

There is something pleasing about the fact Hario has a range of options for a number of their products, that makes coffee so accessible at different price points.

[Sharkyktc]

Not going to lie, when I saw the title I thought this was going to be something akin to an air fryer but for water

[loganmacgyver]

James is the kind of person who can make an 8 minute long video about a kettle and feel a difference

[eoinmorgan]

This seems like a great option for students or beginners on a budget. I only really got into v60 recently as when I tried it in my student apartments, the kettles always had abysmal pouring spouts. I know a pouring kettle isn't a requirement but these things couldn't pour slowly without dripping an equal amount over the counter. A nice, cheap option like this really opens up new techniques for people who are limited on space or money, I think it could really lower the entry barrier too, especially in the case where someone is gifted one of those beginner sets with everything you need for a V60 aside from a kettle

[ejshaw]

Never thought I'd hear a lid be called "an interesting addition"

[chrism]

This is the only channel i feel could do an entire movie about a measuring cup and have my attention the entire time. And I would enjoy every second of it

[lenloving]

I have the Hario Air Kettle. I usually make 200ml cups, so the capacity is fine. The control is easier, too, as you noted. I also use a tea/coffee thermometer and I am at sea level (in Japan). The peak temp for me is about 96°C when I pour a freshly boiled pot into it. I tend to initiate the brew when I pour at 93-92° for the bolder roasts I like. One factor for me that you did not mention (understandably) is how tight Japanese kitchens can be, so the design is welcome when I want to put it away or somewhere nearby for easy reach. I admittedly want a beautiful metal pouring kettle, but the Hario Air Kettle works quite well for me. Thank you for your tests!

[Decbel]

One note is that hot water dispensers are very popular in Japan for tea and coffee (and ramen)--so this streamlines the process incredibly for very cheap. Dispense hot water (no need to wait for a kettle to boil), then brew coffee. If you are going to boil water anyway, an electric kettle with a gooseneck may make more sense, so I completely understand that approach. Great review and cool piece of coffee gear.

[angelinegiselle]

i can definitely see the rationale behind this. asian households tend to have an electric airpot which allows hot boiling water at all times. piped hot water (if it exists at all) is usually channelled only to showers in bathrooms, so airpots are large enough to have water readily available not just for beverages but also for much of food preparation (rehydrating, soaking, soups, instant noodles...). when i first got the V60, i got the gooseneck kettle along with it as well, because i could boil water on the stove, and use the same vessel to pour the very hot and freshly boiled water immediately on the V60. i'm not a fan of transferring hot water, but this air kettle is definitely interesting and has its place for those who need to do so : students in dormitories where hot water is piped through a water filter in a shared kitchen is one good possibility, and camping or travelling with it is another.

[fheathwilliamson]

Hey James,
Since I started watching your videos and as I've gotten older, I've come to the conclusion that my body really doesn't like coffee. I used to be able to drink it, but even small amounts make me feel super uncomfortable.
That being said, I still love coffee. The simplicity and art of making a single cup of coffee without the use of an automatic brewer is still exciting to me. Your videos remind me of that love and I just wanted to thank you, and I hope you have a great day.

[tomryan]

I can absolutely see this as a great starter option, as you said, for someone who is not yet invested enough to buy a pouring kettle. It would also be a good addition to a travel/camping brew setup.

[mickshaw]

The man who made me rediscover coffee.

[caylabarbara]

I have been binging your videos during quarantine and I must say that I now have this profound appreciation for coffee and the instruments used for it thanks to you. ☕️

[LadyTigerLily]

I could see this as being great for travel or a camping kit, or for students that live in small/communal spaces. Being compact, inexpensive, and durable are all great features, especially when it's the spout that's making the difference for steady, controlled pouring. An interesting and simple piece of equipment! Thanks for sharing this with us!

[ribeiroWilliam]

it's something that I'd definitely buy. Whenever I go visit my girlfriend or have to travel, I have to bring my v60, coffee, filters, grinder, cup and so on. Bringing my pouring kettle would be a bit too much due to the size, but this, this is easy to pack and take with you. Def a buy for me.

[Soggyoldsock]

I never realised how little I knew about coffee since discovering this channel