The Home Barista Show has chosen the UFO coffee dripper as its official brewer for the 2025 season. Every demonstration, workshop, and competition across all Emirates will use the UFO, giving attendees the chance to experience its unique brewing qualities firsthand. Whether you are a seasoned home brewer or just starting out, this will be the dripper you use on event day.
Why the UFO coffee dripper was chosen
The UFO was tested on a wide range of coffees and pouring styles. It consistently produced clean, expressive, and balanced brews without requiring flawless technique. It handled both light and dark roasts with ease, responded well to different pour rates, and remained forgiving when small brewing variables shifted. This combination of performance and accessibility made it the right choice for The Home Barista Show’s mission of encouraging curiosity and experimentation.
What makes the UFO different
Unlike a V60 or Origami, the UFO’s 80-degree internal angle flattens the coffee bed slightly, increasing water contact time. This slows drawdown just enough to promote even extraction without stalling. Its open air channels help vent pressure, stabilize the filter, and prevent clogs. The result is smoother, more consistent brews even when your pour is not perfect.
In side-by-side tests, the UFO outperformed both the V60 and Kalita Wave in clarity, expressiveness, and stability across multiple brews. It retained brightness while preserving sweetness and gave more structure in the finish.
Jay Kim and the vision behind the UFO
The UFO was co-created by Jay Kim, a barista and coffee educator known for his open, intuitive approach to brewing. His emphasis on hospitality, brewing intuition, and the emotional side of coffee has earned him a loyal following worldwide. While Jay will not attend in person due to scheduling conflicts, he has contributed official UFO merchandise to be given away at the event.
Why one brewer matters for the Show
Earlier this year, FLTR Magazine explored why using the same brewer repeatedly builds skill faster, improves consistency, and reduces waste. By making the UFO the standard across the event, The Home Barista Show ensures every participant can focus on technique, compare results, and see how small changes affect the final cup.
What to expect at the event
Every brewing station will feature a UFO dripper. Workshops will teach how to fold filters correctly, adjust flow rate, and dial in grind size for optimal results. A complete UFO brewing guide will be released in the weeks before the Show, giving both new and experienced users a resource to prepare.
If you already own a UFO, this event will refine your technique. If not, it will be your chance to try one hands-on. And even win official merchandise.
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