Update on the KONE set-ups follows. I will succumb and buy the entire set up. It is not if but when (pic at end of post). Keith has struggled to get the pot/filter holder out the door.
"Hello Backers!
First, thank you all for being so supportive and patient. It is because of you that this project is possible and the Kone Brewing System will exist.
Lets first go through the reward levels and what has shipped.
MUG ONLY REWARDS (all shipped)
This rewards level has already been fulfilled and shipped. If you have any questions please contact us at
info@ablebrewing.com.
KONE ONLY REWARDS (all shipped)
This rewards level has already been fulfilled and shipped. If you have any questions please contact us at
info@ablebrewing.com.
KONE + MUG REWARDS (all shipped)
We have shipped all these rewards as of this week. International please allow 3-6 weeks for delivery. It is unpredictable the arrival and transit times for your rewards. We thank you for your patience and hope you enjoy the filter and mug when they arrive.
We have received positive feedback from those who have their kone and mug rewards. Thanks again for backing our project and please keep in touch!
Where is my KONE Brewing System?
We want to get your rewards to you ASAP. It is not our goal to delay and cause any hard feelings about not having and enjoying your KBS and morning coffee.
Some updates on where we are:
Custom made and printed boxes
We have these beautiful boxes designed that will be made here in Portland. The box is completely custom made to have inserts that will hold the ceramic nice and snug in transit. Also full printed with instructions and information. I'll post photos of these once they come in. Final touches are being made on graphic work and fit since we changed the brewer dimensions from the first version.
Silicone insulating band and o ring
We received a sample run of the insulating band feature that was added. It looks great and functions just as expected. This new feature allows you to hold the hot ceramic and also provides better grip. The o ring has also been tested and helps keep the lid in place a bit better with reducing the ceramic on ceramic rattle from the lid and kettle.
These elements were not a part of the original design as pictured on kickstarter but it is important to me to add them for a more positive user experience.
Ceramic production
The ceramic studio started making brewers a few weeks ago. The first batch came out looking good but not great. With ceramic there is some trial and error on getting the wall thickness and surfaces as specified. I am learning that this medium is truly an art.
From the first 6 made only one was the right thickness and fit. We have used it as our model going forward. Pictures are below.
Brewer Handle
The new handle design is great. It now allows for a full grip using all fingers comfortably. The being made of ceramic and holding up to one liter can get heavy. This was important for me to fix so the pot felt nice and secure in your hand.
Pour Spout
The dribble is almost gone. With the new design and shape the spout now has a much better pour. We have learned some things with ceramic though. The glaze they put on creates a surface tension that causes a minimal dribble to occur. I have tested other ceramic pots and they all do this. Some of you have commented that your pots at home also do this. As the current design stands there will be that very minimal amount but you can achieve a clean pour if you are mindful of the pour.
This is not good enough for me. I want to solve this. Why cant the spout be dribble free? We tested the surface tension by dipping the spout of our kettle finished and glazed in super glue. It pours perfect!! No annoying dribble! So this means our design and shape is ideal. Its the glaze that is cause the water to cling to the spout and down the body for that small annoying dribble. So we are on the hunt for a glaze of some sort that we can coat the spout in that will have the same affect as the super glue. It will be permanent and food safe just like the glaze used in the glazing process. I'm hopeful we can add this final element. This also is not originally intended as a step or feature but I want to make it as best as I can.
Limited RED Edition
The red should look just as we did our test sample a couple months ago. I will post some photos done by our photographer once we finalize the red and have time to do a photo session. Most likely after the Holidays.
KONE Brewing System photos. New design.