Although its creators say Perk was initially designed for use in zero-gravity environments, the design is well suited to life on Earth as well.

Scott Collie reports: The team says that unlike more conventional home coffee makers, its design is able to maintain a uniform temperature and separate the coffee particles, rather than leaving them a clumpy, unevenly-heated mess.

The trick lies in a principle called “mechanical suspension.” Perk creates a gentle flow of water up through the infusion chamber at the top of the machine, creating a force to lift, separate and tumble each coffee particle in the same way. This helps with consistency of extraction, making sure you get the right amount (and type) of flavor from your grounds.

Perk is also designed to deliver a more consistent temperature than the competition, thanks to a unique boiler design. Rather than simply pouring boiling water through a filter and walking away – a technique which means the water is cooling as it drains – the team in New Mexico has designed a recirculating boiler for consistent, precise water heating.

That should mean connoisseurs can pinpoint the temperature best for their beans and program it in using the capacitive buttons on the front of the unit. Because the boiler on the unit is open you’ll never need to descale it, too, making maintenance much easier. … (read more)

via newatlas.com