S O L O
SOLO is a coffee brewing system designed by Jackie Tran, as a brewer, for brewers.
We use Solo in our shops because it’s a durable dripper, perfect for home, shop, competition, and travel. The Solo System includes a standalone dripper that fits most glass servers, a versatile ceramic server and tasting cup in one, and a compact protective container for traveling — all crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Designed in Prague, Solo embraces the harmonious principles of geometry, ensuring a perfect cup of coffee anywhere, anytime, anyone.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
When I first started with coffee, like many others, I used the iconic V60 dripper. Its design and functionality make it a favorite among conical drippers, it’s just so easy to use. However, as I delved deeper into brewing, I discovered that I preferred the fuller and sweeter tones that flat drippers offer, compared to the lighter and more acidic profile of conical drippers.
After over a year of development, including breaks, failed prototypes, testing, and various brewing experiments, the final prototype, named Solo Dripper, was born. Solo is not just a dripper. It’s a complete system designed for a user-friendly brewing experience, adaptable for use anywhere, anytime, and by anyone.
40° ANGLE
When I first looked at the V60 dripper, I was curious about its 60° angle. To make sense of it, consider a flat surface, like a table, which is a 180° plane. Imagine this as a half-circle. If you divide this half-circle into three equal parts, you get three 60° angles. This creates balanced, symmetrical sections, perfect for an efficient cone shape for filtering coffee.
But I wanted to go beyond this traditional design. Instead of just a half-circle, I considered a full circle, which is 360°. This represents a complete cycle and opened up more creative possibilities. I divided this circle into nine equal parts, each resulting in a 40° angle.
Why nine? In many cultures, the number nine symbolizes completeness and the end of a cycle, which aligns with my goal of creating a balanced and harmonious brewing process. This 40° angle in the Solo Dripper provides a new depth-to-width ratio, optimizing the contact between water and coffee grounds for ideal extraction.
By looking at the full circle and embracing the significance of the number nine, the Solo Dripper not only functions better but also resonates with the natural harmony found in the universe. This approach ensures a more efficient and balanced brewing experience, making every cup of coffee special.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DESIGN
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FASTER FLOW RATE
The large hole in the middle allows water to flow through the coffee grounds quickly. This faster flow emphasizes the coffee's bright, clean flavors, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lighter, more vibrant cup.
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40° ANGLED WALLS
The walls of the dripper are angled at 40 degrees, which helps guide the water evenly through the coffee grounds. This ensures that the coffee is extracted uniformly, giving you a balanced flavor without over-extracting.
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CURVED BOTTOM HOLE
The curved bottom is designed to guide the water smoothly towards the central hole, ensuring even saturation of the coffee grounds. This helps prevent channeling and promotes consistent extraction, key to achieving a balanced cup every time.
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CONSISTENCY
The design makes it easy to get a consistent brew every time, allowing you to control how the coffee tastes by adjusting things like grind size and pouring technique.
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BALANCE
Even with the faster flow, the design ensures that the coffee grounds are evenly saturated, leading to a well-rounded cup with both body and flavor complexity.
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PARAMETERS
Every parameter of the Solo Dripper, including the bottom hole, diameter, and radius, can be evenly divided. This cohesive design ensures that every aspect of Solo contributes to its overall performance and ease of use.
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SYMBOLISM
The number 9 holds deep significance in various contexts.
In many cultures, the number 9 symbolizes completeness and the end of a cycle, resonating with our goal of perfecting the coffee brewing process.
It represents a state of balance and harmony.
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GEOMETRY
The 40° angle is not just about balance and symmetry. It improves the coffee extraction process. By controlling the angle, we ensure even water flow.
The curved bottom ensures smooth and even water flow, reducing channeling and enhancing extraction. This design mirrors natural geometric forms, allowing for optimal water dispersion and consistent brewing results.
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PORTABILITY
The Solo Dripper is compact and portable, fitting most glass servers and carafes without needing a separate Base. This makes it ideal for both home use and travel, as well as in our cafes.
THE SYSTEM
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DRIPPER
Made from durable polypropylene (PP) material, chosen for its resilience and heat resistance, making it ideal for travel and optimal brewing performance. PP ensures the dripper withstands travel demands while maintaining the brewing conditions needed for a perfect cup of coffee.
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BASE
Provides a stable base for the Solo Dripper, ensuring balance and ease of use. Thanks to the ribs on the outside of the dripper, it fits most servers. However, if you have a server that’s not compatible, the Solo Base ensures the dripper always stands balanced.
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SIP
The Solo Sip is a versatile ceramic server and tasting cup combined into one. Its design allows for an optimal aroma and flavor experience. With a slanted mouth that matches the dripper’s shape, you can brew directly into the Sip without needing a separate holder. The small spout ensures easy pouring into other cups, making it perfect for sharing with friends.
Cup and server in one.
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BOX
A compact, protective container that holds the entire system together, ideal for travel.
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HOLDER
The Holder is a convenient tool designed to keep the wave filter paper in place while rinsing it before brewing. While not essential, it ensures consistent placement of every filter paper for a perfect brew every time.
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PRESSOR
The Pressor is a simple tool designed to flatten the filter paper against the dripper walls, reducing the risk of channeling and ensuring even extraction for a balanced cup of coffee.
Ideal for coffee enthusiasts who value consistency and precision, the Pressor is perfect for both home brewers and professional baristas who want to optimize their brewing setup without needing special filters or complex techniques.
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1. Place a regular wave paper filter inside the dripper.
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2. Insert the Pressor and press the filter flat against the dripper walls.
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3. Pour water through the Pressor’s three large holes to wet the filter paper.
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4. Twist slightly and pull out the Pressor.
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With Pressor
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Without Pressor
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STAND
HOME stand set
The Home Stand is an organization desk tailored for your coffee brewing essentials, keeping everything you need in one compact space.
— Holds one Dripper, Base, Holder, and Pressor.
— The Holder doubles as a stand for hanging filter papers.
— The Pressor and Base are positioned beneath the dripper.
— Super compact design, ideal for coffee enthusiasts.
PRO stand set
For the more advanced setup, the PRO Stand is designed to handle multiple coffee brewing components with ease.
— Accommodates three Drippers.
— Includes a Holder for hanging filter papers.
— Features a Pressor positioned under the Drippers.
— Provides three slots for Bases.
— Additional slots available for a flow controller (e.g., Melodrip).
EVERYTHING IN THE UNIVERSE IS GEOMETRIC
The design of the Solo System is inspired by the natural geometry found in the universe. This philosophy is reflected in the precise angles and harmonious proportions of the dripper, which are drawn from patterns seen in nature.
For instance, the 40° angle of the dripper is designed with the same care that nature uses to create the spiral of a seashell or the curve of a wave. This angle promotes optimal water flow and extraction, ensuring a perfect brew every time.
The curved bottom of the dripper also mimics natural forms, like the smooth curves found in river stones or the spiral of a galaxy. This design reduces channeling, allowing water to flow evenly and consistently over the coffee grounds.
By embracing these natural geometric principles, the Solo System not only enhances functionality but also connects to the intrinsic order and balance that exists in the world around us.
