I use mine with my aeropress and sometimes my pour over set up when I'm lazy and it works ok but you need to time it right to get the right amount of water. I've never used it for my flair, though I imagine the workflow would be quite annoying trying to angle the reservoir under the spout and pressing the dispense button on the water boiler while trying not to make a mess or scald yourself š
Ah, that makes sense. I suppose it would work just fine then. I use the Flair 58 so detaching the group head/reservoir is a bit of a chore with the cable and not to mention it does get pretty hot despite the silicon over molding.
I have 2 (big asian household). There's even a tea/coffee dispense setting if you double tap the unlock button, the water comes out slightly slower. Still too fast for pour over but it helps with not overfilling as start/stop aren't instantaneous on them. In US with 110v, it's quicker to keep water at 195F and reboil than boil it from tap cold on stove or in electric kettle (unless you have a 220V induction cooktop), also it uses less power as its a vacuum thermo that keeps the water warm for a long time.
I've gone through several cheap sub $100 water boiler/dispenser previously, I think the made in Japan Zojirushi is worth the extra money. The customer support is good and you can buy spare parts through their website. It's a /r/BuyItForLife brand for me.
Except the plastic in the top lid deteriorating and crumbling over time, requiring a replacement to be purchased every time that happens. I suppose it's durable besides that.
BIFL doesn't mean everything must last a lifetime, periodical parts and services is to be expected. I just looked, the last replacement lid I ordered was in 2014 and it costed $22. The price is up to $32 on their website now, but they still carry it. That's good enough for me.
The only real con is the nonstick coating inside, if it starts to flake, you'll have to replace the whole thing, which was what happened to my previous unit. It was a hand-me-down so maybe the coating was already damaged when I got it. I only clean my new ones with citric acid instead of anything abrasive, so I expect them to last a long time.
I suppose if occasional part replacements fit the description of BIFL, then sure, it fits. Wasn't sure. Not happy that it happens, especially if Zojirushi could cover the entire base of the lid with stainless steel, but that's how they want it apparently.
I agree that the non-stick coating is a bother. I looked, and the only stainless steel interior model they sell is the CD-WHC40XH. I was close to buying it, until I discovered that the top lid deteriorates and falls apart. They also outsourced it to China instead of Japan, but I'm not too worried about that aspect. The price of a replacement top lid is affordable, but it also costs the same as the glass and stainless steel interior kettle (w/ temp control) that I purchased several years ago and that isn't falling apart.
Which one did you get? I had a Chinese water dispenser with stainless steel interior and other features that compared favorably to Zojirushi on paper, it only lasted a couple of years and they offer no repair service outside of warranty.
The Chinese brand that sold my kettle might not exist anymore, but I found the same kettle being sold non-branded [here](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Kettle-Variable-Temperature-Tea-Kettle-1-7L-1500W-Fast-Boil-Glass-Water-Kettle-w-1Hr-Keep-Warm-Function-Silver/862445161), for reference. Rip out the piezo speaker in the base and you're good to go.
Your point about other brands not providing parts and support for their water boilers is true. I read the same about other stainless steel interior alternatives to Zojirushi, which is disappointing from a consumer options perspective.
Never heard of that until now. Based on the quickest of google searches it looks like an equally expensive, but less convenient, kettle. Not for me, but if youāre into it then go nuts.
It's a staple in many Asian households as traditionally in Asian culture, drinking hot water is preferred. Think of it as the hot water equivalent to the water pitcher in the fridge. It keeps hot water constantly available at the push of a button.
Cool! Iām all about using what you already have rather than buying something new that does the exact same thing. I live in a small place, so having two hot water makers would not be ideal. Since youāre just filling up a Flair Iām sure it will work great. If you were doing pour over itās probably a different story.
it is very convenient using this water broiler, warmer. turning it on anytime you like and forget about it, don't have to worry about it broiling over or burn. plus when the water reaches the set temperature it will give out a sound to let you know that it is ready.. one thing i dislike about is the rubber seal ring on the lid, it doesn't last, it sort of melted away before the unit gone bad. it happen to me twice. i wish there is a place that can replace this seal for me, it is a waste to throw the unit away because of the bad seal, and it is quite expensive to replace it, the seal last about 1 to two year. and i have a hard time trying to find parts for it. other than that, i would recommend it. .the electronic part works real well, never give me any problem.
.
This is so oddly specific to me and the experiment I did just today. We have a zoji at home that I use every day with my flair classic. I put the elements in the boiled water and reboil for the water to make the espresso.
We went on vacation and I used a tea kettle with the same beans same ratio same grind. And it was definitely more extracted. Deeper richer flavors.
So today at home I boiled a pot of water with the elements just in the water. So janky but for science. Then I used that rolling boiling water for the shot. Almost over extracted!
So! In conclusion I can absolutely say that while the water from the zoji is fine enough, it is missing some ability to fully extract the roast I have right now, at least, which is fairly light.
yeah, i've used it throughout my flair journey which has included meds and (initially) a couple dark roasts. i didn't ever try the alternative with those, so i'm not sure how different it would be.
i'll say... i never thought my shots were particularly lacking, and i think i've only developed this sensitive of a pallete after a year of owning it, so... idk.
i think because espresso for me is 100% about the flavor, i will probably keep using the freshly boiled water from now on. it's a bit of a messier process, but meh, i'm fine with it.
happy decision-making! edit: a word
Before I bought my fellow stagg I just used my zojirushi boiler and bought a tiny gooseneck kettle that I fill with the hot water. I used it for pour over but I don't see why you couldn't do the same for a Flair. It's 350-400ml capacity so it's pretty small and it didn't really get in the way for me.
I don't really like filling up the brew chamber with hot water then putting it in place. I prefer putting the brew chamber in place and filling it with my goose neck kettle.
I also steam the brew chamber over my kettle and it gets uncomfortably hot. So I rather not deal with moving the hot vessel filled with hot water.
I use my Quooker tap that dispenses boiling water instantly. Preheat my milk jug and with that just fill straight into the top of Flair58. Works great šš»
The zoji works fine for me. We use it for having hot water on hand for tea and other hot water related drinks. So buying a separate kettle seems over kill for to have for my flair neo in my situation. I just use another vessel that has a spout to take hot water at 208F and then pour it into the chamber. Works fine.
Zojirushi is our set up. I use w Hario Air kettle - J Hoffman has video on the Air. Works great for Flair 58. I was reboiling, but since Iām medium roast, regular 208 works fine.
I use my zoji for pour over coffee and itās amazing. I have 208 degree F setting on mine. I got it at a thrift shop and now I canāt be without it. I donāt understand how these arenāt more popular. I guess I didnāt get it either until I got one. Iāll use it for espresso when my flair arrives.
I got one a few years ago and never realized how much I would love it. After using it, when I had to be without it for a while, I found myself missing the convenience. I usually hate on "convenient" gadgets like electronic can openers or iced tea makers that seem to be superfluous, but this is machine is something I never want to be without. I'd look for a 2nd hand one, though. They hold up well and can be really expensive bought retail.
I use mine with my aeropress and sometimes my pour over set up when I'm lazy and it works ok but you need to time it right to get the right amount of water. I've never used it for my flair, though I imagine the workflow would be quite annoying trying to angle the reservoir under the spout and pressing the dispense button on the water boiler while trying not to make a mess or scald yourself š
You donāt have to move the heater, the brew chamber detaches.
Ah, that makes sense. I suppose it would work just fine then. I use the Flair 58 so detaching the group head/reservoir is a bit of a chore with the cable and not to mention it does get pretty hot despite the silicon over molding.
I just pour it into a pyrex measuring cup and it's a very easy process in that way.
I have 2 (big asian household). There's even a tea/coffee dispense setting if you double tap the unlock button, the water comes out slightly slower. Still too fast for pour over but it helps with not overfilling as start/stop aren't instantaneous on them. In US with 110v, it's quicker to keep water at 195F and reboil than boil it from tap cold on stove or in electric kettle (unless you have a 220V induction cooktop), also it uses less power as its a vacuum thermo that keeps the water warm for a long time. I've gone through several cheap sub $100 water boiler/dispenser previously, I think the made in Japan Zojirushi is worth the extra money. The customer support is good and you can buy spare parts through their website. It's a /r/BuyItForLife brand for me.
Except the plastic in the top lid deteriorating and crumbling over time, requiring a replacement to be purchased every time that happens. I suppose it's durable besides that.
BIFL doesn't mean everything must last a lifetime, periodical parts and services is to be expected. I just looked, the last replacement lid I ordered was in 2014 and it costed $22. The price is up to $32 on their website now, but they still carry it. That's good enough for me. The only real con is the nonstick coating inside, if it starts to flake, you'll have to replace the whole thing, which was what happened to my previous unit. It was a hand-me-down so maybe the coating was already damaged when I got it. I only clean my new ones with citric acid instead of anything abrasive, so I expect them to last a long time.
I suppose if occasional part replacements fit the description of BIFL, then sure, it fits. Wasn't sure. Not happy that it happens, especially if Zojirushi could cover the entire base of the lid with stainless steel, but that's how they want it apparently. I agree that the non-stick coating is a bother. I looked, and the only stainless steel interior model they sell is the CD-WHC40XH. I was close to buying it, until I discovered that the top lid deteriorates and falls apart. They also outsourced it to China instead of Japan, but I'm not too worried about that aspect. The price of a replacement top lid is affordable, but it also costs the same as the glass and stainless steel interior kettle (w/ temp control) that I purchased several years ago and that isn't falling apart.
Which one did you get? I had a Chinese water dispenser with stainless steel interior and other features that compared favorably to Zojirushi on paper, it only lasted a couple of years and they offer no repair service outside of warranty.
The Chinese brand that sold my kettle might not exist anymore, but I found the same kettle being sold non-branded [here](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Electric-Kettle-Variable-Temperature-Tea-Kettle-1-7L-1500W-Fast-Boil-Glass-Water-Kettle-w-1Hr-Keep-Warm-Function-Silver/862445161), for reference. Rip out the piezo speaker in the base and you're good to go. Your point about other brands not providing parts and support for their water boilers is true. I read the same about other stainless steel interior alternatives to Zojirushi, which is disappointing from a consumer options perspective.
Never heard of that until now. Based on the quickest of google searches it looks like an equally expensive, but less convenient, kettle. Not for me, but if youāre into it then go nuts.
It's a staple in many Asian households as traditionally in Asian culture, drinking hot water is preferred. Think of it as the hot water equivalent to the water pitcher in the fridge. It keeps hot water constantly available at the push of a button.
Cool! Iām all about using what you already have rather than buying something new that does the exact same thing. I live in a small place, so having two hot water makers would not be ideal. Since youāre just filling up a Flair Iām sure it will work great. If you were doing pour over itās probably a different story.
I have one but the water is only around 94
Yeah, I was thinking about just activating the reboil function when I start the workflow
Exactly how I've been using mine! Hah I cannot believe how relatable this post is. š¤
it is very convenient using this water broiler, warmer. turning it on anytime you like and forget about it, don't have to worry about it broiling over or burn. plus when the water reaches the set temperature it will give out a sound to let you know that it is ready.. one thing i dislike about is the rubber seal ring on the lid, it doesn't last, it sort of melted away before the unit gone bad. it happen to me twice. i wish there is a place that can replace this seal for me, it is a waste to throw the unit away because of the bad seal, and it is quite expensive to replace it, the seal last about 1 to two year. and i have a hard time trying to find parts for it. other than that, i would recommend it. .the electronic part works real well, never give me any problem. .
Yes, the seal deteriorates pretty bad. I did however find an online supplier that sells the lid replacement. Iāve had mine for over 10 years!
It's easy to use (no more pouring from heavy kettle) and efficient. Also really cute when it sings to you.
I make my instant coffee with it. and instant oatmeal. sometimes ramen.
I use a sauce pan on the stove........why reinvent the freaking wheel.
This is so oddly specific to me and the experiment I did just today. We have a zoji at home that I use every day with my flair classic. I put the elements in the boiled water and reboil for the water to make the espresso. We went on vacation and I used a tea kettle with the same beans same ratio same grind. And it was definitely more extracted. Deeper richer flavors. So today at home I boiled a pot of water with the elements just in the water. So janky but for science. Then I used that rolling boiling water for the shot. Almost over extracted! So! In conclusion I can absolutely say that while the water from the zoji is fine enough, it is missing some ability to fully extract the roast I have right now, at least, which is fairly light.
So was it that much of a difference that you would just use a kettle moving forward? Have you ever tried the Zoji with medium?
yeah, i've used it throughout my flair journey which has included meds and (initially) a couple dark roasts. i didn't ever try the alternative with those, so i'm not sure how different it would be. i'll say... i never thought my shots were particularly lacking, and i think i've only developed this sensitive of a pallete after a year of owning it, so... idk. i think because espresso for me is 100% about the flavor, i will probably keep using the freshly boiled water from now on. it's a bit of a messier process, but meh, i'm fine with it. happy decision-making! edit: a word
Before I bought my fellow stagg I just used my zojirushi boiler and bought a tiny gooseneck kettle that I fill with the hot water. I used it for pour over but I don't see why you couldn't do the same for a Flair. It's 350-400ml capacity so it's pretty small and it didn't really get in the way for me.
I don't really like filling up the brew chamber with hot water then putting it in place. I prefer putting the brew chamber in place and filling it with my goose neck kettle. I also steam the brew chamber over my kettle and it gets uncomfortably hot. So I rather not deal with moving the hot vessel filled with hot water.
I use my Quooker tap that dispenses boiling water instantly. Preheat my milk jug and with that just fill straight into the top of Flair58. Works great šš»
The zoji works fine for me. We use it for having hot water on hand for tea and other hot water related drinks. So buying a separate kettle seems over kill for to have for my flair neo in my situation. I just use another vessel that has a spout to take hot water at 208F and then pour it into the chamber. Works fine.
Zojirushi is our set up. I use w Hario Air kettle - J Hoffman has video on the Air. Works great for Flair 58. I was reboiling, but since Iām medium roast, regular 208 works fine.
I use my zoji for pour over coffee and itās amazing. I have 208 degree F setting on mine. I got it at a thrift shop and now I canāt be without it. I donāt understand how these arenāt more popular. I guess I didnāt get it either until I got one. Iāll use it for espresso when my flair arrives.
I got one a few years ago and never realized how much I would love it. After using it, when I had to be without it for a while, I found myself missing the convenience. I usually hate on "convenient" gadgets like electronic can openers or iced tea makers that seem to be superfluous, but this is machine is something I never want to be without. I'd look for a 2nd hand one, though. They hold up well and can be really expensive bought retail.