Hey, and welcome back! We’re back to some good old filter coffee today, and my favourite of them all, the Origami dripper
If you’ve spent any time browsing coffee gear on Instagram—or hanging around baristas who take their brews very seriously—you’ve probably seen the Origami dripper. It’s that colourful, eye-catching dripper that everyone loves. And while it’s undeniably photogenic, this brewer’s not just a pretty face.
The Origami dripper is quietly becoming a favourite in the speciality coffee world for good reason. It’s adaptable, easy to use, and—once you get the hang of it—can brew a seriously delicious cup.
Let’s talk about how to use it, why it’s worth trying, and how you can get started brewing at home without needing all the brewing skills in the world
So, What’s the Origami Dripper Anyway?
Designed in Japan (no surprise there—it looks like origami), this dripper hit the speciality coffee scene with some serious elegance and versatility. It’s made from porcelain (or resin, this is the one I use, ‘the origami air’) and has 20 vertical grooves that aren’t just for show—they help create airflow between the filter and the walls, which helps with a smoother, more even drawdown.
But here’s where it gets really interesting: the Origami lets you use either a flat-bottom filter (like a Kalita Wave) or a cone-shaped filter (like a V60). That means you get to tweak your brew style based on how you like your coffee—brighter and cleaner, or heavier and more syrupy.
It’s not just for home brewers either. This dripper has earned its place on the world stage: Origami brewers have been used by multiple competitors at the World Brewers Cup, including champions and finalists. In fact, 2019 WBrC Champion Jinlong Bei used Origami to help showcase his signature coffee. That kind of endorsement definitely turns heads—and piques curiosity.
What You’ll Need to Brew
Let’s keep it simple. Here’s your gear list:
Origami dripper
A filter (Kalita Wave or V60-style, your choice)
Your favourite speciality coffee, freshly ground
Grinder – today we’re using the comandante X25 (consistent grind = better brew)
Gooseneck kettle (for precision pouring)
Digital scale
Timer (your phone works perfectly)
A sturdy mug or a carafe
How to Brew with the Origami Dripper
Here’s a relaxed step-by-step method to get you going:
1. Pick your filter – Want a clean, tea-like cup? Go with a V60 cone. Want a bit more body and sweetness? Try a flat-bottom like the Kalita. Either way, you’re in for a good time.
2. Rinse your filter – Pour some hot water through the filter to remove papery flavours and preheat the brewer. Don’t skip this step—it makes a noticeable difference.
3. Add your ground coffee – Medium grind is a great place to start (think the texture of coarse sand or table salt). The amount of coffee depends on your recipe—see the template at the end of this post.
4. Start your bloom – Pour just enough water to saturate the grounds (usually twice your coffee dose in grams) and let it sit for 30–45 seconds. This helps release carbon dioxide and prepares the bed for even extraction.
5. Pour in stages – Slowly pour the remaining water in pulses or continuous spirals. Keep your pour gentle and even—no hard centre pours or splashing. Let the bed settle between pours if you’re pulsing.
6. Let it draw down – Total brew time should land somewhere between 2:30 and 3:30 minutes, but every coffee is different. Taste and adjust as needed.
7. Sip and tweak – Don’t worry if it’s not perfect right away. Brewing is part science, part intuition, and mostly just practice. Try small changes—grind size, pour speed, or water temp—and note what you like.
Pro Tip: Filter Choice Matters More Than You Think
One of the Origami’s best tricks is how much your filter choice can change the flavour. Flat-bottom filters slow down the brew a little, giving you more body and sweetness. Conical filters speed things up and tend to highlight brightness and clarity. If you’re feeling nerdy, try the same coffee with both filters and taste the difference—it’s like a mini coffee tasting at home.
My Go-To Origami Brew
Coffee dose: 16g | Grind size: 20 clicks (Comandante X25) | Filter type: Conical
Water temp: 92 degrees | Total water volume: 288g
Bloom: 40g
At 40s, pour to 188g
at 1:30, Pour to 288g
Total brew time: 3:30
Wrap-Up: Why the Origami Dripper Is Worth It
The Origami dripper isn’t just for coffee competitions or aesthetic Instagram shots—it’s actually a fantastic home brewer. It lets you play with different filters, grind sizes, and pouring styles without locking you into one method. Whether you’re aiming to replicate a championship-level brew or just want a better morning cup, the Origami has the range.
So go ahead—brew something beautiful. And if you come up with a killer recipe, share it with us at hello@carettacoffee.com and we will be glad to make a recipes forum on our website.
I really hope you’ve enjoyed this read and you can now go and brew some great filter coffee on your origami.
Be sure to check out the Origami AIR here – directly through origamis website.
