⏱ 2 min read
The Short Version
Cody Hamilton’s Pipp system uses gravity and precision to revolutionize brewing, offering espresso-like crema without a boiler. It blends immersion, pressure, and temperature control in a single glass chamber for versatile, intuitive coffee and beyond.
Cody Hamilton’s Pipp system is engineered for precision, not pretense. A boilerless, glass-chambered brewer that leverages gravity, pressure, and precise timing, it offers baristas unparalleled control without the burden of complexity. The Pipp 01 and 64—single-cup and batch versions—redefine versatility by integrating immersion, pressure, and temperature into a single, intuitive workflow.
It’s got to build the pressure, and then maintain it. It’s different from other espressos, but it still produces crema if you want it.
A Glass Chamber for Precision
The Pipp’s cylindrical borosilicate glass brew chambers are its centerpiece, offering visibility into the extraction process while maintaining thermal stability. Water flows through medium- or coarse-ground coffee via gravity or gentle pressure, with programmable variables like temperature, infusion time, and air pressure. For immersion brews, two sequential steep-and-release cycles extract depth without over-extraction. The vacuum-seal valve mimics an upright AeroPress, suspending the coffee slurry before releasing it. For espresso, a custom portafilter and built-in air compressor replicate the lever action of a traditional machine, delivering crema without the need for a boiler. “It’s got to build the pressure, and then maintain it,” Hamilton says. “It’s different from other espressos, but it still produces crema if you want it.”
From Espresso to Soup, Pipp’s Flexibility is Its Strength
The Pipp’s adaptability extends beyond coffee. It handles cold brew with or without a hot bloom, and even mimics the “soup” method—a trendy approach using coarse grinds, a 4:1 water-to-coffee ratio, and rapid low-pressure extraction in 25–30 seconds. The 64-ounce batch brewer scales this precision, while the 01’s single-cup design keeps things intimate. Hamilton’s goal was to simplify maintenance: magnetic panels, push-connect fittings, and just eight internal components (excluding the chipset) make disassembly intuitive. “I’ve seen a lot of really cool machines, but they always seem to have too many parts,” he says.
Pipp’s design also aligns with growing commercial demands for sustainability. By eliminating the need for a boiler, it reduces energy consumption and lowers operational costs. This makes it an attractive option for cafes and restaurants seeking efficiency without compromising quality.
It’s got to build the pressure, and then maintain it. It’s different from other espressos, but it still produces crema if you want it.
How might Pipp’s approach redefine what’s possible in commercial brewing?
Questions & Answers
How does the Pipp system work?
The Pipp system uses gravity, pressure, and precise timing to brew coffee. It features a glass chamber where water flows through ground coffee via gravity or gentle pressure, with programmable variables like temperature and infusion time. It supports immersion, pressure, and temperature control in one intuitive workflow.
What makes the Pipp system unique?
The Pipp system stands out with its glass chamber for visibility and thermal stability. It combines immersion, pressure, and temperature control in a single unit, offering versatility for both single-cup and batch brewing. Its design simplifies maintenance with magnetic panels and push-connect fittings.
Can the Pipp system make espresso?
Yes, the Pipp system can make espresso. It includes a custom portafilter and built-in air compressor that replicate the lever action of traditional machines. This setup builds and maintains pressure to produce crema without needing a boiler.
How does the Pipp system handle cold brew?
The Pipp system handles cold brew with or without a hot bloom. It can also mimic the “soup” method using coarse grinds, a 4:1 water-to-coffee ratio, and rapid low-pressure extraction in 25–30 seconds. This flexibility extends its use beyond coffee to various brewing styles.
Originally reported by Daily Coffee News.
