If you’ve ever watched a barista chase a coffee machine’s timer, you know the pain of inconsistency. Hiroia’s Hikaru pourover brewer, once a sleek home appliance, is now evolving to meet the demands of cafes, restaurants, and hotels. The Taiwan-based company, which launched the Hikaru in 2023, initially targeted home users. But the real test came when commercial spaces embraced it—not because the machine changed, but because the market revealed a hunger for precision without the hassle of barista training.
The Hikaru’s latest updates are a direct response to that shift. First up: the Refiller, a compact add-on that automates reservoir refills. It connects to plumbed water or external jugs, eliminating manual refills. Bonus? It preheats water to 80°C (176°F), slashing recovery time between brews. For cafes juggling high-volume orders, this means less downtime and more consistency. The Refiller will debut at World of Coffee Dubai, where Hiroia will also showcase new grinders.
Software updates take things further. Users can now unlock all physical buttons, ditching reliance on tablets or phones for custom brew profiles. Cold brew mode is another game-changer: add ice to the reservoir and program endless, unheated pours as small as 5ml, spaced at intervals up to 12 hours. A separate steel filter sells separately, but the flexibility alone redefines what a pourover can do.
Hiroia’s pivot to commercial use wasn’t a fluke. Data showed customers leaning into hospitality settings, prompting a deliberate repositioning. The Hikaru now straddles home and pro spaces, offering professional-grade performance in a compact form. Pricing stays at $799, with Refiller details to follow.
Key points: The Refiller streamlines cafe workflows, software unlocks creative brewing, and the Hikaru’s crossover appeal bridges home and commercial needs.
Key points: The Refiller streamlines cafe workflows, software unlocks creative brewing, and the Hikaru’s crossover appeal bridges home and commercial needs.
What’s your take? Would you outfit your café with a Hikaru and Refiller? Share your thoughts below.
Questions & Answers
Does the Hikaru Pourover Brewer require a specific coffee bean?
The Hikaru Pourover Brewer works best with medium to light roast beans. It emphasizes clarity and acidity, making it ideal for single-origin coffees.
How does the Hikaru Pourover Brewer differ from other pour-over devices?
The Hikaru Pourover Brewer is designed for café use, offering consistent flow and ease of cleaning. It features a unique filter holder and streamlined design for professional settings.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
