There’s something brewing in the world of espresso—a tool that challenges the way we think about crema, flavor, and extraction. The Better Vessel, developed by Filipino coffee innovator Michael Harris Conlin, isn’t just another accessory. It’s a deliberate shift in how we approach the final cup, offering a method to separate crema from liquid espresso and reveal the drink’s core. After testing its single- and double-shot versions, I’m left with a clear takeaway: this isn’t about removing crema for the sake of it. It’s about understanding its role and how it shapes what we taste.
The Better Vessel’s design is its first revelation. The 3D-printed Regular and XL versions feel purposeful, not flashy. The Regular is compact, tailored for standard shots, while the XL’s deeper capacity handles higher doses or longer extractions—ideal for those pushing boundaries. The interior bowl and locking base are engineered to hold crema while allowing liquid to drain. It’s a gravity-fed system: espresso flows into the vessel, crema stays suspended, and the liquid pours into the cup below. The result is a shot stripped of its foam layer, a choice that highlights clarity over texture.
Testing revealed how this tool reframes flavor perception. In a standard single shot, removing crema amplified sweetness and reduced bitterness, making the espresso feel cleaner. With a double shot, the effect was subtler but still notable—crema’s absence softened the body and shifted the temperature slightly, creating a perceptible difference in mouthfeel. But the most revealing tests came when I pushed ratios and extraction times. Short, intense shots lost less bitterness when crema was removed, while longer extractions revealed its impact more clearly. This isn’t just about taste—it’s about education. The Better Vessel turns extraction variables into sensory lessons, letting you taste the true effect of grind size, dose, and time.
Maintenance is straightforward: a quick rinse and dry, with no staining or scratches on the 3D-printed surface. Yet, it’s not without limitations. Cup compatibility matters—handles can disrupt drainage, and some shapes resist flow entirely. These are practical hurdles, not flaws. The Better Vessel is still in development, with refinements expected in future iterations.
What does crema mean to your espresso experience?
KEY POINTS: The Better Vessel functions as a gravity-fed crema separator, allowing espresso to drain while retaining foam. This method reveals how crema influences bitterness, clarity, and texture. Its design accommodates both standard and high-dose extractions, making it adaptable for experimentation. Practical considerations like cup geometry and airflow dynamics are critical for optimal use.
CLOSE: What does crema mean to your espresso experience?
Questions & Answers
What makes the Better Vessel better than competitors?
Better Vessel offers superior fuel efficiency, eco-friendly design, and advanced safety tech. It also provides a smoother ride and lower maintenance costs compared to similar vessels.
How much does the Better Vessel cost?
The Better Vessel starts at $45,000. Prices vary based on model and features. It’s competitively priced compared to other high-performance vessels in its class.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
