Which Pour-Over Coffee Dripper is Best to Use? What are the Characteristics of Ice Pupil Dripper for Coffee Brewing?

Introduction: The V60 Dripper Dilemma

The V60 dripper, a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts, is widely praised for its performance. However, users often complain: "The filter paper doesn't fit properly!"

(Note: Don't blame the equipment unfairly—it's likely your technique that needs adjustment.)

"This time it really doesn't fit, and some parts stick too tightly—the ribs can't even support the paper properly."

"Plus, the filter paper sticks out, which looks quite awkward!"

The Solution: The Ice Pupil Dripper

For these demanding users, there's actually a dripper that's perfect—it's called the "Ice Pupil."

This dripper doesn't look particularly special at first glance. Its appearance is very similar to the V60, but when you place the filter paper on it and wet it, you'll be amazed: "This fits perfectly!"

The height is just right too.

Design Comparison: V60 vs. Ice Pupil

Upon closer observation, the V60's ribs are raised in a spiral pattern, and it's these ribs that support the filter paper. The Ice Pupil dripper, however, is quite the opposite. Its walls are very thick, and its "ribs" are actually inward grooves that create the appearance of "protruding" ribs. These "protruding" ribs and the top fitting layer belong to the same plane, allowing for a perfect fit.

Performance Evaluation

As an experienced V60 user, I find that basically all coffee beans can be brewed well with a V60. So, the biggest impression (highlight) this dripper gives me is its incredibly comfortable filter paper fit. Regardless of its extraction capabilities, this feature alone is enough to make me want to get one (after all, the resin version isn't expensive).

Now, let's look at how well this dripper performs. My approach to evaluating dripper performance is quite simple: first, the flow channel design, and second, the drainage speed. The flow channel design mainly examines how its shape affects extraction—for example, the spiral guide ribs of the V60 versus the multiple straight guide ribs of the Star design have different effects on water flow guidance.

Drainage speed isn't measured by extreme fast or slow, but rather by choosing a dripper based on different bean characteristics. For example, the slower-flowing short-rib Kono is suitable for brewing rich, dark-roasted coffee beans, while faster-flowing drippers are better for expressing light, lively coffee flavors.

Ice Pupil Structure

The Ice Pupil dripper structure consists of three parts. Observed from the side, the height is divided into thirds. The topmost layer has no rib structure—it's a smooth wall surface, similar to the Kono dripper. The middle and lower layers no longer use protruding ribs to support the filter paper; instead, they feature large concave structures. When filter paper is attached, it appears to have 12 long ribs and 12 short ribs (in reality, these "ribs" are on the same plane as the upper layer), distributed in straight lines downward. The "short ribs" are distributed in the middle layer, while the "long ribs" span the middle and lower layers.

Brewing Characteristics

During brewing, because the upper part of the dripper and filter paper form a completely sealed state, if too much water flows in at once or the water temperature is too high and submerges the flow channels, the water level will drop slowly due to lack of ventilation space. This allows for immersion brewing similar to the KONO dripper, avoiding under-extraction. Meanwhile, the concave grooves in the middle and lower layers can quickly guide water downward, preventing blockages.

This design is actually like having a safety lock. When the water level is high, the V60 "clears the channel for quick flow," while the Ice Pupil "closes the gate tightly to reduce external leakage." When the water level is low, the Ice Pupil's drainage speed is slightly faster than the V60's.

Conclusion

When brewing coffee with the Ice Pupil, as long as you maintain a steady and straight water flow, you can easily achieve even extraction of the coffee grounds. In terms of flavor expression, there won't be significant differences. Coffee beans determine the flavor, and drippers have no inherent superiority or inferiority—only suitability.