Hario Mizudashi vs Primula Burke Side-by-Side Comparison
Hario Mizudashi cold brew coffee maker vs Primula Burke. Two brewers we don’t recommend and why. Brewing fundamentals revealed.
Specifications
Design
The Hario scored well for its build quality, but it fell short on the key fundamentals of the lid and filter design. Overall, the design did not contribute to producing a good quality brew.
The Primula cold brew coffee maker boasts a couple of design features to really appreciate. One is the plastic jacket which also includes a base cushion, the other is the practical lid design. The height is comparatively low which allows you to brew easily on a refrigerator shelf, or in the door.
On the other hand, the 1.6 qt size and the thick glass make it a bit heavy when full. Additionally, even though the filter is high quality, our testing revealed it lacks sufficient permeability to make a good cold brew coffee.
Usability Comparison
The Hario Mizudashi is really easy to use because it requires little effort. Additionally, it is easy to brew without having to measure out the grounds or water. The tall size is a little troublesome when hand washing, but everything is dishwasher safe. Our key issue, however, is with the non-airtight design.
The Primula certainly can’t be faulted for its easy-to-use design. Parts are minimal, with only a couple of silicone gaskets to keep an eye on. They fit well, are high quality, and the double lid design is an excellent feature. You can easily remove the inner lid to stir the contents, and also close the spout by turning it.
Brew Quality
The Hario Mizudashi was an overall poor performer. The brew lacked complexity and had an overall sourish taste. This was largely down to a short filter, a poor brew ratio, and a non-airtight vessel. One way to improve the brew quality would be hot blooming where you pour hot water over the grounds and allow to bloom for 30 to 40 seconds before pouring cold water.
With its unique and practical design, the Primula was a pleasure to brew with. As such, we expected better results. However, the Primula failed to deliver a worthy cold brew coffee concentrate even when compared to brewers using a similar brew ratio. The design of the filter is fundamentally flawed, and the brew quality ranks as one of the lowest we have tested.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- Attractive brew decanter
- Easy-to-clean filter
- Color choice
- Hot or cold brewing
- Detachable filter base
- Protective plastic jacket
- Lid design
- Easy to clean
- Thick glass
- Not airtight
- Odor contamination
- Poor brew quality
- No measurement markings
- A little heavy
- Weak brew strength
Conclusion
The Hario Mizudashi and the Primula Burke are both relatively popular and attractive, but regardless, neither is a brewer we would recommend. The sourish brew produced by the Hario is largely due to a poor brew ratio, a non-airtight design, and a nylon filter that is too short.
The Primula produces a weak and insubstantial brew because the filter is too fine thereby inhibiting sufficient cross flow. However, the twist-to-pour lid is very handy, and the inner core of the lid unscrews for easy access to the filter or for stirring the contents.
Behind the Comparison
Roger Shitaki is a writer, author, and editor. His niches are household appliances, health & wellness, and travel. He’s a freelance contributor to a Tokyo lifestyle website and a leading ophthalmology magazine in Asia.
