Proper By Design has spent the past few years quietly churning out a host of thoughtful accessories for your coffee counter (and your home). Back in 2023, we wrote about Olympus, their all-in-one knockbox and tamping station meant to declutter your espresso bar, and it but one of the many well-appointed tools they’ve created to keep your coffee area looking nice and tidy.
But their newest product strays in its purpose, it still keeps an eye for efficient usage of space. Introducing the Chimera, “the world’s first plastic-free water filter” that doubles as a pour-over brewer, and it’s live on Kickstarter now.
Not to be confused with the Kimera in the coffee space, Slow Pour Supply’s patented triple spout milk steaming pitcher, this Chimera is also a multi-tool. At the heart of it is the water filtration system. The ceramic housing contains an activated charcoal filter that is “reusable and built to last.” And it is constructed entire plastic-free. Just Ceramic, glass, and carbon.
Each filter is stated to last two months of use and can save up to 1,800 plastic water bottles a year.
The filter is designed to work with the borosilicate glass carafe, which looks a little bit like a Chemex that went to art school. And in fact, it was designed to be used with Chemex’s thicker paper filters. (The filter can also be used in a Chemex.)
With just over two weeks left, the campaign is nearing its $5,000 goal, and there are a range of reward options for all interested parties. These include the full Chimera system—ceramic filter, carafe, and two-month supply of activated carbo—for $109 as well as a la carte versions of the carafe and filter for $69. If the campaign makes, and all signs are pointing to yes, rewards are scheduled to begin shipping out in December.
So if you’re looking to reduce your plastic usage or just make a little extra space on your coffee counter, perhaps the Chimera is just the thing to help with the clutter. For more information, visit the Chimera Kickstarter page.
Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
