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Nespresso Machine War at CES 2025 (世界最大の見本市)

We visited CES 2025, hoping to discover the latest trends in the coffee industry.

Among the exciting innovations, we found a couple of companies showcasing their espresso makers. Intrigued by their designs and functionality, I interviewed them to learn more about their products and vision.

This was our first attempt at conducting this kind of interview, and we recorded it using just an iPhone. 

Apologies for the less-than-perfect audio quality, but I’ve added captions to make it easier to follow. 

Thanks for watching, and I hope you find it as fascinating as I did!

OutIn Portable Espresso Machine

The OutIn Portable Espresso Machine extracts espresso coffee using a Nespresso pod and a built-in battery. It’s compact and easy to use, making it great for traveling or enjoying a quick coffee anywhere.

What stood out to me were its quick heat-up time and how it works independently without needing a power outlet—pretty convenient features. Being able to charge on USB is nice as I don't need to carry another cable. 

Here’s a video of Junmo from OutIn demonstrating the product at the booth. Take a look!

OutIn Portable Espresso Machine

 

We got in touch with OutIn, and they approved us to be their affiliate, so you can get 10% off from us if you are interested in buying one using this link using code DREAMOFJAPAN: https://outin.com/DREAMOFJAPAN

Or, if you prefer, here is a link to Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hbbyeU 

Wacaco Portable Espresso Machine

The Wacaco Portable Espresso Machine uses a Nespresso pod, but instead of relying on a battery, you press manually to generate the pressure needed for espresso extraction.

What I appreciate about it is the flexibility to use ground coffee in addition to pods—a feature also available with OutIn.

In the video, he explains how this device differs from an AeroPress. Unlike AeroPress, it mimics a traditional espresso machine by creating air pressure inside the compact device, replicating the high pressure needed for proper espresso extraction.

Toward the end, he also showcases their Tumbler and paper-filter versions, offering even more versatility for coffee enthusiasts in the USA. (People in the USA tend to like paper-filter coffee rather than espresso, from what I observed.)

Wacaco Portable Espresso Machine

 

Wacaco was showcasing different colors and options at the booth. Here is a short video showing their line-up at the booth.


 

Here is the link to the Amazon for this product he is showing in the video above: https://amzn.to/3WamfGv


Kara Pod - World First Self-refilling Espresso Machine - Turns Air into Coffee!

I am pretty impressed by this one.

This Nespresso machine turns air into coffee.  

They call it the "World's First Self-refilling Espresso Machine." You do not need to refill water as it turns air into water. Wow. 

The Kara Pod combines advanced air-to-water technology with the convenience of a compact countertop device.

It can generate up to one gallon of water daily as a water dispenser and a coffee maker. Its dual-nozzle system ensures your water and coffee stay separate, so there's no chance of flavor mixing.

While it's compatible with Nespresso-style pods, you can also use your ground coffee. The pods they provide are biodegradable, breaking down naturally for a more eco-friendly experience. It's innovative, sustainable, and convenient—a perfect combination for coffee lovers.

They truly stood out at CES 2025, and it was no surprise they got CES's Innovation Award. 

Wacaco Portable Espresso Machine

They also approved us as their affiliate.

If you are interested in supporting us, you can use this link to get a discount (and also, we get a commission – thank you :)  FYI, this is the link mentioned in the video's QR code. 
https://karapod.com/?aff=103

No K-Cup Options (yet)

In the USA, K-Cup is more popular than Nespresso.  (Nespresso is more prevalent in Europe)

I was hoping to see K-Cup versions, especially since, as you know, we recently released our K-Cup Hokkaido Blend, but they do not have them (yet). 

I hope they can make one soon. 

 

Bonus Content – Spoon that makes your food tasty without salt

This one is unrelated to the Nespresso machine, but since this is so cool, let me include my video interview. 

This device called Electric Salt エレキソルトfrom Kirin makes your food taste salty without salt by using electricity. 

It is not yet available in the USA, but I think it will surely be a hit. 

Many people cannot take salt due to dietary restrictions (ie Hypertension), but they can taste the salt without salt.

I cannot wait for it to come to the USA. 

Kirin Electric Salt


Here is a link to their English page: https://www.kirinholdings.com/en/newsroom/release/2024/0520_01.html  

Visiting CES 2025 As Media


どんなにつらくても
楽しみにしていることが
あるといいよね

I had never been to CES, but it has been on my bucket list to go there. 

If you do not know, CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is the world’s largest trade show for consumer technology, showcasing the latest innovations and advancements from global tech leaders and startups.

You may know that my previous job was as a software engineer at HP, and technology has been my inspiration throughout my life. 

Since I am currently staying in LA, Las Vegas is quite close, so I considered attending it. 
 
Then, I found out that CES is not open to the public.  You have to be tech-related or media to attend the show.  

Oops. 
 
Before crossing off the bucket list, I could apply to be a media because we have blogs and a YouTube channel
 
So I applied anyway, thinking they would probably reject me.
 
Guess what? They approved me : ) 
 
Yay!

It is all thanks to someone like you who is reading our blog, following us and supporting us.   

We cannot thank you enough!
 
 

Buy Our Hokkaido Blend K-Cup Coffee

We don't have a Nespresso pod yet, but we have a K-Cup of our popular Hokkaido Blend. If you are interested, please try them out below!

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About the author

Kei Nishida

Author, CEO Dream of Japan

info@japaneseCoffeeCo.com

Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science

Education: Western Washington University

Kei Nishida is a passionate Japanese tea and coffee connoisseur, writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Coffee Co. and Japanese Green Tea Co., both part of Dream of Japan.

His journey began with a mission to introduce the world to the unparalleled quality of Japanese green tea. Through Japanese Green Tea Co., he established the only company that sources premium tea grown in nutrient-rich sugarcane soil—an innovation that led to multiple Global Tea Champion awards.

Building on this success and his passion for Japanese craftsmanship, Kei expanded into the world of coffee, pioneering the launch of Japanese Coffee Co., the first company to bring Sumiyaki charcoal-roasted coffee to a global audience. His dedication to authenticity and quality ensures that this traditional Japanese roasting method, once a well-kept secret, is now enjoyed worldwide.

Beyond tea and coffee, Kei has also introduced Japan’s legendary craftsmanship to the world through Japanese Knife Co., making handmade katana-style knives—crafted by a renowned katana maker—available outside Japan for the first time.

Kei’s journey continues as he seeks out and shares the hidden treasures of Japan, one cup and one blade at a time.

Learn more about Kei

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