PicoBrew
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Kickstarter darling PicoBrew may soon go out of business
One of the original Kickstarter success stories, PicoBrew, is likely going out of business permanently, according to The Spoon.
PicoBrew shifts its focus from beer to coffee with the MultiBrew
In May of 2018 PicoBrew announced the Pico U -- a universal brewing machine that was supposed to make basically any beverage you could called "brewed", from coffee, to beer to horchata. Well, the story didn't end well for the Pico U. Its Kickstarter campaign was pulled and the device never actually saw the light of day. A little over a year later and the company is ready to try it's hand at an all-in-one system again. The Pico MultiBrew takes the core concept of the U, but refocuses it. The result is a product that might have an easier time finding a home on your counter.
PicoBrew's new kits let you homebrew beer with your ingredients
PicoBrew's all-in-one homebrew appliances put a brewery on your countertop. They're relatively easy to use, and give novice beer makers detailed steps to make their own suds -- no previous experience required. There was one huge hindrance for the Pico C, Pico Pro and Pico S though: you couldn't buy ingredients from your local homebrew shop and pop them into these small appliances. You could do that with the $2,500 modular Pico Z, but it simply wasn't an option on the more affordable models. Well, that changes today with the so-called UnPak'd Kit.
PicoBrew moves beyond beer to tackle coffee, kombucha and more
You've got to hand it to PicoBrew: The company is ambitious, if nothing else. After years of trying to perfect an automated, counter-top beer brewing machine, it's branching out to other beverages. In fact, it's basically branching out into all beverages -- at least all the ones you would call "brewed." The Pico U is what the company is calling a "universal" brewing machine, capable of making beer, coffee, tea, kombucha, horchata and a host of other drinks.
Pico C review: Making homebrew beer easy for beginners
PicoBrew has made a name for itself with a range of beer-making appliances that promise a "set it and forget it" experience. The company covers the gamut of brewing levels, from the Zymatic (now Z Series) for pros to the Pico Pro and Pico C for intermediate folks and beginners, respectively. While PicoBrew's entire product line offers WiFi connectivity for remote monitoring of the process, its PicoPaks make the whole process even easier by bundling all the ingredients into a simple, self-contained pod. However, as I found with the $499 Pico C, that simplicity has one big trade-off.
PicoBrew Z series is a modular all-in-one setup for serious homebrewers
After introducing Keurig-like pods for brewing beer at home, PicoBrew is back with a more traditional all-grain setup. The new Z Series allows brewers to use their own loose grains and hops instead of the company's own pre-packed ingredients. There are also four models, from 2.5 gallons up to 10 gallons -- each one increases brew capacity by 2.5 gallons. Like the Zymatic these units replace, PicoBrew designed these devices for pros, especially since a 5, 7.5 or 10 gallon batch would be enough to put on tap in a tasting room -- for pilot batches, at least. However, experienced homebrewers can also use their expertise for the Z Series.
Picobrew's next goal: A safe and affordable DIY distillery
Picobrew has a new, cheaper countertop beer brewing system. That you already knew. But the company is now dipping its toes into distilling. The Picostill is an add on for the Pico Model C that turns that weird custom designed keg into a countertop distillery. Specifically it's a reflux still that uses vacuum distillation, which doesn't look as cool as a pot or column still, but makes far more efficient use of the space.
PicoBrew tries to make countertop beer brewing affordable
Brewing your own beer is surprisingly easy and cheap. But, it can seem intimidating. Plus, some of the equipment takes up a lot of space if you really start to embrace the hobby. Companies like Picobrew have been trying to simplify the process to make it more appealing to newcomers and those with limited space. The Pico Model C is the latest in a line of "countertop" brewing machines. It looks more like a coffee machine than anything else. In fact, it looks a lot like the company's previous machine -- the Pico -- except the stainless-steel body has been replaced with a black powder-coated finish.
The 12 best tech gifts for the entertainer in your life
You know the type: Someone who loves throwing parties. In fact, you will probably partake of egg nog and sugar cookies in their home before the season is up. So why not get them something that helps them do what they do best: entertain. If your friend loves to cook, you might consider an easy-to-use WiFi sous vide, a smart kitchen scale or a smokeless infrared grill. For entertaining, a countertop draft beer system is convenient -- and then your friend can serve pour-over coffee as the party is winding down. Finally, we have some ideas on how the hostess in your life can keep guests amused -- try the Cards Against Humanity science pack expansion, USB turntable or Lomography instant camera. For our full list of recommendations in all categories, don't forget to stop by our main Holiday Gift Guide hub.
Picobrew takes a stab at automated counter-top homebrew beer
PicoBrew is hoping to do for homebrewed beer what Keurig has done for coffee. It tried previously with the Zymatic, but the $2,000 price tag, intimidating size and complexity limited its appeal. Really the Zymatic ended up being for professional brewers to experiment on and for people with deep pockets looking to dip their toe into homebrewing with the least amount of effort possible. The company's new machine, the Pico attempts to address some of those hurdles. First, off, it's dropped the price dramatically. If you move quickly to pick it up through the Kickstarter campaign launching today it will only cost you $500, though it will climb to $1,000 at retail. Second the Pico is roughly half the size of the Zymatic, and can actually fit on an average counter-top. Though, does still take up a significant amount of space and probably wouldn't find a permanent home next to your coffee machine.
Here's what happened at Engadget Live Seattle
Engadget made another appearance in Seattle last Friday, again taking over the Showbox SoDo. This year's stop in the Emerald City was the second in our series of Engadget Live events, where readers can meet, mingle and try out all sorts of new tech. More than 1,000 folks did just that on a sunny day in the Pacific Northwest. Friends were made; photos were taken; and alcohol was... inhaled. Check out the gallery below for a few highlights.
Engadget Live Seattle is this Friday!
To all our wonderful friends in Seattle, let's make it clear: there's no better place to be this Friday (July 18th) at 7PM than the Showbox SODO for our second Engadget Live event of the year! Why is this a cant-miss event? Flip through the gallery below to find out.
What to expect at Engadget Live Seattle
We're bringing our Engadget Live event series to Seattle's Showbox SODO on Friday, July 18th, 7PM sharp! We also decided that we really enjoy making our readers happy, so effective immediately, all Engadget Live events this year will be free! (If you bought a ticket already, we'll pay it back).
Engadget Live heads to Seattle on July 18th!
Seattle, the always caffeinated, drone-building, Super Bowl-winning, beautiful city that coddles the Puget Sound. We had such a great time hanging with the locals last year that we're making a comeback. Join us at Showbox SODO on Friday, July 18th, 7PM sharp for our second Engadget Live event of the year. (If you happen to be in Austin, Texas, this coming Friday, join us at our first "Live" event there!) What's Engadget Live? Unlike trade shows and press-only events, we bring together gadget lovers with tech brands in an interactive environment. A bunch of great companies (mostly local ones!) will show off their newest products and get feedback directly from fans like you.
