NextLevel Lattice

The NextLevel Lattice was developed by NextLevel Brewing, a company focused on sustainable and innovative coffee brewing equipment. The Lattice was designed to address two common issues in pour over brewing: the waste and cost of paper filters, and the uneven extraction of conical drippers. The lattice-structured stainless steel filter provides a reusable, zero-waste alternative to paper filters while maintaining clarity. The flat-bottom design ensures even extraction. Since its release, the NextLevel Lattice has gained a following among environmentally conscious coffee enthusiasts and those who prefer the fuller body of metal-filtered coffee.

NextLevel Brewing

The NextLevel Lattice uses a flat-bottom dripper made of plastic or metal, with a proprietary lattice-structured stainless steel filter. The lattice filter has a precise pattern of microscopic holes that allow coffee to pass through while retaining grounds. Unlike paper filters, the stainless steel lattice allows coffee oils to pass through, producing a cup with more body and mouthfeel. The flat-bottom design creates a uniform coffee bed depth for even extraction. The dripper sits on top of a cup or carafe, and water is poured over the grounds in a pour over style. The lattice filter is reusable and does not require replacement, making it a sustainable alternative to paper filters.

The NextLevel Lattice's extraction is characterized by its flat-bottom geometry and metal lattice filter. The flat bottom creates a uniform coffee bed depth, promoting even extraction across the entire bed (unlike conical drippers where the center is deeper). The stainless steel lattice filter allows coffee oils and micro-fines to pass through, producing a cup with more body and mouthfeel than paper-filtered pour over. The lattice structure provides consistent flow rate and avoids the clogging issues of some metal filters. The result is a cup that combines the clarity and even extraction of a flat-bottom pour over with the body and richness of a metal filter. The absence of paper also means no papery taste and no loss of aromatic oils.

Use filtered water with a TDS of 75 to 150 ppm and calcium hardness of 40 to 70 ppm. The metal filter allows more compounds to pass through, making water chemistry slightly less critical than with paper filters, but good water still produces better results. Aim for general hardness of 50 to 100 ppm and alkalinity of 30 to 50 ppm. Avoid very hard water, which can produce a chalky taste when combined with the oils that pass through the metal filter.

Water is poured over the coffee bed in a pour over style. The flat-bottom design distributes the coffee evenly, and the lattice filter provides consistent drainage across the bottom. The stainless steel lattice has a precise pattern of holes that maintains a steady flow rate without clogging. The flow rate is similar to the Kalita Wave, with moderate restriction from the flat-bottom bed depth. The lattice structure allows air to escape through the sides of the filter, preventing the vacuum effect that can occur with paper filters.

Typical Extraction Yield: 19 to 22%

Typical Strength (TDS): 1.2 to 1.5% TDS (slightly higher than paper-filtered pour over due to oils passing through)

• •Using a grind that is too fine, which can slow the drawdown through the lattice filter
• •Not preheating the dripper, especially in plastic versions, which causes heat loss
• •Pouring too aggressively, which disturbs the flat coffee bed
• •Not cleaning the lattice filter properly, which can cause clogging and off-flavors
• •Expecting the cup to taste like paper-filtered pour over: the metal filter produces a fuller body with more oils
• •Using too much coffee, which can create a bed too deep for even extraction
• •Pouring water on the filter walls instead of the coffee bed

• •Clean the lattice filter immediately after use with warm water and a soft brush to prevent coffee oil buildup
• •Use a medium grind, slightly coarser than V60 but finer than French Press
• •Preheat the dripper thoroughly, especially if using the plastic version
• •Use a gooseneck kettle for precise pour control, though the flat bottom is forgiving
• •The metal filter produces more body and oils than paper filters; adjust your expectations and enjoy the richer mouthfeel
• •Weigh your pours with a 0.1g scale for consistency
• •Experiment with different pour patterns: continuous pour vs. pulse pouring for different extraction profiles
• •The lattice filter can be used with other flat-bottom drippers if compatible

• •Pulse pouring for more even extraction and control
• •Continuous pour for a faster, more efficient extraction
• •Extended bloom for very fresh coffee
• •Temperature profiling with different water temperatures at different stages
• •Using the lattice filter with other compatible drippers
• •Adjusting grind size to fine-tune the balance between clarity and body

• •Myth: Metal filters produce muddy coffee. Reality: The NextLevel Lattice's precision lattice structure provides excellent clarity while allowing oils through. The cup is clean but with more body than paper-filtered pour over.
• •Myth: You need to replace the lattice filter regularly. Reality: The stainless steel lattice filter is reusable and durable. With proper cleaning, it can last for years without replacement.
• •Myth: The Lattice is just like any other metal filter dripper. Reality: The precision lattice structure and flat-bottom design distinguish it from other metal filter drippers, providing more consistent flow and even extraction.

After brewing, discard the grounds from the filter. Rinse the lattice filter with warm water immediately. Use a soft brush to remove coffee oils from the lattice holes. For deep cleaning, soak the filter in a coffee cleaner or diluted white vinegar. The dripper can be washed with warm water and mild dish soap. Dry thoroughly before storing.

Clean the lattice filter after each use to prevent oil buildup and clogging. Periodically deep-clean the filter with a coffee cleaning solution. Check the dripper for cracks (plastic version) or dents (metal version). Store in a dry place. The stainless steel filter should last for years with proper care.

• •Chapter 6: Brewing Methods
• •Chapter 7: Pour Over Brewing
• •Chapter 5: Extraction Science

• •NextLevel Brewing
• •Specialty Coffee Association