NextLevel Pulsar

The NextLevel Pulsar was developed by NextLevel Brewing and launched on Kickstarter in 2021, where it was successfully funded. The dripper was designed by a team of specialty coffee enthusiasts who wanted to combine the best aspects of various brewing methods into one device. The Pulsar features a flat-bottom brewing bed with a unique valve mechanism that allows the brewer to control whether water sits in the dripper (immersion mode) or flows through (percolation mode). This dual-mode capability, along with its compatibility with standard Kalita Wave filters, made it a unique offering in the pour over market. The Pulsar has gained a following among experimental brewers who appreciate the ability to fine-tune extraction through mode switching.

NextLevel Brewing (Kickstarter, 2021).

The NextLevel Pulsar is a flat-bottom dripper with a valve at the base. The valve can be opened (percolation mode, where water flows through like a pour over) or closed (immersion mode, where water sits with the coffee like a French press or Clever Dripper). The brewer can switch between modes during the brew: for example, closing the valve for a bloom phase or an immersion extraction, then opening it for a percolation drawdown. This allows for hybrid brewing techniques that combine the even extraction of immersion with the clarity and control of percolation. The Pulsar uses Kalita Wave 155 filters, which provide the flat-bottom brewing bed and wave structure for airflow.

The Pulsar's dual-mode capability allows the brewer to manipulate extraction in ways not possible with single-mode drippers. In immersion mode, all the coffee is in contact with water for a controlled time, producing even extraction without channeling. In percolation mode, fresh water continuously passes through the coffee, extracting different compounds at different rates. By switching between modes during a brew, the brewer can target specific extraction phases: immersion for the bloom and initial extraction, percolation for the final drawdown. The flat-bottom bed provides uniform depth for even extraction, while the Kalita Wave filter's wave structure maintains airflow. The valve control allows precise manipulation of contact time and flow rate.

Ideal water for the Pulsar has a TDS of 75 to 150 ppm, general hardness of 50 to 90 ppm, and alkalinity of 30 to 50 ppm. The dual-mode design works well with moderate hardness, which enhances body in immersion mode and clarity in percolation mode. Water temperature should be 90 to 96 degrees Celsius.

In percolation mode, water flows through the flat-bottom bed by gravity, exiting through the open valve. In immersion mode, the valve is closed and water sits in the dripper with the coffee. The brewer can switch between modes to control flow and contact time.

Typical Extraction Yield: 19 to 22%.

Typical Strength (TDS): 1.2 to 1.5% TDS.

• •Grinding too fine for percolation mode, which can stall the drawdown
• •Forgetting to open the valve before the final drawdown, which leaves coffee sitting in the dripper
• •Not accounting for the immersion time when calculating total brew time
• •Pouring too aggressively in percolation mode, which disturbs the flat bed
• •Not pre-wetting the filter, which introduces papery flavors
• •Closing the valve for too long in immersion mode, which causes over-extraction

• •Use immersion mode for the bloom: close the valve, add bloom water, let sit 45 seconds
• •Switch to percolation mode for the main pour: open the valve, pour continuously or in pulses
• •Experiment with hybrid techniques: immersion for the first pour, percolation for the rest
• •Use Kalita Wave 155 filters for the flat-bottom bed and airflow
• •Pre-wet the filter and pre-warm the dripper before adding coffee
• •Use a timer and scale for precise mode switching
• •The Pulsar rewards experimentation: try different mode combinations to find your preferred profile

• •Full immersion brew: close the valve for the entire brew, then open for drawdown (like a Clever Dripper)
• •Split immersion-percolation: immersion for first half, percolation for second half
• •Multiple immersion pulses: close, pour, wait, open, close, pour, wait, open (staged extraction)
• •Using the valve to control drawdown speed: partially open for slower extraction
• •Combining with a gooseneck kettle for precise water delivery in percolation mode

• •The Pulsar is just a Clever Dripper. In reality, the Pulsar can switch between immersion and percolation mid-brew, while the Clever is immersion-only with a passive valve.
• •The Pulsar is complicated to use. While it offers more control, a simple immersion-then-drawdown brew is as easy as using a Clever Dripper.

Open the valve fully and rinse with hot water. Discard the filter and grounds. Wash the dripper with mild soap and warm water. Clean the valve mechanism by running water through it and toggling the valve. The Pulsar is not recommended for dishwasher cleaning; hand wash only.

Check the valve mechanism regularly to ensure it seals properly when closed and opens smoothly. If the valve becomes sticky, rinse with warm soapy water and toggle several times. The silicone seal should be inspected periodically for wear. Store with the valve open to prevent compression of the seal.

• •Chapter 1: Brewing Methods
• •Chapter 5: Extraction Science

• •NextLevel Brewing
• •Kickstarter
• •Specialty Coffee Association