xBloom Studio Review: Cheaper Is Better!

In today’s xBloom Studio review I have the pleasure of introducing you to a new, improved and more feature-rich version of an already impressive drip coffee maker. And if all that wasn’t enough, the xBloom Studio costs way less than its predecessor.

That’s right folks, xBloom has done the unthinkable – increased the quality and decreased the price. This truly is a topsy-turvy world we live in!

Not that I’m complaining, mind you. Turns out the xBloom Studio could be the most exciting automatic pour-over machine I’ve ever reviewed. Believe me, I’m going to get my hands on one of these babies as soon as possible. In the meantime, I figured it’d be a good idea to take an initial look at what the xBloom Studio is all about. 

Overview: xBloom Studio Review

If you’ve checked out my review of the original xBloom Coffee Machine, you’ll know that it blew my mind. Seriously, this revolutionary pour-over maker was something completely new and exceedingly well-conceived. Not only that, the engineering and attention to detail involved were nothing short of staggering.

Still, not only was the original xBloom very expensive, it leaned a little too heavily on the idea of using coffee capsules. Now, these are no ordinary pods – they’re roaster-curated and compostable. However, those unwilling to buy into the whole coffee marketplace idea could have been put off, even though you were free to use your own coffee beans.

With the new xBloom Studio, the manufacturer has moved the focus away from its xPods, and is instead promoting the machine as a more versatile option. To that end, xBloom touts the machine as the ultimate pour-over maker.

You can still use the pods, but you’re also able to utilize a special new dripper in combination with your own beans. Heck, you can now even use your own Hario V60, Kalita Wave or whichever dripper you prefer. Plus, you can use the incredibly sophisticated app to dial in your recipe to perfection.

From where I’m sitting, this is a really smart move on the part of the manufacturer. In fact, I’d say this is the ultimate drip machine for both coffee mega-nerds and those who just want a decent and consistent cup of pour-over every time.

Of course, there are loads more additions and improvements to talk about in this xBloom Studio review. For now though, I’ll tell you that you can pick one up from the manufacturer for $499.00. Believe me, once you’ve learned about how cool this thing is, you’ll be calling that a steal.

xBloom Studio Features

Let’s dig deeper into this initial xBloom Studio review by checking out all the innovative features on offer.

Size and Design

On first inspection, the new xBloom Studio is almost identical to its predecessor. It’s tall, slim and very modern-looking. However, look a little closer and there are quite a few differences.

For starters, the manufacturer has moved away from metal housing and used matte plastic instead. To be honest, I feel like this only makes the thing look more sleek and streamlined.

What’s more, there are now three chunky control knobs instead of the illuminated scales of yesteryear. I’ll discuss those in a bit.

Elsewhere, there’s a new drip tray, under which is located one of the xBloom Studio’s most exciting features – an integrated scale. Overall, the xBloom Studio doesn’t represent a radical departure from the original in terms of design – it still rises to almost 17 inches (43 centimeters) in height, but has an impressively small footprint. Especially given the fact that this machine eliminates the need for a gooseneck kettle, standalone burr grinder and coffee scale.

User Interface and App

As I mentioned above, the xBloom Studio is equipped with three control dials, which means you can operate the machine in a fairly simple and intuitive way. With that said, there will be a substantial learning curve when it comes to figuring out how to use the dials and in which order to press them.

The metal dials control the grinder, brewer and scale, and each has its own cryptic LED icon. Let’s just say I’ll leave it to the user manual to explain how this system works.

To get into the xBloom Studio’s really sophisticated functionality, you’ll need to use the xBloom app. Here, you can enter some serious rabbit holes – you’re able to program the xBloom Studio in truly mind-boggling ways. So, if you’re the kind of coffee nerd that likes to set different flow rates, temperatures, pouring patterns and more, this is the way to go.

Brewing Modes

Earlier in this xBloom Studio review I mentioned that this machine is intended to be as versatile as possible. Hence the three brewing modes on offer.

The first, and easiest way to go about making a cup of coffee is to use the Autopilot Mode. This is intended for those who choose to use xPods. You simply scan the included recipe card, which tells the machine which settings to use. Then it’s simply a case of pouring the beans into the grinder, popping the pod onto the docking station and letting the machine do its thing.

The second way to use the xBloom Studio is Copilot Mode, which employs the included reusable dripper. This is ideal if you want to use your own pour-over beans and dial in your own recipe via the app.

Finally, there’s Freesolo Mode, which encourages you to “brew like a DJ” by manipulating the dials in real time as the xBloom is brewing. Oh, and in Freesolo Mode you’re able to use any dripper of your choosing

Integrated Scale

The xBloom Studio has been designed as a modular device, and an integral part of this idea is the built-in scale. Responsive to 0.1 grams, the scale sits under the plastic drip tray, and can be operated via its own dial on the front of the machine.

Of course, you don’t need me to tell you how awesome it is that the xBloom Studio has a scale function. After all, I’m always telling you to weigh out your coffee beans before brewing. Plus, brewing coffee by weight rather than volume is always going to yield more consistent results.

Docking Station

As with the original xBloom Coffee Machine, the Studio version features a sliding docking station for both xBloom pods and the included Omni Dripper 2. Once your beans are in the grinder chamber and you’ve started the brewing process, the docking station moves it over to the grinder chute then back to the brewing station.

Oh, and the machine will agitate the bed of coffee grounds to ensure an even extraction before pouring begins. Seriously, how cool is that!

Reusable Dripper

I’ve already mentioned the included xBloom Omni Dripper 2 a couple of times during this review.

I will say that this dripper looks really cool, and features anti-static technology and a faster flow rate. Plus, there’s no reason why you can’t use the Omni Dripper as a simple pour-over device if you’re missing the feeling of making coffee by hand.

Incidentally, xBloom’s proprietary paper filters will set you back around $10 for a pack of 100. That’s actually not a bad price, all things considered.

Kinematic Brewing

The second of the three modular aspects of the xBloom Studio is its kinematic brewer.

Unlike the previous xBloom, which employed complicated and expensive electrostatic pouring technology, the Studio’s setup is simpler and more cost-effective to mass-produce. What’s more, it works just as well.

Featuring an instant heating system, the kinematic brewer is pretty much a rotating spout that can be set to pour in three different patterns: circular, centered or spiral. Of course, you can also adjust the flow rate to your heart’s content, as well as the water temperature. But let’s not overlook the fact that this is also an on-demand hot water dispenser that can be used completely independently.

So, go ahead and rejoice if you like a quick cup of tea in the evening!

All Purpose Grinder

As with just about every other aspect of the machine, xBloom has massively improved its integrated grinder for the Studio. The original model had just 30 grind adjustment settings, whereas the xBloom studio has 80 settings to play with.

The 48mm stainless steel conical burrs are the same, but you’ve got a lot more room to maneuver. In fact, the manufacturer would have us believe you can use this grinder for espresso, although I’ll take that with a grain of salt.

Either way, the grinder promises high levels of precision and consistency. What’s more, an anti-static ionizer helps keep mess to a minimum, while a sweeper aids in providing a level bed of coffee. Heck, you’re even able to adjust the grinder’s RPMs, which will be sure to please the most demanding coffee nerds.

Magnetic Dosing Cup

If you’re using the xBloom Studio in Copilot or Freesolo Modes, the included magnetic dosing cup will be an integral part of the experience. You’ll use the cup to weigh out your beans before dumping them in the grinder and attaching the cup below. Oh, and the cup has been specially designed for dosing an espresso machine portafilter, which is a thoughtful touch.

How to Use the xBloom Studio

If you’ve made it this far into my initial xBloom Studio review, you’ll have cottoned on to the fact that there are about a zillion ways to use this coffee machine. I won’t go into great detail about brewing coffee with the xBloom Studio, seeing as there’s just too much I could say. However, I’ll give you a quick rundown of what to expect once you’ve got the thing out of its box.

For starters, you’ll need to fill the reservoir with filtered water before plugging in the machine. Once that’s done, you’ll need to attach the xPod dock and let the machine guide you through an initial setup program.

Next, you’ll need to download the xBloom app and connect to the machine via Bluetooth. 

Once all that is out of the way, you’ll have to decide which brewing mode to start with. Here’s a quick reminder:

xBloom Studio Cleaning

If you’re going to invest in a coffee machine like the xBloom Studio, you’ll need to make sure it’s always in good working order. Fortunately, there really isn’t a lot to take care of. Naturally, you should always use fresh, filtered coffee water in the reservoir, and don’t let water hang out in there for days at a time. In fact, I’d recommend running water through the brewer from time to time just to keep things nice and fresh. As for descaling, the machine will let you know when that’s necessary. It’ll prevent mineral buildup inside the brewer and keep your coffee tasting its best.

Another vital cleaning task involves keeping the grinder chute free of dust and stray coffee grounds. Sure, the anti-static technology works well, but you’ll still need to use the included brush from time to time.

xBloom Studio Technical Specifications

Verdict: Bloom Studio Review

Having reached the end of my initial xBloom Studio review, I can only say that I’m itching to get my paws on the thing. The xBloom Studio looks like it could be a truly revolutionary piece of kit that will appeal to both casual coffee drinkers and elite brewers alike. Heck, this thing could even replace your espresso grinder, kettle and pour-over dripper.

I was blown away by the original xBloom Coffee Machine, but the Studio seems like it’ll quickly replace its predecessor. And for the entirely reasonable price of $499.00, I could see this thing becoming a rip-roaring success.

xBloom Studio Review FAQ

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