We reviewed Toffy’s portable brew bottle – here's our take   

We all know that browsing products online isn’t the same as taking them for a test spin, so we’re here to help. In our series of in-depth reviews, our editors try out products you may be curious about. This time, we’re reviewing Toffy’s portable brew bottle, which helps you make the best cup of coffee on the go, with no need for an espresso machine or top-of-the-line coffee equipment. Read our review to learn more about the two-in-one coffee brewer and thermos bottle, then head to the Cathay Shop  and check it out for yourself.    

A little bit of background    

Toffy’s portable brew bottle is far from your run-of-the-mill thermos flask. It's enhanced with a convenient filter attachment that allows you to brew beverages for fragrant, freshly ground coffee anytime, anywhere – perfect for curbing caffeine cravings while leading a busy lifestyle. 

Choose from two methods for making your coffee: immersion or pour-over. The immersion method is ideal for brewing on the go. First, add coffee grounds to the filter cup attachment and hot water to the main bottle. Then, simply connect the filter to the bottle, screw on the lid and carry on with your day. When you’re ready to brew your coffee, turn the bottle upside down and twist the brewing valve to the open position. For pour-over coffee, insert the filter cup directly into the main bottle, add your coffee grounds and pour in hot water. Once done, remove the filter and remaining grounds, then secure the lid. The vacuum flask will keep your coffee warm throughout the day.

Fans of artisanal tea will be happy to hear that the Toffy is equipped with dedicated filters for both coffee and tea, so you don’t have to pick your poison. To brew tea, add tea leaves to the filter attachment and hot water to the bottle, then invert the thermos to combine them. Once the tea has steeped to your desired concentration, you can twist the brewing valve to the closed position, and you’re ready to go. 

The bottle is lightweight at 350g and fitted with a safety lock that keeps it perfectly sealed to avoid any messy accidents. Its vacuum-insulated design keeps drinks hot or cold for up to six hours, and there’s even a digital temperature display on the lid to ensure you enjoy your beverage at the optimal temperature.  

First impressions    

This sleek, compact bottle comes in a stylish, goes-with-anything shade of pale aquamarine. I was drawn to its multifunctional design, with dedicated coffee and tea filters and adaptations for various brewing methods.   

When trialling the brewing methods, I noticed that the pour-over process led to rather thin, diluted cups of coffee. I thought this might have to do with the fact that I don’t own a gooseneck kettle, which made it hard to precisely control the water’s flow rate over the grounds. In contrast, the immersion method produced coffee that was a lot more flavourful and concentrated. I loved that the bottle allowed me to brew my coffee once I was actually ready to drink it, and I particularly enjoyed having a fresh cup after arriving at the office in the morning.   

Any cons?   

When I first started using the bottle, I felt the instructions for the various brewing methods could have been a little clearer. If (like me) you're not careful to follow each step in the correct order, you may run into issues, such as having coffee grounds or tea leaves entering the water if you forget to twist the valve at the right time. While the process does take a bit of trial and error, once it was integrated into my daily routine, it ultimately became seamless and intuitive.   

I also found the filter attachment for the immersion method somewhat difficult to clean, with liquid remaining inside even after thorough washing and only draining fully after several days. 

Final thoughts     

This multipurpose bottle is ideal for anyone who wants to relish a fresh, aromatic cup of coffee or tea while out and about, whether you’re hitting the gym or embarking on a road trip. It’s great at keeping your beverages hot or cold over long periods, and its leak-proof design makes it easy to carry. Best of all, its multiple brewing methods mean you can have your beverage however you desire.