Matvey Kukuy’s 3D-printed tool called Coffee Steam Dryer (V2) safely collects steam and hot water droplets released from espresso machine steam wands. The wands used to froth milk must be purged beforehand on some machines for the best results; the device directs the resulting spray away from the user. Steam enters the body through a top inlet printed from heat-resistant ABS or ASA. As it passes through expansion chambers, it draws in cool air, captures water and moves toward the outlet. By the time it reaches the outlet, some of the steam has condensed, while the rest has cooled and slowed enough to no longer pose a danger. The second version, which has no moving parts, can be disassembled for cleaning and drying. Coffee hackers are also developing 3D-printed micro brewers and entirely homemade roasters.
Why it matters
This design offers a locally manufacturable solution to the recurring safety and cleaning problem in espresso machines that require the steam wand to be purged before use. The absence of moving parts reduces potential points of failure, while the removable structure gives users direct control over cleaning water accumulated inside and drying the components. The requirement to use heat-resistant ABS or ASA for the top inlet makes choosing the correct material one of the essential conditions for safe use. Together with micro brewers and homemade roasters, the project shows that users can adapt coffee equipment to specific needs. However, the texts provide no information about compatibility with different espresso machines, long-term durability or independent safety testing.