The technology of turning air into water started to gain popularity in the early 2000s, but it has been a few years since we have seen the technology trickle down into home-friendly products like the Spout countertop water generator. New York City-based startup Kara Water has been a leader in this technology. Since introducing its first air-to-water system in 2021, it has made several upgrades, evident from its latest innovation. The Kara Pod is a multi-functional countertop appliance that not only generates water from air but also brews coffee using the same.
This coffee machine stands out from others, as it comes with a built-in atmospheric water generator and does not require refilling of water. Powered by patented AirDrive technology with Zeolite Desiccant, Kara Pod captures moisture from the air, gently purifies it through heat, UV sterilization, and carbon filtration, and then infuses the water with essential minerals.
It uses a multi-stage purification system where the collected moisture is first heated to kill microbes. Then, it is exposed to UV light, which neutralizes bacteria and viruses. Next, it passes through a high-performance carbon filter, which removes odors, chlorine, and chemical contaminants. Apart from generating water, it also helps in purifying indoor air as it pulls in dust, allergens, and airborne particles while pulling moisture inside.
Aptly termed as the world’s first self-refilling coffee machine, Kara Pod pulls moisture from the air and transforms it into mineral-rich water for making coffee without changing the machine. This countertop appliance has a 3.2-liter water tank, which allows you to brew coffee multiple times without refilling.
Kara Pod can generate 13 cups of mineral-rich water in a day, and the company claims its device can help save you up to 83 percent of drinking water or about $1,464 a year. Kara Water has partnered up with premium coffee roast brands, including Nespresso, to make their Original pods compatible with the appliance. Each unit features two separate nozzles: one for drinking water and one for coffee pods. A touchscreen display onboard lets the user dispense fresh water or brew coffee with a few taps. With built-in Wi-Fi, Kara Pod can also receive software updates over the air for added functionality.
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This atmospheric water generator measures 15L x 9W x 14H inches and weighs just 13 lbs (5.8 kg), making it a perfect fit on most countertops. Each unit comes with a set of replaceable carbon and mineral filters. Kara Pod has already raised around $140,000 on Kickstarter, surpassing its original $5,000 goal. Due to high demand, early bird pledges are sold out. To get one, you can still pledge $459 and expect your unit to deliver at your doorstep in October 2025.
