The Portal by Belka coffee concentration measurement device. All images courtesy of Belka.
South Korean coffee equipment startup Belka is bringing real-time extraction analysis to professional and home brewing environments with Portal, a Bluetooth-connected device that continuously measures brewed coffee concentration as it exits filters or portafilters.
The funnel-shaped device, priced at approximately $400, fits between brewing equipment and the cup, measuring electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature as coffee flows through electrodes embedded in its central opening.
Data appears on the Portal’s built-in screen while transmitting wirelessly to corresponding mobile apps, creating a platform for developing, replicating and sharing brewing profiles.
“Ten to fifteen years ago, many roasters trusted their noses and eyes more than log data profilers. However, over time, most roasters realized how useful it is to manage and improve results by managing the process,” Belka Co-Founder Simon Park told Daily Coffee News. “I believe this process is also possible in extraction.”
Following a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $80,000, Belka said it is on track to begin shipping units to Portal backers this month, while plans for U.S. distribution are in the works.
In commercial settings, Belka positions Portal as a tool for barista training and quality control. The device works with any brewing method that produces a liquid stream, including pourover, espresso, automatic drip and pod machines.
Park, formerly a division director at roaster manufacturer Stronghold Technology, founded Belka with his brother S.H. Park, the company’s lead technician. The duo collaborated closely with Carlos Pendas, founder of Meticulous espresso machines, on design, branding and launch strategy.
“He was very helpful in both the aesthetic and structural design of the product,” said Park. “He is also assisting with marketing. He is a man of great skill and passion, and I am deeply grateful to him.”
Beyond the Portal, Belka also offers the Belkafilter, a portafilter with built-in sensors for espresso quality control.
The Portal, meanwhile, measures electrical conductivity rather than total dissolved solids (TDS) — the more common industry metric — because optical refractometry proves unreliable for continuous measurement of moving liquid at high temperatures in an open-funnel design. However, Belka maintains that EC-to-TDS conversion ratios are consistent enough to provide dependable data translation when needed.
The companion app integrates with Bluetooth-enabled scales from Acaia, Felicita, and Difluid, displaying EC, temperature, flow rate, and final beverage weight simultaneously. Integration with Meticulous espresso machine data logs is imminent, with Decent Espresso compatibility planned for the future.
Belka plans to expand beyond hardware into cloud-based data services, including self-training programs for enthusiasts and baristas, plus professional-level daily or weekly reporting from behind the bars of cafes.
“I believe The Portal is not just a sensor, but a gateway for people worldwide to share their extraction experiences more directly,” said Park.
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Howard Bryman
Howard Bryman is the associate editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine. He is based in Portland, Oregon.
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