PERSONAL CARAFE

• EC003
• Hand-blown glass
• Natural cork coaster
• Includes 1 binchotan active charcoal filter (6 months life) - Makes tap water taste great!
• IMPORTANT: Please make sure your carafe is filled when placing your charcoal to avoid any breakages
• Suitable for fridge doors
• W 10cm H 25cm
• 800ml
• Weight: 650g

What is the story behind Binchotan charcoal?

Thanks to a man named Bichuya Chozaemon, Binchotan charcoal became popular in about the 17th century, however it’s history goes much further back than that. Sometimes referred to as ‘white charcoal’, this incredible natural material was thought to have been introduced to Japan by a Japanese monk, and a scholar, about 1,200 years ago.



How do you make it?

The process for creating Binchotan charcoal is very interesting. First, wood is placed in a low temperature kiln for a long time, and just before the end, the temperature is raised to 1000°C until the wood is glowing red-hot. It’s removed from the kiln and rapidly covered with a combination powder of sand, earth and ash. This will very quickly cool the wood and give it a whitish hue. The wood becomes very hard, with a shiny surface, which, if you tap, will sound clear and metallic.



How does it filter water?

Binchotan charcoal is also known as an ‘active carbon’ - meaning it attracts the ions of contaminants like chlorine to its surface, and holds them there. It's incredibly porous surface area is able to pull these contaminants away from the water you drink, and can even release minerals like calcium and iron to improve taste and health benefits.

How much water can I filter with a charcoal stick?

If you use your bottle every day for 3 months, one stick of charcoal will filter about 1.1L of water. If your bottle has a larger volume, simply increase the number of sticks to scale.



How long does charcoal last?

You can use it every day for 3 months if you fill it up once a day, using our ‘Personal Carafe’. Then, simply boil for 10 minutes and ideally dry in the sun. This will reactivate the charcoal and allow you to use it for another 3 months.



What do I do with my charcoal when it’s finished as a water filter?

There are many uses for Binchotan charcoal after you’ve finished with it as a water filter. If you add it to your wardrobe, it will absorb some of the moisture from the air. Similarly it can absorb bad odours due to its porous surface, making it perfect for shoes, cat litter trays and laundry baskets. It’s also very nutrient rich, so you can break it up and add it to the soil of your houseplants.



Does the charcoal need washing?

Please do NOT wash the charcoal, it’s fine to use as it comes in the packaging.



Can I flavour my water with the charcoal stick in?

No, you cannot add flavourings to your water (like fruit or tea) if you want to filter it with charcoal.



How do I wash the carafe with Binchotan charcoal in?

You should remove the charcoal before washing the bottle, if using soap.



How do I buy more charcoal?

Buy charcoal directly from us, you can view our Active Charcoal x 4 packhere.



What happens if I swallow a piece of charcoal?

Don’t worry, it’s not dangerous to swallow charcoal. In fact, active charcoal tablets are often used to soothe ailments like indigestion, diarrhoea and flatulence.

Is the personal carafe dishwasher safe?

The glass carafe is dishwasher safe.

How do I prevent mould from forming on the coaster?

Make sure you do not leave water sitting on the coaster and allow it dry out. When water is left on the coaster for long periods of time, mould spores can form.

How do I clean mould from the coaster?

We recommend using lemon juice, followed by boiling water, to kill and wash away mould that has formed on the coaster.