Have you ever wondered how something as simple as a coffee maker could be clever? In 2008, a Taiwanese company called Abid Co. introduced the Clever Dripper, and it has been quietly making waves in the coffee world ever since.
So, what’s so “clever” about this brewing method?
When we think of immersion brewing, we often imagine the French press—a classic, but not without its flaws. With its bold and rich coffee, the French press is great, but it uses a mesh filter that can leave behind tiny coffee particles. That means your coffee keeps brewing even after it’s supposed to be done, often resulting in an overly heavy, sometimes gritty, cup.
Enter the Clever Dripper. It solves this problem by using paper filters, which create a cleaner, without that over-extracted, cloudy finish. More balanced cup of coffee. So while I respect the French press for what it is, the Clever Dripper offers an elevated experience.
Now, don’t get me wrong—other immersion brewers also use paper filters, like the Aeropress, which is an amazing tool on its own. But the Clever Dripper stands out, especially for its price.
It’s easy to use, affordable, and makes great coffee, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone new to brewing specialty coffee. Sure, the Aeropress is more versatile—it can make everything from espresso-style shots to regular filter coffee. But if you’re after simplicity and quality, the Clever Dripper shines in its own right.
How To Use Clever Dipper
What You’ll Need:
- Clever Dripper
- Filter paper (e.g., #4 cone filter)
- Freshly ground coffee (medium-coarse grind)
- Hot water (just off boiling, around 90-95°C)
- Timer
- Stirring spoon
- Mug or carafe
Procedure:
- Prepare the Filter and Clever Dripper:
- Place the paper filter inside the Clever Dripper.
- Rinse the filter with hot water to eliminate any paper taste and preheat the dripper. Discard the water afterward.
- Add Coffee Grounds:
- Measure the coffee (about 1 tablespoon per cup) and add it to the filter. For an average cup, use around 15-18 grams of coffee.
- Pour Hot Water:
- Slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds, just enough to saturate them evenly. Let the coffee “bloom” for about 30 seconds. This releases trapped gases and enhances flavor.
- Continue pouring the rest of the water, ensuring that all the coffee is evenly wet. Aim for a total water volume of about 240-300 ml, depending on your brew strength preference.
- Steep:
- Cover the Clever Dripper with its lid and let the coffee steep for 2-4 minutes, depending on your taste preference (a longer steep time yields a stronger brew).
- Stir and Place on Mug:
- After the steeping time, give the coffee a gentle stir to ensure even extraction.
- Set the Clever Dripper on top of your mug or carafe. The clever valve will release the brewed coffee into your cup.
- Enjoy:
- Once all the coffee has drained through, remove the Clever Dripper and discard the used coffee grounds and filter.
- Enjoy your freshly brewed cup of coffee!
