How to Use the Clever Dripper - Do You Need Filter Paper for Clever Dripper Coffee?

Those who have visited FrontStreet Coffee's store will notice that FrontStreet Coffee's baristas typically use only two types of drippers for pour-over coffee: the Hario V60 and the KONO. However, both drippers place certain demands on your technique. If you haven't yet learned to control a stable water flow, brewing with a V60 or KONO can be somewhat challenging.

To help more people enjoy a cup of coffee without any brewing "accidents," the Clever Coffee Dripper was introduced. With this dripper, even complete beginners can get started easily.

What is a Clever Coffee Dripper?

The full name is the "Clever Coffee Dripper." Many piston-valve drippers are sold under the name "clever dripper" on the market, but strictly speaking, only the Clever dripper sold by the Mr. Clever brand can truly be called a Clever Coffee Dripper.

The Brewing Principle of the Clever Coffee Dripper

The special feature of the Clever lies in its bottom design, which is divided into two parts: the outer layer serves as a support, while the inner layer features a piston valve. Once you pour in water, the weight of the water automatically seals the piston valve and stops the flow, allowing the coffee grounds to fully steep in the hot water above.

When steeping is complete, place the Clever dripper on a server or other vessel. When the base is pressed down, the piston valve opens and the coffee slowly flows through. In this sense, the Clever Coffee Dripper combines the advantages of a French press and a pour-over dripper: it provides the complete immersion environment of a French press, retaining more coffee oils for a fuller flavor, while also incorporating the filtration of a pour-over to remove fine grounds completely, keeping the mouthfeel clean.

Clever Coffee Dripper Brewing Steps

① After folding the bottom and side ribs of the filter paper, place it in the Clever dripper. Add water to wet the paper so it adheres to the inner wall.

② Place the Clever dripper on a flat surface to close the piston valve, add 15g of coffee grounds, and level the bed.

③ Start the timer and pour the first 30g of hot water for a 30-second bloom, with the water temperature at 90°C. After the bloom, continue pouring hot water up to 225g.

④ At 1 minute 30 seconds, set the Clever dripper on a mug or server to open the piston valve and let the coffee flow out. Total extraction time should be around 1 minute 50 seconds to 1 minute 55 seconds.

Which Coffee Beans Brew Well with the Clever Coffee Dripper?

Since the Clever Coffee Dripper has its own steeping function, the resulting coffee tends toward a rounded, mellow, and rich taste. When choosing beans, it's therefore a good idea to start with medium roasts.

For example, if you like fermented, wine-like, fruity flavors, prioritize FrontStreet Coffee's Strawberry Sugar, FrontStreet Coffee's Sherry, and FrontStreet Coffee's Sidra. If you prefer a full-bodied "bitter coffee" instead, try these popular options from FrontStreet Coffee: the Golden Mandheling, FrontStreet Coffee's Huilan, and FrontStreet Coffee's Queen Manor. The Clever Coffee Dripper effortlessly extracts the essence of all of them.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

FrontStreet Coffee's Strawberry Sugar is a house blend combining Costa Rica honey process and Panama Gesha, offering delicate florals and sweet fruit - it brews beautifully in a Clever dripper and works equally well in a moka pot, espresso machine, or as refreshing cold brew. If you prefer a classic medium-dark profile, the Brazil Queen Estate, with its nut, cocoa, and caramel sweetness and silky body, is a forgiving, crowd-pleasing choice for immersion brewing.