AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper: which is the better manual coffeemaker? The answer depends on your preferences.
The AeroPress is one of the best-selling manual coffeemakers. It’s compact and durable but only brews about eight ounces at a time.
There’s also many different AeroPress accessories available that make it a worthy choice.
The Clever Dripper is also a great way to prepare coffee manually.
It’s a pour-over coffeemaker that can brew about three cups of coffee at a time.
In this article, I’ll cover the following:
- Features of each coffee maker
- Pros and cons of each coffee maker
- What to consider when making a choice
So, which should you choose – AeroPress or Clever Dripper? By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make your decision.
Let’s take a closer look at both options. It’s go time!
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What Is the AeroPress?
The AeroPress is a piston-style coffeemaker. It resembles a large syringe with a cylindrical chamber and a plunger.
It also comes with a pack of paper filters, a filter holder, a scoop, a funnel, and a stirrer.
As with other manual coffeemakers, you need to heat the water separately. The ideal temperature is about 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
You may need a kettle to use with your AeroPress.
- Popular with coffee enthusiasts worldwide, the patented AeroPress is a new kind of coffee press that uses a rapid, total immersion brewing process to make smooth, delicious, full flavored coffee without bitterness and with low acidity.
- Good-bye French Press! The rapid brewing AeroPress avoids the bitterness and high acidity created by the long steep time required by the French press. Plus, the AeroPress paper Microfilter eliminates grit and means clean up takes seconds.
- Makes 1 to 3 cups of American style coffee per pressing in about a minute. Unlike a French press, it can also brew cold brew style coffee or espresso style coffee for use in lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso based drinks.
- Perfect for home kitchen use, the AeroPress is lightweight, compact, portable and durable. The tote bag makes it easy to pack with some coffee and a cup for use while traveling, camping, backpacking, boating and more!
- Includes the AeroPress press, funnel, scoop, stirrer, 350 microfilters, a filter holder, and a zippered nylon tote bag. Phthalate free and BPA free. Mug not included. Assembled measurements: 9 1/2 h X 4 w X 4 d
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There’s several kettles available that are suitable for use with the AeroPress. But read this post if you’re looking for the best kettle for AeroPress.
Add fine coffee grounds to the paper filter inside the chamber.
Then pour the water over the ground and stir or allow the mixture to bloom for about 10 seconds.
You use the plunger to create pressure and force the coffee through the filter and into a cup.
Here’s a simple video explaining how to brew with the AeroPress.
Main Features of the AeroPress
AeroPress Brew Size & Time
The AeroPress can brew about eight ounces of coffee at a time. It’s a single-serving device, which may not be suitable for everyone.
The average brew time is about 2.5 minutes. But the AeroPress makes great-tasting coffee.
AeroPress Filters
The paper filter helps remove oil and sediment. This eliminates the acidic taste you get from cheap drip coffeemakers.
If you prefer a bolder taste with more oils in your coffee, don’t worry. You can purchase a reusable metal filter for the AeroPress.
AeroPress Brewing
The AeroPress is made for immersion brewing. Yet you can also brew espresso-style coffee and cold brew coffee.
The AeroPress can generate about 0.35 to .75 bars of pressure. Espresso requires at least 9 bars of pressure.
Yet, you can use finely ground espresso roast to make espresso-style brews. You should also use a temperature of about 200 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
AeroPress Cold Brew
To make a cold brew, you add cold water to the chamber instead of hot water.
You also need to use fine drip grind coffee instead of medium or coarse.
There’s also a few methods to make an AeroPress overnight cold brew.
Pros
- Durable components
- Versatile brewing options
- Portable design
Cons
- Plunging can be difficult
- It only brews up to eight ounces of coffee
What Is the Clever Dripper?
The Clever Dripper resembles a small plastic pitcher. It has a wide opening on top, a narrow base, and a large handle.
The base of the device includes a shut-off valve.
You set a paper filter in the bottom of the Clever Dripper, add grounds, and pour water.
For immersion brewing, place the Clever Dripper over a carafe or decanter. Then allow the water to sit for several minutes.
- Combines the Best of Pour Over and French Press Coffee, Includes Dripper, 100 Clever Filters, a Coaster and Lid
- No Mess, Easy to Use and Clean, Perfect cup every time!
- 100% BPA-free Plastic
- Large holds 18 oz. Small holds 11 oz.
- Fit on cups and thermoses with tops wider than 1.5 and less than 3.75 in diamet
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
After immersing the grounds in water, you turn the shut-off valve to disperse fresh coffee.
You can also use the Clever Dripper as a pour-over brewer.
You leave the valve on the bottom in the open position and slowly pour hot water over the grounds.
Watch this useful tutorial to learn more about how the Clever Dripper works.
Main Features of the Clever Dripper
Clever Dripper Size
The Clever Dripper measures 6.75 inches in diameter at the widest point and stands 5.75 inches tall.
The handle adds a few more inches to the size.
Clever Dripper Capacity
One of the main advantages of the Clever Dripper is its capacity.
It can hold up to 18 ounces of liquid, which is twice the capacity of the AeroPress.
Clever Dripper Filters
The Clever Dripper comes with 100 paper filters and a lid.
You also get a coaster that you can set the coffeemaker on to avoid staining the counters.
Clever Dripper Durability
The Clever Dripper is relatively durable. It’s made from BPA-free plastic but may scratch when cleaned with scouring pads.
The plastic pitcher-shaped coffeemaker shouldn’t crack easily.
The handle is the part that you need to be careful with. The thin handle could crack if mishandled.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Brews up to 18 ounces of coffee
- Fewer parts to clean
Cons
- Not very portable
- Awkward to store
AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper Comparison
You can easily brew coffee with the AeroPress or the Clever Dripper.
Both options are comparable in price and work great but include different features.
What should you consider when comparing the Clever Coffee Dripper Vs AeroPress?
- Versatility
- Ease of use
- Durability
- Portability
The AeroPress’ design requires you to press a plunger for immersion brewing.
The Clever Dripper works as an immersion brewer or a pour-over brewer.
The differences in the design lead to separate advantages. Here’s a closer look.
Versatility
The AeroPress and Clever Dripper provide more control compared to other drip brewers.
Both options offer more than one way to brew coffee.
Clever Dripper
You can use immersion-style or pour-over brewing with the Clever Dripper. With the pour-over method, you pour hot water over the grounds.
Instead of allowing the water to sit, it flows through the filter and into your cup or carafe.
Pour-over brewing tends to extract less of the flavor from the coffee grounds. You get less taste, but also less bitterness and acidity.
The pour-over method is more forgiving. If you’re new to manual coffee brewing, it’s an easier way to make great-tasting coffee.
Aeropress
The AeroPress may be a little more versatile.
Along with immersion brewing, you can use the AeroPress to make espresso-style drinks. And cold brews.
The simplicity of the AeroPress also allows for a variety of recipes.
There’s even an annual competition called the World AeroPress Championship. People compete at the WAC with their own AeroPress recipes.
Check out this post for the best World AeroPress Championship recipes.
Instead of pouring water into the chamber, you can add extra steps.
For example, some recipes ask you to add a part of the water to allow the grounds to bloom.
After adding a part of the water, stir or flip the AeroPress and add the remaining water.
Some recipes also ask you to extract a part of the coffee midway through the brewing process.
Ease of Use
Clever Dripper
Using either product involves only a few steps. Yet, the Clever Dripper is easier to use.
You can use the pour-over method, which doesn’t need timing.
Along with allowing you to use the pour-over method, you don’t have to plunge anything.
AeroPress
The AeroPress can sometimes be difficult to plunge.
This is mainly when using fine grind coffee or the espresso-style brewing method.
You can also pour hot water over the coffee grounds and allow the coffee to drip into your cup or carafe.
Durability
AeroPress
The AeroPress is more durable. The compact chamber and plunger are almost indestructible.
Both coffeemakers need cleaning after each use to prevent buildup.
The AeroPress is a little easier to clean. The components come apart, allowing you to reach every crevasse.
Clever Dripper
The Clever Dripper is durable but is more likely to crack when dropped or stored with heavy objects.
The Clever Dripper includes a narrow funnel at the bottom with a shut-off valve.
Cleaning in and around the valve isn’t very easy, especially if you allow sediment to form.
Portability
AeroPress
If you’re looking for a coffeemaker for travel or camping, the AeroPress is likely a better choice.
You can store the AeroPress chamber, plunger, filter holder, and scoop together.
You can also buy storage pouches designed specifically for the AeroPress.
If you want something even more portable, check out the AeroPress Go.
It’s a little more compact and comes with a travel bag.
The AeroPress also requires less storage space in your kitchen.
The compact design measures only 5.26 inches tall and 4.22 inches wide.
Clever Dripper
The Clever Dripper is about half an inch taller and over two inches wider.
It also has a handle that can make it awkward to store.
Clever Coffee Dripper Vs AeroPress: Which Brews the Best Coffee?
You can brew great-tasting coffee with the AeroPress or the Clever Dripper.
The taste of the coffee depends on the brewing method and the grounds that you choose.
Yet, AeroPress includes access to more recipes.
You can find YouTube videos and online tutorials for brewing coffee to your liking.
AeroPress Vs Clever Dripper – Conclusion
I recommend the AeroPress or Clever Dripper for those who want to try manual brewing.
You don’t need to be a barista to brew a flavorful cup of coffee.
Choosing the right coffeemaker depends on your preferences. Both options allow you to use immersion brewing.
If you want to use the pour-over brewing method, the Clever Dripper is the right choice.
If you want to make espresso-style coffee or overnight cold brew, go with the AeroPress.
For those who want the easiest brewing option, try the Clever Dripper.
You don’t have to use a plunger. You can pour water into the device and either immerse the grounds or allow the coffee to drip.
The Clever Dripper also has a much larger capacity. You can brew three cups of coffee at a time instead of a little over one cup.
The AeroPress is more durable and portable.
If you plan on taking a coffeemaker camping or on a trip, AeroPress is the recommended option.
It’s less likely to break when dropped and takes up less space. You can even find bags designed especially for the AeroPress.
In the end, you can’t go wrong with either option.
The Clever Dripper can brew more coffee. But the AeroPress is more versatile and easier to travel with.
Both make good coffee.
Have you tried either of these coffee makers?
Do you have a go-to recipe that you’d like to share?
Is there another coffee maker that you think wipes the floor with these?
Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!
