The Clever Coffee Dripper is a coffee filtration device invented by the Taiwan-based company EK INTL. The bottom of the dripper features a controllable on/off valve, allowing free adjustment of the extraction steeping time. It is easy and convenient to use, hence the name "Clever Cup." Many drippers with on/off valves on the market are sold under the name "Clever Cup" by merchants, but in principle, only those sold under the Mr. Clever brand can truly be called a "Clever Cup."

The design inspiration for the Clever Cup comes from another EK INTL product used for brewing tea—HandyBrew. Immersion extraction is its greatest highlight. The Clever Cup can generally be divided into two layers: the outer layer is the frame that supports the dripper, and the inner layer is the cup body with a press-type on/off valve. As long as it is placed flat on a table, the valve remains closed, preventing the coffee liquid from flowing down and keeping the coffee grounds and water in an immersion state. Once immersion is complete, the center of the base is pressed, causing the piston valve to open and allowing the coffee liquid to flow into the container.

Compared to direct drip drippers like the V60, the Clever Cup offers the additional function of immersion extraction, which means letting water and coffee grounds remain in contact within the container. Immersion is less affected by pouring technique, making it easier for beginners to replicate the coffee's basic flavors. Flavor compounds will change the coffee's flavor and concentration depending on water temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, and steeping time.

Brewing coffee with the Clever Cup is similar to brewing with a dripper and filter paper. For the same coffee beans, at the same water temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, and extraction time, if the grind is too coarse, the coffee flavors are easily under-extracted, resulting in a flat taste lacking complexity. If the grind is too fine, the coffee flavors are easily over-extracted—that is, after the flavor compounds have been extracted, the coffee grounds continue to contact the hot water, releasing unpleasant woody flavors, resulting in a coffee that is strong but has off-flavors.

Front Street Coffee recommends a medium-fine grind for light to medium-roast coffee beans brewed with the Clever Cup (75%-80% passing through a No. 20 standard sieve); for medium-dark roast coffee beans, use a medium-coarse grind (65%-70% passing through a No. 20 standard sieve).

If the water temperature is too high, coffee flavors are released more quickly and over-extraction is likely; if the water temperature is too low, flavor release slows down and under-extraction is likely. Front Street Coffee recommends 90°C-91°C for light to medium-roast coffee beans brewed with the Clever Cup, and 88°C-89°C for medium-dark roast coffee beans.

Based on the SCA Golden Cup extraction standards, Front Street Coffee conducted brewing experiments with different coffee-to-water ratios and drippers, and found that brewing with a 1:15 ratio yields an extraction rate of roughly 17.79%-18.73%. Although this is only on the edge of the Golden Cup standard, sensory testing revealed that the flavor is very suitable and works for brewing the vast majority of coffee beans.

Next, Front Street Coffee demonstrates immersion brewing using Costa Rica's Piedra Grande Estate Blueberry coffee beans. Water temperature: 90°C, coffee dose: 15g, coffee-to-water ratio: 1:15, grind: medium-fine (75% passing through a Chinese standard No. 20 sieve).

① Fold the filter paper and place it in the Clever Cup. Put the Clever Cup on the container. Rinsing the filter paper with hot water also preheats the equipment.

② Move the Clever Cup to the electronic scale (the valve will close automatically at this point) and pour the ground coffee into the center of the dripper. Pour in 30g of hot water for the first stage, start the timer, and let it bloom for 30 seconds; after blooming, pour in hot water up to 225g, then steep for 1'50".

After steeping is complete, move the Clever Cup onto the container to open the valve and filter out the coffee liquid from the dripper. This whole process takes about 15 seconds, and the total coffee extraction time is 2'05".

Thanks to immersion extraction, you can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio or steeping time to your preference. Coffee brewed with the Clever Cup has high clarity, good body, and a rounded sweetness.

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The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.