I'm interested in picking up a drip coffee setup to play with. I've been considering the typical Hario V60 + Buono kettle combination, or something like the new "clever" dripper SM carries. The Hario setup is definitely an awful lot of money to spend on drip, but I love the involved technique. I'm not sure I could be bothered to use the clever dripper instead of press pot, vac pot, Americano, etc. Another point is that while it doesn't cost much, I can't easily order it from SM (I use flat rate for my greens).
I honestly don't mind spending the money on the Hario stuff, but I wonder if it's worth the price. Has anyone tried both?
I only have experience with the Clever Coffee Dripper. I use it almost every day. Before that I used a standard filtercone for manual drip. I think a fairly easy alternative to the CCD is to brew in a press pot and then filter after steeping. It works out to the same thing. Since I already have a CCD, I use it.
I got the Pino Digital Kettle from SweetMaria's. I like being able to program a temperature and have it heat to that point. It's not perfect and does go over. The temperature swings seem wider than when I first got it but I have a good layer of scale which might affect the temperature sensor.
I love my Hario set. I need the kettle still, but I currently use a teapot to help pour. It makes good coffee and the whole ritual behind it is very comforting. Easy to use, but it takes a little practice to get the pour and figure out your grind.
As for the CCD, I love it too. When I'm looking for something similar to french press, but not quite the french press, I'll go for the CCD. Also, when brewing, you should give it a slight agitation (not really a stir) a minute in, similar to the press. Make more than what you're planning to drink, because the draining will slow and you should stop it before it completely drains.
I went ahead and ordered the kettle, ceramic dripper, and three packs of filters. I don't think I would ever bother to use a basic dripper, with all the other methods I have at my disposal. The brewing technique for the V60 is what got me interested in the first place, so hopefully it will get lots of use :)
So, your post prompted me to register and post a comment on your excellent choice in buying the hario. I own the v602 which is a bit bigger. If it isn't too late I would recommend ordering the cloth filter instead of the paper ones because it don't filter out the tasty oils. Barismo has the best directions that I have seen for using this device and well worth a download. Their coffee is also great. A scale and thermometer are also useful so that you can control all of the variables... in for an ounce, in for a pound... or something like that... good luck!
Too late to add it to the order now, but I can always pick one up elsewhere at a later date if necessary. I have a 0.1g scale and Thermapen, so I'm good to go. Won't be here until next Tuesday or Wednesday, unfortunately.
You will be VERY pleased with the V60, and the Buono is key. I need one badly. Ive tried every pouring vessel I could find/own, and the closest Ive gotten to some control, is a Motta pitcher. Still not even close to what the buono can do.
When figuring out you're brew ratio, shoot for a 1:16-1:18 ratio, and then updose 4-6grams. Adjust to taste. I use a simple formula of 8.5grams for every 4oz of water, and then add 3-4grams. The hario requires a bit more coffee then a traditional dripper. Grind on the finer side of drip.. like a really coarse espresso.
Total brew time, for me, is 2:30, plus 30sec Pre-Infusion. So, 3:00 total. I use 23-24grams for about 12oz of water, ending up with ~10oz brewed.
The V60 is my favorite method for brewing coffee. I also very much like the traditional Beehouse dripper, but the Hario reigns supreme.
Follow Your Bliss
Coffee makes your constantly overcome your prejudices and re-evaluate your own "received wisdoms" when it comes to judging cup flavors. -Tom Owen, SweetMarias
I only have experience with the Clever Coffee Dripper. I use it almost every day. Before that I used a standard filtercone for manual drip. I think a fairly easy alternative to the CCD is to brew in a press pot and then filter after steeping. It works out to the same thing. Since I already have a CCD, I use it.
Jim, which filters are you using. i've been using a generic brand cone filter (none of the "Flavor pour" holes like the Melitta brand.)
Once placing the CCD down on the top of the cup, I've noticed the trip down to be very slow, and often stops. I'm grinding a wee bit finer than a normal filter grind on my Vario. I tried a Swiss Gold conical, no longer available...;>( With opposite results..it poured down, very gritty.
Have you (or anyone) had better luck with the Melitta filters?
Which ones are not available? I see some on various sites. I've been wanting a Swissgold for a long time--just haven't bought one yet.
What do you mean, "gritty?" Is there more sediment than your taste prefers? I'm trying to decide whether the Swissgold is unique enough between my hemp filter pourover and FPs.
I use the Melitta with the holes for the CCD. I also grind closer to French Press since it is an immersion brew method. I also gift it a slight agitation a minute after pouring. Also when I drain, I don't complete drain all of it cause the last bits will be slow and overextracted.
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