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Reviews & Guides · Kitchen & Dining

HARIO SWITCH vs. Clever: I prefer the Clever’s hands-off release

Reviewed: HARIO SWITCH immersion dripper (source version unspecified), Clever Coffee Dripper (size unspecified)Regional reference: HARIO V60 SWITCH Ceramic Dripper 02 (United States); ABID Clever Coffee Dripper (United States)

I find the HARIO SWITCH’s manual valve easy to forget, while my Clever releases when I set it on a cup. Here’s when I’d choose each.

The owner’s shelf holds a white ceramic immersion dripper with a lever and a brown Clever Dripper. HARIO V60 and Range Server boxes and other coffee gear are in the background.

I’ve collected most of HARIO’s products, and I own several V60s. I have to say, the V60 is great to use!

If you haven’t bought a V60 yet and are a beginner thinking of getting one, I recommend HARIO’s SWITCH: separate the shutoff valve and you have a standalone V60.

If you already have a V60, I wouldn’t recommend it. I really don’t find this one easy to use: it can leak, and if you’re used to the Clever, HARIO’s SWITCH has a manually operated release valve. It’s easy to forget that step and end up with coffee all over the table.

This is my second Clever. I gave the first one away. What makes it convenient is that you set it on a cup and the stopper releases, so it’s simple to use.

Even though I have a lot of coffee gear, I feel like something is missing without it, so I bought another one. I’m sharing this today for anyone thinking of getting one.

Source: James · Xiaohongshu · February 12, 2025 · 对于纠结购入Hario还是Clever聪明杯的看法. Search this Chinese title in Xiaohongshu to find the original post.

Before You Buy

Models in your region

Both named brewer families have US counterparts. The ceramic HARIO reference uses a manual trigger, while the Clever releases when set on a mug; the owner’s exact sizes and versions are unspecified.

Model in this review Related regional model What to know
HARIO SWITCH immersion dripper (source version unspecified) HARIO V60 SWITCH Ceramic Dripper 02 (United States) The US ceramic SWITCH 02 has a porcelain cone, silicone base and manual trigger with a steel ball. It supports pour-over and immersion brewing; HARIO specifies hand washing for this listed ceramic model.
Clever Coffee Dripper (size unspecified) ABID Clever Coffee Dripper (United States) The US Clever uses a mug-actuated steep-and-release valve and standard #4 papers. The release action matches the feature James wanted back; his dripper’s exact size is unspecified.
Model in this review
HARIO SWITCH immersion dripper (source version unspecified)
Related regional model
HARIO V60 SWITCH Ceramic Dripper 02 (United States)
What to know
The US ceramic SWITCH 02 has a porcelain cone, silicone base and manual trigger with a steel ball. It supports pour-over and immersion brewing; HARIO specifies hand washing for this listed ceramic model.
Model in this review
Clever Coffee Dripper (size unspecified)
Related regional model
ABID Clever Coffee Dripper (United States)
What to know
The US Clever uses a mug-actuated steep-and-release valve and standard #4 papers. The release action matches the feature James wanted back; his dripper’s exact size is unspecified.

A missed step is different from a diagnosed defect

James describes forgetting the manual valve step after using the Clever’s automatic release. The post does not diagnose a faulty seal or document a repair. His spills explain an operating preference; they do not establish a general SWITCH defect or a comparison of the brewers’ coffee quality.

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