What is the best grind for Clever Dripper?

The Clever Dripper occupies a unique space in brewing, functioning as a full-immersion vessel that transitions into a percolation filter. This hybrid nature is why the 'best' grind is often debated. While many suggest a medium-coarse setting—akin to a French Press or Chemex—the reality is that the grind size must be calibrated to your specific immersion time. Because the coffee remains in contact with water for the duration of the steep, a medium-coarse grind prevents the over-extraction of bitter compounds that can occur if the particles are too fine. However, unlike a French Press, the Clever Dripper uses a paper filter. This filter removes the oils and fine sediment that provide body in a press, resulting in a cleaner, more tea-like cup. A common misconception is that the grind should be identical to a standard pour-over; in practice, because the Clever Dripper allows for a longer, controlled steep, you can often afford a slightly coarser grind than you would use for a V60 or Kalita Wave. For the producer, this is a forgiving method that highlights the clarity of high-altitude, washed-process coffees. By focusing on a consistent medium-coarse particle size, you ensure that the drawdown—the final stage where the liquid passes through the bed—remains steady, preventing the 'stalling' that occurs when too many fines clog the paper filter. Ultimately, the grind is a tool to manage the resistance of the bed during that final release.