Isn’t the Clever Dripper just a Hario Switch or vice-versa, just that one uses a switch (clue is in the name) and ball bearing to stop the flow, and the other uses the weight of the brew, a push up base and a silicone seal?
My first pour over was a Clever Dripper as it was perfect for work sitting on my desk. Funny how everyone would comment on it, see me using it and say what a faff compared to putting some freeze dried sh**e in a cup and dousing in boiling water… but then comment on how bloody lovely it smelt. I then also tried the Aeropress which I know is not a pour over, but again was nice and compact but the Clever won out in the end, especially as I often got distracted by phone calls and not being able to get to my brew immediately.
All the others have been bought out of curiosity and whilst they might all do the same job, those espousing them would have me believe there was a noticeable difference. All I have found is my palate cannot discern any difference, but I like using and swapping which one I use every now and then, just because I can. If I want to steep a bit then it is the Clever or Hario. If not, I tend to lean toward the V60 like many here. Got to admit though, I do like the look of the Chemex with the wooden and leather collar sitting on the side. Makes good coffee too.
So, if I did go for the Kalita or Stagg, it would be because they are flat bottomed and again I can’t help but wonder if I could taste the difference… probably not.
Won’t stop me from keeping an eye out on Ebay and such for a cheeky bargain though.