Hario Drip Pot

I have both a Chemex (40 oz) and the Hario cloth drip. Price-wise they're nearly identical, produce almost identical cups of coffee, method and time of brewing is identical (relative to size). Hario's pros over Chemex: no paper taste from filter, reusable cloth means you won't find yourself run out of filters, no paper waste from brewing. Cons: only two sizes available (that I've seen), more cleaning afterward, or clean less and use a dirty filter that retains nasty old flavors. Also, storing the cloth damp and refrigerated is a mild hassle.
Otherwise, I love this little system. I use it several times a week and produce the best cups of coffee I've ever enjoyed. My friends who are used to auto-drip are amazed at the quality of the cup produced, and love the "novel" presentation of the brewing method. I would recommend this product to anyone, and I'd gladly buy it again if it ever broke.

(Posted on 6/11/13)

This is my first coffee brewer purchase because I've just begun to drink coffee regularly, so I don't have any real comparison to make. I wanted a brewer that was glass, pour over, had a cloth filter, and was attractive. This meets all those criteria. The filter is simple to clean and maintain once you make a habit of it. I keep mine in a glass Pyrex bowl with a rubber lid in the fridge.

Couple this with a Chemex glass kettle and you have a nice brewing combo. I opted for the Chemex kettle because I choose glass over stainless whenever possible when it comes to drinks and heat.

Overall the winning factor on this product is the cloth filter.

(Posted on 3/9/13)

This will make an excellent, clean cup of coffee.All the unique notes of a particular coffee are highlighted (for better or for worse) with this method, and a good amount of the coffee oils pass through to your cup. In my opinion, the woodneck is better than the Chemex. But, that's just my tastebuds. If you like to purchase expensive coffee (for example, Stumptown or equivalent) then this method guarentees you will experience the coffee beans to their fullest! I like to clean it after every use with soap and water, so it's a bit of a pain to clean. The glass is good quality, but thin and susceptible to breaking. In fact, I broke mine after 2 months due to clumbsiness (knocked it over on its side while making a cup and it shattered). However, the fact that I bought a second one is testament to the quality cup of coffee possible with this set-up.I highly recommend buying a 'gooseneck' kettle. I own the BonaVita electric kettle and highly recommend it as well.

Pros:
Good quality, Aesthetically pleasing, Great Taste

Cons:
Fragile

(Posted on 5/12/12)

Excellent, nothing better than having a fresh cup of great tasting coffee all the time, everytime. No bitter taste with the natural fabric filter system, consistent cup after cup of glorious hot liquid and pure pleasure knowing what to expect from the first to the last sip. love it!

Pros:
Quick Brewing, Easy To Use, Easy To Clean, Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 5/3/12)

This little coffee maker will bring out all the sweetness and flavor from your coffees. As you pour water over the grounds you can see coffee pouring out from all over the sides and bottom of the filter, this gives you a really even extraction which results in a non-bitter, very smooth brew. I just finished a Kenya that had more complexity when brewed with the Hario drip pot. Combine this with the Hario Buono and you will have consistant pour every time.

Pros:
Very even extraction, Great coffee taste

Cons:
Filter care takes time

(Posted on 4/12/11)