Hario Switch, Solo Dripper and Ceado HOOP: Three Approaches to Filter Coffee

Each of these brewers takes a slightly different approach to filter coffee. Hario Switch combines immersion and percolation, offering the most room for experimentation. Solo Dripper focuses on consistent percolation and control over flow. Ceado HOOP takes a different route, prioritising simplicity and repeatability.

The differences are not only in the design of each brewer. By changing the recipe, filter, water temperature or pouring technique, you can significantly influence the final flavour profile.

Hario Switch – Immersion, Percolation and Everything in Between

The Hario Switch allows you to explore several different brewing methods. You can use it as an immersion brewer, similar to a Clever Dripper, as a traditional percolation brewer similar to a V60, or combine both approaches within a single recipe.

Its biggest advantage is its versatility. By changing the pouring technique, immersion time or the moment when you open the valve, you can influence extraction and the character of the final cup.

What can you change?

• Filter paper – for example Sibarist filters, which are more porous and provide a faster flow rate, as well as many other options
• Water – both temperature and mineral composition
• Pouring technique
• Immersion time
• The balance between immersion and percolation

The downside of having so many possibilities is that the Switch can be more demanding to use. Some recipes rely heavily on pouring technique, and a gooseneck kettle is recommended for greater control. For a complete beginner, it can therefore be slightly more complicated than a simpler dripper.

Recipe 1 – Hoffmann

15 g coffee | 250 g water | brew time 4:25

1. Start with approximately a 2:1 bloom.
2. Swirl the brewer to make sure all the coffee grounds are evenly saturated.
3. Close the valve and let the coffee steep for 2 minutes.
4. Towards the end of the immersion phase, gently stir with a spoon, similar to a V60 recipe.
5. At around 4:00, open the valve and allow the coffee to drain.

This recipe relies primarily on immersion, followed by a final percolation phase.

Recipe 2 – Hedrick

15 g coffee | 250 g water | brew time 4:35

This recipe uses a lower temperature during the bloom, allowing a finer grind without clogging the coffee bed as easily.

1. Add 50 g of water at 75 °C.
2. Add the coffee between approximately 1:00–1:30.
3. Open the valve and let the water drain.
4. Close the valve again.
5. Add 2 × 100 g of water at 90 °C.
6. During each pour, use a spoon: gently press the bottom of the spoon against the coffee bed and pour the water onto it.
7. After each pour, gently stir the coffee bed with the long side of the spoon – just enough to distribute the water evenly.
8. For doses above approximately 22 g of coffee, add another 100 g pour.

Solo Dripper – Consistent Percolation

The Solo Dripper is designed for a purely percolation-based brewing method. Compared to the Switch, it offers fewer ways to change the brewing process, but this also makes it highly consistent.

You can still influence the final cup through dose, grind size, water temperature and pouring technique. The technique affects extraction, while the brewer itself helps keep the overall process repeatable.

The main drawbacks are the need for a gooseneck kettle and the fact that pouring technique still has an impact on the result. Handling the brewer can also take some getting used to.

Recipe 1

16 g coffee | 240 g water | brew time 3:10

• 0:00 – 80 g water at 93 °C
• 0:40 – another 80 g at 93 °C
• 1:20 – another 80 g at 85 °C, pouring mainly into the centre

No stirring during the bloom.

Recipe 2

16 g coffee | 240 g water | brew time 2:55

• 0:00 – 60 g water at 93 °C
• 0:30 – another 60 g at 93 °C
• 1:00 – another 60 g at 93 °C
• 1:30 – final 60 g at 85 °C, pouring into the centre

Again, no stirring during the bloom.

Ceado HOOP – Simple No-Bypass Pour Over

The Ceado HOOP uses a no-bypass pour-over design. During brewing, water is directed through the coffee bed rather than being allowed to significantly bypass the coffee around the sides of the filter.

Its biggest strengths are simplicity and consistency. You don't need a gooseneck kettle, and there is relatively little room for technique to go wrong. HOOP can therefore be a good option both for experienced brewers and for anyone looking for a straightforward, repeatable brewing method.

The trade-off is a more limited range of adjustments.

What can you change?

• Water temperature
• Water composition
• Grind size
• Filter paper – instead of the factory filter, you can use a Rao filter or even AeroPress filters
• Flow rate – to a limited extent, for example by pouring more slowly with naturally processed coffees

Because the brewer itself is highly consistent, it can be particularly interesting to experiment with water. When the brewing process is repeatable, changes in mineral composition can become easier to identify in the cup.

Recipe 1

22 g coffee | 370 g water | brew time 4:35

• Pour all 370 g of water in one continuous, gentle pour.
• Keep the pour slow and even.
• If a crust forms on the surface, gently break it with a spoon.

Recipe 2

22 g coffee | 370 g water | brew time 4:50

1. Start with 100 g of water and stir as you would during a bloom.
2. At 0:30–0:45, slowly add another 100 g.
3. Continue pouring more freely until reaching 320 g total water.
4. Total brew time should be around 4:50.

Three Brewers, Three Approaches

If you want a brewer that gives you plenty of room to experiment and play with your brewing, the Hario Switch offers the most possibilities of the three. You can combine immersion and percolation, experiment with filters and pouring techniques, and approach the same coffee in completely different ways.

The Solo Dripper sits somewhere in the middle. It offers control over the brewing process while remaining focused on consistent percolation. It's a good choice if you want to work with pouring technique and extraction without having to juggle multiple brewing modes.

The Ceado HOOP, on the other hand, is the simplest and least technique-dependent option. If your priority is consistency and you don't want every brew to require a carefully controlled pouring technique, HOOP may be the most appealing choice.