Clever Chef French Press Coffee Maker Review

Recommended Accessories:

• JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder - Perfect travel companion
• Planetary Design Coffee Canister - Keep beans fresh
• Small digital scale for precise measurements
• Collapsible silicone kettle for heating water

The Clever Chef French Press embodies clever engineering in a travel-friendly package. Having used it extensively, I’m continually impressed by how such a compact device can produce such satisfying coffee.

Key Specs:

• Capacity: 12 oz (350ml)
• Dimensions: 4.5” x 3” x 6.75”
• Weight: 290g (10.2 oz)
• Materials: Borosilicate glass, stainless steel filter, plastic frame
• Filter Type: Fine-mesh stainless steel

The build quality stands out immediately. The borosilicate glass feels substantial without being heavy, while the plastic frame adds protection without bulk. I particularly appreciate the precision of the plunger - it moves smoothly without any wobble, which wasn’t always the case with other portable presses I’ve tried.

The mesh filter deserves special mention. It’s noticeably finer than many competitors, catching more grounds while still allowing the essential oils through. During my testing, I found it strikes a great balance between filtration and flow rate.

One morning at camp, I noticed how the curved spout pours cleanly without drips - a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re trying not to spill precious coffee. The handle’s ergonomic design proved especially valuable when brewing on uneven surfaces.

Space efficiency is another strength. The cylinder tapers slightly, making it easier to pack in a crowded bag. Plus, the removable filter assembly means you can use the carafe as a water glass in a pinch - something I’ve done more often than I expected.

The beauty of the Clever Chef lies in its straightforward brewing process. Here’s my tried-and-tested method:

Start with coarsely ground coffee - think sea salt texture. For this 12 oz press, I use 24g of coffee to 350ml of water. The clear glass makes measuring easy, though I recommend using a scale for consistency.

Pour hot water (just off boil, about 200°F) over the grounds. I’ve found a gentle circular pour helps ensure even saturation. Give it a light stir with a wooden spoon - metal can scratch the glass. Now comes the crucial part: let it steep for 4 minutes.

During testing, I discovered the plunger’s design helps avoid a common French press issue - grounds sneaking past the filter. The double-mesh system catches fine particles effectively, though you’ll still get that characteristic French press body in your cup.

An interesting quirk I noticed: the slightly domed lid helps prevent splashing during plunging, especially helpful when brewing outdoors. Press down slowly - it should take about 20 seconds. Too fast, and you’ll stir up the grounds; too slow, and the coffee starts cooling.

For cleanup, the filter assembly unscrews easily for thorough rinsing. Just watch out for hot grounds when dumping them - they tend to stick to the glass bottom.

During three months of testing in various settings, from my kitchen to backcountry camping, the Clever Chef’s strengths and limitations became clear.

Pros:

• Genuine Portability: At 290g, it’s light enough for backpacking but sturdy enough for daily use
• Consistent Brewing: The well-engineered plunger maintains steady pressure
• Heat Retention: Borosilicate glass keeps temperature stable during the crucial brewing minutes
• Easy Cleaning: The filter disassembles completely for thorough washing
• Versatile Use: Works equally well for coffee and loose-leaf tea

Cons:

• Limited Capacity: 12 oz might leave you wanting more
• Glass Vulnerability: While durable, it’s still glass
• Plunger Maintenance: The seal needs occasional adjustment to maintain smooth action
• No Insulation: Coffee cools relatively quickly in cold environments

The biggest surprise? How well it handled altitude changes during a mountain hiking trip. Unlike some sealed containers that can cause pressure issues, the simple design just works.

One minor frustration: the plastic frame, while protective, can trap moisture if not dried thoroughly. I learned this the hard way after packing it slightly damp.

Having logged thousands of miles with the Clever Chef, I can vouch for its travel credentials. The compact dimensions (4.5” x 3” x 6.75”) fit perfectly in a backpack’s water bottle pocket or a suitcase’s corner.

The plastic frame isn’t just for looks - it’s saved my press more than once during turbulent flights. A clever design touch: the slightly recessed bottom provides extra stability on uneven surfaces. Perfect for those early morning campsite brews.

Weight-wise, at 290g it’s lighter than many “travel” coffee makers. The trade-off? That 12 oz capacity. For solo travelers, it’s fine. Couples might need to brew twice.

I’ve found the best packing method is to stuff the chamber with a sock or small towel - provides protection and saves space. The plunger assembly travels better when separated from the carafe.

The glass has proven surprisingly resilient to temperature changes. From desert heat to mountain frost, it’s handled dramatic swings without cracking. Still, I wouldn’t call it indestructible - reasonable care is needed.

The Clever Chef French Press is particularly well-suited for:

Solo Travelers: The 12 oz capacity is perfect for one coffee enthusiast. During my hotel stays, it’s been ideal for morning brews without relying on in-room coffee makers.

Outdoor Enthusiasts: If you’re tired of instant coffee while camping, this press offers a major upgrade without adding much pack weight. It’s handled alpine starts and beach sunrises equally well.

Office Workers: Fits nicely in a desk drawer and makes better coffee than most break room options. The compact size won’t crowd communal kitchen spaces.

Space-Conscious Coffee Lovers: Whether in a tiny apartment or RV, this press packs serious coffee capability into minimal space.

One unexpected user group I discovered: tea drinkers who travel. The fine mesh works beautifully for loose-leaf brewing, making this a versatile travel companion for all hot beverage enthusiasts.

Based on extensive testing, these groups might want to look elsewhere:

Large Households: The 12 oz capacity simply won’t cut it for family brewing. I found myself making multiple batches when friends visited.

Clumsy Coffee Lovers: Despite the protective frame, it’s still a glass vessel. If you’re prone to dropping things, consider a stainless steel alternative.

Speed Brewers: The four-minute steep time isn’t negotiable for good results. If you need coffee in 60 seconds, look at the AeroPress.

Sediment Sensitive: While the filter is good, some fine particles always make it through. If you can’t stand any grounds in your cup, consider pour-over methods instead.

During group camping trips, I noticed the capacity limitation most acutely. For social brewing scenarios, you might want something bigger.

After six months of regular use, here’s how the Clever Chef holds up:

The glass maintains its clarity with proper care, though I’ve noticed minor scratching where the plunger meets the walls. These don’t affect performance but show the importance of gentle plunging.

The filter mesh remains effective, though it needs occasional deep cleaning to maintain optimal flow. I’ve found monthly vinegar soaks keep it performing like new.

The plastic frame has weathered well, with no cracking or discoloration despite frequent sun exposure. One surprise discovery: the frame’s slight flexibility actually helps absorb minor impacts.

The plunger’s seal has maintained its smoothness, though I did need to tighten the assembly once. Keep that tiny screwdriver from your eyeglass repair kit handy.

Most impressive has been the carafe’s thermal stability. Even after hundreds of hot water cycles, it shows no signs of stress or weakness.

Keeping your Clever Chef in top shape isn’t difficult, but it does require attention to detail:

Daily Cleaning:

• Rinse immediately after use
• Disassemble filter for thorough cleaning
• Use warm water and mild soap if needed
• Dry completely before reassembly

Weekly Maintenance:

• Deep clean filter mesh with soft brush
• Check plunger alignment
• Inspect seal for wear
• Clean frame gaps with cotton swab

Monthly Care:

• Vinegar soak for mineral buildup
• Tighten any loose components
• Deep clean all threaded parts
• Check filter mesh for damage

One tip I discovered: using filtered water not only improves coffee taste but significantly reduces mineral buildup on the glass.

Handle the carafe by its plastic frame when hot - the glass can be surprisingly warm to touch.

The Clever Chef’s environmental footprint deserves attention:

Positive Aspects:

• No paper filters needed
• Durable construction means less frequent replacement
• Glass and stainless steel are recyclable
• Minimal packaging

Considerations:

• Glass production is energy-intensive
• Plastic frame isn’t biodegradable
• Replacement parts may not be locally available

During my testing, I’ve prevented roughly 180 paper filters from entering landfills. The grounds can go straight to compost - I’ve been feeding my herb garden with them.

One sustainable practice I’ve adopted: using the cooling water from my kettle to pre-heat the press, saving both water and energy.

Comparing the Clever Chef’s performance to its market position reveals interesting value points:

Value Strengths:

• Durable materials justify the investment
• Consistent brewing results
• No ongoing filter costs
• Multi-purpose functionality

Value Considerations:

• Similar performance to pricier models
• Lower capacity than some competitors
• Replacement parts availability
• Potential fragility cost

After hundreds of brews, I’ve calculated the per-cup cost at roughly half that of premium coffee shop drinks. The real value shows in travel scenarios - good hotel coffee can cost $5+ per cup.

For outdoor use, it’s replaced both my dedicated camp coffee maker and tea steeper, effectively serving double duty.

Through extensive testing, I’ve discovered several ways to maximize your Clever Chef experience:

1. Perfect Plunging:

• Count to 20 while pressing
• Apply even pressure
• Twist slightly if you feel resistance

2. Temperature Control:

• Pre-heat with hot water rinse
• Wait 30 seconds off boil
• Keep lid on during brewing

3. Cleaning Hacks:

• Use rice to scrub tough residue
• Baking soda paste for stains
• Bottle brush for corners

4. Travel Tips:

• Pack filter separately
• Use sock as padding
• Store upside down when dry

5. Grind Optimization:

• Slightly coarser for lighter roasts
• Finer for dark roasts
• Adjust grind if elevation changes

6. Flavor Enhancement:

• Add pinch of salt to reduce bitterness
• Stir once at 2-minute mark
• Pour in circular motion

7. Maintenance Tricks:

• Tighten filter monthly
• Lubricate plunger with coffee oil
• Store assembled to protect glass

Q: Can I make cold brew with this press? A: Yes, use room temperature water and steep for 12-18 hours in the fridge. I’ve found this produces a smooth, low-acid brew.

Q: How long does coffee stay hot? A: About 15-20 minutes, depending on ambient temperature. Transfer to an insulated mug for longer heat retention.

Q: Is the glass really durable? A: While it’s borosilicate glass, it’s not indestructible. Mine has survived several camping trips, but careful handling is still important.

Q: Can I put it in the dishwasher? A: Hand washing is recommended. I’ve found it takes just 2 minutes to clean properly by hand.

Q: What’s the best grind size? A: Coarse, like kosher salt. Too fine and you’ll get muddy coffee and a stuck plunger.

Q: Does it work for tea? A: Excellently. The fine mesh is perfect for loose leaf tea, just adjust steep time accordingly.

Q: How many cups does it really make? A: One large mug or two small cups. It’s ideal for single users or couples.

Q: Can replacement parts be purchased? A: Yes, mesh filters and seals are available. I keep a spare filter for longer trips.

After months of regular use, the Clever Chef French Press has earned its place in my travel kit. While the 12 oz capacity occasionally feels limiting, the quality of coffee it produces and its genuine portability more than make up for this constraint.

I’ve brewed with it everywhere from hotel rooms to mountain tops, and it’s handled each situation admirably. The build quality has proven itself - my unit has survived several accidental knocks without issue. That said, I still pack it carefully given the glass construction.

For travelers, campers, or anyone seeking quality coffee away from home, this press offers a reliable solution. The simplicity of design means less can go wrong, while the careful engineering ensures consistent results. Just remember it’s best suited for individual use or couples rather than group brewing.