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Our Verdict
The December Dripper is the Swiss Army knife of pour-over, letting you brew full immersion, fast percolation, and everything in between by adjusting its flow valve. It is best suited for experienced brewers who enjoy experimenting, but its complexity can overwhelm beginners who would be better served by a simpler dripper.
Pros
- + Adjustable flow valve lets you switch between immersion, percolation, and hybrid brew styles
- + Compatible with widely available Kalita Wave 185 filters
- + Stainless steel construction is durable and retains minimal heat
Cons
- – Flow valve adds a variable that makes recipe development more complex
- – Higher price than most single-method drippers without a dramatic quality improvement
- – Stainless steel body does not retain heat as well as ceramic alternatives
Our Take
The December Dripper brings a unique proposition to the pour-over world: a single brewer that can function as an immersion brewer, a percolation dripper, or anything in between. Its adjustable PTFE flow valve on the bottom lets you control drain speed across four stages, effectively giving you multiple brewing devices in one stainless steel package. Close the valve entirely and you have a steep-and-release immersion brewer; open it fully and water flows through as fast as a Kalita Wave.
This flexibility makes the December Dripper a playground for experienced brewers who enjoy dialing in recipes and comparing extraction profiles. You can start with a closed-valve immersion steep, then open the valve partway through to combine immersion sweetness with percolation clarity. The learning curve is steeper than a standard dripper, but the range of flavors you can achieve from a single device is genuinely impressive.
The December Dripper uses Kalita Wave 185 filters, which are more widely available than some proprietary options though still pricier than standard Melitta cones. At $60, it costs more than most single-purpose drippers, and beginners may find the adjustable valve more confusing than liberating. But for the brewer who already owns a V60 and wants to expand their repertoire without cluttering the shelf, the December Dripper is a compelling next step.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $60 |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Size | Standard |
| Filter Type | Kalita Wave 185 Flat-Bottom |
| Servings | 1-3 cups |
| Weight Grams | 240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the December Dripper work?
The December Dripper has an adjustable valve on the bottom that controls flow rate through four stages. Fully closed, it acts as an immersion brewer like a French press. Fully open, it brews like a fast percolation dripper. Settings in between create hybrid brew profiles that blend characteristics of both methods.
What filters does the December Dripper use?
The December Dripper uses Kalita Wave 185 flat-bottom filters, which are widely available online and at specialty coffee retailers. Some users also report success with notNeutral Gino filters.
Is the December Dripper worth it?
For experienced brewers who enjoy experimenting with different brew styles in a single device, the December Dripper offers genuine versatility that no other dripper matches. Beginners will likely find a V60 or Kalita Wave simpler and more instructive as a first dripper.
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