dripper

Dripper is a general term for a device designed to release liquid in a controlled, drop-by-drop fashion. It is used in several domains, notably vaping, coffee brewing, and irrigation, with each domain employing different mechanisms and materials. The common idea is to apply liquid locally, rather than relying on a stored reservoir with automatic flow.

In vaping, a dripper usually refers to a dripping atomizer or RDA, which has no tank. A coil and wick are installed on a deck; e-liquid is applied directly to the coil as it heats. Airflow, top cap, and drip tip influence flavor and vapor production. Advantages include intense flavor, ease of coil customization, and portability; disadvantages include the need for frequent re-drip, higher maintenance, and potential leakage if inverted.

Coffee drippers are pour-over devices made of ceramic, metal, glass, or plastic. Ground coffee placed in a filter is saturated with hot water, which drips through the grounds into a receiver. Variants include cone-shaped drippers (such as V60) and flat-bottom designs (Kalita Wave). Control over pour rate, water temperature, and grind size affects extraction and flavor.

Drippers, or drip emitters, are used in drip irrigation systems to release small amounts of water over time. They connect to tubing and can be fixed-flow, adjustable, or pressure-compensating. Drippers enable water efficiency by localizing delivery to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff. They are common in gardens, landscapes, and agriculture.