If you love delicious coffee and you also love the smooth taste of drip coffee then you have to try pour over. It’s pretty much just a drip coffee maker but without automation. In brewing coffee this way you get full control over the process and this helps bring out subtle flavors and enhances the aroma.
Pour-over coffee requires you to add medium coffee grounds to a paper filter in a funnel and then you gently pour hot water over the grounds. The coffee brews and gradually drips down into a carafe or mug below ready to enjoy. This method gives you the freedom to adjust all the brewing parameters so you can develop your coffee into a flavor that suits you best.
There’s a lot to love when it comes to pour-over coffee and a lot to choose from when it comes to pour over coffee makers. To help narrow down the vast array of options here is a selection of the finest pour-over devices with one to suit every need and one to suit every budget.
Have a browse, take a look at these fine options, and don’t forget the essential gooseneck kettle listed in position number 8. Let’s get brewing!
Top Five Best Pour Over Coffee Makers
- Top Choice – Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
- Runner Up – Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper
- Best Porcelain Option – Melitta 1 Cup Porcelain Pour-Over Cone Coffeemaker
- Best Coffee Dripper – Kalita Wave Dripper 155 Series
- Best Glass Option – Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
1. Top Choice – Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
Brand: Chemex
Type: All-in-one Pour Over Coffeemaker
Material: Borosilicate Glass
Capacity: 6 Cups/30 Oz
Coffee Filters: Chemex Bonded Filter
2. Runner Up – Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper
Brand: Hario
Type: Coffee Dripper
Material: Ceramic
Capacity: 300ml
Coffee Filters: Hario V60 Cone Shaped Filters
3. Best Porcelain Option – Melitta 1 Cup Porcelain Pour-Over Cone Coffeemaker
Brand: Melitta
Type: Dripper
Material: Porcelain
Capacity: 1 Cup
Filters: Melitta No. 4 Filters
4. Best Coffee Dripper – Kalita Wave Dripper 155 Series
Brand: Kalita
Type: Dripper
Material: Heat Resistant Glass
Capacity: One Cup
Filters: Wave Filter 155
5. Best Glass Option – Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
Brand: Bodum
Type: Manual Pour Over with Stainless Steel Mesh Filter
Material: Borosilicate Glass Carafe and Cork Sleeve
Capacity: 8 Cups (4 Oz each)
Filters: Permanent Filter Included
How To Brew Perfect Pour Over Coffee
Choose Your Beans
Pour-over cones are one of only a few coffee making devices that suit all kinds of coffee. From light to dark roast this brew method brings out all the subtle flavors and enhance the aromas. Always choose freshly roasted, whole coffee beans as they lock in the maximum flavor. Grind your beans using a burr grinder as this ensures an even grind. Pour over coffee requires a medium grind setting.
Ratio
It’s important to get the ratio of coffee to water just right to ensure the optimal flavor from your coffee extraction. The important consideration with the ratio is that you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences if you prefer a weaker or stronger cup of joe. Start with a 1:17 coffee to water ratio and tweak this to perfection the more times you brew your java.
Water Temperature
The water has to be just the right temperature to allow optimal coffee flavor extraction. If it’s too cold then the coffee will taste weak and under extracted. If it’s too hot then the coffee ends up burnt and bitter. You need to ensure the water is between 195-205F for the best tasting coffee. You can achieve this using a coffee kettle like the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle with 5 Variable Presets.
Technique
Once you have your coffee weighed out, ground up, and the water hot the next thing to consider is your technique. There are a lot of tips and tricks out there for brewing delicious coffee so it’s worth reading up on if you’re aiming for the perfection of a seasoned barista. Here are some tips to get you started if all you want is a delicious mug of java.
As a general rule, use a gooseneck kettle to create a gentle, laminar flow of water and move the kettle in a gentle circular motion to evenly soak the grounds. Allow the coffee 20-30 seconds to bloom before you start adding the rest of the water. Keep the funnel between one-half and two-thirds full during the brewing process until it is complete.
Dripper Vs Cone Shaped Funnel
When it comes to choosing a pour-over coffee set-up they typically come in a dripper form or a cone filter. The dripper type is a funnel with a long or flat bottom with one or more small holes here. This controls the flow of water so you simply add the filter and coffee and pour the full amount of water over the coffee grounds.
The cone filters have a larger opening in the base so you control the flow of water using your coffee kettle. These devices take a little longer to get the hang of but allow you to manipulate the coffee flavor more with your brewing technique.
F.A.Q.s
Which is better coffee maker or pour over?
A coffee maker is best if you want the coffee brewing process fully automated ie if you don’t have time for coffee brewing on a busy weekday morning. Pour-over is better if you prefer full control over the brewing process as it allows you to tweak each variable to perfection. A pour-over coffee maker is also more compact to have in a small kitchen and tidies away easily into any cupboard or drawer.
What are the advantages of pour over coffee?
A pour over device is a method of brewing java that produces a rich, smooth tasting cup of coffee but also gives you full control over the whole brewing procedure. It allows greater development of coffee brewing technique and means you can brew coffee that’s as unique in flavor as you like. These devices can be compact in design and made of plastic so make a great portable option for taking to work or on holiday.
What is the best pour-over coffee maker on the market?
The best pour over device available is our top pick, the Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker. It’s won awards for it’s beautiful design and is made of high-quality, borosilicate glass that resists stains and odors. It’s easy to use, gives you complete brewing freedom and looks fantastic in your coffee making station.
More Pour Over Coffee Makers
6. Automated Option – OXO Brew Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Brand: Oxo
Type: Automated Dripper
Material: Plastic
Capacity: 12 Ounces
Filters: Oxo Size 2 Paper Filters
7. Best Single Serve Option – Beehouse, Coffee Dripper Small White
Brand: Beehouse
Type: Pour Over Coffee Dripper
Material: Porcelain
Capacity: 1 Cup
Filters: Melitta or Filtropa Filters
8. Best Gooseneck Kettle – COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle with 5 Variable Presets
Brand: COSORI
Type: Electric Fast Boil Kettle with 5 Presets
Material: Stainless Steel Interior
Capacity: 0.8 Liters
Other: 1 Hour Keep Warm and Auto-Off Function
Final Thoughts
Pour over coffee makers are the best way to brew rich, smooth tasting coffee without an elaborate set up. They give you full control over all the brewing parameters and bring the perfect balance between the science and art of making the perfect cup of coffee. In the end, the perfect pour over setup is the one that best fits your needs so it’s time to stop reading and start brewing coffee. Happy caffeinating!
