As the popularity of pour over coffee makers continues to grow, more and more people are looking for the best pour-over coffee maker on the market. So, what is a pour over coffee maker, and which one should you buy? Read on to find out!
Table of Contents
What Is A Pour Over Coffee Maker?
A pour over coffee maker is a type of coffee maker that uses a paper filter to brew coffee. The coffee grounds are placed in the filter, and hot water is poured over them. The water drip’s through the filter and into the coffee pot below, where it is then ready to drink. Though it can use a paper filter like a coffee dripper, the similarities stop there when comparing a manual drip coffee maker to the coffee brewed from a pour-over.
A pour over coffee maker consists of two parts. First the cone filter or portafilter, which holds the coffee grounds, and second the decanter or carafe, which catches the brewed coffee.
The cone filter is the part of the pour over coffee maker that holds the coffee grounds. There are a variety of different cone filters available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The most important thing to consider when choosing a cone filter is the material. Cone filters are typically made of paper, metal, or plastic.
Paper cone filters are the most common type of cone filter. They are typically made of thin paper that is coated with a food-grade resin. Paper cone filters are lightweight and easy to use, but they can be difficult to clean.
Metal cone filters are less common than paper cone filters, but they are growing in popularity. Metal cone filters are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum. Metal cone filters are more durable than paper cone filters, but they can be more difficult to use.
Other great manual coffee pot reviews, Best Turkish Coffee Pot
Plastic cone filters are the least common type of cone filter. They are typically made of plastic or rubber. Plastic cone filters are more durable than paper cone filters, but they can be more difficult to use.
The decanter is the part of the pour over coffee maker that catches the brewed coffee. Decanters come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The most important thing to consider when choosing a decanter is the material. Decanters are typically made of glass, ceramic, or plastic.
Glass decanters are the most common type of decanter. They are typically made of clear glass, so you can see the coffee as it brews. Glass decanters are lightweight and easy to use, but they can be difficult to clean.
Ceramic decanters are less common than glass decanters, but they are growing in popularity. Ceramic decanters are typically made of white or light-colored ceramic. Ceramic decanters are more durable than glass decanters, but they can be more difficult to use.
Plastic decanters are the least common type of decanter. They are typically made of clear plastic. Plastic decanters are more durable than glass decanters, but they can be more difficult to use.
![Fellow Stagg [XF] Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set - Kit Includes Stagg [XF] Pour-Over Dripper, Stagg Double Wall Glass Carafe, and 30 Paper Filters](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31MdkC7H0IL.jpg)
Why Is Pour Over Becoming More Popular?
Pour over coffee makers are becoming more and more popular for a number of reasons.
First, they produce a high-quality cup of coffee.
Second, they are easy to use.
Third, they are less expensive than many other manual brewing methods.
Pour over coffee makers vs other brewing methods
Pour over coffee makers produce a high-quality cup of coffee. The paper filter removes much of the oil and sediment from the coffee, resulting in a cleaner cup of coffee.
Pour over coffee makers are also easy to use. The cone filter is easy to fill with coffee grounds, and the decanter is easy to pour hot water into.
Pour over coffee makers are less expensive than many other brewing methods. The cone filter and decanter are both reusable, so you don’t have to keep buying pods used for several single serve coffee makers.
Things To Look For In A Pour Over Coffee Maker
If you are new to pour over coffee makers there are a few things you should look for before you buy one.
Coffee Maker Material Used
First, consider the material of the cone filter and decanter. Glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic all have their own pros and cons.
Ceramic, Glass and Metal
Ceramic, Glass and metal materials are excellent to use because…
-They are durable
-They don’t absorb flavors
-They are easy to clean
-All are excellent at holding heat
However, these materials can be difficult to use because…
-Glass is breakable
-They can be heavy
-They can be expensive
Plastic
Plastic on the other hand is very inexpensive but typically will not brew coffee as good because…
-It can absorb flavors
-It doesn’t hold heat as well
Shape and size of the decanter
Second, consider the shape and size of the decanter. Decanters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The most important thing to consider when choosing a decanter is the material. Decanters are typically made of glass, ceramic, or plastic.
You will also want to make sure that the decanter you choose can hold the right amount of coffee for your needs. If you only drink one cup of coffee per day, you will not need a large decanter. However, if you drink several cups of coffee per day, you will need a larger decanter.
The shape of the decanter also matters. Some decanters are tall and skinny, while others are short and wide. The shape of the decanter will affect how the coffee tastes. Tall and skinny decanters will produce a weaker cup of coffee, while short and wide decanters will produce a stronger cup of coffee.
Coffee Grounds
Third, consider the coffee grounds you will use. The coffee grounds you use will affect the taste of the coffee. If you want to produce a high-quality cup of coffee, you will need to use high-quality coffee grounds.
There are two types of coffee grounds: whole bean and pre-ground. Whole bean coffee is made from coffee beans that have been roasted and ground. Pre-ground coffee is made from coffee beans that have already been ground.
Whole bean coffee is more expensive than pre-ground coffee, but it will be better for brewing coffee for pour over makers. If you are using a pour over coffee maker, you should use whole bean coffee.
The type of filter
Next, consider the type of filter you want to use. Cone filters are the most common type of filter, but there are also flat bottomed filters. Cone filters are more common because they allow for a better extraction of coffee.
Cone filters are made of paper, metal, or plastic. Paper filters are the most common type of filter. They are inexpensive and easy to use. They will also remove oils and sediment from your coffee. Paper filters are great for light roast and medium roast coffee beans and provide a clear, bright cup of coffee.
Metal filters are less common than paper filters. They are more expensive but will last longer. They do not remove oils and sediment from your coffee as well as paper filters do. Metal filters are great for dark roast coffee beans and provide a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee.
The Best Pour Over Coffee Makers
I have divided up my picks into categories to help you identify which pour over sets may work best for your specific needs.
Fellow Stagg Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set – Best Pour Over Coffee Set
Fellow Stagg [XF] Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set - Kit Includes Stagg [XF] Pour-Over Dripper, Stagg Double Wall Glass Carafe, and 30 Paper Filters
Best Pour Over Coffee Set
The Fellow Stag Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set is a great choice for those who want the best pour over coffee set. This set includes a double walled glass decanter and is just a masterpiece both in use and to look at.
It is simple to use and does not require any external measurements as it has a built-in ratio aid to help you make the perfect single or double cup of coffee.
With two huge cups of coffee each pot, the Stagg is ideal for a couple or a single person in need of a little more energizing. Although the double walled structure helps to keep the coffee warm, the Ratio Eight Thermal Carafe is perhaps more to your liking if you require more coffee to be kept hot. For this brewer, the dripper has a gasket at the bottom to keep it attached to the carafe. Our brewed coffee was kept at a consistent temperature thanks to this seal.
The price is on the high side for a manual coffee maker but it is worth the investment if you are looking for the perfect cup of coffee.
Chemex Classic – Best Glass Pour Over Coffee Maker for Group Settings
Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker - Classic Series
Best Glass Pour Over Coffee Maker for Group Settings
The Chemex Classic is a great choice for those who want the best glass pour over coffee maker. This coffee maker is made out of non-porous, borosilicate glass which does not absorb flavor or scent.
The Chemex Classic has a simple design and is easy to use. It comes with a wooden collar and leather tie which add to its classic look. It also has the ability to brew 8 cups of coffee at a time.
As the go-to brewer among pour-over coffee enthusiasts, the Chemex is a great place to start for those new to the brewing technique. Using a Chemex brewer, you can make a lot of coffee in a short amount of time, and it’s easy to master. To lessen the bitterness of a more delicate and nuanced flavor profile, the unique filters help trap oils from the beans. Regardless of how many cups we made, the Chemex consistently delivered some of the greatest coffee.
You may notice that the body of the coffee is a little thinner when you use this method instead of a Hario v60 or Kalita Wave to brew the same coffee, but it’s an enjoyable effect if you favor the mouthfeel of tea.
Aside from that, there are the visuals. The brewer has been around for a while, but its hourglass form, wooden collar, and leather tie make it both fashionable and approachable. It’s an item that you can keep on hand at all times and use whenever needed. Brewers from Chemex are available in three varieties: a classic model, a glass-handle model, and a handblown version. Handblown brewers come in a range of capacities ranging from three to five gallons to eight gallons to a whopping 13 cups.
Hario Woodneck Drip Pot – Best Flavor
Best Flavor
Even when it comes to coffee, taste may be a highly subjective matter. Some people exclusively drink mild brews, such as Starbucks. For some, they’re a godsend. As a result, the Hario Nel Drip Set is capable of extracting a wider range of flavor profiles than other coffee makers. However, those who like a more robust taste to that of an electric machine will be in love with this new coffee maker. This coffee is thicker, stronger, and more aromatic after it has been filtered through a cloth filter (also known as a nel).
In addition to its distinct flavor, this product’s design also sets it apart from the rest. The gorgeous wood details and the fabric filter make this pour over both elegant and rustic. Cloth filters are more expensive than paper ones, so that’s a drawback to keep in mind. On the other hand, with a little extra cleaning, you can reuse cloth filters for months. The item can be washed in the dishwasher.
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker – Best Pour-Over With Permanent Filter
Best Pour-Over With Permanent Filter
Granted it is the only pour over coffee brewer I have with a permanent filter, so it was an easy win for this category. The built in filter does a good job of allowing water to pass through without letting any coffee grounds sneak by. The result is a clean cup of coffee with no sediment.
The carafe is made of borosilicate glass which can handle high temperatures and won’t absorb any flavors from your coffee. It has a lot to love, it is inexpensive and environmentally friendly by not requiring you to use disposable paper filters and makes a decent mug of coffee.
One thing I do not like about this set is that the water runs through the filter pretty quickly making for a weaker cup of coffee. If you want a stronger cup, you need to use more coffee grounds which can make the final product taste a bit bitter.
Overall, I think this is a good pour over coffee maker for those who want an environmentally friendly option that is easy to use and doesn’t require any paper filters.
Kalita Wave 185 – Best Single Cup Brewer
Best Single Cup Brewer
An best small pour over coffee maker for a single cup is the Kalita Wave 185. This flat bottom cone features a slightly convex inner filter that allows the water to evenly saturate the coffee grounds, resulting in a more uniform extraction. The result is a cup of coffee with fewer bitter notes and more sweetness.
In versions with finer points, such as the Hario V60 or Chemex, water spends more time in the grounds surrounding the point. To get the most out of your beans, you’ll need to be a little more accurate with your water aiming with these models.
Flaw but not a dealbreaker
As a result of the Kalita’s wide flat base, this is one less thing to worry about when using it. Using regular Chemex or Melitta filters, which can be found in most food stores, will not work since you need to use Kalita filters, which are unique in shape.
The Kalita Wave is my favorite single cup brewer because it is so easy to use and produces a consistently great cup of coffee. It is on the expensive side but is made of stainless steel and lasts for a lifetime.
COSORI Pour Over Coffee Maker – Best Stainless Steel Pour Over Coffee Maker
COSORI Pour Over Coffee Maker with Double-layer Stainless Steel Filter
Best Metal Pour Over Coffee Maker
Considering the quality and price of the COSORI Pour Over Coffee Maker, I would say it is the best overall pour over coffee maker for most people’s needs. This set includes a glass decanter, a metal filter, and a plastic stand. The stand is adjustable so you can use it with different size cups or mugs.
The COSORI Pour Over Coffee Maker is easy to use and produces a great cup of coffee. The glass decanter holds heat well and doesn’t absorb flavors. The metal filter is durable and allows for a good extraction of coffee.
I like the flavor produced by the combination the metal cone and glass carafe. It was bright, clean and tasted exactly as expected.
Hario V60 – Best Ceramic Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Best Ceramic Pour-Over Coffee Maker
If you are looking for consistency in your pour over coffee, the Hario V60 is the way to go. The 60 degree angle and spiral ribs inside the cone help to evenly distribute water over the coffee grounds for a more consistent extraction. The result is a balanced cup of coffee with fewer bitter undertones.
This ceramic pour over coffee maker is also great for those who want to experiment with different brewing methods. The cone shape and large hole size give you more control over the water to coffee grounds ratio, brew time, and grind size. This allows you to really dial in your perfect cup of coffee.
Due to it’s ease of use and quality brew, the V60 is also my pick for the best pour over coffee maker for beginners.
The only downside to this pour over coffee maker is that it is a bit more fragile than other materials like glass or metal. It is also important to note that the Hario V60 does not come with a filter, so you will need to purchase one separately.
Ratio Six Coffee Maker – Best Automatic Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Best Automatic Pour-Over Coffee Maker
If you are looking for the best electric pour over coffee maker, the Ratio Six Coffee Maker is the way to go. This automatic coffee maker brews a perfect cup of coffee every time using pre-infusion, PID temperature control, and real-time flow rate monitoring.
The Ratio Six also features a sleek design that would look great on any countertop. It comes with a glass carafe, but there is also the option to upgrade to a thermal carafe.
Mark Hellweg, the company’s founder and CEO, created the Ratio 6 to strike the perfect mix between aesthetics and functionality. The machine’s components are built to last, and it operated consistently well with a few adjustments to grind size when tested with a variety of coffees from various processing methods and roast levels. The temperature of the water is precisely 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for most types of coffees.
To ensure that the coffee grounds are ready for optimal brewing, the built-in bloom cycle pre-wets them. With a six-cup/40-ounce capacity and an easy-to-clean wide-mouth thermal carafe included as standard, it’s perfect for daily home usage. It blends in with the rest of the decor and isn’t overbearing. The Ration 6 is on the more expensive end of the spectrum, but it’s not outrageous.
The Ratio Six Coffee Maker is the best automatic pour over coffee maker because it takes all of the guesswork out of brewing a great cup of coffee. It is also one of the most expensive coffee makers on this list, but in my opinion, it is worth the price tag.
Clever Coffee Dripper – Most Versatile
Most Versatile
When compared to the V60, what distinguishes it? The Clever cone has a tamper-proof valve at the bottom that allows you to operate this dripper like a French press.
As a result, it’s one of the most diverse and adaptable pour-overs on the market, and it’s also extremely easy to obtain decent results with it.
The Clever Dripper is a great pour over coffee maker for those who want the versatility of a French press with the simplicity of a pour over. The valve at the bottom of the cone allows you to control the brewing process, so you can make adjustments on the fly to achieve your desired cup of coffee.
OXO Pour-Over – Best Cheap Pour Over Coffee Maker
OXO Brew Pour-Over Coffee Maker with Water Tank
Best Cheap Pour Over Coffee Maker
From their nonstick frypan to their silicone sink strainer, I have long admired OXO’s beautifully constructed items. In addition to the pour-over coffee machine, I’m swooning about their water tank with holes for an uniform distribution of water over the grounds, a heat-retaining cover that doubles as a drip tray, and clear measurement marks.
Keep Your coffee warm all day, Best Coffee Mug Warmers
In addition to enhancing the flavor of your coffee, the auto-drip tank and ribbed inside walls reduce the need for constant supervision during the brewing process. You don’t have to buy specific mugs because the dripper connects firmly to a variety of sizes.
Fino Pour-Over Coffee Brewing Filter Cone – Best Portable Pour Over Coffee Maker
Best Portable Pour Over Coffee Maker
In addition to being lightweight and affordable, the Melitta HIC dripper is made of BPA-free plastic and can be used with cone filters found in most supermarkets.
If you’re going camping, you’ll need a dripper that’s portable and inexpensive. This dripper from Melitta, the HIC, may be the simplest on the market. It’s lightweight and BPA-free, so you can take it with you everywhere you go. Even if it doesn’t provide the best cup of coffee in the world, it is a beautiful sight to see at sunrise from your tent.
HOW TO MAKE POUR-OVER COFFEE
Below is a summary of how coffee drinkers can make a delicious cup of coffee using the pour-over method.
Items Needed
There are a few things you’ll need to make pour-over coffee:
A pour-over coffee maker
Coffee grounds – I recommend starting with a light or medium roast.
A grinder – A good burr grinder is essential for making a great cup of coffee.
A kettle – You’ll need hot water to make pour-over coffee. I like using an electric kettle like the SAKI Baristian because it’s quick, you are able to dial in the exact temperature needed and the gooseneck kettle design is perfect for pour over.
A filter – Pour-over coffee makers come with their own filters, so you’ll just need to make sure you have the right size.
A mug – This is where your coffee will end up!
Making Pour-Over Coffee
1. Start by heating up your water in the kettle. You want it to be around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. While the water is heating up, grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine grind.
3. Place the filter into the coffee maker and wet it with some of the hot water. This will help to remove any paper taste from the filter.
4. Add your ground coffee to the filter and give it a gentle shake to level it out.
5. Once the water is heated, slowly pour it over the coffee grounds in a circular motion. Try to pour evenly so that all of the grounds are evenly saturated.
6. Allow the coffee to drip into the mug for about 3-4 minutes.
7. Enjoy your delicious cup of pour-over coffee!
If you want a detailed look at how to make the best cup of pour over coffee, make sure to see my full guide here with tricks and tips for the perfect cup every time.
How I Test Pour Over Coffee Makers
Owning a coffee shop in the past and having an obsession with coffee, I’ve had the chance to try out a lot of different coffee makers. I always keep up with the latest brewing methods and devices. Below I will go over what I personally look for when testing out a pour-over coffee maker.
First, I consider the materials used. As I mentioned before, glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic all have their own pros and cons. I personally prefer glass or ceramic because they are durable, hold heat, don’t absorb flavors, and are easy to clean.
Second, I consider the shape and size of the decanter. The most important thing to me is that the decanter can hold the right amount of coffee for my needs. I also prefer a short and wide decanter because it produces a stronger cup of coffee.
Third, I consider the type of filter. Cone filters are more common because they allow for a better extraction of coffee. I prefer paper filters for pour over because they are inexpensive and easy to use. They also remove oils and sediment from your coffee.
Next, I see how easy is the parts to clean. I prefer coffee makers that have dishwasher safe parts. This makes it easy to clean and maintain.
Now that you know what to look for in a pour
Finally I consider the price vs the quality of the set and the brew made.
For the majority of the tests I used my regular light and medium roast beans that I am familiar with the flavor so I know what to expect. I also like to test with a dark roast from time to time to see how well the coffee maker can handle it.
Conclusion for Best Pour Over Coffee Maker
Pour-over coffee makers are becoming more popular for a good reason – they make a delicious cup of coffee! If you’re looking for the best pour over coffee maker in 2022, this list will help you choose the perfect one for your needs. From portable coffee makers to those with unique features, there’s something for everyone on this list.
FAQ
Looking for more information on the best pour-over coffee makers, see our FAQ section below.
Is glass or ceramic better for pour over coffee?
Both glass and ceramic have their own pros and cons, but I personally prefer glass or ceramic because they are durable, hold heat, don’t absorb flavors, and are easy to clean.
What type of filter do you prefer for pour over coffee?
I prefer paper filters for pour over because they are inexpensive and easy to use. They also remove oils and sediment from your coffee.
For darker roasts, I often revert back to my trusty French Press. The mesh filter on a French Press does a good job of allowing all of the flavor of the dark roast shine.
How do I clean my pour over coffee maker?
I prefer coffee makers that have dishwasher safe parts because they are easy to clean and maintain. However, you can also clean your coffee maker by hand with warm water and soap.
If you have a stainless steel model, consider using some of the tricks we share in our guide on how to clean a stainless steel coffee percolator.
Who makes the best pour over coffee machine?
There are a lot of great pour over coffee makers on the market, and it really depends on what you are looking for in your coffee maker. For larger groups, I love using the Chemex as it is capable of brewing a good cup of coffee for several guests and the looks always intrigues people and is a great conversation starter.
For individual use, I really like the Hario V60 as it is easy to use and makes a great cup of coffee.
Do I need special coffee beans for Pour Over?
No, you don’t need special coffee beans for pour over. However, I recommend using a light to medium roast coffee bean as it will be more consistent in flavor and easier to extract.
What is the best grind size for Pour Over?
The best grind size for pour over coffee is a medium grind. This will allow the water to evenly extract the coffee without being too fine or too coarse.
What is the best pour over coffee maker for beginners?
There are several great models that are beginner friendly. I personally like the Hario V60 and the Chemex, but there are several others that would be great for beginners as well.
Do I need a gooseneck kettle for Pour Over?
A gooseneck kettle is not necessary for pour over, but it does help to control the water flow and allows you to have more control over the brewing process.
