As a pioneering front in specialty coffee making, pour-over coffee maker currently represents an intersection between excellence and artistry. Manual brewing using manual coffee makers is becoming increasingly common, especially for coffee shop baristas and home enthusiasts alike.
The ability to control the brewing process allows you to create a brew that fits your taste and preference. Such a brew highlights coffee’s unique character, which is why a lot of machine-made coffee aficionados have made the switch.
If you prefer coffee from your brewing machine, you are definitely missing a tasty cup of pure bliss. Pour-over coffee is cleaner and brighter than your average French press, more painstaking than coffee from your machine, and of course safer than a drip coffee maker.
While this coffee is considered the realm of cuppers and snobs, it’s not only delicious, but it’s also quite easy to brew. Although it seems that pour-over brewing is labor-intensive, and it would be easier to just brew your morning cup using your automatic coffee maker, the resulting brew may change how you make your coffee.
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Why Pour-Over?
It’s a great question and here is what we think based on where you come from, you may have noticed pour-over or single-cup brewing at the café you frequent. Coffee is brewed to specification, and you get to pick the best beans you prefer. In addition, you have to wait a little longer than normal. Moreover, it is slightly pricey! So, is it still worth it?
Well, a typical coffee maker heats your water, drips it onto coffee grinds in one cycle, and then uses filter paper to sieve out the grinds as your brew drips into a carafe. Most coffee makers come with a heating mechanism to keep your brew warm for those who consume several cups a day.
So what is the problem then? The issue here is that you have less control over your machine as it prepares your coffee other than the number of coffee beans to add or the quality of the grind.
On the other hand, pour-over brewing gives you absolute control over things like speed of pour so that water has a longer contact time with your grind. Such a brew is rich and full of flavor. This technique enthusiasts confess that each cup has a unique taste and experimenting with this approach will give you a lot of insight on nuances associate with flavor.
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Another great benefit is that they are portable and can slip into your bag when you travel. Take it anywhere on the go for outdoor camping coffee and it’s fun. These are non-electric and you would just need hot water to brew, which can be easily brought in an insulated coffee thermos. These thermoses can keep the water hot for a couple of hours or a whole day depending upon the type and make.
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Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers – Our Favorites
1. Cafellissimo Paperless
- Gourmet flavor made easy - Hand brew barista-quality coffee...
- Double mesh design – The Cafellissimo coffee filter is...
- Convenience and quality – Anywhere you go, the power of a...
- Easy to clean and use- The Cafellissimo single coffee...
If you are looking for a stand-alone pour-over coffee maker made out of a laser-cut stainless steel filter, then this is the product for you. For one, it is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to carry around if you are a cupper who thrives on a daily cup of coffee.
Cafellissimo prepares your favorite brew within a very short time. You can also give it a quick wash and use it immediately to prepare the next batch. Its filter is made out of stainless steel, making it a better choice when compared to ceramic, glass, or plastic filters.
To fix a cup of coffee, simply prepare 2 tablespoons of ground coffee to go with 6 ounces of water. The best thing about this coffee maker is that you can clean it with your dishwasher as easily as you would hand wash it.
Its overall dimensions are 5.2 by 4.5 by 3.4 inches and it weighs 3.36 ounces, making it one of the smallest pour-over coffee makers in the market. Thus, if you want to find out what great poured-over coffee tastes like, try Cafellissimo. For best results, we suggest using a pour-over coffee kettle as it helps to distribute the water evenly over the grounds in a uniform flow. It sounds simple, but it does help to reach perfection.
Pros
- There’s no need to for a filter
- Coffee tastes great
- Stylish
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- Requires time and a lot of water to clean properly
Bottom line
This product is a great choice if you are looking for a paperless pour-over coffee maker. It sits well on your mug and offers you’re a bolder flavor when compared to similar products. In addition, its steel filter is grade 18/8, which gives you a mess-free experience. Give this as a gift to a coffee snob, and you will see a smile from within.
2. Hario Ceramic Coffee Dripper – White
- Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper Pour Over Cone, White
This product gives you a hands-on coffee brewing experience by allowing you to adjust temperature and the brewing time. This brewer is a great choice if you want a coffee maker that fits on your mug and lets your coffee through as it brews.
With Hario Ceramic, you can regulate how much water flows through and its temperatures, meaning you can brew coffee to your liking.
The designer developed this maker to provide you with the ultimate coffee brewing experience. In fact, its design is crafted to provide you an efficient product when compared to other brands on the market.
Looking at it for the first time might cause you to think there’s not much to it. This product has quite a large opening at its base that allows coffee to flow through smoothly, thanks to its ridge design. When making coffee, it flows through the side and the bottom. This type of water flow is the reason a lot of people prefer it to other coffee makers.
While Hario Ceramic Coffee Dripper is a top-notch product, it is not meant for every coffee enthusiast. Although you can control the brewing process, the brewer can be unforgiving at times. For instance, if you make pouring slipups, your coffee won’t taste great.
Pros
- Quick brewing time
- Great tasting coffee
Cons
- Novices find it difficult to use
- Brewing blunders may interfere with quality and taste
Bottom line
If you are an experienced or average user, this is the right product for you. It’s slightly unforgiving when you make blunders, but your drink will always taste great if you understand the brewing process.
3. E-PRANCE HoneyCombed Coffee Filter
- 【GREAT TASTE EXPERIENCE】E-PRANCE coffee filters are...
- 【TAKE IT EVERYWHERE】Use the coffee filter cone...
- 【RINSE WITH RUNNING WATER】Less than 60 seconds-Just...
- 【ECONOMIC & ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY】Tired of paying for...
Are you a coffee enthusiast looking for a hassle-free, reusable and permanent way to brew high-quality coffee minus filter papers? E-PRANCE Coffee-Filter is exactly what you are looking for. With this product, there is no need to waste paper.
This pour-over coffee maker comfortably prepares up to 4 cups of a dark and richly flavored brew within a very short time. It features a re-usable 18/8 gauge steel that is honeycomb-shaped and BPA-free. Its steel filter can retain even the finest grind. It has a handle wrapped in silicone to protect your hands from heat.
This product provides you with an alternative to disposable filter paper, which is known to filter out essential oils out of your coffee.
To use this coffee maker, just place it onto your coffee cup and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of medium ground coffee. Next, pour hot water through and allow it to drip slowly.
This coffee maker has a wide and sturdy base so that it won’t tip over. Also, its wide base ensures that it fits perfectly over your coffee cup.
Note: Always use a coffee scale for precise measurements of the things you use in this method for perfection in brewing. If you don’t have one, we suggest checking our guide about the best coffee scales you would ever get!
Pros
- Better brewing experience
- Honeycomb shaped for best filtering
- Stand is wide and non-slip
- Silicone handle to protect your hand from heat
Cons
- Slow drainer
Bottom line
If you don’t mind waiting for your coffee to pour through, then this product makes an excellent addition to your list of coffee gadgetry. You will definitely love the honeycomb pattern on the filter because it is not only nice to look at, but also filters out even the finest grind.
4. Yitelle Stainless Steel Pour over Coffee Cone Dripper
- EXPERIENCE THE BETTER TASTE OF COFFEE – unlike paper...
- PERFECT FIT - the base of this beautiful permanent stainless...
- SAFETY SILICONE RUBBER AND HEAT RESISTANT – the Yitelle...
- EASY CLEAN - this pour over coffee maker with it's ultra...
Yitelle Stainless Steel dripper was designed to meet all your coffee brewing needs. It features an inbuilt ultra-fine mesh made out of steel. So, there’s no need to purchase filter papers. In addition, it’s cone-shaped like many other similar coffee makers, thus you shouldn’t find it difficult to fix a cup of coffee. Its base sits snuggly onto your mug, making your coffee brewing experience fun and easy.
There is a silicone handle to protect your hands from extreme heat when pouring water through the filter. Its mesh is easy to keep clean and is dishwasher-friendly in case you want to eliminate any remaining residue. In addition, the coffee maker comes with its own brush.
Its excellent filter allows you to fix your cup of coffee in seconds. The strainer will hold onto coffee grounds while letting essential oils flow through into your brew. However, if your grind is very fine, some of the coffee will pass through and your cup will have some residue at the bottom.
Pros
- No need to buy filters
- Reliable
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Makes one cup at a go
- Very fine grind passes through
Bottom line
This coffee maker is price friendly and delivers incredibly good quality coffee. It sits really well on your mug and your coffee brews fast. If you don’t mind the coffee residue in your cup, this coffee maker makes an excellent choice.
5. Hario Clear Glass Coffee Server
- Our full-fledged professional coffee flavor can be tasted at...
- Easy to use and clean
- Heat-proof glass
- Microwaveable
Hario clear glass is functional and classy wear manufactured by a company that understands what a great coffee experience should feel like. This product is manufactured from heatproof glass designed to trap heat for a long time. In addition, its spout is specially crafted allowing you to pour your coffee without any spillage. It’s actually a server that combines with the coffee maker to make preparation much easier.
It features classic curves that fit well in any kitchen or café. Also, the curves make it easy for the coffee maker to maintain thermal stability. The surface of the glass is graduate in millimeters so that you know how much coffee you have poured out at any one time.
It features a rubber and glass lid that seals the coffee maker so that heat is not lost to the surrounding. You can also use the lid as a stand when storing the coffee maker. This product is microwave and dishwasher friendly, and you can buy it in 300, 600, or 800 ml.
Pros
- Excellent heat retention
- Beautifully curved
- Multifunction lid
- Graduated measurements
- Three sizes to choose from
Cons
- The largest size weighs 0.5 kg, which is a little heavy
Bottom line
This product is beautifully crafted, thanks to its curves. The manufacturer put a lot of thought into heat retention so that your coffee stays warm for long. One of its great features is the multifunctional lid: it is both a base and a cover. So, you can place it on its lid when you want to store it away. Overall, this is an excellent product, especially for those who have decorative kitchen appliances.
6. Chemex Classic Pour Over Glass Coffeemaker
- CHEMEX - simple, easy to use with timeless, elegant design
- All CHEMEX Coffeemakers are made of the highest quality,...
- The patented CHEMEX pour-over design allows coffee to be...
- All CHEMEX Coffeemakers are measured using 5 oz. as 1 cup
Chemex is among the best coffee makers on the market, thanks to its ability to prepare 8 cups of brew at a go. If you often host guests at home, Chemex is a party brewer. It is manufactured out of borosilicate glass, which is why its overall design is simple, flawless, timeless, and elegant.
Its material does not retain odors and it’s designed to prevent any material, including chemical residues, from stick on the surface. With Chemex, you can chill or refrigerate coffee and even reheat it later without it losing its flavor.
When you wish to reheat, the coffee maker can be placed onto your stove directly as long as you set the flame to mild. In the absence of a stove, you can use an electric heater. Be sure to place a steel grid between the heater and the coffee maker to break apart the glass.
The jug has a wooden collar to protect your hands when pouring water through the filter. The collar attaches and comes off easily in case you want to clean the glass. Coffee tastes amazing and this is due to its double-bonded filter technology. The filter is extremely fine, so your coffee turns out clean after brewing.
Pros
- Ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing
- Large brewing capacity
Cons
- Fragile
- Filter is slightly pricey
Bottom line
If you regularly entertain and want to offer your guests the best brew, be sure to go for a Chemex. Not only is it aesthetically designed, but it can also brew several cups of coffee at once, and you can use it to re-heat your coffee at a later time.
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7. Coffee Gator Pour-Over Brewer
- BARISTA APPROVED: Channel your inner barista with our pour...
- TASTE: Unlock your coffee's full flavor potential with our...
- REUSABLE: Built with a laser-cut stainless steel mesh...
- CONVENIENT: Espresso-ly crafted with BPA-free,...
Coffee Gator has excellent taste, which is why they strive to give you the best. Their prime focus is developing cool products, keeping the environment looking healthy, and making delicious coffee. The coffee Gator brewer is an all-in-one coffee maker. It features a detachable filter that lets you use a decanter or carafe for other activities in your kitchen. Essentially, you have two tools for the price of one.
This coffee maker’s dripper is almost the same as that of Chemex, except that it has a 10-ounce capacity. It is best suited for people who don’t mind one cup per brewing.
Perhaps the best thing about this brewer is that the manufacturer guarantees you satisfaction. Although the brand sells itself out there, the manufacturer does a good job at extending consumer trust.
Pros
- No paper is involved when brewing
- Comes with metal filter and carafe
Cons
- Only one cup can be brewed in one go
Bottom line
The overall design is aesthetic, although you can only make 1 cup during each brew. For the price of one, you get a filter and a carafe, meaning you won’t have to spend money on paper filters. Plus, the product is durable enough to last a lifetime as long as you handle it with care.
8. Cuisinart CPO-850 (Best Pour-Over Coffee Machine)
- SCAA Certified - meets the Specialty Coffee Association of...
- Flavor strength control - mild, medium, bold
- Temperature control - hot, extra hot
- Dimensions: 14.5x13.75x9.5 inch (WxHxD), Unit Weight: 10.2...
Cuisinart is well known for making reputable kitchen appliances, although most of the products they make are simply good, not premium level. Their Cuisinart CPO-850 is an Automatic pour-over, however, was designed to rival other premium quality, coffee makers.
Apart from its pre-soak feature, this coffee maker is packed full of other nice functionalities to make your life easier. It has a brew pause, temperature control, flavor selector, and a built-in filter. The flavor selector allows you to choose between three flavors: medium, mild and bold.
At a standard dimension of 14.5 by 13.75 by 9.5 inches, this coffee maker is SCAA certified, meaning it meets the bare minimum specialty coffee association of America’s tough requirements. It weighs 64 ounces, which is the equivalent of an 8-cup carafe.
Pros
- Flavor control
- Has temperature regulator
- Comes with a 8-cup thermal carafe
- It has brew pause control
Cons
- Sometimes its lid does not close properly
Bottom line
Cuisinart CPO-850 is a worthy investment, especially if you are looking for a pour-over coffee maker that allows you to control flavor and temperature.
9. Motif Elements Pour-Over
- Specially designed showerhead ensures even saturation of...
- Superior water heater ensures ideal brewing temperature
- Pre-infusion mode releases the unique flavors of your Coffee
- Audible tones indicate when the brewer starts and completes...
For a perfect cup of coffee each time, try the motif Elements pour-over brewer. The manufacturer’s goal was to provide you with a device that would please your palate. Guess what, they have done that for the past 25 years. If quality and convenience are what you desire, the Element is a great choice.
This coffee maker stands at 12 by 6 by 13.5 inches and comes with a cord that is 3 feet long. That means you can fit it anywhere in your kitchen comfortably.
The motif coffee maker has a good coffee to water contact, which stands at 4 minutes so that the right coffee flavor can be extracted. It features an infusion mode, which helps to bloom your coffee ground. This ensures that your coffee tastes the same every time.
There are two types to choose from: a glass and a thermal carafe. Whichever you choose, there is a lid that can be sealed tight to trap in all heat and flavor so that you don’t have to keep reheating.
This product also features a separate plate for warming coffee, an audible alarm, and a decalcification sensor that lets you know when you should decalcify your brewer.
Pros
- Pre-infusion mode
- Features an audible alarm
- Decalcification sensor
Cons
- Slightly pricey
10. Double-Wall Pour Over With Cone Filter
The Double-wall pour-over coffee maker has a bunch of impressive features. It has a double structure, with a vacuum in between to maintain your coffee’s temperature. This is a plus, considering there are other much more expensive brewers that have trouble maintaining heat.
It also features a stainless steel basket that keeps the filter higher up to maximize flavor extraction. That way, you can improve your coffee’s flavor and lower the time it takes your coffee to pour.
There is a beautifully designed carafe to add aesthetics to your home and enhance your experience. With this glass carafe as well as steel basket, there is zero waste when you are preparing your coffee. Plus, you can keep your coffee and enjoy it later by using the specially designed cork cover.
Pros
- Improved aroma and flavor
- Maintains heat
- Elegant design
- Easy to clean
- Re-usable
Cons
- Requires a lot of car as it can easily break
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FAQs
Generally, a medium grind would work best with pour-over brewers. The rule of thumb with regards states that the finest grind is perfect if you are extracting using pressure while a medium grind works well. A coarse grind would benefit you if you prefer to cold brew or French coffee press.
Something else worth noting is that the other key things to consider are temperature and time. If you want to fine-tune the quality of the grind, the best tool you can invest in is a good grinder.
The best grinder is the burr type. It ensures your grind is consistent and your brewer’s extraction is even.
The best coffee begins with a good grind. If you are in pour-over brewing, you need to find the right grinder. These typically work best with a medium to coarse grind. There are two types of grinders you can work with: manual or burr grinders. Manual grinders are quite affordable and portable as well. However, they are usually tiring.
Burr grinders are automatic. You simply program your coffee brewer, sit back and relax. The best manual grinders currently on the market are Hario Coffee Milk Ceramic Grinder while the best affordable automatic grinder is the Baratza Encore Electric Conical Burr.
Wrap Up
Admittedly, pour-over coffee does taste good thanks to the fact that everything is under your control. For you to get the flavor right, you have to be able to find a pour coffee brewer with the right bells and whistles.
There are many coffee brewers on the market, so it might be a little challenging for someone who does not know what to look for. Fortunately, we have listed a few that we think will benefit you.