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Coffee is a very personal and individualized experience. What you may think is the best tasting cup might not be someone else’s favorite brew. That being said, there is a consensus that pour over coffee makers and drippers might produce some of the best-tasting coffee as this method extracts all the rich flavors of ground coffee while maintaining the natural oils for a maximum flavor experience.
In addition to being a richer tasting cup of coffee, using the pour over method is also a fast and easy way to make it as it only requires a glass carafe and a filter to get you started. Below are some of the best pour over coffee makers.
These coffee makers are perfect for newbies who have never made coffee using this method and professional coffee drinkers alike who know how to make their best tasting cup. All of these options also come with heat-resistant, sturdy glass carafe’s, a handle or removable cuff to protect your hands from the heat and of course the filter component in which you have the option of a reusable or paper filter depending on your preference.
Compare the Top Pour Over Coffee Makers of 2024
Chemex Pour Over Filter-Drip Coffeemaker — Best Overall
The Chemex Coffeemaker is a pour over coffeemaker made of specially designed, non-porous glass that will not absorb odors or chemical residues. Simple and easy to use, it is recommended to use medium-coarse ground coffee together with their scientifically designed, patented filters. Doing this will guarantee their pour over brewing process will deliver the perfect cup of coffee without any sediments or bitter elements so you can experience the purest flavor experience.
Pros
- The patented Chemex pour-over design allows coffee to be refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor
Cons
- It is not recommended to use anything other than Chemex brand coffee filters
ParkBrew Pour Over Coffee Maker — Runner Up
The Pour Over Coffee Maker by ParkBrew uses the same high-quality thick glass similar to our option above which results in fewer breakages yet differs in design as it incorporates a handle onto their carafe to ensure post-brew handling is safe and easy. Other design features include the integration of a specialized “channel” spout into the carafe to help reduce and eliminate splashing and you can use the carafe itself as an accurate measuring guide which eliminates the need for a scale. Another great perk worth mentioning is that since this product is made for sale in the USA, the measurements are done in fluid ounces not mL like many other varieties.
Pros
- ParkBrew donates 10% of their net annual profits to the National Park Foundation
Cons
- The included metal filter might not be fine enough to make a strong cup of coffee
Bean Envy Pour Over Coffee Maker — Honorable Mention
The Bean Envy Pour Over Coffee Maker is an excellent choice for coffee connoisseurs who want the best cup possible. By using a laser-cut, stainless steel micro mesh funnel strainer, it provides a richer, bolder flavor and eliminates the need for single-use filters. Plus, the superior quality of the product is evident in its thick, durable Borosilicate glass carafe, and the risk of slipping or cracking it is minimized by the patented silicone sleeve that protects it.
Pros
- Made of lead-free glass and food-grade stainless steel filter
Cons
- May not keep drinks warm for a long time
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker — Contender
Bodum’s Pour Over Coffee Maker is another great option if you prefer a permanent, mesh filter. This one includes a stainless steel one that will help to extract the coffee’s aromatic oils and subtle flavors that sometimes can be absorbed by a paper filter and is dishwasher safe. The carafe itself looks both functional with its temperature-resistant glass and it has a removable cork or silicone banding to help keep your grip strong and cool while giving the carafe a stylish feel.
Pros
- This coffee maker makes eight cups of coffee and brews in under four minutes
Cons
- Each cup of coffee is measured in 4 oz increments
Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker — Most Notable
Coffee Gator’s Coffee Maker is a 14 oz pour over coffee dripper with a laser-cut, stainless steel mesh filter to ensure full-on flavor. This strainer is the key to exceptional tasting coffee and this dual mesh one traps more grounds while still letting the natural oils and flavors to pass through. This filter is also made to withstand extreme temperatures and won’t rust and with a built-in filter, you never have to worry about waking up, wanting your coffee and realizing you have ran out of filters again.
Pros
- This coffee-maker is made from 100% BPA-free glass
Cons
- This carafe is very fragile
Melitta Pour-Over CoffeeMaker — Also Consider
Melitta’s Pour-Over Coffeemaker is one of the simplest, least expensive ways to make a delicious cup of coffee. This set comes with a pour-over brewing cone and a glass carafe that holds six, six-ounce cups of coffee, a handy coffee scoop and five filters to get you started brewing. This coffee maker is travel-friendly and sets up in a flash.
Pros
- The plastic cone drip brewer is BPA-free
Cons
- This coffeemaker uses paper filters
Oamceg Pour Over Coffee Maker — Editor's Pick
This clever coffee dripper by Oamceg is another great pour-over coffee option that has an aesthetically pleasing design and will be a stand out in any kitchen. In addition to its looks, this artisanal coffee maker is made with sturdy and durable glass, has an anti-scalding wooded collar handle to protect your hands and comes with a stainless steel coffee dripper with double mesh filter to catch even the tiniest of coffee grounds. It also has a graceful curved bottle design with a v-shaped spout to allow you to brew your coffee without dripping.
Pros
- The carafe is made of BPA-free hand-blown glass
Cons
- Hand wash only
Buying Guide: Pour Over Coffee Maker
While every individual prefers different strengths of coffee, it depends on the way you make your coffee that brings the flavor in it. Making coffee in a pour over coffee maker is one of the most loved methods to brew and enjoy this steamy drink. If you eliminate the filter paper, you can get a more intense and natural flavor because the filter stops the cacao oil from entering your drink. Let's look at some of the tips for making the perfect coffee and the essential features of a pour over coffee maker.
How to Make the Perfect Coffee With a Pour Over Coffee Maker
- Start by buying your favorite coffee beans and grind them to make a medium-coarse powder. It is best to use a high-quality coffee grinder to get a consistent grind which will help in a full extraction later.
- You need to gently fold the filter paper and make a cone shape out of it. Put this cone-shaped filter on the brewer and ensure that the thick layers cover the pouring spout.
- Next, you need to dampen the filter cone paper with warm water and preheat the brewer. This will help in better extraction of the coffee grounds. The perfect temperature for brewing your coffee perfectly is 200F.
- If you want to get the perfect balance of flavors, use one tablespoon of ground coffee for every five ounces of water. However, if you want your coffee flavor to be more intense, you can add more coffee to it.
- Now take hot water (not boiling) and slowly pour it over the ground. Wait patiently for 30 seconds and let the coffee bloom to release the essential, desirable elements.
- Pour the hot water in a circular motion to reach all the areas in the filter.
- Drain the filter and ground contents after brewing the coffee for the right amount of time and quantity. Pour the pure hot coffee into your mug and indulge in its rich taste.
Essential Features in the Top Pour Over Coffee Makers
Single serve or multi-serve
Brewing capacity is an important element to consider before buying your pour over. A single-serve can be perfect if you are looking forward to brewing one to two cups. However, if you want to brew coffee for an entire family or multiple guests, you may want to opt for a multi-serve pour over.
Reusable filters or filter papers
Another vital consideration is filter paper. Will you be using new filter paper every time? If yes, keep in mind that it can add a lot to your expenses and impact the environment. However, if you are convenient in using paper filters, you can choose to go for it.
The second option you have is reusable filters, which can save you some bucks and help you enjoy a great taste of coffee. Unlike paper filters, these reusable ones do not absorb natural oils. As a result, it seeps right into the coffee, enhancing its taste.
Portability – where will you brew?
Some people are fond of traveling, and if you are one of such people, you might need a pour over coffee maker that can slip into your bag. Furthermore, you will also need to ensure that you require a minimum number of tools to brew the coffee. Two of the best portable pour over coffee makers are plastic or stainless steel. Ceramics and glass might be good for use at home, but they are too fragile to carry while traveling.
Technique required vs. your skill level
As pouring over is a manual technique for brewing and preparing your coffee, you need to consider tons of things, such as the time for brewing, the weight of the coffee grounds, water temperature, and much more. You might find these steps and precautions overwhelming if you are new to brewing coffee. Some users also think that while drinking coffee is the most relaxing activity, making a mug is not so easy.
If you are experienced in making coffee and know what it takes to get the best brewing results, choose a pour over coffee maker that gives you a little freedom for customization. Hence, it means you will have a greater chance of exploring new techniques with it. On the other hand, if you want something that gives you consistent results with minimum effort, you can go for something a little more forgiving. No doubt, you will get instructions with each pour over coffee maker, so make sure to go through them carefully.
Tips for Getting the Best Cup of Joy Using Pour Over Coffee Makers
- Always opt for fresh ground coffee beans because they have a rich flavor and aroma, which the pre-packaged grounds cannot offer.
- Buy the highest quality of beans for brewing because the taste of coffee lies in the beans.
- While most users find it tempting to grind the beans in advance to save time, it results in the depletion of flavors. Hence, it is best to grind the beans right before brewing as it enhances the flavors.
- Never forget to follow the instructions while using the pour over coffee maker and only use the filter paper that the company advises using.
- Invest in buying a good grinder with strong blades because you need to start with strong basics for a strong coffee taste.
