Best Pour-Over Coffee Maker For 2024

Best Pour Over Coffee Makers

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Pour-over coffee brewing methods have started to become increasingly popular with home enthusiasts. Gone are the days when simply pressing a button on your auto-drip filter coffee maker would be enough to satisfy your senses and deliver that much-needed hit of caffeine. 

Today, coffee lovers want to control every variable in the brewing process, from the grind, water temperature, and steep time, to create a cup that’s suited to one’s preferences and highlights the unique traits of the coffee beans. 

With home baristas around the globe finding a new love for pour-over coffee, some older extraction methods have been resurrected as well, and a few newer pour-over coffee makers have hit the brewing scene.

In this article, I’ve spent a good 30 hours researching the best pour-over coffee brewers that are the favorites of high-street coffee shop baristas and home coffee enthusiasts alike.

Best Pour Over Coffee Makers (Bean Ground Approved) 

Below are the best-of-the-best when it comes to pour-over coffee makers. Each of these brewers requires a different approach to achieve the best-tasting pour-over coffee.

Some of these will also require a more hands-on approach – simply standing over the brewer and pouring hot water isn’t going to cut it. But hey, if brewing great-tasting coffee was easy, everyone would be doing it!

Kalita Wave

Kalita Wave

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The Kalita Wave is a remarkable pour-over coffee maker with a distinctive flat bottom design featuring three triangulated holes. This sets it apart from other pour-over brewers that typically have a cone-shaped bottom.

The magic of the flat bottom lies in its ability to reduce turbulence when pouring hot water. This reduction in turbulence leads to a smoother and more consistent extraction of flavors from your coffee grounds, resulting in a delicious and balanced cup of joe.

But that’s not all that makes the Kalita Wave special. Its accordion-style paper filters are unlike anything you’ll find in traditional pour-over setups.

These filters not only fit perfectly into the coffee filter basket but also have a wavy design that makes them stand away from the basket’s sides. Why is this a game-changer? Well, it’s all about temperature stability. By allowing a tiny gap between the filter and the dripper wall, the wavy filter creates a layer of insulating air.

This clever design helps maintain a more even temperature throughout the hands-on process, ensuring your coffee is as flavorful as can be.

So, if you’re on the quest for the perfect cup of pour-over coffee, the Kalita Wave is definitely worth considering.

What We Love

  • Flat-bottom coffee bed geometry provides an even extraction.
  • Three styles: stainless steel, glass, and ceramic coffee dripper.
  • Brew directly into your coffee cup.

Take Note

  • You will need to use Kalita Wave custom filters.

Chemex

Chemex

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The Chemex is a specialty coffee marvel that marries a robust paper filter cone with a timeless glass decanter. In contrast to the Kalita Wave mentioned earlier, the Chemex paper filter nestles closely against the decanter’s walls.

What sets the Chemex apart is the thickness of its paper filters, which gives it a unique brewing characteristic. The water flows through the coffee grounds at a leisurely pace, resulting in a longer immersion time compared to other pour-over methods.

This extended steeping time can be a real game-changer when it comes to crafting a delicious cup of coffee. What’s fascinating is that it places less emphasis on the pourer’s skill and instead focuses more on other vital brewing coffee factors like the grind size and water temperature.

Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into the Chemex experience. The thicker coffee filter not only slows down the flow but also acts as an effective barrier, trapping more sediment and oils. This results in a remarkably clean and bright cup of coffee that highlights the bean’s unique flavors and aromas.

The Chemex is like a skilled conductor, orchestrating a symphony of flavors that will surely delight your taste buds.

So, if you’re seeking a pour-over method that offers both simplicity and control over your brew, the Chemex is a delightful choice that any coffee enthusiast should explore.

What We Love

  • Made of non-porous Borosilicate glass does not absorb odors or chemical residues.
  • Unused coffee can be covered and refrigerated for reheating.

Take Note

  • Takes a bit of practice to achieve a great tasting brew.
  • Obviously, don’t drop it as it’s made of glass.

Hario V60

Hario V60 Coffee Decanter

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The Hario V60 may seem reminiscent of the Kalita Wave at first glance, but it brings its own distinct flavor to the world of pour-over coffee.

While the Kalita Wave boasts a flat-bottomed dripper, the V60 features an elegant cone-shaped design. What sets the V60 apart are the spiral ridges adorning its inner walls, guiding the flow of water down to a single opening at the bottom.

This ingenious design serves multiple purposes: it prevents the paper filter from sticking to the walls, promotes superior extraction, and ensures a smooth water flow. What truly sets the V60 apart from its pour-over counterparts, though, is its ultra-thin paper filters. These slender filters not only speed up the extraction process but also mitigate the pesky “paper taste” that thicker filters can impart to your final brew.

Now, let’s delve deeper into why the Hario V60 is my preferred choice when I’m brewing more than a single cup. This brewer’s unique design isn’t just for show; it’s a masterful tool for crafting some of the finest coffee I’ve ever encountered.

The combination of the cone shape, spiral ridges, and thin filters allows for precise control over the brewing process, resulting in a cup that showcases the full spectrum of flavors locked within your coffee grounds. Whether you’re an experienced coffee aficionado or a curious newcomer, the Hario V60 is a worthy addition to your coffee arsenal.

And if you want to perfect your V60 brewing technique, be sure to check out our step-by-step guide complete with helpful pictures—it’s a journey worth embarking on for coffee lovers seeking a truly exceptional brew.

What We Love

  • Designed and manufactured in Japan.
  • Very easy to use.
  • Coffee filters are easy to find.

Take Note

  • The carafe itself is very flimsy. Made of very thin glass.

Bee House

Bee House

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The Bee House pour-over brewer may strike you as a bit peculiar in appearance, but it offers a more approachable learning curve compared to the Hario V60 mentioned earlier.

What’s fascinating about this brewer is its versatility—it’s designed to snugly sit atop most regular coffee cups. The heart of the Bee House’s ingenuity lies in its “wedge-shaped” ceramic filter cone, adorned with ribbed inner walls.

This design serves a crucial role in the brewing process. By slowing down the extraction rate and accommodating a coarser coffee grind, it provides newcomers to pour-over coffee with a bit more room for experimentation to achieve a fantastic-tasting cup.

Now, let’s dive deeper into what sets the Bee House apart. Despite being labeled as a cone coffee dripper, it cleverly incorporates a flat bottom design with two petite holes through which the brewed coffee gracefully drips. This unique design approach contributes to a more balanced extraction, resulting in a cup that highlights the coffee’s distinct flavors while maintaining a user-friendly experience.

So, if you’re looking to embark on your pour-over coffee journey and prefer a brewer with a gentler learning curve, the Bee House is an excellent choice to consider. Its design and functionality combine to make the art of pour-over coffee more accessible and enjoyable for all, whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just beginning your caffeinated adventure.

What We Love

  • A small compact design fits on top of your coffee cup.
  • Paper filters are easy to find – holds either a #2 or a #4.
  • Easy to clean – dishwasher safe.

Take Note

  • The design makes it heavy and easy to spill or knock over.

Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker

Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker

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The Bodum coffee pour-over brewer presents a contemporary twist on the traditional pour-over design, offering a sleek and modern appearance available in a variety of vibrant colors to cater to different tastes.

In contrast to the Chemex, with its thick-paper filters, the Bodum takes a unique approach by featuring a stainless steel reusable filter. This choice holds a special advantage in the world of pour-over coffee: it retains all the precious essential oils that paper filters tend to capture and discard.

These oils contribute to the coffee’s aromatic richness and complexity, making each cup a true delight for the senses.

But there’s more to the Bodum than its innovative filter. Its mouth-blown Borosilicate glass decanter has a generous capacity, capable of accommodating around 6 cups of coffee in a single brew. This makes it an excellent choice for busy mornings when families are gathering around for their caffeine fix.

The Bodum, with its fusion of modern aesthetics and practicality, not only elevates your coffee experience but also makes it a social affair. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur seeking to savor the full depth of flavors or a family looking to streamline your morning routine, the Bodum coffee pour-over brewer has something to offer everyone in style.

What We Love

  • Includes a permanent, stainless steel mesh filter.
  • Brew up to 6 cups of coffee at a time.
  • Easy to clean

Take Note

  • The drip rate is way faster than the Chemex – skill required.

Hario Woodneck

Hario Woodneck

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The Hario Woodneck may look like an unusual sock, but don’t let its quirky appearance fool you; this brewer has the magic touch when it comes to crafting exceptional coffee.

Comprising three essential components—an elegant glass decanter, a warm wood collar, and a cloth filter—the Woodneck’s design is both intriguing and functional. A wire hoop cleverly suspends the cloth filter over the glass decanter, creating a gap that prevents the fabric from touching the glass walls.

This ingenious setup fosters even coffee extraction from all sides, resulting in a remarkably clean and pure-tasting brew.

What truly sets the Hario Woodneck apart is its unparalleled ability to produce some of the cleanest-tasting coffee you’ll ever encounter. The cloth filter provides thorough filtration while avoiding the “paper taste” often associated with paper filters.

This means you’re treated to a cup of coffee that truly showcases the coffee’s natural flavors and aromas, free from any unwanted residue or impurities. If you’re searching for a pour-over brewer that marries artistry and functionality to deliver an extraordinary coffee experience, the Hario Woodneck is a choice that won’t disappoint.

It’s the ideal companion for those who appreciate the subtle nuances of coffee and the elegance of a well-crafted brewer.

What We Love

  • Coffee oils are kept so you get a full and rich flavor.
  • Slow coffee extraction using the cloth flannel filter.

Take Note

  • The glass is extremely thin, so I always took extra care while handling it.

MUNIEQ Tetra Portable Coffee Drip

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I have a deep admiration for this compact coffee dripper from the Japanese brand Munieq. It’s tailor-made for specialty coffee enthusiasts who are always on the move or have a penchant for outdoor adventures.

When you break it down into its three parts, you’ll be astounded by how little space it occupies; it’s akin to the weight of an everyday toothbrush.

But don’t be fooled by its portability—this pour-over cone is a true coffee powerhouse, even on your travels. It boasts an exceptional ability to extract flavors, outperforming the Hario V60 in this regard.

The result is a cup of coffee that’s not only full-bodied but also carries delightful fruity undertones, making each sip a flavor journey worth savoring.

The Tetra Drip, similar to the Hario V60 and Cafec Flower, uses cone-shaped filters, creating a shared flavor profile among these models. Additionally, for those looking to travel even lighter, there’s an affordable plastic version of the Tetra Drip available.

So, if your adventures often lead you far from home and you crave excellent coffee along the way, the Munieq Tetra Drip is an excellent choice. However, if your coffee ritual primarily unfolds within the cozy confines of your home, you may find one of the more traditional models better suited to your needs.

In either case, the Tetra Drip promises a taste of exceptional coffee, no matter where your journey takes you.

What We Love

  • The Tetra Drip is incredibly compact and lightweight, perfect for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • It extracts rich and fruity coffee flavors, rivaling larger pour-over cones.
  • Simplicity in Design: With just three parts, it’s easy to use and clean.

Take Note

  • The glass is extremely thin, so I always took extra care while handling it.

Gourmia Pour Over Coffee Station

Gourmia Pour Over Coffee Station

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Introducing a new addition to my list of recommended pour-over coffee makers, the Gourmia freestanding drip cone brewer and stand. This impressive setup comes complete with a self-standing coffee cone that boasts adjustability to accommodate nearly any size of mug, carafe, or even a thermal flask.

What sets it apart is its versatility—when not in use, this coffee station can proudly adorn your countertop, adding an aesthetic touch to your kitchen decor.

But it’s not just about looks; the Gourmia is a dream come true for coffee lovers and an especially welcoming choice for those who are just beginning their journey into the world of manual brewed coffee.

Now, let’s delve deeper into what makes the Gourmia a standout choice. Its simplicity in design is matched by its robust and durable build, making it a dependable companion for your daily coffee ritual. Whether you’re an experienced coffee enthusiast seeking a fuss-free brewing method or a newcomer looking to explore the art of manual coffee making, the Gourmia fits the bill perfectly.

It not only delivers a delightful cup of coffee but also adds an element of style to your brewing experience. So, if you appreciate the beauty of minimalistic design, durability, and ease of use, the Gourmia freestanding drip cone brewer and stand is a fantastic choice that’s sure to enhance your daily coffee routine.

What We Love

  • It comes with a self-standing cone and a stand.
  • Brew coffee right into your cup.

Take Note

  • No cons or negatives I could find.

Cone-Shaped Versus Flat Bottom Drippers

There is a debate among coffee enthusiasts about the ease of brewing with a flat-bottomed dripper (similar to the Kalita style) in comparison to a cone-shaped one, with some suggesting that the former offers certain advantages due to flow restriction. From my perspective, I hold a different viewpoint.

In my estimation, individuals who are new to coffee brewing may find cone-shaped brewers like the Hario V60 more suitable, especially when working with darker roasted or lower-quality coffee beans.

Mark Morphew coffee expert comparing cone-shaped versus flat bottom drippers

Each of these dripper shapes possesses its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and I use both drippers for distinct purposes.

To help clarify this, let’s draw an analogy from the realm of audio equipment:

Cone-shaped drippers can be likened to a set of speakers known for their rich bass and crisp treble tones. Audiophiles often refer to this type of calibration as “fun sounding.”

On the other hand, flat bottom drippers are more like a pair of neutral studio monitors. They provide an unadulterated representation of the soundstage with a balanced equalizer, making them particularly well-suited for high-quality, lightly roasted coffee.

In each case, the goal is to identify distinct flavor notes simultaneously, and the Kalita Wave excels in this regard.

Choosing The Right Material For Your Pour Over Coffee Maker

Selecting the material for your pour over coffee maker is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your coffee experience. Let’s explore the options and their unique qualities in simpler terms.

Ceramic: Ceramic is a popular choice in coffee brewing. It won’t alter the taste of your coffee because it doesn’t react chemically with it. Ceramic also keeps your coffee hot, thanks to its excellent insulation. It’s a bit thicker and sturdier than glass, making it a durable choice.

Glass: Glass is another common material for pour over coffee makers. Just like ceramic, it won’t affect the flavor of your coffee.

To get the best results, it’s a good idea to heat the glass before use to maintain the right temperature for your coffee grounds. However, glass can be fragile, so be cautious if you tend to be a bit clumsy.

Metal (Copper and Stainless Steel): Metal, especially copper, is a sturdy and lightweight option. But here’s the catch: metal doesn’t hold onto heat very well. This can impact your coffee because the temperature of your coffee grounds can drop quickly during brewing.

Plastic: Plastic is a practical alternative to ceramic. It’s lightweight and durable, making it a great choice if you’re often on the go with your coffee maker. In recent years, even coffee experts have started to recommend plastic drippers.

They don’t steal heat from your coffee, ensuring a consistent brewing temperature. So, don’t underestimate plastic—it’s a worthy option.

The Benefits Of Using A Manual Drip Coffee Maker

Ever wondered why some coffee enthusiasts prefer manual drip coffee makers? Let’s uncover the reasons behind this choice in a way that’s easy to understand.

When you invest in high-quality coffee beans and then use them with an automatic drip coffee machine, you might not be getting the full value of those premium beans. In fact, you could be wasting your money and missing out on the rich flavors these beans can offer.

No matter how excellent your coffee beans are, if you use a basic coffee maker, your coffee may end up tasting just like cheap, pre-ground coffee.

However, with a top-notch pour-over coffee maker, you gain control over your coffee-making process. You can hand-grind your coffee, measure the right amount, ensure the water reaches the perfect temperature, and fully saturate the coffee grounds.

These extra steps may sound like a bit of effort, but they allow you to enjoy your coffee on a whole new level.

fun fact: Pour-over coffee makers are often favored by coffee connoisseurs for their ability to give the brewer precise control over variables like water temperature, pour rate, and coffee-to-water ratio. This level of control allows enthusiasts to fine-tune their brewing process to highlight the unique flavors and aromas of different coffee beans. It's like being a coffee chemist, experimenting with variables to create the perfect cup of coffee tailored to your taste preferences.

To understand why manual drip coffee is superior, let’s dive into the science of coffee brewing. For the best-tasting coffee, your brewing method should extract at least 20% of the soluble solids in the coffee beans. This extraction rate depends on factors like grind size, water quantity, water temperature, water distribution, and steeping time.

When you use an automatic coffee maker, you have limited control over these factors. While you can adjust the grind size and water ratio, you mostly rely on the machine to make decisions. The result often falls short, resulting in a weak and under-extracted cup of coffee.

If you’re passionate about getting the most out of your coffee, a pour-over coffee maker is a valuable addition to your coffee toolkit. It puts you in control, allowing you to savor every delightful flavor in your brew.

Mastering Pour-Over Coffee: Tips For Beginners

Entering the world of pour-over coffee can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re used to the convenience of push-button coffee makers. Don’t worry; I’m here to guide you with some helpful tips and advice, tailored for beginners.

Remember, the journey to perfect pour-over coffee begins with the foundation—start with the freshest, highest-quality coffee beans you can find. The beauty of pour-over coffee lies in its flexibility, allowing you to tweak variables and customize to your taste. Let’s dive in.

Grinding Your Beans

For most manual pour-over methods, aim for a medium grind. Always use a quality Burr grinder when possible; this ensures a consistent grind, leading to a more even extraction.

Coffee-To-Water Ratio

When it comes to brewing ratios, a good starting point is 60 grams of coffee for every 1 liter of water. As you become more comfortable with pour-over brewing, feel free to experiment with this ratio. Keep in mind that changing one parameter will affect other aspects of your brew setup.

Water Matters

Just like with any coffee method, filtered water is your best choice. For optimal pour-over results, aim to boil your water to temperatures between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re uncertain, allowing boiled water to cool slightly for about 30 seconds works well. Alternatively, you can use a kettle equipped with a built-in thermometer, such as the Coffee Gator Kettle.

Essential Equipment

Coffee Scale: An accurate coffee scale is a must for pour-over coffee. It eliminates the guesswork when measuring your coffee grounds, ensuring precision in your brew.

Thermometer: Using a thermometer is recommended to confirm your water temperature is within the ideal range. This precision matters for a balanced brew.

Slow-Pouring Kettle: Investing in a gooseneck-style pour-over kettle is highly recommended. It offers precise control over your pouring speed and direction. Unless you have surgeon-steady hands, it’s a valuable addition to your setup.

With these tips and the right equipment, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of pour over. Remember, practice makes perfect, and as you gain experience, you can further fine-tune your brew to suit your taste preferences

The Crucial Role Of Your Coffee Grinder

If you’ve been exploring the world of coffee on Bean Ground or elsewhere, you’ve probably realized that achieving superb coffee flavor requires a solid foundation. That foundation comprises two key elements: excellent, freshly roasted whole coffee beans and a top-quality coffee grinder.

Still not convinced? Here’s the truth: even if you consult your local barista, they’ll likely echo the same sentiment. When it comes to creating outstanding coffee, it’s not the brewing method that steals the spotlight—it’s the grinder!

Even if you possess the finest and most expensive coffee brewer available, it won’t deliver exceptional results without the right foundation, which is the grind of your coffee beans. However, it’s not as straightforward as it seems.

Coffee grinders come in various shapes and styles, ranging from excellent to just passable in terms of performance.

To keep it concise, if you’re in the market for a coffee grinder, always prioritize those equipped with ceramic burrs. These grinders excel at preparing coffee beans for a truly remarkable cup. If you’re watching your budget, consider investing in a cost-effective hand/manual burr grinder. I’ve even selected a few excellent hand grinders for you right here.

In essence, your coffee grinder plays a pivotal role in crafting the perfect cup of coffee. It’s the unsung hero that deserves your attention and investment for a consistently exceptional coffee experience.


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Why Should You Trust Us
Mark Morphew Resident Coffee Expert Mark has over 20 years of experience in the catering and hospitality sector. He takes his years of knowledge and expertise and applies it to critiquing coffee equipment and brewing gear.

Since the creation of the Bean Ground coffee blog in 2014, Mark Morphew and a small circle of coffee hobbyists have rigorously tested, reviewed, and researched coffee gear. In most cases, they have purchased the items themselves with the sole intention of rating and evaluating.

In that time, they have built up a list of quality points to look for and what makes specific equipment better than others. They cut through the noise and marketing hype that often surrounds products to give you their unbiased opinions so you can make clear decisions on your next purchase.
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