Best Pour Over Coffee Makers: 2022 Reviews and Buying Guide

Forget going to the coffee house. Instead, bring the coffee house home and add more smiles to each cup, with the pour over method.

The secret for brewing tasty coffee lies in using the best pour over coffee maker. Not only does the coffee taste better than instant coffee, but the aroma will make you want to stick around the house a little bit longer.

You don’t necessarily need to be a professional barista to make a cup of coffee that’s beyond amazing. All you need is the best pour over coffee maker with a little knowledge and skill.

But not just any pour over coffee brewer will give you a perfect cup of coffee. You’ve got to find the right one for your needs.

Sure, searching for the best pour over coffee maker can be tedious at best, which is why most people give up easily and settle for the very first machine they come across. That can be a costly mistake.

We researched and tested the best pour over coffee makers for you, so you don’t need to repeat the process. Instead, get your best coffee grounds ready, check through our list below, and get tonight’s Netflix binge-watch list ready.

We want you to know this post contains affiliate links. If you click on a product and decide to buy it we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Pour Over Coffee Makers

1. Hario V60 Ceramic Dripper

2. Kalita Wave 185 Drippers

3. Chemex Pour Over Glass Coffee Maker

4. Primula Single Serve Portable Brew Buddy

5. Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker

10 Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers

1. Hario V60 Ceramic Dripper

You’ll find the Hario V60 in the world’s best coffee shops for a good reason – it’s super iconic.

This coffee maker has a Japanese origin; Hario means “King of Glass.” This means that a ceramic or glass pour over maker is of excellent quality.

This brewer’s power is its bottom, which is where your coffee exits. It’s typically a small opening that enables the equipment to regulate water and control the duration taken for water to be in touch with the coffee grounds.

If water moves too slow, the result is bitter coffee. And if the water passes through too fast, you’ll only end up with hot water.

The hole at the bottom of this coffee maker is too big to control any flow. To get the best coffee, we recommend using medium-fine grounds, which is just a little more coarse than table salt.

To get coffee with the perfect aroma and flavor, we recommend that you grind your beans immediately before brewing. So, pre-ground coffee may not give you the best results here.

If your grounds are fine enough, then the contact time between the grounds and water will be anywhere between 4 and 6 minutes.

In other words, the Hario V60 gives you full control over the time required to make coffee, the temperature, and the flow of water. That means you can determine the overall quality of your coffee.

This pour over coffee maker comes in different materials, including glass, ceramic, metal, plastic, and many colors. So, you can choose the design that matches your decor and preferences.

What We Like

• Easy to clean
• Variety of materials and colors
• The ceramic body retains heat for a constant brewing temperature
• Spiral ribs for optimal expansion of coffee
• You can control the temperature, timing, and flow of water for excellent coffee quality

What We Don’t Like

• In the beginning, it might take time to get that sweet spot

Verdict

The Hario V60 is perfect for coffee enthusiasts with previous brewing experience and who know where their perfect taste lies using flow, grind, and temperature. It’s also perfect for those willing to invest time to learn. You won’t regret your efforts!

2. Kalita Wave 185 Drippers

The Kalita Wave is ideal when you’re searching for the best pour over coffee maker that doesn’t require a tedious coffee brewing process with manual grinders, spouted kettles, and scales.

As most people used conical pour over coffee makers, they lamented about the extraction issues with such units. Kalita made this coffee dripper in response to these issues to give people a simple and efficient method to make coffee.

Unlike most coffee makers, the Wave requires little fuss to make a flavourful cup. The coffee maker’s unique shape is particularly designed for better flow control, making it both predictable and reliable.

The Wave would work best correctly in the hands of an experienced person who delights in the hands-on approach of pour vs. brewing. But even a beginner, with a little patience and practice, could easily use the Wave to make a tasty cup they can be proud of.

Even extraction is imperative for drip coffee, and getting it without much hassle is even better.

Using the Kalita Wave is not only a piece of cake but also a cupcake – the beautiful paper cups for baking cupcakes resemble the Kalita Wave paper filters. In fact, you could mistake the filters’ wavy and vertical ridges for a cupcake wrapper.

The large ridges accommodate your fresh grounds, away from the coffee maker’s walls, which allows air to flow between. The improved airflow accelerates the water flow along the sides, creating a better flow rate and extraction.

The air also forms insulation that prevents the Wave’s walls from sucking your fresh slurry’s essential heat.

The Wave is available in glass and ceramic, which are known to retain heat, but if you prefer taking your coffee on the go, you might find the stainless steel version ideal for its sturdiness and portability.

What We Like

• The classic design makes it an excellent addition to your kitchen
• Easy to use and super predictable
• The coffee is slightly stronger compared to other pour over coffee makers
• Value for money
• Produces amazingly tasty coffee

What We Don’t Like

• If you don’t store the filters in upright or keep them in the Wave cone, they’ll lose their shape

Verdict

Both experts and beginners will find the Kalita Wave one of the best pour over coffee makers for making a tasty cup each time.

3. Chemex Pour Over Glass Coffee Maker

The Chemex Coffee Maker is an hour-glass shaped glass, a non-reactive material that doesn’t absorb any smell or chemical substances.

Due to its size, the Chemex glass carafe can’t be moved, but that’s also one of its benefits – you can make large amounts of coffee at once.

The classic filter of this pour over coffee maker is not your ordinary filter. It has double-bonded paper, making it probably the thickest filter you’ll ever see but, it ensures water doesn’t flow through your grounds too fast, allowing you to enjoy your coffee’s hidden flavors. Besides, your coffee won’t contain bitter oils, resulting in a smoother drink.

The glass carafe has a wooden collar for added safety – so you can pour your coffee without getting burned. 

You can easily attach and remove this wooden collar and clean the coffee maker. There’s a leather tie strap to make attaching and detaching effortless.

Fun fact, this fantastic pour over coffee maker is at the Museum of Modern Art as a permanent display. Thus, having a Chemex in your home is not just functional; it’s a statement as well.

Got some friends who like both coffee and art? There isn’t a better gift.

Chemex takes into consideration your coffee needs regardless of how big they are. You can choose a 10-cup, 8-cup, 6-cup, or 3-cup brewer.

What We Like

• Available in a range of cup sizes: three to ten
• Makes clean, rich, and tasty coffee
• Timeless, elegant design
• Durable
• Easy to use

What We Don’t Like

• May not keep your coffee hot
• Chemex branded filters are required and aren’t cheap

Verdict

The Chemex pour over coffee maker is not only a pretty sight but also a damn good brewer. It suits anyone who perceives their coffee brewer as an investment.

4. Primula Single Serve Portable Brew Buddy

If you enjoy traveling and love coffee, you need the best pour over coffee maker on the go, and that’s where the Primula Brew Buddy comes into the picture.

The brewer has a portable slim line design that allows you to make coffee anywhere you go in the shortest time possible (as short as 30 seconds). It’s also lightweight and compact.

The brewer is designed using patented brewing technology to give you a rich and smooth coffee experience. 

You won’t find any grounds in your cup, thanks to the reusable mesh filter. The best part? The brewer fits most coffee mugs or cups, and that includes your travel mug.

This is by far, one of the easiest pour over coffee makers to use. All you need is freshly ground coffee, hot water, and a mug or cup. Go ahead and place the Single Serve Brew Buddy over the mug or cup, add the coffee, pour hot water, and brew to your desired strength.

Did we mention this coffee maker is dishwasher safe? Cleaning is a snap; after disposing of used coffee grounds, you can simply place it in the dishwasher or rinse.

Other than going for a ridiculously pocket-friendly price, this coffee maker saves you money while using it, as it eliminates the need for those costly reusable paper filters, carafes, K-cups, or electric coffee makers.

What We Like

• Compact and lightweight
• Inexpensive
• Easy to use
• Dishwasher safe
• No filter papers needed

What We Don’t Like

• Controlling your coffee strength requires close observation of the brewing process to enable you to whip it out at the right time.
• It’s not very attractive for the kitchen compared to other pour over coffee makers

Verdict

The Primula Brew Buddy will work for you if you love traveling often or want to prepare a great cup of coffee easily and quickly.

5. Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker

It’s rare to find a pour over coffee maker that can brew a perfect cup within minutes, but that’s possible with the Bodum Coffee Maker.

Making an excellent cup of coffee is as easy as adding coarse coffee grounds to the filter, pouring a small quantity of water in a circular motion over the coffee until soaked, and then adding more water so it drips. 

This process is so easy that you can do it while preparing a snack for breakfast.

You’ll slash your maintenance costs, thanks to the permanent, stainless steel filter that helps to reduce the quantity of non-recyclable trash generated. The filter is designed to extract the best of your coffee’s subtle flavors and aromatic oils, as there’s no paper filter to absorb them. This coffee maker will reward you with a perfect cup of coffee each time.

If elegance and functionality are your strong suit, then you aren’t left behind, too. The coffee carafe consists of strong, heat-resistant borosilicate glass with a cork band. The carafe is transparent enough to see your coffee as it drips.

Want to make enough coffee for the family or a group of friends? No worries. The servings of Bodum coffee maker allow it. The brewer can make eight cups of coffee of 4oz each. 

It’s also dishwasher safe in case you’re wondering about the ease of cleaning it.

What We Like

• Easy to use
• Makes 8 cups
• Permanent stainless steel filter to peg running costs and minimize your eco-footprint
• Easy to clean
• Outstanding design

What We Don’t Like

• The plastic is not labeled to be free of contaminants

Verdict

If you want to make 8 cups of excellent coffee in a hurry at a reasonable price, you won’t go wrong with the Bodum Coffee Maker.

6. Hario Woodneck Drip Pot

This is another best pour over coffee maker from Hario. This cotton-filtered gem features a traditional look that would look fantastic on any kitchen counter regardless of the décor. 

There are several finishes to select from to suit your taste.

While beginners might find this coffee maker a little intimidating, it’s easier than you think. 

You’ll need to start by experimenting. Once you’re certain of getting the right temperature, using the right amount of coffee, and pouring hot water in the trademark circular motion, you’ll soon be using the equipment with your eyes closed.

The major upside of this coffee maker is that it gives you complete control over the entire brewing process. The coffee oils are retained, giving your drink a rich and full flavor.

The cloth filter ensures a smooth and slow extraction process – your coffee will contain all the necessary oils, flavor, and aroma for a delicious cuppa. You can reuse the cotton filter after cleaning. 

Just remember to keep it refrigerated between uses. The reusable filter saves you the cost of buying paper filters.

What We Like

• Reusable filter
• The slow extraction process boosts the coffee quality
• Retro design
• Wooden handle
• Easy to use

What We Don’t Like

• The 2-cup capacity is a bit restrictive for some users

Verdict

This classic pour over coffee maker is deceptively simple but insanely effective.

7. Bartelli Paperless Pour Over Brewer and Dripper

When it comes to pour over coffee makers, paper filters can help, but they’ve got a downside – robbing your coffee of essential oils and nutrients.

Lucky for you, there’s a solution to that: the Bartelli Paperless Brewer. It has a stainless steel double filter to ensure all nutrients get into your cup (and your mouth). 

The filter prevents grounds from getting into your cup as well.

The filter is designed to fit a wide array of cups and carafes, meaning even though it’s technically a single-serve brewer, you can brew several cups at a time. 

You may need to re-add your coffee grounds to each cup, although it’s advisable to use it for a cup or two at a time.

What We Like

• Paperless, which means it produces high-quality, flavorful coffee and saves you money too
• Sturdy and durable
• Designed to fit on a variety of cups, mugs, thermoses, carafes, and small pots
• Reusable and easy to clean (dishwasher-friendly)

What We Don’t Like

• It’s a bit slow when brewing

Verdict

The Bartelli Paperless suits anyone willing to find a durable coffee maker that produces tasty coffee. It has low maintenance costs too.

8. Melitta Pour Over 36oz Coffee Brewer

Are you looking for the best pour over coffee maker for making a large pot of gourmet coffee? The Melitta pour over Brewer will do the trick. So, you can still brew coffee with the pour over method even if you’ve got a large family or crowd to serve.

The coffee maker’s design allows optimal extraction, which translates to a drink with full flavors and powerful aroma.

Although Melitta provides filters for this equipment, the filters are 100 percent biodegradable produced from chlorine-free white, bamboo, and naturally brown paper.

The brewing cone and porcelain carafe provide exceptional aesthetics along with excellent performance. Consider adding this pour over brewer to your kitchen to impress the entire family with both style and tasty coffee.

The company founder, Melitta Benz, invented the pour over method of making coffee more than a century ago. Thus, buying a coffee maker from this company means you’re tapping into an unbeatable brand heritage.

What We Like

• The 6-cup capacity is perfect for the whole family
• Strong brand heritage
• Durable and premium filters
• Innovative and convenient design

What We Don’t Like

• The coffee maker is restricted to Melitta 04 filters

Verdict

The Melitta Coffee Brewer is the key to enjoying gourmet coffee at home easily and quickly. It’s ideal for serving more than just yourself!

9. Bee House Ceramic Dripper

This coffee dripper’s ceramic material absorbs heat, resulting in an even brewing process. 

The unique design of the Bee House Ceramic Coffee Dripper provides consistency and as an added bonus it’s beautiful to look at. 

It comes in two sizes – small and large. It takes standard Melitta coffee filters which are affordable and you can find them just about anywhere. The small Bee House coffee dripper takes #2 and the larges takes #4. 

This brewer is easy to use, it suits users who have minimal experience (or practice) with similar coffee makers and can tell the best type of grind to produce tasty coffee.

It has a flat bottom with two small holes that restrict water from barreling through. This helps in providing an even extraction process and is very forgiving if your pouring technique isn’t pro status.

It doesn’t allow for fine tuning the water flow like you can with the Hario V60 and because of that this likely isn’t the best choice if you want control over every aspect of your pour over brew. 

What We Like

• Compatible with any cone coffee filter
• Ease of use
• Well built
• Suitable for beginners 

What We Don’t Like

• Only available in ceramic
• Fragile ceramic body

Verdict

If you’re looking for a pour over coffee maker that’s suited for beginners and don’t need a lot of flexibility for your brewing process you’ll be pleased with the Bee House Ceramic Dripper.

10. Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker

It’s not a surprise that this best pour over coffee maker has thousands of satisfied customers and glowing reviews. 

It’s because Coffee Gator has invested in an efficient, durable, and eye-catching coffee brewer.

You can choose from a variety of sizes: 27oz, 14oz, or 10.5oz. This model boasts a reusable permanent filter, which is another reason to drink tasty coffee with a clean conscience. 

Besides, you’ll save the money needed to restock paper filters. As with the best permanent filters, you’ll notice that the flavor, aroma, and oils stay locked in.

This brewer comes with everything you want. Kiss goodbye those nasty dregs that get into your brew, you won’t find them here. Instead you’ll be enjoying a coffee house-standard cup of coffee in your kitchen.

When you’ve got an excellent pour over coffee maker and the right beans, you’ve every reason to be happy. 

This 14oz dripper with 100 percent BPA-free carafe guarantees maximum flavor with the least effort.

What We Like

• Powerful utilitarian aesthetics
• Three sizes to suit varying tastes
• BPA-free carafe
• Sediments won’t get into your coffee cup

What We Don’t Like

• The carafe is delicate, so you need to take good care

Verdict

Bring the coffee house to your home and get more smiles per cup without spending a fortune. The Coffee Gator Coffee Maker is ideal for every coffee fan. And oh boy, Coffee Gator gives a 100% satisfaction guarantee on this one. So, what are you waiting for?

Buying Guide: How To Select The Best Pour Over Coffee Maker

Here are factors to take into account as you select your best pour over coffee maker:

Brewing Capacity

Pour over coffee machines are designed for single-cup brewing and multiple cup brewing. The cones are small, compact, and budget-friendly. But they’ll limit you if you have more people taking coffee. 

If you want to brew coffee for a group of people, you should opt for a larger pour over coffee maker like the Melitta 36oz. This will save you time and will get everyone their coffee.

Materials (ceramic, glass, metal, plastic)

Pour over coffee machines come in four different materials, which you can choose from after evaluating their benefits and drawbacks. They include:

Ceramic

Ceramic is a popular material for coffee brewing machines due to its looks, price, and heat retention capabilities. It retains the coffee’s flavor because it’s chemically inert. The material is thick and sturdy.

The drawback of ceramic brewers is they’re fragile. They also take longer to heat up, and if cleaned regularly, they absorb the stain from coffee.

Glass

Glass material is chemically inert and doesn’t add unwanted flavor to your coffee. It heats up quickly and will retain the heat. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t stain. The material looks great, but it’s fragile – not good for you if you are clumsy.

Metal

Metal, particularly copper, is light, durable and will heat up quickly. Stainless steel is also great but doesn’t hold heat like copper because of insulation and can affect your extraction process. 

Metal is also expensive. Although it transfers heat well, copper can add another flavor to your coffee.

Plastic

Plastic heats up fast and will retain the heat very well. They are also cost-efficient and can last longer. You can use it in place of ceramic because it’s lighter and durable. They are suitable for travel. You should make sure the plastic is rated to ensure it doesn’t impact the flavor of your coffee.

Type of Filter

There are three types of filters to use for your pour over brewer. 

When choosing your machine, you should consider the type of filter you need because filters will affect your coffee’s flavor, change the brewing process, and impact your daily everyday routine over time.

Let’s look at the different filters available for your pour-over devices;

Metal Filters

Metal filters will not waste your coffee, and they produce excellent cups O’ Joe with full flavor. 

They’re manufactured from stainless steel and will last longer with your machine. You won’t have to dispose of them after use; instead, you can clean them properly and re-use them.

Since they let the coffee’s oil pass through, your coffee will retain its sweet aroma with much vibrancy. They also let in micro-grounds in small amounts to make your coffee more heavy, bold, and flavorful.

Paper Filters

Paper coffee filters are simple to use, and you’ll toss them away after brewing. 

They are good if you like a smooth and brighter drink. This is because they catch micro grounds from the coffee, including the natural oils, to produce clean coffee with crisp acidity and much clearer flavor. 

Since they don’t allow the ultra-fine coffee particles and oils through, your coffee will be lighter and delicate.

Cloth Filters

Cloth filters create little waste, maintain the coffee oils, and catch the micro grounds as well. 

Although they don’t allow coffee grounds through, they let the aromatic oils pass through to give you a smooth, juicy cup of bright, crisp, and aromatic coffee. Although they’re usable, it’s hard to clean them.

With each session you brew, a small amount of your coffee’s flavor will remain in the cloth, causing a build-up and making it impossible to clean.

Skill Level

Pour over brewing is often manual, and you have to think of the different variables involved in the brewing process, such as the weight of the grounds, brewing time, water temperature, the aggressiveness of your pour, and more. 

This makes it challenging to produce consistent, great-tasting coffee every time.

Mastering the machine can be a daunting task that needs a lot of practice with your new device. If you believe you can crack it, then get a machine with a lot of customization options.

But if you need a gadget that will deliver consistent results of excellent coffee without much effort, find something forgiving. 

It will have instructions to guide you, but only if you have the patience.

How Much Time Do You Have To Brew?

You probably want your coffee ready by the time you get to the table, ready to rush to work or take on your day. A fast-brewing pour over coffee maker will be ideal if you’re always on the go.

But if you’re looking to extract the last bit of flavor from your grounds, you’ll need to exercise patience to allow the machine its brewing time.

SCA protocol recommends that in a two-cup pour over, the water should be poured within a three-minute period with an expected brewing period of three and a half minutes. 

This means that the coffee will extract well, but there won’t be enough time to produce the bitter, dry flavor needed.

Does It Need To Be Portable?

Are you looking for a pour over coffee maker you can carry with you wherever you go, or do you want one for the kitchen? A portable pour over machine can be light or heavy, depending on the material and size.

If you need a gadget that will fit in your backpack easily and one that does not require special brewing tools, then you can get one of those made from stainless steel or plastic. 

Glass and ceramic options are fragile and not ideal for a constant traveler.

How to Make Pour Over Coffee

The concept of pour over coffee is simple but it takes practice to execute the perfect cup. Follow the below steps and practice often!

Step 1

Bring the water to boil. Let’s say at least 20 oz of water. Ideal water temperature is between 195°-200℉. Let it stand for 30 seconds once it reaches the right temperature.

Step 2

Freshness really matters when making pour over coffee and you should start out with grinding your own beans. You’ll want them to be a medium-fine to medium coarse grind. It should be similar to the coarseness of sand.

Grind about 30 grams which is equivalent to 3tbsp of coffee the size of sea salt, you can now place the filter in the dripper and add the coffee grounds.

Step 3

Tamp the filter to level the grounds’ surface. Then place the machine on the cup or carafe and put the whole setup on the digital scale then set it to zero.

Step 4

For the 20 oz. preparation, you’ll make four pours. This is where you’ll watch as the coffee blooms.

When hot water hits the coffee grounds, carbon dioxide will be released to create a blossoming effect where the coffee grounds will rise up altogether.

Start the timer and pour the water slowly in a spiral motion over the grounds. Watch your scale so that you know how much water you’re using. When the scale reaches 60 grams, stop but make sure the grounds are saturated. 

It will take around 15 seconds to pour. Give it another 30 seconds for the coffee to drip before pouring in the next batch. When pouring, ensure you pour even to the edge over the filter’s ripples. Make all the four pours at intervals of 15 – 20 seconds until the final pour.

Now get ready to taste your pour over coffee! 

This is where the practice comes in. Makes notes of what you like or don’t like and that way you can make adjustments the next time you brew. It will likely take a few tries to get the ratio that you like best. 

The Importance Of A Quality Grinder

Your coffee grinder is what will determine the quality of the coffee you are brewing. A quality grinder will make the coffee delicious and flavorful because you’ll have the right grinds for your type of coffee. 

It is the key to the outcome of your final cup.

Here is what a quality grinder will accomplish:

It Gives You Freshly Ground Coffee

As you well know, freshly ground coffee will yield the best brew than stale coffee. It is nutrient-rich and has flavor, and all the coffee oils intact. Coffee that is brewed after grinding produces incredible flavors. 

But the pre-ground options from the store may already have undergone oxidation and will lack the natural flavor from the aromatic oils.

When you have fresh beans, you can use your grinder to make fresh grounds and get full-flavored, fresh coffee at any time.

You Can Use A Quality Grinder With Any Brewer

Unlike pre-ground coffee, which comes in one grind size, you can grind your coffee in any size and brew it right away. 

You’ll set your grind size to superfine, fine, medium, or coarse to compliment your brewer or the type of brew you want when you have a quality coffee grinder.

Whether you want pour over coffee, French press, espresso, you just set the right grind, and you’ll have your coffee fresh, tasty, and aromatic just the way you like it.

We recommend the Baratza Virtuoso Plus coffee grinder (read our full review here).

It Gives You Control Over Your Brew

When you own a quality grinder, you can brew better coffee all the time. It offers you a learning curve to improve your brewing skills and try out different brewing techniques using varied ground sizes. 

You can refine your coffee as time goes by just by controlling its extraction.

What Are The Best Coffee Beans For Pour Over?

The pour over brewing method highlights the subtle flavors and aromas in the coffee. 

The pour over method gives you control over your brewing, allowing you to extract your coffee’s best characteristics and flavors. When choosing your coffee, you need to consider the beans and the roast.

The roast level of your grounds will determine the quality of the coffee you’re looking for. A dark roast offers fuller bodies while a light roast is gentle with flavorful undertones. 

The pour over method does not lose any flavors in light or medium roasts, and it can give you a delicious cup with just about any roast level. When you have your ideal roast level, you’ll choose the type of coffee beans you need.

Some of the best coffee beans for pour over coffee come from Hawaiian coffee, Mexican Coffee and Guatemalan Coffee, among others. 

They allow you to brew coffee with smooth, rich, and creamy flavor. You can try out any of these coffees to find one that pleases you most. 

The pour over method will help you determine the best coffee beans to use as it brings out the most subtle undertones from any coffee.

Final Word

Making your coffee using the pour over method is a straightforward process but, some machines come with more of a learning curve than others. We hope this post has helped guide you through what to consider to select the best pour over coffee maker for your needs. Happy brewing!