Updated Sep. 17, 2024
The best pour-over coffee maker enhances the flavors and aromas of your favorite coffee beans—and it's not as difficult as you think to get started.
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Sure, you can’t beat the convenience of a classic drip coffee maker or a Keurig. But brewing coffee like the pros actually isn’t that difficult if you want to take things a step further. All it takes is a good coffee grinder, a kettle and a pour-over brewer. In fact, the best pour-over coffee maker can save time and money and make a darn good cup that rivals those from your favorite local cafe.
“Pour-over is my preferred way of brewing ever since I learned how to do it. Approaching this style of brewing gives you much better end results,” says Cortney Kern, coffee roaster, latte artist and owner of Whimsical Woods Coffee. “One of the most important factors in this style of brewing is the control of the water. The more it moves around, the better.”
Learning how to make pour-over coffee is as simple as snagging the right tools, such as a gooseneck kettle with a long, slender spout that can easily saturate each coffee ground. As Cortney notes, a nice, strong cup is all in the technique—but there are also a few things to consider when it comes to choosing the best pour-over coffee maker for you.
As folks who are always seeking the perfect morning brew, our Product Testing Team tried out 13 pour-overs to discover which options are truly the best. From pricey luxe options to travel-ready petite picks, they identified seven pour-overs that deserve a dedicated spot on your home coffee bar. Whether you’re a java junkie or new to the brew, you’re bound to find the right fit for your morning routine in this extensively tested list.
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The best coffee brands deserve a chance to release all the flavors and aromas hiding in each and every ground. That’s why, when it comes to brewing the perfect cup, Origami’s Pour-Over Brewer is your best bet. Apart from its appealing fluted design and attractive look, our pick for the best pour-over coffee maker also produced one of the smoothest cups of coffee we enjoyed throughout the testing process.
“Our team voted this little little ray of sunshine as the cutest of the bunch,” says Sheri Kaz, who tested each pour-over. The lampshade-like Origami comes in over six pretty shades, ranging from cheery canary yellow to classic white. It yields seven ounces of coffee, which is the perfect amount for a single cup in the morning. While it doesn’t boast a built-in filter, it’s compatible with many paper filters. Its sturdy ceramic construction means it’ll stay intact for years to come, and despite not coming with a holder, it sat sturdily on our cups.
The only issue is that this one doesn’t come with instructions, so we just used the standard 12 grams of coffee and eight ounces of water. The results? We actually wanted to sit down and enjoy the coffee this pour-over coffee maker brewed. It was the smoothest of all, and the bitterness was ever so slight, disappearing completely when we added cream.
While it’s pricey, it’s worth the splurge if you want to get the most out of your coffee or espresso beans. Given the simplicity of the unit, it’s also near-foolproof. As an added bonus, we love that cleanup is as simple as giving it a quick rinse or tossing it in the dishwasher. Plus, it looks lovely sitting on a coffee cart when not in use—and the cute appearance adds a little joy to the morning hustle and bustle.
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Anyone who has been exposed to the coffee community knows that the classic Chemex Brewer is a best-seller for a reason. This timeless and elegant glass carafe pour-over brewer boasts a luxurious look and feel, complete with a wooden collar for additional flair. Chemex also claims that the unique shape allows coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating, so there’s no need to brew more organic coffee for your afternoon pick-me-up.
With a generous 40-ounce brewing capacity and spill-resistant spout, it’s a great option for those who enjoy hosting. The only downside to the sleek design is the need for proprietary Chemex filters, which are a bit on the pricey side. Additionally, the wooden collar requires some disassembly before the carafe can go in the sink or dishwasher, which makes the post-brew clean-up a bit of a chore. You’ll also want to be careful, as the glass isn’t shatterproof.
We love that customers can customize the rawhide and wood colors to suit their personal style. The wood grip is also more than just a pretty design accent; it keeps the heat at bay, so you won’t need a pot holder to pour your guests a cup. Thanks to the detailed brewing instructions included, it’s also not limited to expert extractors. With a little skimming and some practice, you’ll soon be brewing cups that rival the professionals!
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Being on a budget doesn’t mean slamming back subpar brews. Your favorite flavored coffee is in good hands with the Melitta Single-Cup Pour-Over, which retails for under $20. This easy-to-use brewer sits directly on top of your morning mug and delivers smooth, fresh flavors directly into your cup.
The Melitta is a V-shaped wedge with one drainage hole in the center. It uses generic, disposable #2 filters, which are available online or at most grocery stores. Made from porcelain and available in either black or white, it has a luxe look that totally overshadows its rather low price point. It’s also rather durable and dishwasher safe, meaning that it’s even ideal for those who are accident-prone.
It’s also incredibly simple to set up and use. Just place the Melitta pour-over on top of the mug, insert the filter, scoop in the grounds to taste, pour hot water into the cone, and fully saturate the grounds. Easy peasy! Because it uses paper filters, cleanup is as simple as tossing the filter in the trash and giving the pour-over a good rinse. If you’re so inclined, you can also run it through a cycle in the dishwasher.
Sure, it’s not as snazzy as something like the Chemex, but for those just dipping their toes into pour-over coffee (not literally, please), it’s an excellent way to get acquainted with the brewing process sans breaking the bank. Plus, the resulting coffee is smooth and enjoyable to boot!
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Take the portability of your favorite coffee tumbler and combine that with a dose of fun to get the Miir Pouragami. Made from black stainless steel, the triangular Pouragami disassembles into three completely flat pieces, meaning that it’s as easy to pack away as a piece of paper. A small wallet-like canvas envelope functions as the unit’s carrying case.
“If you don’t want something taking up counter space, the Pourigami is an impressive brewer in a compact design,” says Sheri. We used the proprietary Miir coffee filters for brewing, but testers noted that regular #2 filters should work, too. Apart from the filters, which fit into a pocket in the carrying case, the unit is entirely self-contained, meaning that it’s an excellent pick for camping, travel and tailgating. Don’t let the look fool you, either—each piece is strong enough to stave off bends or breaks.
Despite the funhouse look and feel, it’s completely stable sitting atop a mug. Because the unit isn’t very tall, it does pour a bit slowly, taking around six minutes per brew. While we didn’t set our expectations too high, the Pouragami impressed us with the bold and smooth flavor it gave our coffee. Testers note that this pour-over really brought out the flavors of the coffee without being overly bitter. The best part? Cleanup is as simple as wiping down each piece, which really cuts down on the daily dishload.
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Like the other pretty Le Creuset items we fawn over, the brand’s Pour-Over Coffee Cone isn’t just a functional kitchen tool—it’s a work of art. The ombre-wash glazed stoneware comes with a secure handle, three drainage holes and a beautiful teacup-like shape. Despite ringing up at a bit of a higher price point than some pour-overs, Le Creuset’s trusted brand name ensures that this is a kitchen staple that should last through the years.
Like other single-serve pour-overs, the Le Creuset works with #1, #2, or #4 paper filters, depending on the brew size. It has a bit of a folksy vibe with the large signature Le Creuset logo on the side, though it’s made in China rather than France (unlike most cast-iron Le Creuset items). It’s also available in a range of appealing shades, including deep teal, gray, white, blue and red.
Because this one is made of heavy heirloom-style stoneware, we suggest trying it on a few mugs to find the right fit since it may topple or wobble around on some smaller, lightweight mugs. While it’s lovely and brews up a nice, strong coffee, this pour-over really shines in its easy cleanup, requiring just a quick rinse after you’ve enjoyed your cup.
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Want to pair your coveted Stanley Aerolight coffee tumbler with the best pour-over coffee maker? Look no further—the Stanley Classic Perfect-Brew is just as rugged and ready for the outdoors as the brand’s other drinkware. With a stylish matte finish and cylinder-shaped removable mesh filter, this utilitarian option is ready for a trip to the woods or trail.
A reusable cylinder-shaped metal filter screws into place, so there’s never a need to run out and grab additional paper filters. The unit is stable yet lightweight, given that it’s made of stainless steel. It has water-measuring lines inside, which help when filling a thermos. And fill a thermos it does, especially considering the generous 20-ounce capacity. Despite the size, it’s also very simple to clean. The filter unscrews, and from there, it’s just a matter of rinsing out the grounds and wiping down the interior.
It has a rather slow seeping time that produces a robust cup of coffee with a slightly bitter flavor. While we didn’t love that some minuscule grounds snuck into the mug, that’s to be expected from a pour-over with a built-in filter. Although this has a metal tab as a handle, it wasn’t hot to the touch, so there’s no need for an oven mitt while pouring. Solid construction that lasts a lifetime is Stanley’s bread and butter, and they certainly didn’t skimp on this stylish staple.
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A carafe-style pour-over coffee maker is a great way to enjoy a coffee subscription for total caffeine fiends. The Coffee Gator pour-over is an affordable and stylish alternative to a pricier Chemex but with all the bells and whistles you’d want in a brewer. Namely, the larger 27-ounce carafe offers plenty of brew for entertaining or enjoying a few cups throughout the day.
Like its luxe cousins, the Coffee Gator carafe is made from fragile glass, meaning that it’s not exactly dishwasher compatible. However, a bottle brush is your best friend. It can easily sneak in and mop up any unsightly spots. Plus, unlike the picks on this list with finicky collars, we appreciate that this one has a handle for burn mitigation.
The Gator has a reusable dual-layer permanent filter that keeps grounds out, making it a good choice for the environment (and your stomach). Discrete white measurements printed on the glass helps ensure that each brew comes out perfectly. Just be sure to use the right grounds for your palate!
“At first, I used finer grounds with a longer pull time, resulting in a more bitter brew than when I used a coarser grind and a shorter pull time,” notes Sheri. “Interestingly, the coarser grind tasted smoother and was a decent cup of coffee. Funny how the grind and pull time affect the taste so much. Each user will likely need to experiment to find what tastes best to them.”
When looking for a pour-over coffee maker, there are a few factors to consider. First, serving size. While some pour-over coffee makers come with a carafe that’s capable of brewing an entire pot, others are a single-serve size that fits directly over a mug. Folks who want to brew coffee while entertaining should keep potential crowds in mind when committing to a pour-over.
Next is material. Operating without a good oven mitt means opting for a pour-over that comes with its own thermal sleeve or is made from thermal-resistant materials. Additionally, while some materials like glass and ceramic look a bit nicer on the counter, picking an easily breakable brewer may not be the best move for folks who are a bit clumsy before they enjoy their morning cup.
You’ll also want to consider whether it’s worth investing in a pour-over with a permanent filter. The alternative is using disposable paper filters, which are much easier to clean but also add additional waste. They also require regular replacements, upping the maintenance cost of the pour-over.
Lastly, think about cleanup. While plastic pour-overs may offer a cheaper price and lightweight feel, they may require hand-washing over an easy cycle in the dishwasher. Additionally, larger carafes require a bit more care than their smaller counterparts when scrubbing each piece, which is worth keeping in mind.
For this test, we used Colectivo Blue Heeler whole medium-roast coffee beans, the Breville Smart Grinder Pro and a Fellow gooseneck kettle with water heated to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (unless otherwise noted). We also followed the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the coffee-to-water ratio for brewing. If there were no instructions, we used 12 grams of coffee grounds and eight ounces of water. Our testers then taste-tested the coffee black, then, if desired, with a splash of half-and-half. Overall, our expert Product Testing Team:
I’ve tested dozens of foods and drinks for Taste of Home, informing pieces like the best coffee concentrates and the best gift of the month clubs. Not only am I Taste of Home’s resident food and drinks expert, but I’m also a total java junkie. Sure, I like looking at roasts, regional sources and aromas. But at the heart of things, I just really love a good cup of coffee.
Our Product Testing and Shopping Teams have a combined decade of experience testing and evaluating products. As purveyors of everything from mushroom coffee to the best espresso grinders, we are passionate about our morning brew. We conducted all tests in our Product Testing Lab under controlled conditions. Our team spent an estimated 32 hours on this test, including researching, sourcing, intaking and testing the products.
I also spoke to Cortney Kern, coffee roaster, latte artist and owner of Whimsical Woods Coffee, for his insight into what makes a good pour-over coffee maker.
While pour-overs intimidate some coffee newbies, they’re actually rather simple. Start by setting your pour-over on top of its carafe (or, for single cups, over your mug). Then, add a filter if necessary. Some come with their own built-in permanent filters. From there, just measure out your desired amount of coffee, put it into the filter and heat up your electric kettle. We recommend using water around 205 degrees Fahrenheit, but some pour-over brands may have their own temperature suggestions to follow. For a nice, medium-strong cup, use about 12 grams of ground beans for every eight ounces of water.
According to Cortney, the secret to a good pour-over is starting with a strong, saturating bloom. Use a gooseneck kettle for a precise pour for the best results. He also recommends working quickly to avoid any added bitterness.
“When I do a pour-over, my bloom is slow in a circular motion, starting in the middle and going outwards,” says Cortney. “Once my initial bloom phase time is up, I pour water aggressively out of the range server. This makes for a stormy slurry of the grounds getting saturated at a high rate of speed. This results in a smoother cup in the end, which is my preference cause I don’t want bitterness or over-extraction.”
Originally Published: September 13, 2024
