Pour over method

Though it’s been around for over a century, coffee lovers have resurrected the pour-over brewing method and it’s quickly growing in popularity thanks to the smooth, mellow flavor it delivers.

If you’re wondering what it’s about or looking for your ideal pour-over coffee maker, we’ve got you covered.

 Pour-over coffee makers, aka manual brewers, operate like a drip coffee maker, except it’s completely hands-on. These allow you to control the whole process and results in an excellent cup of coffee.

Basically, you pour hot water through the grounds to extract coffee into the container below. Drip coffee makers are automated, but pour-over coffee pots are a manual version of the same method.

It seems like extra work, but the results are incredible, which is why it has become so popular in recent years. The slow, methodical hand-pouring delivers a delicious, mellow flavor profile that’s on par with professional barista results.

Finicky coffee drinkers love that this method allows brewers to perfect the art of making coffee. The process allows you to be precise an in control over every element of brewing.

The first step in getting excellent results is using fresh, high-quality coffee beans. But beyond that, there are other things to consider when deciding to use this brewing method.

While the pour-over maker is generally inexpensive, but there are other things to consider, including the cost of other gadgets necessary for the best results.

Time is valuable, and the extra few minutes it takes to use the pour-over method might put some people off. It takes about three to five minutes of active brewing time, which may be a challenge on busy mornings.

Also, consider when and where you’ll use it as you decide what type of pour-over you’ll purchase. They’re mostly glass or ceramic, so if you’ll be traveling with yours, you’ll want to look at a durable plastic or metal one instead.

The accessories add to that bottom line. You’ll need a gooseneck kettle to give maximum control over the water stream as you pour, and a serving container – this may be a larger vessel for bigger batches or as simple as your favorite mug, and paper coffee filters unless yours has a reusable mesh filter. Some people also purchase an optional pour-over stand.

Here are a few options to consider:

Ceramic Coffee Dripper by Bee House ($15) – This top pick for beginners is a Japanese-made tiny, lead-free ceramic pour-over that makes one or two cups of coffee at a time. It’s durable, keeps coffee warm, and double drip holes at the bottom make the process quick and easy even as they’re extracting the coffee’s oils evenly and with little effort for a novice brewer. And it requires no extra filters.

Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper ($23) – This simple, easy-to-clean ceramic pour-over brewer has ridges that allow coffee to flow down the sides of the cone at the ideal rate for a balanced, smooth flavor. This model requires paper or cloth filters, and is better suited for a more experienced pour-over coffee user.

Chemex Classic Series, Pour-over Glass Coffee Maker ($35) – This aesthetically pleasing borosilicate glass pour-over is great for brewing for a crowd. The glass carafe holds up to 8 cups of coffee, and the double-bonded filtration system delivers a crisp-tasting coffee. Its thick filter blocks the bitter oils, and prevents water from flowing too quickly, which makes it a great choice for beginners. The sturdy design and quality filter produces consistent, high-quality coffee.

Melitta 6-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Brewer ($18) – Melitta was the first brand to make pour-over coffee maker over a century ago! With a glass carafe that hold up to six cups, this model is simple to use. It comes with a scoop and five filters. Need a bigger model, they have one available that holds 10 cups as well.

Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker ($20) – This pour-over brewer is great when you’ve got a crowd. It’s great for beginners and has a stainless steel mesh filter, which means less waste and expense. With its shatter-proof, heat-resistant glass and silicone grip, it’s durable and easy to use.  

Kalita Wave 185 Coffee Dripper ($24) – This user-friendly pour-over is travel-friendly and provides optimal extraction and doesn’t require much time or effort. The flat-bottomed coffee bed minimizes operator errors, and has led to a reputation for consistent quality. It’s available in stainless steel, glass, and ceramic models. The one drawback is that it requires filters that are only available online.

When you choose your pour-over brewer, consider your skill-level and willingness to put a little extra effort into coffee brewing.

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