The pour over is highly popular for it’s simplicity, sophistication and flavor. Its easy enough for a beginner to get started with a few instructions. But don’t think that because it is simple it is limited. Technique and other details make the difference between a passable cup and a great one. Pour over coffee is a skill that you can perfect with much practice and experimentation over time. The better you get, the better your coffee gets.
Pick the Best Pour Over for Your Home:
Highly Rated Models for 2020
Model
Quick Description
| Bodum Pour Over with Permanent Filter | Contemporary Design + Great Flavor |
| Chemex 8-Cup Classic Series Glass | It All Started With Chemex |
| Coffee Gator Pour Over Set | Stainless Steel Filter |
| Hario V60 Drip Decanter Pour Over Coffee Maker | A Pour Over Favorite |
| Hario V60 Coffee Dripper | Designed For Optimal Results |
| Primula Single Serve Coffee Brew Buddy | Economical + Convenient |
Pour Over Coffee Basics
You really can’t get any more hands-on with your coffee than making it using the pour over method. It’s just you, the water and the coffee. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This method can produce a sophisticated, delicious cup of coffee like no other.
Making a pour over starts with the ground beans, which are placed in the filter. Then hot water is poured over the coffee, and gravity carries it down through the grinds into a cup or carafe.
The main elements that affect the results of a pour over are: water quality, water temperature, water-to-coffee ratio, coffee grind size and pour method. If you’re just getting started, you can use some standard rules of thumb for these and then adjust over time to find your perfect cup.
You’ll find there are two types of pour over devices: a carafe and a dripper. A carafe is designed with a filter area at the top, which empties into the bottom for easy serving. A dripper is basically the conical filter part, designed to sit directly on and drip into a cup or mug.
Tips for Best Results
-
Start with the best quality water possible. If you don’t have filtered water, consider a
built-in filter or something like a Brita water pitcher or ZeroWater pitcher. - Know your coffee-to-water brew ratio. Start with 16:1 (22g of coffee to 370g of water) and experiment to find what tastes best to you.
- Use a scale that weighs in grams to measure your coffee and water. This will make it easy to repeat your success.
- Get the grind right. This is really important! It will vary with different coffees, but start with a medium-fine grind.
- Heat your water to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you’re using a paper filter, pre-wet it to avoid taste from the paper ending up in your coffee.
- Bloom the coffee. Pour just enough water to wet all the grounds (try 1:1 ratio), then let sit for 30-40 seconds before continuing.
Buyer's Checklist
- Material - Pour overs come in a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, plastic and metal.
- Filter - Most models use either a permanent filter or paper filters. If paper, find out whether you can substitute different brands.
- Capacity - A carafe will make it easier to capture several cups at a time. But a dripper will take up less space and be easier to take on the go.
Bodum Pour Over
Coffee Maker
with Permanent Filter
Contemporary Design + Great Flavor
You’ll enjoy looking at and using this highly-rated Bodum pour over. It’s a popular model that comes in 3 sizes, and there are also several eye-catching colors available, which is a bit unique in pour overs. The carafe is borosiliate glass, and is dishwasher safe. The filter is permanent, made from stainless steel mesh, which allows more of the coffee oils and flavor through for a stronger brew.
Chemex 8-Cup Classic Series Glass Coffee Maker
It All Started With Chemex
Coffee Gator Pour Over Set
Stainless Steel Filter
With users reporting excellent service, and a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, Coffee Gator clearly puts their customers first. The 15 ounce capacity is the right size for about 3 cups or 2 mugs of brew. This models features a laser cut stainless steel filter so you avoid the fuss and expense of paper filters. Also, the handle is a feature that many people prefer over a neck collar. It’s easy to pick up and move or pour.
Hario V60 Drip Decanter Pour Over Coffee Maker
A Pour Over Favorite
Hario is a popular brand with pour over fans. This 23 ounce decanter is made with Borosilicate glass. So its resistant to thermal shock, which helps reduce breakage due to heat fluxuations. And you won’t need to worry about leftover flavors or odors from one cup to the next because the glass does not absorb them. It’s also safe to use in your microwave or run through the dishwasher. The plastic filter holder is designed for use with Hario paper filters.
Hario V60 Coffee Dripper
Designed For Optimal Results
Hario offers 3 different sizes of drippers in different materials (glass, plastic, ceramic and metals) and several colors and finishes. They are designed to control flow, timing and temperature of the water, to optimize your brewing results. The heat resistant borosilicate glass dripper shown is easy to use and clean, with a fresh look and pop of color.
Primula Single Serve Coffee Brew Buddy
Economical + Convenient
The Primula Brew Buddy was built to be economical, practical and environmentally-friendly. The sturdy plastic rim is designed to fit virtually any cup, mug or thermos, and is dishwasher safe. And the attached fine mesh filter is reusable so no paper filter is neccesary. It is practical for everyday use, easy to pack for travel, and you don’t have to be concerned about dropping it.
