Here are my picks for the best pour-over coffee makers! Simple and easy to use, they are perfect for brewing one or two cups of coffee at a time.
Like many people, I look forward to my first sip of coffee each morning. While I love my Breville espresso machine, I also appreciate having a simpler option in my kitchen, like a basic (but powerful!) pour-over coffee maker. The best pour-over coffee makers are easy to use and perfect for making delicious caffeinated drinks, like my Japanese Iced Coffee—a great way to start the day.
Over the years, Mr. JOC and I have tried out a wide range of coffee machines, along with different beans from local and independent coffee roasters. From years of testing and experience, I’ve put together a list of the best pour-over coffee makers, including my all-time favorite from Chemex! Check them out below.
My Top Picks
- What’s in My Kitchen: Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker – $36.98 at Amazon
- Best Single-Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker: Kalita Wave Pour-Over Coffee Dripper – $23.84 at Amazon
- Best Budget Pour-Over Coffee Maker: Kalita 102 Ceramic Dripper – $13.40 at Amazon
- Best Pour-Over Coffee Maker For Beginners: OXO Brew Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker – $17.43 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers
1. What’s in My Kitchen: Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
I’ve owned this Chemex Pour-Over Coffee Maker since 2019, and I love it so much that I’ve repurchased it a few times. There are a few reasons why it’s become my go-to over the years: First, it has a sleek design, with the glass carafe and wooden collar adding a stylish touch to my countertop. It consistently brews great coffee, and I appreciate that you can make up to six cups at a time. I also love that it’s a single vessel, rather than a two-piece dripper and carafe, making it easier to clean. (Bonus: It’s dishwasher-safe!)
The Specs:
- Capacity: 6 cups
- Material: Glass
- Filter Type: Chemex FP-1, FC-100, FS-100, or FSU-100
- Dishwasher-Safe?: Yes
What I Like:
- Sleek appearance
- Brews multiple cups
- Consistent results
- Easy to clean
What I Don’t Like:
- Special filters required
- Glass design makes it easier to accidentally break
What Others Are Saying:
Besides being my favorite pour-over coffee maker, this Chemex pour-over has a 4.8-star rating from more than 6,450 Amazon reviewers. It was also named the best pour-over coffee maker by Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats, and it was featured in Wirecutter’s roundup, too.
Buy the Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker:
2. Best Single-Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker: Kalita Wave Pour Over Coffee Dripper
If you only want to make one cup of coffee at a time, the Kalita Wave Coffee Dripper slots right on top of your favorite mug. It can brew between 16 and 26 ounces of coffee, and its unique flat-bottom design, with three drip holes, ensures a more even extraction for bold flavor without any bitterness. This dripper is ideal for beginners since it’s forgiving and doesn’t require precise water pouring over the grounds. However, it does require specific filters from the brand, which are a bit more expensive than generic ones.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 26 ounces
- Material: Glass
- Filter Type: Kalita Wave 185
- Dishwasher-Safe?: Yes
What I Like:
- Brews one cup at a time
- Fits most coffee mugs
- Flat bottom for even extraction
- Easy for beginners
- Inexpensive
What I Don’t Like:
- Special filters required
What Others Are Saying:
The Kalita Wave Pour Over Coffee Dripper has a 4.6-star rating from more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon, and it was named the best coffee dripper by Wirecutter and Serious Eats.
Buy the Kalita Wave Pour Over Coffee Dripper:
3. Best Budget Pour-Over Coffee Maker: Kalita 102 Ceramic Dripper
The Kalita 102 Ceramic Dripper is a simple and inexpensive option for anyone looking to try pour-over coffee. It sits right on top of your favorite coffee mug and can brew up to 12 ounces of coffee at a time. The ceramic construction is sturdier than glass drippers and works with generic #2 cone filters. However, it does require more precise pouring for optimal extraction, so it may take a little practice to get your coffee just right.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Material: Ceramic
- Filter Type: Kalita 102 or #2 cone
- Dishwasher-Safe?: Yes
What I Like:
- Inexpensive
- Brews one cup at a time
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Can be placed directly on top of a mug
What I Don’t Like:
- Requires more precise pouring
What Others Are Saying:
The Kalita 102 Ceramic Dripper has more than 4,000 reviews on Amazon with a rating of 4.6 stars. It’s also mentioned by Wirecutter as a solid basic option for pour-over coffee.
Buy the Kalita 102 Ceramic Dripper:
4. Best Pour-Over Coffee Maker For Beginners: OXO Brew Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker
If you’ve never made pour-over coffee before, the OXO Brew Pour-Over Coffee Maker is ideal for beginners and makes the process practically foolproof. The dripper sits on top of a mug or carafe and is filled with coffee grounds as usual. Then, you place the included water tank on top of the dripper.
The tank has markings on the side for easy measuring, and it automatically controls the flow of water over the coffee for optimal extraction. The dripper works with generic filters and even comes with a lid to help keep the water warm while brewing.
It also comes with 10 filters to get you started, which is a nice bonus, and it’s made from a type of plastic that’s way more durable than ceramic or glass.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 12 ounces
- Material: Polypropylene and tritan
- Filter Type: #2 cone
- Dishwasher-Safe?: Yes
What I Like:
- Affordable
- Easy for beginners
- Automatically controls water flow
- Measurement markings
- Works with generic filters
- Durable
What I Don’t Like:
- Design isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as other options
What Others Are Saying:
The OXO Brew Pour-Over Coffee Maker has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon from over 9,000 reviewers. Both CNN and The Kitchn named it the best pour-over coffee maker for beginners.
Buy the OXO Brew Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker:
Other Pour-Over Coffee Makers to Consider
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
The Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker has a carafe-style design that comes in three sizes, ranging from 17 to 51 ounces. It’s made from borosilicate glass, and includes a reusable stainless steel filter, so you won’t need to buy paper filters. The carafe has a removable cork grip around the collar, and it’s a very budget-friendly option for brewing multiple cups at once. That being said, the funnel can only take 8 ounces at a time, so you’ll have to wait for it to drain in between pours. It’s also not as intuitive as other options on my list.
The Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker is available at Amazon for $19.99.
Fellow Stagg Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set
Like its electric kettle, The Fellow Stagg Coffee Maker Set features a sleek, modern design that includes both a dripper and a carafe. The stainless steel dripper has tall, vacuum-sealed walls that help maintain the perfect water temperature. It’s ideal for those who prefer the “fill-up” method. There’s even a built-in ratio aid to help you achieve just the right level of extraction. However, it’s super pricey, and it’s only compatible with the brand’s filters.
The Fellow Stagg [XF] Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set is available at Amazon for $99.
Origami Pour Over Coffee Dripper
For more experienced pour over makers, the Origami Coffee Dripper offers a simple design available in a variety of colors. Handcrafted in Japan from heat-retaining clay, its textured walls promote better airflow and drainage for optimal flavor extraction. It can be used with a variety of generic filters, though for best results, the brand recommends pairing it with the Origami Dripper Holder, which is sold separately. While it’s visually appealing, it has limited reviews, and they aren’t the most favorable.
The Origami Pour Over Coffee Dripper is available at Williams Sonoma for $39.95.
Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker
The Coffee Gator Coffee Maker includes a 27-ounce glass carafe and a reusable stainless steel mesh filter. The carafe has a handle for easy pouring, and the filter features a heat-resistant tab for easy removal. While this pour-over coffee maker is inexpensive, it requires precision to achieve the perfect extraction.
The Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker is available at Amazon for $12.99.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Pour Over Coffee Maker
What to Consider Before Buying a Pour-Over Coffee Maker
There are many pour-over coffee makers available, and you’ll want to consider the following factors to find the best option:
Design: Pour-over coffee makers come in a few styles, including separate drippers, two-piece systems, and all-in-one carafes. Units that include just a dripper are designed to brew directly into your mug, while two-piece systems feature a separate carafe to catch the brew. All-in-one carafes typically have an hourglass shape that lets you brew and serve from one vessel, and they can generally make multiple servings at a time.
Capacity: Consider how much coffee each unit can brew at a time. Single-serve drippers may only make 8 or 12 ounces—just enough for one cup—while larger carafes can brew several servings at once, making them better suited for larger households or frequent coffee drinkers.
Filter Type: Pour-over coffee makers use filters to hold the coffee grounds. While some models can be used with generic filters, others require specialty filters purchased directly from the brand. Some models also come with reusable metal filters.
How Do You Make Pour-Over Coffee?
It’s relatively easy to make hot coffee in a pour-over coffee maker. In our Chemex, we use the brand’s special filters, and make sure the three layers are facing the spout side. Place the Chemex on a scale for accurate measurement of beans and water—we typically use 40-50 grams of freshly ground beans and 500-550 grams of water.
Pre-wet the filter first and discard the water before adding the coffee grounds. Then, slowly pour water over the coffee grounds to let them bloom. Take your time to make coffee, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different beans and slightly varying water temperatures to discover your preferred flavors.
How Does a Pour-Over Coffee Maker Work?
Pour-over coffee makers are quite basic. Similar to drip coffee makers, the brewing process involves pouring hot water over ground coffee beans, with gravity taking care of the rest by drawing the water through the beans to extract flavor. However, several factors can impact how your coffee tastes, including the type of coffee beans you use, the water temperature, extraction time, and the ratio of water to beans.
How Do You Make Pour-Over Iced Coffee?
I use a pour-over coffee maker to brew Japanese Iced Coffee, and the process is similar to making hot coffee:
- Start by adding 150 grams of ice to the cup or carafe, then pre-soak your filter and measure out 30 grams of freshly ground beans.
- Using water that’s around 205ºF/96ºC, bloom the coffee grounds, and then slowly pour in enough water to fill your cup.
When made using this method, the Japanese iced coffee will have a more flavorful, brighter, and complex taste.
Do You Need a Scale to Make Pour Over Coffee?
For the best results, you’ll need a digital kitchen scale and a gooseneck tea kettle (I use this one from Fellow). With a scale, you’ll be able to precisely measure the coffee grounds and water as you brew your coffee, ensuring the right ratio for a flavorful drink that’s not too bitter.
The Best Coffee Recipes
In addition to regular hot and iced coffee, there are a variety of other delicious Japanese recipes you can make with the help of a pour-over coffee maker. Here are some of my favorites:
- Japanese Iced Coffee アイスコーヒー
- Cold Brew Coffee 水出し珈琲
- Coffee Jelly コーヒーゼリー
- Coffee Ice Cream コーヒーアイスクリーム
- Hojicha Latte ほうじ茶ラテ
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
What is don’t like with this pour over makers is one need a glass cup so you can see When to stop pouring. Otherwise you have to measure the water in the kettle before going. Correct me if wrong.
Hello there! That’s correct. However, you can also use a kitchen scale to measure. Here is an example. I hope this helps!
https://www.justonecookbook.com/japanese-iced-coffee/
Thank you for reading Nami’s blog.🤗
Like Ben, I’m a big fan of the Hario V60, use a good grinder and have found the right grind for my beans that produces a great cup of coffee every single time. The grind will vary slightly with each bean variety and roast level so minor adjustments may be necessary. Good water is important as is a filter rinse before the pour. No need to be redundant about everything else he stated so well.
Hi Chuck! Thank you for reading Nami’s post and sharing your experience with us!
I converted to a stainless steel coffee filter because the makers of these say they filter out less of the oils from the beans vs paper filters. I’m not a coffee snob/connoisseur and the first time I tried one I could really taste the difference in using stainless steel vs paper. Having more of the oils come through gives coffee a more richer taste.
Similar to this, if you ever ate instant ramen, it obviously doesn’t taste as good a fresh ramen. Next time you only have instant ramen to eat, put a teaspoon or two of vegetable oil in the broth. It really bumps up the richness of the broth.
Whether it’s coffee or ramen, oil bumps up the richness.
Hi Bennett! Thank you for reading Nami’s post and sharing your experience with us!
Good choices, but I’m personally a fan of the not-mentioned Hario V60.
Much more important than the brewer is the grinder. I use a Baratza Encore for pour-over. And, of course coffee and water are key.
The latter surprisingly so … municipal tap water often has various minerals that, while very healthy for you, have chemistries that don’t bring out the best in coffee. I have a “Coffee Lover’s” reverse-osmosis / remineralization system from SpectraPure under the kitchen sink. I’m sure there are those who’ve studied commercially bottled water to find good picks for coffee. If you’re the DIY kind, you can find recipes for mixing very small amounts of minerals (like epsom salts) into distilled water for good results — but most “mere mortals” will likely be happiest picking some brand of bottled water and sticking to it. (Unless you happen to live somewhere like Tokyo famous for its great tap water!)
The last step is to “dial in” your own recipe, with whatever combination of tools, coffee, and water you have. Use 93°C / 199°F water. You have two main other variables to control: the ratio of coffee to water and how finely you grind the coffee. I use 13:1 water:coffee, but that’s strong; start with 15:1 (or 16:1 if you prefer something on the mild side). Brew some coffee. If the result is bitter, especially if it’s “dry,” the grind is too fine; make it more coarse. If it’s sour or salty, the grind is too coarse; make it more fine. Adjust and brew another pot until the result is as sweet as you can get it. Then, decide if you want it stronger or weaker and adjust the ratio until it’s to your liking — and be ready to fine-tune the grind as you change the ratio.
There’re lots of other variables you can play with (such as bloom times, how you pour, and the like), but mindful attention to the coarseness of the grind and the ratio of coffee to water will get you to a good cup of coffee.
Cheers,
b&
Hi Ben! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! 🙂