Pour over makes cleaner, brighter coffee than drip machines. No bitterness, more flavor, and you actually taste the difference between good beans and mediocre ones.
Here are the best pour over coffee makers, ranked from budget picks to the fancy stuff.
BODUM Pour Over - $19
This is what I recommend to everyone starting out. Permanent stainless steel filter means no buying paper filters every month. Makes 8 cups. The glass carafe looks nice and you can see the coffee brewing which is kind of satisfying. Takes about 3 minutes to make coffee and it tastes way better than drip. Can't go wrong at this price.
Check Price on AmazonHario V60 Ceramic Dripper - $25
This is the one all the coffee snobs use. Ceramic holds heat better than plastic, spiral ridges help with even extraction, and the large opening lets you control the pour. You need paper filters but they're cheap. Makes 1-4 cups. If you want to get into pour over technique and really dial in your coffee, this is the move.
Check Price on AmazonChemex Classic - $45
Looks like it belongs in a museum and makes incredibly clean coffee. The thick paper filters remove all oils and sediment so you get super bright, tea-like coffee. Makes 6-8 cups. Takes a bit longer to brew (4-5 minutes) but the result is worth it. Only downside is you need their specific filters which are pricier than regular ones.
Check Price on AmazonKalita Wave Dripper - $30
Flat-bottom design makes it harder to mess up than the V60. Three small holes slow down the flow for more even extraction. Good middle ground between "I just want easy coffee" and "I want to geek out on technique." Makes 2-4 cups. Uses special wave filters that cost a bit more but they're worth it.
Check Price on AmazonBee House Ceramic Dripper - $22
This one's underrated. Wedge shape is more forgiving than V60, uses standard #4 cone filters you can buy anywhere, and the ceramic looks nice. Makes 2-4 cups. Good option if you want something simple that makes good coffee without overthinking it. Basically the reliable Honda Civic of pour overs.
Check Price on AmazonWhich Pour Over Coffee Maker Should You Get?
If you want the easiest option with no filters to buy: BODUM. Permanent filter, makes a lot of coffee, done.
If you want the best tasting coffee and don't mind paper filters: Hario V60 or Chemex. V60 if you want to learn technique, Chemex if you want the cleanest possible coffee.
If you want something foolproof: Kalita Wave or Bee House. Harder to mess up than V60, still makes great coffee.
If you're buying for someone else as a gift: Chemex looks the fanciest, BODUM is most practical.
What Else You Need for Pour Over Coffee
Pour over isn't like a drip machine where you just press start. You need a few things:
Electric kettle with temperature control: You need water at 195-205°F and you need to control the pour. A gooseneck kettle is ideal but not required. Budget option: regular electric kettle, let it cool 30 seconds after boiling.
Coffee scale: Pour over is all about ratios. Use 15-17 grams of water per 1 gram of coffee. A $18 scale makes this easy.
Grinder: Medium to medium-fine grind, like sand or table salt. Pre-ground works but fresh is way better.
Filters: If you go with V60, Chemex, or Kalita. BODUM doesn't need them.
Complete Pour Over Setup
Budget version ($60 total):
- BODUM Pour Over - $19
- Hamilton Beach Grinder - $18
- Electric Kettle - $22
Premium version ($120 total):
- Hario V60 or Chemex - $25-45
- Coffee Scale - $18
- Gooseneck Kettle - $40-60
- Grinder - $18
How to Make Pour Over Coffee (Basic Method)
Don't overthink it. Here's the simple version:
- Grind 20-25 grams of coffee (medium grind)
- Put filter in dripper, rinse it with hot water
- Add grounds, shake to level them out
- Pour just enough water to wet all the grounds (let it sit 30 seconds - this is called "blooming")
- Pour rest of water in slow circles, don't let it overflow
- Should take 2-3 minutes total
That's it. You'll get better with practice but even your first attempt will taste good.
Pour Over vs Drip Machine
Pour over makes better coffee but takes more effort. Drip machine is easier but the coffee isn't as good.
Get pour over if: You have 5 minutes in the morning and care about taste
Get drip machine if: You need coffee ready when you wake up and don't want to think about it
Honestly you can have both. Use drip on busy mornings, pour over on weekends when you have time.
💡 Real talk: I use a drip machine Monday-Friday and pour over on weekends. No shame in using whichever fits your schedule. The best coffee maker is the one you'll actually use.
Ready to Try Pour Over?
Get everything you need to make amazing pour over coffee at home
Shop Pour Over Coffee Makers