Pour Over Coffee Makers (Manual)

The pour-over coffee brewing method affords precise control over each aspect of brewing. Those who practice and perfect their pouring can make excellent cups of coffee — if they have a high-quality pour over. Here are some of the best pour-over coffee makers depending on your needs.

How Does a Pour-Over Coffee Maker Work?

Pour-over coffee makers function much like standard drip machines, except you have complete control over how the water flows over the grounds. Adjustments to the pour patterns and rate will draw out different characteristics. Of course, you likewise have full control over grind size, coffee-water ratio, brew temperature and virtually every other aspect too.

Perfecting pour-over technique comes along with time, but this is one of the best brew methods once you master the pattern and rate. If you’re new to pour-over or looking to improve your brews, these pour-over drip brewers will also help.

For a basic pour pattern, use gradually larger concentric circles that grow from the center to the edge. The first pour should disperse half of the water relatively quickly. Pour the remaining water in one or two slower pours. The entire process should take ~3 minutes if using a single-cup or smaller model.

What Do You Need to Brew Pour-Over Coffee?

Making pour-over coffee requires a pour-over coffee maker, of course. You’ll also want a gooseneck kettle and perhaps a carafe (see below). Other accessories, such as a thermometer, stirring paddle, etc. are entirely optional.

How To Choose a Manual Pour-Over

The growing popularity has given rise to many pour-over coffee maker designs. The following are some criteria to remember as you survey the various models:

• Material: Pour-overs are mostly constructed of ceramic, glass, stainless steel or plastic. Ceramic warms nicely when preheated, which provides for an even temperature and extraction throughout brewing. Stainless is highly durable, and glass has a particular aesthetic.
• Shape: Like drip coffee makers, pour-overs can have a flat or conical bottom. Flat bottoms tend to be more forgiving for less practiced hands, while cones may provide slightly more flavorful cups. The number of holes in the bottom also impacts flow rate, extraction and time.
• Filter: Most pour-over filters are paper, metal or cloth. While metal and cloth are the most environmentally friendly options, paper provides a distinctly clean taste that pour-over brewing is known for. Metal filters allow more oils into the cup (which can enhance flavor), and cloth filters can muddy brews with off-flavors from built-up coffee oils.
• Size: The majority of pour-overs brew one or two cups at a time, but some companies have models that brew the equivalent of a full pot (~32 ounces max).
• Price: Pour-overs are some of the most affordable coffee makers available. The most inexpensive ones are priced about what a high-end latte might run. The most expensive are still much less than what other brewers of comparable quality cost. Nonetheless, price is a consideration anytime you’re purchasing coffee equipment.

Time is another factor that varies slightly between pour-over models, but it can be largely ignored. You should be using a French press or automatic coffee maker if a half-minute difference in brew time really matters. Plan on spending 3-5 minutes brewing each time you make a pour-over.

Best manual pour over coffee makers

Here are our top picks across all the categories:

See below for the breakdown of our recommendations per category.

Best Overall Manual Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Our pick: Hario V60 2-Cup Ceramic

Few others can contend with the manual pour-over that’s repeatedly won Wold Brewers Cups (and continues to do so). Tetsu Kasuya is perhaps the most well-known competitor, brewing the V60 with his “4:6 method” to win in 2016. Plenty of other competitors and winners have also used the Hario pour-over, though (Matt Perger in 2012, Stefanos Domatiotis in 2014, Odd- Steinar Tøllefsen in 2015, Chad Wang in 2017, and Matt Winton most recently in 2021).

The V60 is unforgiving in novice hands, but practiced professionals are able to extract the finest brews with this pour-over. The coffee maker is available in multiple materials and sizes, but stick with the classic 2-cup ceramic version for maximum balance and flavor. It’s the version competitors use on the world stage.

Runner Up: Chemex Glass (Any Size)

The Chemex pour-over is a classic alternative to the (also classic) Hario V60. Chemex was among the first generation of pour- over drip brewers, and has been iconic of the brew method ever since. The glass carafe with a wood collar is what most coffee drinkers picture when they think of a pour-over.

World Brewer Cup winners show the Hario V60 has an edge in quality, but the Chemex was able to hold its own and win the competition in 2011 (brewer Keith O’Sullivan). For the home brewer and cafe, Chemex has some other major perks that the V60 lacks.

A Chemex coffee maker is likely the best overall choice if you brew for crowds, enjoy watching the coffee drip or simply want something that matches your wood dining table. The 10-cup glass carafe with a wood collar is a particular stand-out for both its size and general quality. Smaller sizes are equally good for brewing less at once.

Best Single-Cup Manual Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Our pick: Kalita Wave 2-Cup Stainless

The Kalita Wave was intended to rival the Hario V60 when it debuted, and Kalita has managed to win one World Brewers Cup (James McCarthy in 2013). Even though the V60 remains the dominant pour-over drip brewer, the Wave is a solid contender for at-home brewing — especially if you want something that doesn’t require as much precise attention early in the morning.

The name “Wave” stems from the pour-over’s wavy sides, which help stabilize brew temperature, shelter the brew bend and create more even extraction. Three holes along a flat bottom also make the drip brewer more forgiving. You’ll be able to brew excellent coffee without being awake enough to portion out 40 and 60 percent of your water.

Although the official capacity of the Kalita Wave is two cups, that equates to about one coffee mug and the brewer perfectly perches atop most standard-sized mugs. The stainless version is favored, because it features the brewer’s unique wavy pattern.

Runner Up: Clever Dripper 1-Cup Plastic

The Clever Dripper is one of the few manual pour-overs to officially brew 1 cup of coffee, although this is misleading. Clever simply doesn’t measure cups by the common 4- or 6-ounce capacities that most other coffee makers do. Place this pour-over on top of a small or medium mug, and you’ll have what most people regard a normally sized cup of coffee brewed.

Clever is also unique in using an immersion brew method rather than a drip one. This means that the pouring technique doesn’t significantly impact extraction. Not having to pour precisely is helpful if you don’t have a gooseneck kettle, or if you simply don’t want to pay attention before drinking that morning’s first cup.

Other Contenders: The Hario V60 brews a similar volume of coffee to the Kalita Wave.

Best Small Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Our pick: Hario V60 4-Cup Ceramic

As the best overall manual pour-over, the Hario V60 is automatically also the best small pour-over brewer. The ceramic version will extract a flavorful, even cup with practiced hands. There’s simply no other coffee maker (of any method) that can compare.

Step up to the 4-cup version, and you’ll have a good-sized brewer for two people. The 4 cups are easily divided between a couple’s two morning mugs of coffee, and smaller portions can be poured when entertaining in the evening. The brewer is still capable of a single cup when you alone need a midday pick-me-up.

Runner Up: Kalita Wave 4-Cup Stainless

The Kalita Wave is again an excellent small pour-over, and it likewise comes in 2- and 4-cup versions. The 4-cup version is Kalita’s largest, and versatile enough to manage your two mugs in the morning, one in the afternoon, and four smaller ones in the evening.

Stick with the stainless steel version for Kalita’s wavy edges. Along with enhancing the brew, they’re also a conversation starter for smaller gatherings.

Other Contenders: The Hario Woodneck Drip Pot 4-Cup is comparably sized, yet aesthetically stands out thanks to a coth filter and more Chemex-like carafe.

Best Large Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Our pick: Chemex 10-Cup Glass

Chemex pour-overs come in sizes ranging from 3 cups to 10 cups. The largest doesn’t only brew enough coffee for a sizeable gathering, but does so in style thanks to Chemex’s iconic glass carafe and wood yoke. You can turn merely brewing a pot of coffee into a full-on theatrical show with this brewer at the table.

Using such a large manual pour-over has drawbacks compared to smaller models. Extraction will change due to the longer brew time, and you’ll need a gooseneck kettle that holds 40 ounces. You may even want two kettles, so you don’t have to wait while water heats up between warming the carafe and actually brewing.

If you do want a pour-over that’s capable of gatherings, the Chemex 10-Cup Glass is unsurpassed in volume, quality and class.

Runner Up: Asobu 8-Cup Copper Insulated Pour-Over

The Asobu Copper Insulated Pour-Over improves functionality, by brewing into a copper carafe that’s both beautiful and insulated. Having an insulated carafe improves heat retention throughout the brew, and it also allows you to pour coffee as it’s wanted. Reserve some coffee for second cups, or brew before entertaining and pour hot coffee as people want it.

The Asoube Copper Insulated only comes in an 8-cup size that’s slightly smaller than Chemex’s 10-cupper. Insulation has a clear benefit if you want more convenience around when coffee is brewed and served, however.

Other Contenders: The Kone Reusable Filter can brew up to 10 cups, and the Bodum Pour-Over makes as much as 8 cups.

Largest Pour-Over Coffee Maker

The Chemex 10-Cup Glass and the Kone 10-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter are the two largest pour-over coffee makers. They each brew as much as 40 ounces (and shouldn’t be used for too much less than that). Many coffee makers count a cup as 4 ounces.

Best Pour-Over Coffee Maker for Beginners

Our pick: Bee House Ceramic Dripper (2- or 4-Cup)

If you are a beginner, Bee House makes perhaps the easiest manual pour-over coffee maker to use. The Bee House Ceramic Dripper features ceramic for even heating, and a flat bottom that’s more forgiving. Additional holes in the bottom lessen the importance of a perfect pour by speeding up the brew time. In other words, the model’s features make brewing pour-over coffee as beginner- friendly as possible.

Don’t look to the Bee House Coffee Maker if you want the most flavorful and nuanced cup. For decent pour-over coffee that doesn’t even require a gooseneck kettle, though, Bee House is a lesser-known brand that manufactures good brewers for beginners.

Runner Up: Kalita Wave Stainless (2- or 4-Cup)
For something that’s more capable yet still somewhat beginner-friendly, the Kalita Wave can grow with you. No other pour-over appeals to everyone from novice first-timers to professional champions.

You’ll have no need for another pour-over coffee maker if you go with the Wave. In contrast, you’ll want to upgrade (perhaps to the Wave) after your skill exceeds the capabilities of the Bee House.

Other Contenders: The Clever Dripper and Hario Switch both use immersion-style brewing that eliminates the need for precise pouring. The Walkure Pour-Over Brewer’s design doesn’t reward precise pouring either, but its capabilities are much more limited.

Best Ceramic Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Our pick: Hario V60 Ceramic (2- or 4-Cup)

The Hario V60 performs best when made from ceramic, and it outdoes virtually every other pour-over coffee maker. The stainless, glass and plastic versions don’t produce the same level of intrigue and complexity in cups. The 2- or 4-cup ceramic version is where this coffee maker performs best.

Runner Up: Bee House Ceramic Drip Brewer (2- or 4-Cup)

If you don’t have the confidence to brew with a Hario V60, the Bee House Ceramic Drip Brewer likewise takes advantage of ceramic’s heat-retaining properties. It just uses ceramic to improve coffee from alright to good, rather than excellent to perfect.

In either case, make sure you prewarm the ceramic pour-over. The heat retention of ceramic won’t be as useful if it’s not already warm before you start brewing.

Other Contenders: The Kalita Wave has a ceramic version that still features the wavy ridges along the cone.

Best Glass Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Our pick: Chemex Glass Pour-Over (Any Size)

Chemex is the definitive glass pour-over coffee maker, if not the definitive pour-over altogether. The hourglass-shaped glass carafe, wood collar and leather thong create an elegant display worthy of showcasing on any dining room buffet. The fact that it also brews excellent coffee only means that you’ll actually use the eye-catching decor too.

Runner Up: Hario Woodneck Drip Pot

The Hario Woodneck Drip Pot shouldn’t be confused with Hario’s more famous V60, and you won’t likely conflate the two once you see them. The Woodneck Drip Pot bears a remarkable resemblance to the classic Chemex, glass beaker, wood neck, leather thong and all. The only noticeable differences are a slight variance in size and shape, and a cloth filter that Hario’s model uses.

Yes, Hario appears to maybe have copied Chemex. No one will call you a copycat or imposter when displaying the Woodneck Drip Pot, though. It also has great visual and functional merit on its own.

Other Contenders: The Bodum Pour-Over and Coffee Gator Pour-Over are two other quality glass pour-over drip brewers, even if they don’t have quite the class that the Chemex and Hario models do.

Best High-End Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Our pick: Chemex Glass Pour-Over (Any Size)

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but the professional beholders agree on one pour-over coffee maker. The Chemex is the only pour-over to be part of the Museum of Modern Art’s Permanent Collection. It was also named one of the 100 Best Designed Products of Modern Times by the Illinois Institute of Technology. No other pour-overs have been deemed as fancy.

You have highly respectable personal taste if you choose to make the Chemex Glass Pour-Over part of your collection too.

Runner Up: Kalita Wave Stainless Pour-Over (Any Size)

The Kalita Wave also has the distinction of being named among the 100 Best Designed Products of Modern Times. You’ll undoubtedly agree that it perfectly melds form and function.

Other Contenders: The Hario Woodneck Drip Pot may have come along after the Chemex, but its aesthetic is similarly beautiful. Although not the fanciest, the Hario V60 deserves consideration based solely on its brew quality (and it does look good, too).

Best Budget Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Our pick: Melitta 6-Cup Pour-Over

The Melitta Pour-Over is among the most affordable pour-over coffee makers. The 6-cup model is readily available for less than $15, and the 1-cup model usually costs under $10. Filters are comparably cheap. You can expect a $20 investment in this coffee maker and some filters to last a long time.

Don’t expect Brewers Cup-quality coffee from the Melitta Pour-Over, but the drip brewer far exceeds its low price point. Many more expensive pour-overs brew inferior cups.

Runner Up: Bodum 1-Liter Pour Over
Bodum makes another affordable model if you want something a little bigger. The Bodum 1-Liter Pour Over is regularly around $20, and sometimes just under. A metal filter eliminates any need to purchase filter refills later.

Bodum is well-known for making high-quality coffee equipment at affordable prices. The company is one of the biggest French press manufacturers, and its pour-over is just as good.

Other Contenders: Flower Dripper often costs a little more and doesn’t perform quite as well, but it’s another option in this price range. For just a few more dollars, the Hario V60 represents the best value when considering cost and quality.

Best Portable Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Our pick: Munieq Tetra Drip (One Size)

No other pour-over is as travel-friendly as the Munieq Tetra Drip. The drip brewer is comprised of three parts, which fold together for brewing and unfold flat for stowing. The whole thing weighs about as much as a toothbrush., which makes it perfect for backpacking, camping, or taking advantage of every allowable ounce in your checked luggage.

Surprisingly, the extreme portability doesn’t come at the cost of brew quality. The Tetra Drip has excellent extraction, and brews full-bodied, slightly fruity coffees with good balance.

Runner Up: Kalita Wave 4-Cup Stainless

If you have some more room and weight allowances, the stainless Kalita Wave allows you to brew world-class quality wherever you go. The stainless steel model is especially durable and still provides enhanced balance due to the wavy edges. Go for the 4-cup and save any extra in a thermos.

Other Contenders: The Kone Reusable Filter is similarly durable and requires only adding the filter to your luggage. It brews between 6 and 10 cups into a thermos or carafe that you’d have anyway.

Best Pour-Over Coffee Kit

The Hario Pour-Over Coffee Starter Set offers everything needed to begin pour-over brewing. The ceramic carafe is changed out for a glass one in order to reduce cost, but all of the necessities are in the box. The world-class (glass) V60 coffee dripper, a serving carafe, a coffee scoop and even paper filters are all included. A few colored plastic options are also available.

All of this can be had for just over $20 — less than the ceramic V60 on its own and just barely more than the most affordable pour-overs.

Brim Pour Over Coffee Kit

Another option in this category is the Brim pour over kit. This is a 6-cup version including glass carafe, scoop, reusable filter and plastic dripper. The dripper material is probably the biggest differentiator between the various available systems. People tend to love or hate the plastic. If you love it, this kit is a good one.

Pour-Over Coffee Filters

Best Overall Coffee Filter for Pour Over

The better pour-over coffee makers work best with specific filters, and these filters should be used. Use Chemex filters when brewing with a Chemex, Hario filters when brewing with a V60, and Kalita filters with a Wave. Of course, pour-overs that have stainless or cloth filters don’t require any refill.

Best Paper Pour-Over Coffee Filter

Of paper pour-over coffee filters, Chemex has the heaviest and one of the best. The filter’s weight is essential to brewing with the coffee maker properly (place the seam on the carafe’s spout side). These filters generally only work with Chemex, though.

Kalita Wave, Melitta and Hario make some of the most popular other paper filters. Kalita’s are regarded as high-quality can be used in a few different pour-over brewers. Melitta’s are usually the cheapest, aside from grocery store filters, and work in many models. Hario filters can also be used with a number of models, but opinions on the quality of Hario filters in recent years are divided.

Best Metal Pour-Over Coffee Filter

Among paperless pour-over filters, preference should be given to metal filters. Completely removing coffee oils and/or soap surfactants from cloth filters is nearly impossible. This results in cloth filters eventually imparting some non-terroir flavors.

Metal filters also allow more coffee oils to enter the cup. This creates the rich flavor of a French press, without the fines that are common to pressed coffee.

Any metal filter that a pour-over model comes with should be used for that model. Bodum and Coffee Gator make decent metal filters, but there are many other equally good ones. The Kone Reusable Filter deserves special mention because it’s made to work with any mug/carafe.

Best Paperless Coffee Filter (Non-Metal)

Some people are willing to trade-off flavor, in exchange for the environmental friendliness and cleaner taste that cloth filters provide. The cleaner taste stems from removing the oils during brewing.

The Hario Woodneck Drip Pot is the most elegant pour-over to use a cloth filter. The filter itself also has a decent design that channels water appropriately for this brewing method.

Most Environmentally Friendly Paper Filter

For those who want an eco-friendly option that doesn’t retain oils, the Cafec Flower Dripper uses innovative filters made from manila hemp. The pulp-based filters are more environmentally conscious than traditional paper filters while still maintaining the benefits of single-use. The filters are compatible with Hario V60 and any other models that accept Hario filters.

Pour-Over Coffee Carafes and Decanters

Best Thermal/Insulated Coffee Carafes

One of the biggest downsides of pour-overs is how quickly the coffee cools. Brewing and immediately pouring into a thermal carafe helps keep coffee hot for later enjoyment, and it does so without distorting the nuanced flavors in the cup.

Any quality insulated carafe that’s vacuum-sealed should keep coffee warm (if not hot) for hours. One particular pour-over model to consider is the Asobu Copper Insulated Pour-Over, which brews directly into a beautiful copper carafe. Other carafes include the S’well Teakwood (eco-friendly and unique), Thermos Vacuum Insulated Carafe (20-ounce, long-lasting) and Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Wide Mouth (20-ounces, long-lasting thermos).

Make sure any carafe chosen matches your pour-over in volume. Travel mugs work best for 1- and 2-cup pour-overs. Thermoses are more portable than carafes if you’re out and about.

Best Glass/Non-Insulated Coffee Carafes

Glass coffee carafes aren’t insulated, but they have a classy elegance if you’re drinking immediately after brewing. The Chemex is a clear contender if you want a pour-over with a glass carafe, and available in several different sizes. The Hario V60 Drip Decanter is another great-looking carafe from one of the brewing method’s leaders.

Overview of Pour-Over Coffee Makers

Asobu Copper Insulated Pour Over

This is among the best pour-over models if you need to keep coffee hot. The insulated carafe is available in multiple colors, ranging from standard black or stainless to copper or green. A tye-dye variation is particularly unique.

Since coffee is brewed directly into the carafe, it’ll keep coffee hotter than a setup that brews into a glass carafe before transferring to an insulated one. The Asobu’s is capable of keeping brewed coffee warm for upwards of 12 hours, and both its lid and the brewing chamber can be easily changed out with each other.

Asobu may not brew the absolute best pour-over coffee. For keeping coffee warm throughout the day or when entertaining, however, it’s the clear leader.

Capacity: 1 Liter / Filters: Metal Filter

Bee House Ceramic Dripper

Bee House Ceramic Dripper features the most user-friendly design and is perfect for novice pour-over baristas. Extra holes in the bottom speed up brewing, which in turn lessens the importance of a perfect pour — you can even use a non-gooseneck kettle and still get good coffee. The ceramic also helps ensure a minimum quality by providing consistent heat (if prewarmed).

Coffee from Bee House won’t be the best, but it also maintains a minimum level of quality. This makes the model well-suited for beginners.

Capacity: 2, 4 cups / Fitler: Melitta #2

Zero Japan Coffee Dripper

Zero Japan Coffee Dripper has an East Asian style, drawing from Japan’s tea culture. The dainty dripper mimics a teacup as it sits atop a small mug. Its closest comparison is Bee House. In fact, Zero Japan is the new name for the company that makes Bee House. Both are similar in aesthetic design and ease of use.

The biggest difference between Bee House and Zero is in their look. Zero has a little more teacup-like form and comes in many materials. Glass, wood, metal and colored plastic are all available.

The Zero Japan Coffee Dripper is neither the best nor the worst pour-over brewer. Pick one up if you appreciate Japanese tea culture yet prefer coffee. Otherwise, you might want to skip this for something that brews a little better.

Capacity: 1 cup / Filters: Melitta

Bodum Pour-Over

Bodum is known for well-made French presses, and the company’s pour-over likewise offers affordable quality. The model has a somewhat unique aesthetic that comes in several colors, although it’s nowhere near the Chemex in style. Shatter-resistant and heat-resistant glass ensures that you can use this pour-over coffee maker for a long time.

Capacity: 2, 4, 8 cups / Filter: metal

Cafec Flower Dripper

Cafec Flower Dripper uses innovative eco-friendly abaca filters, which are made from manila hemp. The filters produce balance and body akin to what more traditional paper filters do, and they can be used with any pour-over that accepts Hario V60 filters.

These filters make Cafec Flower Dripper a solid eco-friendly option, although they could make several other models eco- friendly as well. For a good brewer that’s good for the environment, this is a good choice. Its flower design creates ridges that funnel water properly down the pour-over funnel.

The Flower Dripper is available in plastic and ceramic. The ceramic offers heat retention, but pastel plastic models have a unique appearance.

See how the Cafec stacks up against the Hario V60.

Capacity: 1, 2, 4 Cups / Filter Eco-friendly manilla hemp

Cafelissimo Paperless Pour Over

Cafelissimo Paperless Pour Over sits atop any standard mug, brewing a single cup at a time.

The pour-over has a unique double metal filter. The smaller one is designed to catch any grounds that might drip through the larger one, but the smaller filter is prone to clogging. The brewing process is altered when the filter becomes clogged. Thus, what appears to be a feature is actually counteractive to brewing excellent pour-over coffee.

The Cafelissimo can be good for travel, as it’s compact and made of durable stainless. Its double-filter issue means there are better options — even for travel — however.

Chemex Pour Over

Chemex is the definitive pour-over coffee maker. It’s ubiquitous, beautiful, and excellent at brewing great coffee.

The Chemex stands out for being one of the first (created in 1941) and being the only pour-over coffee maker to be featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s Permanent Collection. It also was recognized by the Illinois Institute of Technology as one of the 100 Best Design Products of Modern Time.

A large range of sizes makes Chemex suitable for everything from the morning cup to entertaining gatherings. The company has added a few style options, but there’s little reason to deviate from the time-honored glass carafe, wood collar and leather thong.

As for brew characteristics, the Chemex’s cup tends to be a little thinner than the Hario V60’s. Both have won World Brewers Cups and are perfectly capable of making excellent coffee, though.

For the most beautiful pour-over and/or something that’s suitable for large gatherings, the Chemex is an obvious first choice. Be prepared to spend a little more on the specialty filters that it needs, for brewing with standard filters won’t take full advantage of the well-designed brewer.

Capacity: 3, 5, 8, 10 cups / Filter: Chemex paper

Clever Drip

Coastline’s Clever Drip is perhaps the most well-known immersion pour-over (which is an oxymoron). The brewer holds grounds and water together for the brew time duration, and then the brew chamber is pushed down so the coffee drips down. Even though this is immersion, it still uses a paper filter.

The combination of immersion brewing and a paper filter create a profile that’s akin to clean French press coffee. The coffee is fuller-bodied than most pour-overs, but it doesn’t have the fines or oils that enhance the French press profile.

Because the Clever uses immersion, pouring technique doesn’t matter as much. That and inexpensive plastic construction make this a good option for beginners and anyone on a budget, especially if they don’t have a gooseneck kettle.

Capacity: 4 cups / Filter: Melitta #4, Grocery Store #4

Coffee Gator Pour Over

Coffee Gator produces quality products at affordable prices. The company’s small pour-over brews directly into a carafe and uses a metal filter. Like the Bodum PourM Over, this is a good design and build that could last many years.

Because Coffee Gator isn’t as well-known, the company doesn’t command a premium price as some other manufacturers do. We think the Coffee Gator Pour-Over is one of the best options priced below $20.

Capacity: 2 cups / Filter: metal

December Coffee Dripper

December Coffee Dripper uniquely has an adjustable brew funnel. Whereas most models are intended to brew only one size, an adjustable disc alters December’s flow rate so it can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 4 cups at the same extraction.

As innovative as the rate-adjusting disc is, other pour-overs brew much better coffee and are more widely available. You might be better off purchasing two differently sized pour-overs than getting this adjustable one. Separate sizes would allow you to get two different models of pour-overs, too.

Capacity: 2, 3, 4 cups / Filter: Metal

Espro Bloom Pour Over

The Espro Bloom is another mug-topping model. A design similar to the more popular Cafelissimo features a double- filter but faster brew times. Clogging is still possible with the double-filter, and prioritizing brew speed sacrifices quality.

The Cafelissimo is a slightly better drip brewer, and still other models are even better. Saving 1 minute simply isn’t worth sacrificing flavor for — automatic drip brewers are more convenient.

Capacity: 1, 2 cups / Filter: Metal

Hario V60

The champion of all, the Hario V60 claims the most World Brewers Cup wins.

The V60 isn’t beginner-friendly, and even practiced home baristas will need to practice perfecting their technique. Once you have the flow rate and pattern down, however, this is widely regarded as producing the best pour-over coffee (some opinions differ). Feel free to experiment with ratios and rates as you learn.

Hario offers ceramic, glass, metal and plastic versions of the V60, but the ceramic is the best choice. Ceramic provides even heat (if prewarmed), which aids in even extraction. It’s the version that world champions use, and that will brew best at home.

If you do want a non-porcelain model for travel or other purposes, look at the Kalita or another model that’s more frequently metal.

Additionally, some coffee experts have complained that Hario’s filters seem inferior to what they were a few years ago. If you want better filters, Kalita or Cafec are two alternatives.

Capacity: 1, 2, 4, 7 cups / Filters: Hario

Hario Switch

Hario Switch uses immersion brewing much like Clever. Water and grounds sit until brewing is complete, and then the brewed coffee is allowed to flow down into a mug. Also like the Clever, flavor is similar to a clean French press.

Hario brings a world-class name to immersion-style pour-over brewing. A brand name, glass bowl and silicone base make the Switch more expensive, however, and the added price doesn’t necessarily come with significantly improved brew quality. While you might get the Switch if you find a good deal, the Clever is a more attractive and equally good option most of the time.

Capacity: 2 cups / Filters: Hario

Hario Woodneck Drip Pot

Hario Woodneck Drip Pot has a singular design that takes inspiration from Chemex but makes use of a cloth filter. The aesthetic alone deserves constipation. Brew quality isn’t equal to that of the V60, though. A cloth filter doesn’t hold grounds as precisely, and it can impart off-flavors as coffee oils and/or soap surfactants build up.

Give the Hario Woodneck Drip Pot a look if you want something that’s simultaneously beautiful and unique. It makes good (if not perfect) coffee, and neighbors are unlikely to have the same model. Learn how to make this style of coffee, known as Nel drip coffee.

Capacity: 2 Cups / Filter: Cloth

Kalita Wave

Kalita Wave is so-named for its wavy shape in the cone. The Wave was originally intended as an improvement on the Hario V60, improving flow by directing water away from the chamber’s walls. Three holes and a flat bottom also make the Wave more forgiving than its V60 counterpart.

The Wave was a worthy competitor of the V60, even besting the V60 in one (and only one) World Brewers Cup. Kalita Wave will serve anyone who wants a good pour-over well, and is perhaps even preferable for less practiced home baristas.

Like the Chemex, Kalita’s pour-over was also named a 100 Best Designed Product of Modern Times by the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Stainless, ceramic and glass variations are all available. The ceramic Wave offers consistent temperatures, while the stainless is durable and more common. Chemex is a major alternative if the glass aesthetic is desired.

Kalita’s premium filters can be difficult to source, and often must be ordered online. Capacity: 2, 4 cups / Filters: Kalita

Kone Reusable Filter

Able’s Kone Reusable Filter takes a different approach to on-mug brewing. It sits in rather than on top, and it has much larger volume of up to 10 cups.

The metal filter is often placed directly into a separate brewing vessel (e.g. a pour-over carafe). A more complete kit that includes a carafe is also available.

The Kone Filter brings a minimalistic design for people who only need a filter. It can be used with an appropriately sized Chemex or Hario V60, or another drip brewer. If you have a Chemex or V60 already, the main reason to purchase Kone is to reduce the environmental waste of paper filters. The maker’s standard paper filters brew better coffee.

Capacity: 6, 8, 10 cups / Filters: Metal

Melitta Pour Over

The Melitta is very budget-friendly. Small sizes are widely available for less than $10, and large typically cost only a few dollars more. Filters are inexpensive to the point that many people use them in other pour-over coffee makers.

For one of the cheapest coffee makers Melitta makes good coffee. It’s a true pour-over (unlike the budget-friendly Clever) and has a generally well-designed conical shape. Don’t expect Kilata Wave-quality coffee, but you’ll get something that’s quite flavorful.

Most Melitta drip brewers use 6-ounce cups, rather than the common 4 ounces.

Capacity: 1, 6, 10 / Filters: Melita

Munieq Tetra Drip

The Munieq Tetra Drip is a collapsible plastic pour-over that folds down flat. The lightest and smallest of all drip brewers, this is the clear choice for backpacking, camping or putting in a suitcase. The model’s toothbrush-like weight is light enough for all but the most minimalistic backpacker. Yet, it brews coffee that’ll appeal to discerning luxury travelers.

The Munieq is deceptively good when it comes to brew quality, largely because it follows Hario V60’s proven form. The Tetra Drip channels water and grounds in the same way as V60, but does so by having a vastly different exterior profile. The result is even extraction, robust body and bright flavors.

No other pour-over coffee maker is as light as the Munique Tetra Drip. Not many others brew coffee as well. The one-two punch makes for a potent combination if you need a travel brewer.

Capacity: 1.5, 3.5 cups / Filters: Hario, Cafec

Primula Pour Over

The Primula Pour Over is another on-top, double-filtered model, in the vein of Cafelissimo and Espro. Distinct from the others, Primula is made of glass, has a handle, and most creatively has a cut-out in the base. The cut-out makes it possible to easily watch the brew drip into the mug, even if you’re using an opaque mug.

Despite being the nicest of the three double-filter options, Primula is still plagued by its second filter. The coffee maker is liable to become clogged. Go with another drip brewer unless you’re set on the double-filter design for some reason.

Capacity: 2 cups / Filters: Metal

Walkure Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Walkure Pour-Over Coffee Maker is a cross between a drip brewer and a teapot, with its design somewhat favoring the latter. A cylindrical brewing chamber sits atop the equivalent of a teapot, and the whole thing is porcelain. The brew chamber contains a ceramic dispersion plate that directs water even regardless of the pour.

The Walkure’s interesting design falls short of accomplishing its objective. The style is different, but not as appealing as the Chemex or even the Hario V60. By simply filling up the cylindrical brewing chamber, the model eliminates any opportunity to brew better coffee through technique.

Not all things that are interesting are worth getting. Other pour-over coffee makers will produce better coffee and/or look nicer.

Capacity: 1 cup / Filters: Walkure ceramic

Try a New Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Whether you’re new to pour-overs or looking for a new one to try, there’s a drip brewer for everyone. Consider your preferences for style, size, brew quality and price, and you’ll find a few possible models to try. Choose one, and find out what uniqueness it adds to your coffee enjoyment.