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The 5 Best Pour Over Coffee Makers

We tested pour overs from Hario, Fellow, Chemex, Slow Pour, and others to find which makes the best cup
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Best Pour Over Coffee Maker Review
Credit: Liz Nelson
By Liz Nelson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 3, 2023

The Best Pour Over Coffee Makers


After researching the best pour over coffee makers on the market, our team of coffee professionals purchased the top 13 brewers for extensive side-by-side testing. We standardized our pour over technique using the same coffee, ratio, grind size, and water temperature. Using this baseline recipe, we brewed copious amounts of coffee, evaluating each dripper's brew quality, ease of use, and durability. Finding the right brewer is an ambitious endeavor with endless options, and our comprehensive analysis is designed to lead you to the best dripper for your preferences and budget. If you're ready to make hand-poured coffee part of your morning routine, we're here to help.

There are many methods for brewing coffee and a couple of essential tools for making that perfect cup at home. If you're looking to explore the flavor nuances of coffee, you will want to invest in one of the best coffee grinders. Check out our article on the best electric kettles, including gooseneck models, which are ideal for the temperature and flow accuracy required for pour over brewing. If you love cafe-style drinks, you might be interested in our review of the best home espresso machines, and if you're mainly interested in convenience, check out our picks for the best Keurigs. For other morning kitchen gadgets, check out our review on the best griddles and top-rated waffle makers to up your brunch game.

Editor's Note: We updated our pour over coffee maker review on November 29, 2023, to incorporate relevant alternatives for each of the award-winning products in our lineup.

Top 13 Pour Over Coffee Makers

Displaying 1 - 13 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Pour Over Coffee Maker
Top Pick Award
Best for Beginners
 Top Pick Award
Best for Multiple Cups
 Top Pick Award
Best for Travel
    Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
  
Price $25 List
$24.50 at Amazon
$39 List
$31.48 at Amazon
$60 List
$60.00 at Amazon
$50 List
$48.93 at Amazon
$40 List$30 List
$29.95 at Amazon
$18.00 List
$17.99 at Amazon
$30 List
$21.00 at Amazon
$34 List
$29.99 at Amazon
$40 List
$38.95 at Amazon
$8.00 List
$8.55 at Amazon
$33 List$10.00 List
$9.54 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Exceptional flavor, easy to clean, excellent heat retentionCompact, simple to Use, easy to clean, durableVacuum insulated, ratio aid, grounds funnelLarge capacity, excellent flavor, stylishExcellent taste, great airflow, beautiful aestheticDurable, pocket-sized, comes with a carrying-caseAuto-drip tank, lid doubles as drip tray, easy to use and cleanDurable ceramic, simple to use, easy to cleanDishwasher safe, great taste, BPA-freeEasy to use, no mess, precise pouring not requiredInexpensive, lightweight, easy to find filtersGood for multiple cups, dishwasher safe, reusable filterEco-friendly, pocket-sized, durable
Cons Take practice, fragileRequires specific filter, small handleExpensiveUses proprietary filters, learning curveDelicate, base sold separateEasy to overfillPlasticThin base looses heat while brewingDelicate, small brew chamberPlastic, must hand wash, poor heat retention, priceyPlastic, poor heat retentionPoor heat retention, subpar brew qualityPoor brew quality
Bottom Line A coffee shop staple, this dripper blew us away with its clean, sweet, evenly extracted brewThis dripper is the perfect introduction to pour-over brewing, producing a consistently delicious cup with its forgiving flat-bottomed designFantastically engineered for functionality and quality, this dripper comes with all the accessories to help brew the perfect cupA gorgeous addition to your kitchen counter, this large capacity brewer produces a delightfully clean cup with balanced flavor and just the right amount of sweetnessThis is a fun dripper for anyone familiar with pour over brewing and looking to expand on their brewing equipmentThis stylish and compact dripper is the solution to brewing quality pour overs on the goGood beginner option for anyone looking to eliminate steps in the pour over brew processThis classic coffee dripper brews a well-balanced, sweet, and exceptionally clean cup of coffeeThis glass carafe and mesh filter produce great-tasting coffee, however skill is required to neatly brew multiple cups with the smaller-than-average brew chamberA unique blend of pour-over and immersion brewing styles, this dripper takes the guesswork out of making a great cup of coffeeThis super simple dripper is widely available, easy on your wallet, and easy to useThis large capacity brewer features a washable stainless steel filter, removable rubber grip collar, and all dishwasher safe componentsA unique design that steeps coffee during brewing, this all-in-one device requires nothing more to brew other than ground coffee and hot water
Rating Categories Hario V60 Dripper Kalita Stainless Wa... Fellow Stagg Dripper X Chemex Eight Cup Cl... Slow Supply Origami... MiiR Pourigami OXO Brew Pour-Over Zero Japan Bee Hous... Cosori Original 8-Cup Clever Coffee Dripper Melitta 1-Cup Coffe... Bodum Pour Over Primula Brew Buddy
Brew Quality (50%)
10.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
2.0
Ease of Use (30%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Durability (20%)
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
10.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
9.0
Specs Hario V60 Dripper Kalita Stainless Wa... Fellow Stagg Dripper X Chemex Eight Cup Cl... Slow Supply Origami... MiiR Pourigami OXO Brew Pour-Over Zero Japan Bee Hous... Cosori Original 8-Cup Clever Coffee Dripper Melitta 1-Cup Coffe... Bodum Pour Over Primula Brew Buddy
Material Ceramic Stainless Steel Stainless steel, silicone Non-porous Borosilicate glass,
wooden handle, rawhide
Ceramic Stainless steel Polypropylene, tritan Ceramic Stainless steel, high borosilicate glass BPA-free plastic Plastic Heat-resistant borosilicate glass, stainless steel mesh filter Plastic, nylon
Filters Needed? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No
Brew Capacity 12oz 12oz 20oz 40oz 32oz 12oz 12oz 12oz 34oz 18oz 12oz 34oz 12oz
Included Accessories None None Dripper, double-walled glass carafe, 30 Fellow filters, cup for measuring beans and funnel to pour grounds into filter None None, brewer collar sold seperately High-quailty durable carrying case Lid doubles as drip tray, come with 10 natural OXO filters None Resusable mesh filter, measuring spoon Bleached filters, brew chamber lid None Stainless steal filter, plastic lid, coffee scoop Reusable mesh filter is attached to brewer


Best Overall Pour Over Coffee Maker


Hario V60 Dripper


88
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Brew Quality 10.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
  • Durability 7.0
Material: Ceramic | Brew Capacity: 12 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Exceptional flavor
Easy to clean
Excellent heat retention
REASONS TO AVOID
Takes practice
Fragile

If you walk into a specialty shop anywhere in the world, chances are you will find a Hario V60 dripper. The V60 is so iconic that the name replaces the words “pour over.” Built from a traditional Japanese style of ceramics over 400 years old, the V60 produces the cleanest cup imaginable. This dripper highlights the most delicate nuances and retains heat without scorching your coffee. The spiral ribs that line the cone-shaped interior extract subtle flavor notes while creating airflow to maintain an even brewing temperature. Functional and beautiful, we also like that this dripper has a handle and is easy to keep clean. A quick rinse with hot water ensures a clean vessel ready for the next brew.

We found it hard to find flaws with the Hario V60. It produces exceptional coffee at a reasonable price. However, when it is time to purchase filters, you probably won't find them at the supermarket. You can order Hario 02 filters online, but we recommend sourcing filters at your local coffee roastery — where you can also pick up some fresh and tasty beans. Making great coffee with this dripper does take some practice, and for repeatable results, we suggest pairing the V60 with a burr grinder, kitchen scale, and a gooseneck kettle (we outline our favorites in our best electric kettle review). We realize those additional purchases might seem like a lot, but we promise it's worth the investment — the V60 is hands down the best dripper we tested. If you already know you are a fan of ceramic drippers and want to now expand your kit with a family-sized tool, the Slow Pour Supply Origami Dripper is a high-style, 32-ounce capacity dripper that produces excellent results.

pour over coffee maker - the hario v60 makes a clean, crisp cup making it the "go-to" brewer...
The Hario V60 makes a clean, crisp cup making it the “go-to” brewer in the world of specialty coffee.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Best Bang for the Buck


Melitta 1-Cup Coffee Cone


62
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Brew Quality 5.0
  • Ease of Use 7.0
  • Durability 8.0
Material: Plastic | Brew Capacity: 12 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Lightweight
Easy to find filters
REASONS TO AVOID
Plastic
Poor heat retention

Claiming to be the original pour over coffee maker, the Melitta 1-Cup Coffee Cone is a great affordable entry-level option for manual brewing. This single-cup brewer is lightweight and easy to use. With a view-hole built into the base, the Melita design allows you to see into the cup to help prevent overfilling. Melitta filters are commonly available at the grocery store; however, any flat-bottomed #2 conical filter is compatible. Constructed from durable plastic, this dripper is also a decent option for camping or travel if you have room in your bag.

The plastic construction of the Melitta is not suitable for proper heat retention, resulting in an uneven extraction and lower-quality flavor. Coupled with a natural unbleached filter, this pour over coffee maker produces coffee with hints of bitterness and brown paper bag. While the Melitta will probably not satisfy specialty coffee drinkers, for most folks, it's a fine option — we just recommend using a bleached filter to help with cup quality. Although no other top-scoring product in our lineup comes close to competing on price, the OXO Brew Pour-Over is another low-cost plastic option that is particularly well-suited to beginners looking to introduce as few variables as possible into their morning coffee routines. Or, for just a few dollars more, you can upgrade to ceramic with our favorite dripper, the Hario V60.

pour over coffee maker - the melitta coffee cone is simple and makes manual brewing a walk in...
The Melitta Coffee Cone is simple and makes manual brewing a walk in the park.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Best for Beginners


Kalita Stainless Wave Dripper 155


82
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Brew Quality 8.0
  • Ease of Use 8.0
  • Durability 9.0
Material: Stainless steel | Brew Capacity: 12 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Compact
Simple to use
Easy to clean
REASONS TO AVOID
Requires specific filter
Small handle

The Kalita Stainless Wave Dripper 155 produces a well-rounded, crisp, and flavorful cup with minimal bitterness. This pour over coffee maker is compact and straightforward. The flatbottom dripper is designed to help to saturate coffee grounds evenly and is more forgiving than conical brewers. With a gooseneck kettle, using the Kalita is as easy as a few quick pours. This dripper is sturdy and lightweight, making it a good option for travel.

The Kalita Wave produces a great cup of coffee; however, it does not match the sweetness of the Hario V60. The stainless steel material of this dripper also holds onto heat, so we suggest a slightly lower brew temperature to prevent scorching. In addition to the Kalita brand filters, a gooseneck kettle and a scale will be imperative for consistent results. If you're willing to take those few extra steps, the Wave is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to make a good pour over without as big a learning curve. If you have a little extra room in your budget, the Fellow Stagg Dripper X is another impressive flatbottom option that comes with a higher price tag but is packaged with a full set of accessories to set you up for brewing success right out of the gate.

pour over coffee maker - the kalita wave is compact and straightforward.
The Kalita Wave is compact and straightforward.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Best for Multiple Cups


Chemex Eight Cup Classic


75
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Brew Quality 8.0
  • Ease of Use 7.0
  • Durability 7.0
Material: Glass, wood, leather | Brew Capacity: 40 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Large capacity
Excellent flavor
Stylish
REASONS TO AVOID
Uses proprietary filters
Has a learning curve

For decades the Chemex Eight Cup Classic brewer has been a staple in homes and cafes alike. Celebrated for its eye-catching design, the Chemex is part of the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Museum and on display at the MOMA. The excellent flavor quality from this dripper is sure to satisfy any household with more than one coffee drinker. With its one-piece construction, the Chemex is also convenient to brew and serve from the same carafe. Chemex filters are extra fine and do an exceptional job minimizing oils in your coffee. For the cleanest cup possible, we suggest using bleached filters.

The Chemex uses its specific name-brand filters, which can be difficult to find. Unless you have a specialty shop nearby that carries Chemex products, you need to order them online. Like other cone-style models, there is a learning curve before achieving great-tasting coffee. For repeatable results, you'll need a scale, and a gooseneck kettle will facilitate a slow and even pour. The Chemex is a terrific option for households prioritizing quality and flavor. Another large-capacity, glass carafe-style coffee maker that produces up to eight delicious cups of coffee at a time is the Cosori Original 8-Cup. It sells for a bit less than the Chemex and does not require the purchase of additional filters for use, which we liked. But we also found it has an even longer learning curve to get the best results out of the design. So, the Classic by Chemex ended up with a higher score overall.

pour over coffee maker - elegant and functional, the classic hourglass design of the chemex...
Elegant and functional, the classic hourglass design of the Chemex is a statement piece.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Best for Travel


MiiR Pourigami


73
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Brew Quality 7.0
  • Ease of Use 6.0
  • Durability 10.0
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity per Brew: 12 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Packs flat
Easy to clean
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Requires technique
Heavy

Made of medical-grade stainless steel and finished with a protective powder coating, the MiiR Pourigami is the most durable dripper in our review. It's composed of three pieces that slot together, forming a triangle-shaped brewer. MiiR provides a carrying case that neatly fits the walls of the brewer and has extra space to store filters. This pocket-sized dripper folds down to nothing, making it an excellent option for any kind of travel. With convenience in mind, the Pourigami is designed to fit a plethora of cups and bottles, making it possible to brew pour over coffee in a pinch. This brewer is compatible with Hario 02 and Origami filters.

At first, assembling the Pourigami is a little bit of a puzzle. Pouring into its triangular shape also takes some getting used to. Yet, with repetition, you will quickly get the hang of it. It requires some concentration not to overshoot while at the same time pouring quickly enough to keep from over-extracting the coffee. While the Pourigami will be a great addition to a camping or travel setup, there are more convenient options like the compact Stainless Wave Dripper 155 by Kalita or the top-performing ceramic dripper by Hario for homebrewers.

pour over coffee maker - the miir is the best travel option, packing flat to fit in your...
The MiiR is the best travel option, packing flat to fit in your pocket.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
88
Hario V60 Dripper
Best Overall Pour Over Coffee Maker
$25
Editors' Choice Award
82
Kalita Stainless Wave Dripper 155
Best for Beginners
$39
Top Pick Award
77
Fellow Stagg Dripper X
$60
75
Chemex Eight Cup Classic
Best for Multiple Cups
$50
Top Pick Award
75
Slow Pour Supply Origami Dripper
$40
73
MiiR Pourigami
Best for Travel
$30
Top Pick Award
70
OXO Brew Pour-Over
$18
70
Zero Japan Bee House Ceramic
$30
67
Cosori Original 8-Cup
$34
63
Clever Coffee Dripper
$40
62
Melitta 1-Cup Coffee Cone
Best Bang for the Buck
$8
Best Buy Award
56
Bodum Pour Over
$33
49
Primula Brew Buddy
$10

pour over coffee maker - filters are interchangeable between the fellow stagg [x] and the...
Filters are interchangeable between the Fellow Stagg [X] and the Kalita Wave, and we appreciate the Fellow grounds funnel for a clean fill.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Why Trust GearLab


This review compiles years of research and testing. We studied verified customer reports and spent hours researching top contenders. After making our final selection, we determined our testing metrics and compared the products side-by-side. We brewed hundreds of pour overs with the same water temperature, grind size, and coffee amounts and recorded the results using this baseline recipe.

Our pour over testing protocol compared each competitor using the same coffee, ratio, grind size, and water temperature. We brewed copious amounts of coffee, evaluating each dripper's brew quality, ease of use, and durability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

When creating a test plan, we focused on the three key metrics that we think are most relevant to a great dripper:
  • Brew Quality (50% of overall score weighting)
  • Ease of Use (30% weighting)
  • Durability (20% weighting)

It is important to standardize the brewing process to create a...
It is important to standardize the brewing process to create a baseline to use as a comparison.
We weighed and timed everything to ensure consistent and fair results.
We weighed and timed everything to ensure consistent and fair results.
Coffee profession Liz Nelson leads our review, with over a decade of...
Coffee profession Liz Nelson leads our review, with over a decade of experience in the coffee industry.

Leading this review is coffee professional Liz Nelson, founder of Cuttylane Coffee Roasters in Southwest Colorado. Liz imports and roasts coffee directly from Native Root out of Bogotá, Colombia. From spending time in coffee-growing countries to working in roasteries and cafes, she helps bridge the gap between coffee producers and consumers. In addition, Liz has a background in analytical research, having earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Human Services. She now brings that same keen, data-driven eye to both coffee-making equipment and the brewer experience, making her an asset to the GearLab testing process.

pour over coffee maker - our lead reviewer currently sources and roasts coffee from cauca...
Our lead reviewer currently sources and roasts coffee from Cauca, Colombia.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Analysis and Test Results


Coffee is of extreme value if you want to integrate hand-poured brewing into your morning ritual. In specialty coffee, each producing country offers flavor nuances from the terroir unique to their region's climate. With the proper grind, water temperature, and ratio, a pour over coffee maker is the best tool for extracting those desirable flavors we seek to enjoy. Continue reading to learn about some of the best drippers on the market.


What's the Best Value?


We define value as the balance between price and performance. The Melitta 1-Cup is a high-value product we easily recommend because it offers the lowest sticker price without sacrificing flavor. This economical option for pour over brewing also provides above-average performance in heat retention. The Primula Brew Buddy is another great option if you're on a tight budget, traveling, or camping. While the flavor quality isn't nearly as good due to how the Buddy steeps when brewing, it might please people that enjoy darker-roasted coffee or the option to also brew loose-leaf tea. The OXO Brew Pour-Over is another economical option for those that want a really simplified process. However, if you're willing to spend just a tiny bit more and refine your process, there's no better option than the Hario V60.

pour over coffee maker - the melitta offers a built-in view hole which helps to prevent...
The Melitta offers a built-in view hole which helps to prevent over-filling your cup.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Brew Quality


We evaluated brew quality in various rounds of taste testing using the same coffee, grind size, and water temperature. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recommends a 1:18 ratio. We used a 1:17 ratio with a particular coffee from Terradento in Cauca, Colombia, to highlight delicate nuances of raisin, cherry, and citrus tasting notes.


Our target brew time was short, around 2.5-3 minutes. We used a brew recipe of 19 grams of coffee with a 40-gram bloom for 30 seconds, a 220-gram pour and swirl, and finishing the pour at 330 grams. This method closely follows brewing techniques used in specialty cafes, and it is a similar method to Elika Liftee's pour that won the 2020 United States Coffee Championships. This repeatable baseline recipe allowed us to observe any outliers from brewer to brewer.

There is an art to making pour over coffee; a comprehensive guide can help you to dial in your method.

pour over coffee maker - we used the same colombian coffee from cuttylane coffee roasters for...
We used the same Colombian coffee from Cuttylane Coffee Roasters for all our testing.
Credit: Liz Nelson

We hosted several blind tastings with coffee professionals and enthusiasts to test each brewer's flavor quality. Our testing consisted of tasting coffees from each brewer and ranking each cup. Beyond subjective testing, we performed objective tests. We measured the total brew times for each dripper and took initial temperature readings of every freshly brewed cup. Then we waited for the coffee to cool before conducting a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) reading with a refractometer to determine how well each dripper and filter extracted coffee.

pour over coffee maker - we used a refractometer to determine the effectiveness of each...
We used a refractometer to determine the effectiveness of each dripper's filtration.
Credit: Liz Nelson

The Hario V60 takes first place for brew quality. This classic dripper produces a well-balanced coffee that is sweet and bright with almost no bitterness. The Slow Pour Origami takes a close second, making yet another beautifully extracted, juicy coffee with noticeably more acidity (the good kind). These nonporous ceramic drippers are conducive to producing the cleanest cup possible, excelling at unlocking the full spectrum of flavor from specialty coffee. Each dripper has uniquely designed interior ribs that create airflow, making the perfect temperature coffee ready to drink immediately. For those who like their coffee really hot, it's helpful to note that the Slow Pour Origami produced a hotter cup than the V60. Furthermore, these brewers have such effective filtration that virtually no sediment was left at the bottom of our cups.

Rinse Your Filter!
Rinsing your filter not only helps to warm up your dripper but also eliminates paper flavor that can transfer into your cup. Just remember to dispose of the rinse water before you begin brewing!

pour over coffee maker - the ceramic material of the v60 and origami produce the...
The ceramic material of the V60 and Origami produce the cleanest-tasting coffees.
Credit: Liz Nelslon

In our blind tasting, several brewers tied for third place; the Chemex 8-Cup, Kalita Wave, and the Fellow Stagg Dripper X. Unfortunately, these drippers fell short of the V60 quality because of some defects detected in the cup they produced.

Dating back to the 1940s, the Chemex is a classic “go-to” dripper. However, we found that using natural unbleached filters produced a slightly dirty-tasting cup. Rinsing your filter helps eliminate unwanted papery flavors, but a bleached filter will produce a cleaner final cup. Additionally, this may be hard to taste and a non-issue if you prefer darker roasted coffee. However, if you enjoy lighter roasts, we recommend using the bleached filter option for better-tasting results.

pour over coffee maker - natural chemex filters produced a papery-tasting cup of coffee.
Natural Chemex filters produced a papery-tasting cup of coffee.
Credit: Liz Nelson

The flat bottom design of the Kalita Wave and the Fellow Stagg Dripper allow for a more even water distribution during brewing. Though effective for even extraction, we found their metal makeup is almost too good at heat retention. When sampling coffees brewed from these drippers, the cups were a little ashy and dry, indicating that brew conditions were possibly too hot in these drippers. The Kalita and Fellow had higher TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) readings than coffees brewed at the same temperature in ceramic vessels. We love the simplicity of the Kalita and were captivated by the design of the Fellow with a vacuumed sealed dripper and double-walled glass carafe; however, we recommend a slightly lower water temperature to prevent scorching from these particular brewers.

pour over coffee maker - the fellow stagg dripper filters and kalita wave filters are...
The Fellow Stagg Dripper filters and Kalita Wave filters are interchangeable.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Ease of Use


In this metric, we used the same brew recipe to determine how easy or hard it was to make a good cup of coffee from each dripper. How approachable is the brewer for your average consumer; can you get similar results by using a coffee scoop vs. a scale? We compared the baseline recipe results to a non-measured approach that is more likely to match the brewing style of the everyday coffee drinker.


Brew Temperature
We recommend brewing with an electric gooseneck kettle for the precision required to successfully make a good pour over. Not only is flow rate important, but using an accurate brew temperature (the SCA recommends 200°F) is essential to unlocking the full spectrum of flavor notes that specialty coffee offers.

pour over coffee maker - our baseline recipe is 19g of coffee and 330g of water with the...
Our baseline recipe is 19g of coffee and 330g of water with the target of 2.5-3 minutes total brew time.
Credit: Liz Nelson

After brewing, what is the vessel like to clean? Is it a quick filter pull and rinse scenario, or does it require soaking/scrubbing? Does the carafe require a bottle brush? It's important that the process isn't tedious so that you can enjoy it as part of your daily ritual.

pour over coffee maker - the hourglass-shaped drippers require more effort and the help of a...
The hourglass-shaped drippers require more effort and the help of a bottle brush to keep clean.
Credit: Liz Nelson

We kept note of each brewer's functionality throughout the brewing, cleaning, and storing process. For example, is the material conducive to a clean cup, or does it absorb oils and flavors? Is the brewer made of a metal that gets too hot for optimal coffee brewing? What is the versatility of the brewer? Are there other uses for the vessel?

pour over coffee maker - we love the simplicity of the kalita wave, however; the stainless...
We love the simplicity of the Kalita Wave, however; the stainless steel brewer can hold heat a little too well!
Credit: Liz Nelson

The Clever Coffee Dripper takes the cake for ease of use. Brewing in this pour over coffee maker is as easy as lining the dripper with a provided filter, adding ground coffee, and filling it with water. You then allow the brew to steep for as long as you desire and place the brewer on top of your cup, which opens up the base to dispense your brew. When considering your total brew time, note that this dripper takes about one minute to decant. You don't need a gooseneck kettle to pour into the wide mouth of the Clever, making the process that much easier. This single-pour method reduces the usual steps to pour over brewing and makes for a more streamlined experience.

pour over coffee maker - coffee brews inside the clever dripper and decants when placed onto...
Coffee brews inside the Clever Dripper and decants when placed onto of a carafe or coffee mug.
Credit: Liz Nelson

The OXO Brew dripper ties for second place with the Kalita Wave and the Bodum Pour Over. Without needing a kitchen scale or gooseneck kettle, the OXO is designed with beginners in mind. This is the only brewer in our lineup with a water tank. This removable option lets you pour hot water into the tank and automatically controls the flow rate.

pour over coffee maker - the removable water tank allows for brewing without the need for a...
The removable water tank allows for brewing without the need for a scale.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Due to its large capacity, easy cleaning, and washable stainless filter, the Bodum Pour Over did exceptionally well in this metric. The rubber grip collar is removable, and all components, including the carafe and filter, are dishwasher safe. And, as previously mentioned, the flatbottom Kalita Wave is designed to saturate coffee grounds evenly. The Wave is dishwasher safe, but with paper filters, we found this dripper easy enough to clean by just rinsing it with hot water.

pour over coffee maker - the bodum pour over comes with helpful brew accessories; a reusable...
The Bodum Pour Over comes with helpful brew accessories; a reusable mesh filter, scoop, and pour spout.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Durability


Finally, we tested the durability of each brewer. This metric was divided into the sub-metrics of fragility and resilience.


Fragility was tested by observing the handling of the dripper during brewing, cleaning, and storing. Is the brewer fragile, or does it require extra care? How does each brewer feel when wet in the sink — is it slippery and easy to break? How would it travel? We tested resilience by looking at how each brewer holds up over time and whether it will stain or collect oils even when washed regularly.

pour over coffee maker - we traveled with the kalita, miir, and brew buddy pour over coffee...
We traveled with the Kalita, Miir, and Brew Buddy pour over coffee makers to test for durability.
Credit: Liz Nelson

The Miir Pourigami, Kalita Wave, and Primula Brew Buddy earned the top durability scores. We actually loaded these drippers into a backpack and took them on a long trip. Venturing through numerous airports and planes, we carried the brewers into the coffee lands of Colombia.

pour over coffee maker - we took our durability testing into the coffee fields of colombia.
We took our durability testing into the coffee fields of Colombia.
Credit: Liz Nelson

The Miir Pourigami features impressive construction with a three-panel stainless steel design that fits together to form a triangular dripper. It can handle being dropped, knocked over, or tossed in a bag without problems. Perhaps the most durable option in our entire lineup, the panels of the Pourigami separate to fold flat and fit into a provided sleek and sturdy carrying case. This dripper is an excellent option for traveling or backpacking, where other drippers may be cumbersome or likely to break. If space is an issue, the Pourigami is the solution.

pour over coffee maker - miir provides a sleek carrying case that fits the brewer with space...
MiiR provides a sleek carrying case that fits the brewer with space for extra filters.
Credit: Liz Nelson

While one of our coffee farmer friends marveled over the simplicity of the Brew Buddy, we must acknowledge its poor brew quality. However, the versatility of this brewer is impressive. For tea drinkers, this dripper may resemble a tea-steeping device. The Brew Buddy is comprised of a reusable mesh filter attached to a rigid plastic ring. The ring sits on top of a cup or any vessel while the mesh basket hangs inside. This pocket-sized dripper is an excellent option for backpacking, requiring nothing more than your coffee and water. That said, paper filters are more effective at producing better-tasting coffee than this reusable mesh filter. But the ultralight Brew Buddy certainly gets the job done if you are in the backcountry or traveling with limited options for purchasing paper filters.

pour over coffee maker - the brew buddy is an all-in-one travel option requiring nothing more...
The brew buddy is an all-in-one travel option requiring nothing more than ground coffee and hot water.
Credit: Liz Nelson

The Kalita Wave is small but mighty. This dripper is made of lightweight materials with a closed-loop handle. The handle allows you to move the dripper around quickly and securely while brewing or cleaning. The Wave feels delicate, but after bouncing around in our suitcase for weeks, it returned home without noticeable dings or dents. This brewer is also one of our favorites to take on road trips. Overall, the Wave is easy to tote around, simple to use, and makes good coffee.

pour over coffee maker - the sturdy build of the kalita wave makes this dripper great for...
The sturdy build of the Kalita wave makes this dripper great for travel.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Conclusion


Our comprehensive analysis of the best pour over coffee makers on today's market is intended to equip you with the necessary information to choose the best dripper for your particular needs. So we've got you covered whether you are looking for the best taste, the most convenience, or a travel-friendly option. Enjoy!

pour over coffee maker - we tested an army of different pour over brewers side-by-side to...
We tested an army of different pour over brewers side-by-side to determine the best tool for the trade.
Credit: Liz Nelson

Liz Nelson