Find the Best Pour Over Method for You: Hario, Chemex, or…?

If you love the brewing process (almost) as much as the taste of your cup of joe, a pour over method will be an excellent upgrade to your morning routine.

These coffee makers are some of the best brewing methods: they offer you complete control over extraction and, consequently, flavor and strength.

However, picking one that doesn’t match your needs can result in a troubled relationship with your new toy. Let us show you what to look for in order to find the best pour over method for you.

How to choose the best pour over method for your coffee habits

Rather than basing your decision on the looks and features of each model, ask yourself these questions first.

How much coffee are you going to brew?

Most cone-shaped drippers are single-serve or can brew two cups in one go, whereas larger pour overs can give you the equivalent of an automatic dripper’s carafe. If you usually brew for yourself, the second type will result in a lot of coffee down the drain (ouch). On the other hand, a single dripper will take far too much time to brew for the entire household.

Paper filters or reusable?

Paper filters are practical, make for hassle-free cleaning, and give you a smoother, less bitter cup of coffee. However, they result in additional costs and waste. Reusable filters need deeper cleaning, but they’re an eco-friendlier alternative and cheaper in the long run. Since they allow the oils to filter through, we recommend them to those who’re used to the robust taste of French press coffee.

Where are you going to brew?

Bulkier and more delicate models will be just fine if you only brew at home. However, if you can’t wait to improve your camping holidays and hikes with a freshly-brewed cup of joe, opt for a portable, durable and light dripper that you can chuck in your backpack.

What learning curve are you comfortable with?

Some pour overs are designed to facilitate the brewing process, whereas others require you to learn more about extraction and master the perfect pulse-pouring technique. Be realistic: do you want a tasty but effortless cup of coffee or are you up for a challenge?

The best pour over methods to choose from

Kalita Wave

This one-of-a-kind dripper combines its famous wavy filters, three drainage holes and a flat bottom to ensure a consistent brew without the steeper learning curve of similar models.

• Capacity: 1-2 cups (155 model) or 3-4 (185 model)
• Paper filters
• Portable
• Difficulty: 1.5/3

Hario V60

This iconic dripper is an industry-standard and perfect for the aspiring barista: relying on a single hole and spiral ribs, it allows you to affect the flavor of your coffee through the speed of the water flow.

• Capacity: 1-6 cups (3 different sizes)
• Paper filters
• Portable
• Difficulty: 3/3

Melitta Ready Set Joe

This humble no-frills model is one of the most affordable options, and is actually produced by the company behind the invention of the pour over method itself.

• Capacity: 1 cup
• Paper filters
• Portable
• Difficulty: 2/3

Clever Dripper

It’s called ‘clever’ for a reason! Relying on steeping time rather than fancy techniques, it’s a great choice for beginners.

• Capacity: 1-2 cups (2 different sizes)
• Paper filters
• Portable
• Difficulty: 1/3

OXO Brew

What if you could let gravity do all the work but still enjoy the superior flavor of manual pour overs? Thanks to its auto-drip tank, this practical dripper removes the need for pulse pouring.

• Capacity: 1 cup
• Paper filters
• Relatively portable
• Difficulty: 1/3

Cafellissimo

An ideal compromise for the coffee lover who’s after a portable dripper but doesn’t want to deal with single-use filters.

• Capacity: 1-2 cups
• Reusable filter
• Portable
• Difficulty: 2/3

Chemex

Famous for its timelessly elegant design, this glass brewer is a stylish modern classic to show off on your countertop.

• Capacity: 3, 6, 8 or 10 cups
• Paper filters
• Not portable
• Difficulty: 3/3

Bodum Pour Over

Like the sound of the Chemex but aren’t too keen on paper filters? Do you prefer bolder flavors? The fine-mesh stainless steel filter of the Bodum is a handy alternative.

• Capacity: 2, 4 or 8 cups
• Reusable filter
• Not portable
• Difficulty: 2.5/3

Have you found the best pour over method for you? Make sure you also have a reliable grinder, a scale and a gooseneck kettle to ensure barista-worthy results. Oh, and get the tastiest coffee beans delivered to your door, obviously!