In theory, it’s easy to make a cup of coffee. It’s just two very simple ingredients: coffee and water.
But the pour-over method makes this innocent process a complex enterprise, one that requires dedication, patience, and – above all – plenty of time.
So why do people bother? That’s simple. No matter your favourite roast, it can, and most certainly will, be brewed better. Welcome to the vanguard of coffee where low-tech, high-fidelity gadgets will transform your morning cuppa.
But what’s the pour-over coffee method, exactly?
It uses a precise and controlled stream of water to flood a filter that is filled with coffee grind in a process that takes several minutes. You can play around with the strengths and flavour profiles of the coffee, try different filters for prolonging the after-taste, or let the coffee ‘bloom’ to reduce bitterness.
Think of it like writing with a delicate and elegant fountain pen after years of using Sharpies - it’s another game entirely.
The flavours can be intense and bright. If the coffee is roasted carefully and brewed correctly, you can taste the sweetness of the bean without adding any sugar.
Is it for everybody? No. But if you think that coffee is more than a button to push and a timer to set, this round-up of the best pour-over coffee pots and filters goes right up your street.
Hario V60 Server Set
The Hario V60 is considered the Ferrari of pour-over devices. The brand is a gold standard for high-end coffee shops, and yet it comes at a very reasonable and accessible price. This Japanese coffee maker is well-designed, built to last, and it’s very easy to clean.
So what’s in the box? A dripper, a server, paper filters, and a spoon. There is also a handy cheat sheet on how to get the most from your new brew essential, with useful advice on coffee-to-water ratio and often overlooked coffee grind size.
It’ll take time to master the art of the perfect cuppa, but the Hario is all about capturing the essence of the pour-over ritual: time, love, and patience. Like other devices, Hario uses proprietary filters but they’re widely available online or at specialty coffee shops.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Creano Porcelain Coffee Dripper
The Creano porcelain filter can be used directly on a cup, mug, or glass and it brews great coffee to pair with plant-based milk. Its extra-large hole and the internal grooves make the water flow more rapidly for a less complex coffee in your mug.
Using widely available filters, the Creano is ideal for beginners who prioritise convenience over the complexities of pour-over coffee. It’s also extremely compact so is ideal if storage space is an issue.
Buy now £17.00, Amazon
Kinto Slow Coffee
The Kinto Coffee Carafe Set is made from handcrafted heat-resistant glass. It comes with a stainless-steel filter to extract the beans’ oils for rich, aromatic coffee. The holder can be used to measure the coffee beans as well as to hold the filter after use.
It’s a small, elegant pour-over set that will likely last you for a lifetime. With the Kinto, you can kiss goodbye to paper filters (which is a huge plus for the environment), and also leads to a more streamlined brewing process to give you a smoother cup of Jo without any sediments.
Much like the Hario, it will give you an outstanding level of brewing control.
Buy now £44.92, Amazon
Kalita Wave 185
If we could describe the Kalita in one word, it’d be: consistency. Thanks to the flat bottom of this stainless-steel dripper, you will get a consistent cup of coffee with every use.
Unlike the Hario or the Kinto, you don’t have to be as precise when pouring water through the coffee grind. The wide, flat base of the Kalita does much of the work for you making it one of the most fuss-free pour-over devices that we tried.
The only downside is the specially-shaped filters that go with the Kalita, which aren’t as readily available as many of its competitors.
Buy now £36.00, Amazon
OXO Pour-Over Coffee Maker
The OXO pour-over coffee pot is simple, solid, and cool. It’s probably the most ubiquitous brand at your local store, and for good reasons.
This product provides a straightforward way of making coffee that doesn’t require a degree in biochemistry, and it has a neat futuristic design.
Also, the OXO is not made of glass, so there’s no chance that you’ll shatter it on the floor while half-asleep in the kitchen. Filters are a standard size, so they’re readily available at any major supermarket chain, too.
Buy now £30.53, Amazon
Melitta Epos
The Melitta Epos is a game-changer. It’s the first-ever electric pour-over system that allows you to customise your pour-over preferences at the push of a button.
It comes with a build-it grinder with multiple settings as well as a 360-degree rotating water spout, a 1-litre tank that makes up to eight cups, and a hot plate to keep your coffee warm for 40 minutes. What’s not to like?
This machine is in a league of its own, allowing you to be in complete control of your preferred pour, even when brewing automatically. It doesn’t come cheap, that’s for sure. But it will elevate your coffee experience.
Buy now £341.00, Amazon
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker with Filter
The Bodum makes flavourful coffee thanks to its stainless-steel filter which allows water to pass through more quickly than paper.
This portable, pint-size carafe has no unnecessary single-use bits or additional purchases so it will have less impact on the planet and your bank balance at the same time. Plus, when you’re done using it, you can easily pop it in the dishwasher.
All you need is one teaspoon of your coffee of choice and you’ll have the perfect cuppa.
Buy now £22.37, Amazon
Apace Living Pour Over Coffee Filter
If you’re all about zero waste and rich coffee, the Apace filter is for you. The product is cut for great filtration and it fits most pour-over pots, like the Hario or the Kinto.
Most coffee connoisseurs prefer a stainless-steel filter because it leaves all the tasty oils from the beans in the cup that results in a richer and more elaborate brew. It’s also a better choice for the environment and it’s virtually unbreakable (but don’t test this!).
The Apace filter can brew from one to eight cups at a time.
Buy now £19.97, Amazon
Verdict
It’s unforgiving. It requires love. It demands patience. But if you’re willing to give it a try, the Hario V60 is the perfect pour-over device for its aesthetic appeal, the brew control ability, the portability, and the price.
Although deceptively simple, you’ll need to be willing to give it enough love and attention, and it will eventually reward you with one of the best coffees you’ll ever drink.
