Looking to up your coffee game with a pour over coffee maker? Our comprehensive guide has got you covered. From online retailers to brick-and-mortar stores, we'll show you where to find the best pour over coffee makers for your budget and needs.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Pour Over Coffee Maker
When purchasing a pour-over coffee maker, there are several factors to take into consideration that can impact your experience with your new brewing device. In this section, we will explore the different aspects one should keep in mind, ensuring a perfect cup of coffee every time.
Control and Taste
One of the primary advantages of using a pour-over coffee maker is the level of control it provides to the user. This is important for achieving the desired taste and strength of your coffee. Pour-over brewing allows you to control the water temperature, grind size, and brewing time, all of which directly contribute to the overall taste and quality of your coffee.
Size and Material
Another factor to consider when buying a pour-over coffee maker is its size and the material it is made from. Many pour-over coffee makers offer compact designs that don't take up much counter space, making them an ideal choice for small kitchens or those with limited storage. Common materials used for pour-over coffee makers include plastic, metal, and ceramic. Each has its own unique advantages and may impact the potential flavors of your brewed coffee. Ceramic coffee makers, for example, may provide better heat retention and a smoother taste than their plastic counterparts.
Filter Type
When choosing a pour-over coffee maker, you will also need to decide on the type of filter you prefer. There are two main options: paper filters and metal mesh filters. Paper filters are disposable, so they require regular replacement. However, they can result in a smoother, cleaner-tasting coffee with less sediment. Metal mesh filters, on the other hand, are reusable and environmentally friendly, though they can occasionally lead to a more robust, full-bodied coffee with noticeable sediment.
Brewing Method
The brewing method for pour-over coffee makers is also a crucial factor to consider, as it can affect your overall satisfaction with the device. Single-serve pour-over brewers are ideal for those who only need one or two cups of coffee, while larger devices with a glass carafe are better suited for those who frequently make coffee for multiple people or enjoy multiple cups throughout the day. This decision will depend on your specific coffee-drinking habits and preferences.
By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision when shopping for a pour-over coffee maker that will provide you with an optimal brew and fit your individual needs.
Popular Pour Over Coffee Maker Brands
In this section, we will discuss some of the most popular pour over coffee maker brands. The brands we will cover are Chemex, Melitta, Kalita Wave Pour Over Coffee Dripper, and Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker. Each of these brands offers unique features that cater to different preferences and brewing styles.
Chemex
Chemex is a classic brand in the pour over coffee making industry. Known for its timeless design, the Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker features a glass carafe with a wooden collar secured by a leather tie. This elegant coffee maker not only brews delicious coffee but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece on your kitchen counter.
Chemex coffee makers utilize a unique, thicker paper filter, which is designed to deliver a clean and rich coffee taste. The Chemex is available in various sizes, from 3-cup to 10-cup models, accommodating diverse coffee drinking habits.
Melitta
Melitta is another renowned brand, featuring affordable yet high-quality pour over coffee makers. The Melitta Porcelain Pour-Over Carafe Set combines a cone-shaped dripper with a 20-ounce carafe to create an easy-to-use coffee brewing system. The cone design promotes proper brewing and extraction, resulting in a smooth and flavorful cup of coffee.
Melitta makes use of both stainless steel and paper filters. The reusable stainless steel filter helps minimize waste and maintain the coffee's natural oils, whereas paper filters can provide a cleaner taste.
Kalita Wave Pour Over Coffee Dripper
The Kalita Wave Pour Over Coffee Dripper brings a distinctive, flat-bottom design to the pour over coffee making process. This innovative design ensures an even extraction, leading to a well-balanced cup of coffee. The Kalita Wave comes in stainless steel, glass, and ceramic options to suit various preferences.
Kalita also offers its proprietary wave filters, which have a wavy structure to create room for air movement and facilitate an even coffee extraction. This attention to detail makes the Kalita Wave a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
The Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker is a popular choice for those looking for both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The borosilicate glass carafe is accompanied by a reusable stainless steel filter, eliminating the need for paper filters.
Bodum pour over coffee makers come in a range of sizes and color options, making them an attractive addition to any kitchen. The coffee produced by this device is rich in flavor and maintains the natural oils from the coffee beans, creating a satisfying cup each time.
Overall, these popular pour over coffee maker brands each offer unique characteristics that cater to a range of preferences and brewing styles. To find the perfect fit for your needs, consider factors such as material, design, filter type, and capacity when selecting the ideal pour over coffee maker.
Key Pour Over Coffee Techniques
Pour over coffee making is both an art and a science. To achieve a delicious cup of coffee, understanding the key techniques is crucial. In this section, we will discuss the importance of the perfect bloom, grind size, and water temperature in pour over coffee making.
Achieving the Perfect Bloom
The bloom is the initial phase of the brewing process when hot water comes in contact with the coffee grounds. It's essential for allowing the trapped carbon dioxide to escape, ensuring a more even extraction. To achieve the perfect bloom, add 80ml of hot water directly to the coffee bed, allowing it to bloom for about 30 seconds. As the coffee grinds swell and fill the filter, the aromatic flavors of the coffee are released, setting the foundation for the rest of the brewing process.
Grind Size
The grind size plays a significant role in the extraction process. A medium or medium-fine grind is usually recommended for pour over brewing. The ideal grind size ensures the right balance between extraction and brew time, allowing the water to flow seamlessly through the coffee grounds while extracting the delightful flavors. Grind around 21 grams of coffee beans to achieve the optimal grind consistency for a standard pour over brew.
Water Temperature
Water temperature is another crucial element for extracting the best flavors from your coffee. The recommended temperature range is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C - 96°C). This temperature ensures that the water effectively extracts the desirable flavors from the coffee grounds while preventing over-extraction or under-extraction, which could lead to undesirable tastes.
Heat at least 500ml of water to the desired temperature before brewing. Be sure to preheat your coffee dripper and mug by pouring some of the heated water through the filter to rinse it and warm up the brewing equipment. This step prevents any temperature fluctuations during the brewing process, which could negatively impact the coffee's flavor.
By mastering these key techniques - achieving the perfect bloom, obtaining the correct grind size, and using the appropriate water temperature - you can elevate your pour over coffee making skills and enjoy a superior cup of coffee every time.
Where to Buy Pour Over Coffee Makers
Finding the right pour over coffee maker can greatly enhance your coffee brewing experience. To help you in your search, here are some places where you can buy high-quality pour over coffee makers, both online and in-store.
Online Options
Online shopping provides a convenient way to browse and compare various pour over coffee makers from the comfort of your home. Some popular websites to check out include:
- Amazon: As one of the largest online marketplaces, Amazon offers a wide variety of pour over coffee makers to suit different preferences and budgets. You can find best sellers and highly-rated options from brands like Hario V60, Chemex, and LHS.
- Good Housekeeping: This website often features lists of best pour over coffee makers based on thorough testing and reviews. You can find options that provide excellent value and quality, including recommendations by Good Housekeeping experts.
- Allrecipes: This popular recipe website sometimes publishes lists of the best pour-over coffee makers available on Amazon, based on user reviews and ratings.
Other online retailers specialized in coffee equipment, such as Seattle Coffee Gear and Espresso Zone, also offer a selection of pour over coffee makers and related accessories.
In-Store Retailers
For those who prefer to shop in person, there are several in-store retailers that offer pour over coffee makers. Some of them include:
- Coffee shops: Local and specialty coffee shops often sell pour over coffee makers and accessories, allowing you to explore different options while enjoying a cup of expertly brewed coffee.
- Kitchen and home goods stores: Retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate & Barrel, and Williams-Sonoma carry a variety of pour over coffee makers and brewing equipment, giving you an opportunity to examine the products before buying.
- Department stores: Major department stores, such as Macy's or Bloomingdale's, often have sections dedicated to coffee makers, including pour over options.
- Grocery stores: Some grocery stores carry pour over coffee makers, particularly those with a focus on specialty foods and beverages, like Whole Foods.
When shopping in-store, you may also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized recommendations from knowledgeable sales associates.
Upgrading Your Pour Over Coffee Setup
When looking to upgrade your pour over coffee setup at home, it's essential to find the best pour over coffee maker to match your preference and budget. There is a wide variety of options available on the market, and some of the most popular choices can be found at specialized coffee shops, department stores, and online retailers like Amazon.
Upgrading your pour over coffee setup begins with choosing the right coffee maker. The Kalita Wave, for example, is a popular option among coffee enthusiasts, known for its flat-bottom design, which ensures even extraction and optimal flavor. Another budget-friendly option is JavaPresse, a compact coffee maker with a light-weight design that satisfies both style and function.
When it comes to pour over coffee makers, the Chemex is a classic choice, which can be purchased at various coffee shops and grocery stores, as well as online. The Chemex coffee maker and its signature paper filters are known for delivering a clean and flavorful cup of coffee, with no sediment.
As you continue to upgrade your pour over coffee setup, consider investing in some accessories to further enhance your brewing experience. High-quality, special filters for your chosen coffee maker are essential for optimal extraction, and the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker offers an intriguing alternative to traditional pour over brewing methods.
Of course, the perfect pour over setup goes beyond just the coffee maker and filters. Consider acquiring other kitchen essentials like a gooseneck kettle, which helps control the flow and distribution of hot water for a more precise brewing process. A digital scale is another useful tool to measure your coffee beans and water accurately, ensuring consistent results for every cup.
Finally, keep in mind that upgrading your pour over coffee setup may be an ongoing process. As you become more familiar with your personal coffee preferences, you may want to experiment with different equipment and methods, finding the perfect combination to create an unparalleled cup of coffee in the comfort of your own home.
