Pour over coffee methods, explained
From a simple filter on a wire to foldable camping drippers and gorgeous ceramic models—you have tons of choices to brew pour over coffee. This guide will help you choose yours.
It may be the question we get most often—which brew method is best? And which filter do I need?
The answer is always: “It depends on you and your lifestyle.” The truth is, there probably is a best method for you, and it may be different in different circumstances and different from the best method for me or for the friend you’re buying a gift for.
That’s what this Guide is all about. We’ll walk you through XX different pour over methods, and tell you how that method works, why you might prefer it—or not—and what filter you need to extract the tastiest brew.
So many pour over methods
Since we began making filters nearly 12 years ago, we’ve discovered the deep well that is pour over methods, and little by little, we’ve crafted cotton filters for each method.
To get the filter specs just right, we’ve had to learn the specific function, design and method of each type. We’ve tested hundreds of drippers in our CoffeeSock kitchen, some of which needed specialty filters.
We’ve gotten to know the ins and outs of some methods so well, that we’ve written whole articles about them. We’ll link you to those below.
Which pour over method is the best for me?
Let’s get this out of the way first—ALL of the brew methods in this guide make great coffee. We aren’t comparing based on which method works best as a coffee maker, rather which one fits your specific lifestyle factors. If a brew method doesn’t make great coffee—we don’t make a specific filter for it and it’s not in this guide.
So, to figure out your ideal methods, you need to answer a few questions. You’ll use these answers to narrow down your choices in the list of brew methods, below. Keep in mind that you may have a different set of answers for different uses, such as home use or camping.
Q1: Where do you plan to use the brewer?
Will you use the brewer at home? If so, how much counter space do you have? Where will you store it?
Will you take it to the office? Will you travel back and forth with it? Or leave it in the break room?
Are you looking for a traveler to make coffee on the road? How will you pack it up? In a suitcase headed overseas? In your car camping kit? Or tucked into a lightweight travel kitchen for your big backpacking adventure?
Q2: How many cups of coffee do you want to make?
This is a big one. If you regularly want to brew 4 cups of coffee, then you probably want to steer clear of single-cup drippers. And the reverse is true. If you’re looking to master the fine art of the single perfect cup for your morning routine, then a 6-cup Chemex is probably not your choice.
Q3: Are you interested in the science of coffee making?
Some makers have spent years perfecting the exact function of their drippers, building in features that seem simple, but were designed by a team of engineers. These methods might require a little study and practice to enjoy the nuanced richness of the method. If you’re a connoisseur, then the payoff will be worth it to you!
Q4: Is style as important as function to you?
We always work with brew methods that make excellent coffee. Some of the brewers are also works of art. If you plan to leave the brewer on your counter and aesthetics are important to you, you have several beautiful options that match form with function.
Pour over methods, explained
We’ve listed the options below in alphabetical order.
Brutreck Collapsible
While Brutreck makes other coffeemakers, this one is a specialty pour over with backpackers in mind.
Where to use: Made for on-the-go coffee. It collapses into a small waxed holder that fits easily into your backpack.
How many cups: 1 cup. According to Brutreck, the brewer “highlights the nuances of your favorite coffee grounds while enjoying the great outdoors.”
Easy to master or sciency: Super simple. It’s designed for function on the go. It makes a great cup, simply and quickly.
Is it stylish: Simple and utilitarian. It’s made of silver stainless steel meant for durable function.
Chemex Coffeemaker
This is the method we use at home. It makes multiple cups and ticks the most boxes for us. We wrote about the Chemex, here.
Where to use: Mosty for home or office use. It will probably sit out on your counter—it’s a bit bulky to store. Most models are made of glass. While Chemex does offer a traveler, and we have certainly traveled with ours, the traveler would work best for a larger camp kit.
How many cups: Chemex brewers come in 3-cup, 6-cup, 8-cup, and 10-cup sizes.
Easy to master or sciency: Small learning curve. You’ll fnd that method matters with Chemex, and a little effort has big rewards. The very specific and iconic design of Chemex was patented in 1941 by a chemist in search of the perfect cup. He wanted to keep it simple and beautiful too. He designed a balanced brewer that won’t take you long to get just right .
Is it stylish: Classic, simple and beautiful. We can and do leave this out on our counter.
Espro Bloom
The Espro Bloom is new to the CoffeeSock filter family. We’re excited to say we’ve perfected the fit, so if Espro is your choice, we’ve got you covered!
Where to use: At home or on the go. The Espro is a small dripper made exclusively of stainless steel, so it’s safe to toss in a camp kit or store in a cupboard without worrying about breaking it. Easy to store, but if space is extremely limited when you’re camping, you should choose a different method.
How many cups: 1-2 cups. The Espro has lines that show you how much coffee to add for one cup or two. Helpful!
Easy to master or sciency: Science-backed and easy. The Espro has a tech-forward look and patented drip method. According to the company, “the 1502-hole flat bottom filter design makes evenly distributing water over your grounds simple for a fuller-bodied brew in as little as two minutes.”
Is it stylish: Sleek but utilitarian. You have only one choice of style for Espro, and if you like the cool and modern look of this stainless steel dripper, it might be for you!
Hario Drippers
When we want a single cup of coffee, we often turn to the Hario. We wrote about the V60, here.
Where to use: At home or on the go. Hario brewers are small and come in ceramic or plastic options. They are drippers—so you’ll place the brewer right on top of your cup or you’ll need a decanter. Easy to store, but if space is extremely limited when you’re camping, you should choose a different method.
How many cups: 1-2 cups for most versions. Most Hario brewers are small and meant for a single cup of coffee, though we can squeeze out two good cups after some practice! They also sell decanters for brewers that make more than 1 cup.
Easy to master or sciency: Balanced approach. The Hario brewers all have ridges which, according to the company, slows the flow of water. That means you don’t have to pour as slowly, the ridges do some of the work for you. They also cite the specific shape of the brewer, which allows for “deep layering of coffee grounds.”
Is it stylish: Modern, stylish vibe. Over the years, Hario has produced their drippers in lots of stylish and fun colors, with glass, copper, ceramic and plastic options.
Kalita Wave Dripper
Similar to the Hario drippers, the Wave has its own devoted fans due to its specific design.
Where to use: At home or on the go. Kalita brewers are small drippers—so you’ll place the brewer right on top of your cup or you’ll need a decanter. Easy to store, but if space is extremely limited when you’re camping, you should choose a different method.
How many cups: 1-4 cups. While Kalita sells drippers, which means you need a cup or decanter to catch the coffee, they sell a few larger, 4-cup versions and also produce decanters and sets.
Easy to master or sciency: Simple with a side of science. Kalita proudly says their brewers will “satisfy both a beginner and a professional.” The brewer is designed with ridged waves and three drip holes to regulate the brew no matter how you pour the water. You can read about the design of Kalita wave, here.
Is it stylish: Simple, with a pop of style. Kavita prizes themselves on simplicity, with sleek models in stainless steel, copper, glass and porcelain. They have a newer series with colorful plastic brims.
Miir Pouragami
Advertised as “the world’s smallest, most durable and portable travel coffee dripper,” the Miir Pouragami is a clever, folding dripper.
Where to use: Made for on-the-go coffee. It folds up and can fit in your back pocket. This is a great option for backpackers.
How many cups: 1 cup. The Miir is purposefully small and meant to get you drinking your morning cup from anywhere in the world.
Easy to master or sciency: Super simple. The Pouragami is designed for function on the go. It makes a great cup, simply and quickly.
Is it stylish: Simple and “design forward.” The three, folding panels form a sleek and cool, looking triangle. But function is top priority here.
Stagg X and XF Drippers
Stagg offers simple, 1- and 2-cup options with patented design meant to keep the heat in while you brew.
Where to use: At home or office—can be used on the go, just make sure it fits your cup or carafe.
How many cups: 1-2 cups. The Stagg X makes 10 ounces of coffee and the Stagg XF makes up to 20 ounces. So, you could squeeze three small cups out of the XF.
Easy to master or sciency: Simple with a side of science. Like some of the others in this list, the Stagg has a science-backed design that is meant to correct any pouring techniques so that the coffee comes out great for beginners and pros alike. Stagg calls this method “Pour-over without room for error.” They even include a “ratio aid” to help you add the right amount of coffee without a scale.
Is it stylish: Minimalist, black, stainless steel design.
Did you find the right pour over for you? What other factors do you consider when choosing your brew method? We’ll update this post when we add more filters. Until then, we’d love to hear from you!