8 Best Pour-Over Espresso Machines for Home and Business

Are you a coffee aficionado who loves the taste of a good pour-over but can’t get enough of the rich and creamy texture of espresso? If so, you’re not alone. For years, coffee lovers have debated which brewing method is better, but now, with the introduction of the pour-over espresso machine, you don’t have to choose anymore.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what a pour-over espresso machine is, how it works, and why it might be the perfect choice for your home or business.

What is an Espresso Machine?

An espresso machine is a coffee brewing machine that uses high pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee beans, creating a rich, creamy, and concentrated coffee drink known as espresso. Espresso machines come in a variety of types, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic.

What is a Pour Over Method?

The pour-over method is a manual coffee brewing technique that involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds, allowing the water to drip through a filter and into a carafe or cup below. This method allows for precision and control over the brewing process, resulting in a clean and flavorful cup of coffee.

14 Differences Between Espresso and Pour-Over Coffee

1. Brewing Time: Espresso is brewed in seconds, while pour-over coffee can take several minutes to brew.
2. Strength: Espresso is a concentrated coffee drink with a strong flavor, while pour-over coffee is typically milder and more delicate in flavor.
3. Crema: Espresso has a creamy layer on top called crema, while pour-over coffee does not.
4. Pressure: Espresso machines use high pressure to extract coffee, while pour-over relies on gravity.
5. Equipment: Espresso machines require specialized equipment, while pour-over only requires a few basic tools.
6. Grind: Espresso requires a fine grind, while pour-over requires a medium-coarse grind.
7. Control: Pour-over offers greater control over the brewing process, while espresso is more automated.
8. Serving Size: Espresso is typically served in small portions, while pour-over coffee can be brewed in larger quantities.
9. Temperature: Espresso machines heat water to a higher temperature than pour-over brewing.
10. Texture: Espresso has a creamy texture, while pour-over coffee is typically lighter in texture.
11. Crema: Espresso has a creamy layer on top called crema, while pour-over coffee does not.
12. Aroma: Espresso has a stronger aroma than pour-over coffee.
13. Price: Espresso machines can be more expensive than pour-over equipment.
14. Convenience: Espresso machines offer convenience and speed, while pour-over requires a bit more time and effort.

I also made a table of differences between a pour-over and an espresso machine to understand better.

Espresso	Pour Over Coffee
Made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee at high pressure	Made by pouring hot water over coarsely ground coffee in a filter
Brews in 25-30 seconds	Brews in 2-4 minutes
Typically uses darker roasted coffee beans	Can use a variety of coffee beans, including lighter roasts
Results in a strong, concentrated shot of coffee	Results in a more delicate, nuanced flavor
Typically served in small, 1-2 ounce portions	Can be brewed in larger quantities
Requires an espresso machine for brewing	Can be brewed with just a pour over coffee maker and hot water
Crema forms on top of the espresso shot due to the pressure of the brewing process.	No crema forms on top of pour over coffee
Uses a finer grind size than pour over coffee.	Uses a coarser grind size than espresso
Typically has a higher caffeine content per volume.	Typically has a lower caffeine content per volume
Espresso shots are the base for many coffee drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos	Often enjoyed black or with just a splash of milk or cream
Requires more skill and practice to brew consistently well	Easier to brew consistently well with a pour over method
Often served with a side of sparkling water to cleanse the palate	No palate cleanser typically served with pour over coffee
Emphasizes the intensity and strength of coffee flavor	Emphasizes the complexity and subtleties of coffee flavor
More expensive equipment is required for brewing espresso	Pour over coffee can be brewed with relatively inexpensive equipment
Espresso is often associated with Italian culture and cafes	Pour over coffee has a more diverse cultural history and is enjoyed around the world

What is a Pour Over Espresso Machine?

As the name suggests, a pour-over espresso machine is a combination of two popular coffee brewing methods: the pour-over and espresso. This machine uses a pour-over brewing technique to create a delicious and flavorful cup of coffee with the rich, creamy texture of espresso.

How Does It Work?

The pour-over espresso machine works by combining the best of both worlds: the precision and control of a pour-over with the speed and convenience of an espresso machine.

First, you grind your coffee beans and place them in the pour-over filter. Then, you pour hot water over the coffee grounds, allowing it to steep and extract the flavors. Next, the machine heats the water to the ideal temperature for espresso and uses a high-pressure pump to force the water through the coffee grounds, creating the creamy texture and rich flavor of espresso.

Why Choose a Pour Over Espresso Machine?

There are several reasons why a pour-over espresso machine might be the perfect choice for your coffee brewing needs.

1. Precision and Control

With a pour-over espresso machine, you have complete control over the brewing process, allowing you to customize your coffee to your exact preferences. You can adjust the water temperature, the grind size, and the extraction time, giving you the perfect cup of coffee every time.

2. Speed and Convenience

While a traditional pour-over can take several minutes to brew, a pour-over espresso machine can create a delicious cup of coffee in just a few minutes, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or coffee breaks at work.

3. Cost-Effective

Investing in a pour-over espresso machine can be a cost-effective option for coffee lovers. Instead of buying separate equipment for pour-over and espresso brewing methods, you can get the best of both worlds with just one machine.

Real-Life Examples

Still not convinced that a pour-over espresso machine is the right choice for you? Here are some real-life examples of how a pour-over espresso machine has revolutionized coffee brewing for people around the world.

1. Home Brewing

Many coffee enthusiasts have discovered the benefits of a pour-over espresso machine for their home brewing needs. By combining the precision and control of a pour-over with the convenience of an espresso machine, they can create delicious, high-quality coffee in the comfort of their own home.

2. Small Businesses

Small coffee shops and cafes have also embraced the pour-over espresso machine for its speed and convenience. With a pour-over espresso machine, they can offer their customers a wide range of coffee options, from pour-over to espresso, all with just one machine.

3. Large-Scale Operations

Even large-scale coffee operations, such as hotels and restaurants, have started to use pour-over espresso machines to improve their coffee offerings. With a pour-over espresso machine, they can create high-quality coffee quickly and efficiently, serving large groups of people in a short amount of time.

8 Best Pour-Over Espresso Machines

When it comes to selecting the best pour-over espresso machine, it’s important to consider factors such as brewing capacity, ease of use, and customization options.

These top picks offer a variety of features to suit different needs and preferences, making it easier than ever to enjoy a delicious and perfectly brewed cup of coffee.

OXO BREW Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Dripper

Consider this simple OXO system if you don’t want to spend much time or money making a premium pour-over coffee. It consists of a simple plastic filter holder and, most importantly, a water container with a lid to retain the heat in. The water chamber is smart in that it slowly infuses the coffee beneath over a period of minutes, eliminating the need for you to stand there carefully putting the water in yourself.

According to the blurb, ‘the water tank boasts a perfect hole pattern to disperse water evenly over coffee, so it precisely manages water flow rate for a constant, well-balanced brew’. That will do.

Granted, this device isn’t as elegant as the Melitta Porcelain Pour Over Set we reviewed below (a few more color options would be good), but its auto-drip method saves you time and creates a fantastic brew with flavor and depth. It comes highly recommended.

MELITTA PORCELAIN POUR OVER SET

Melitta has been at the forefront of coffee filtering for decades (since 1908, if you must know), and most of us have one of its plastic filter cones lying about in a cabinet somewhere, perhaps covered in a thin layer of kitchen grease.

This porcelain set contains everything you need to make a good pour-over brew. Simply insert a Melitta paper filter cone into the funnel section, pour hot water through it to warm the ceramic filter holder, and fill the filter with a few heaping teaspoons of your preferred coarsely ground blend. Pour nearly heated water (approximately 93 C) over the grounds to create a smooth, rich, aromatic kick up the backside.

If you don’t want to use the jug, the filter holder can straddle two cups at the same time. Viewing apertures on either side of the holder allow you to keep track on coffee levels to avoid overfilling.

The Melitta Pour Over Set, which comes in four colors: grey, blue, rose and yellow, is essentially simply a fancy pants alternative to a plastic funnel and a mug, but it looks a lot better on the table.

SAGE PRECISION BREWER THERMAL

If you don’t want to use the jug, the filter holder can straddle two cups at the same time. Viewing apertures on either side of the holder allow you to keep track on coffee levels to avoid overfilling.

The Melitta Pour Over Set, which comes in four colours: grey, blue, rose and yellow, is essentially simply a fancy pants alternative to a plastic funnel and a mug, but it looks a lot better on the table.

‘Fast’ is good for a quick single cup, ‘Gold’ gets its name from the Specialty Coffee Association’s Golden Cup Standard, which requires water to be between 200 F (93 C) and 205 F (96 C) at the point of contact with the coffee, ‘Strong’ is, well, strong, and ‘Over Ice’ is the setting to use if you plan to pour your coffee over ice (another story entirely).

Surprisingly, the Sage can also make a cold brew, which normally requires an entirely separate set of tools.

If none of these presets appeal to you, you can utilize the ‘My Brew’ function to change the ‘Bloom Time’ (the moment coffee grounds bubble up when first infused), ‘Brew Time,’ and ‘Flow Rate’. Is there anything this coffee maker cannot do? It does not, in fact, make tea.

If you’re looking for a high-end machine that consistently produces reliable results with no fuss, this is undoubtedly the brewing gadget for you.

HARIO V60 COPPER DRIPPER 02

Get yourself a Hario product if you want to embrace the hipster method of pour-over brewing; it’s the brand of choice among baristas and coffee-craft trendies.

This Japanese beauty, named for the funnel’s 60-degree slant, costs roughly £65. That may seem excessive for what is essentially a large funnel, but its devotees swear by it. It’s pointless to go into detail about how it works because the brewing procedure is no different than using a basic plastic Melitta filter holder.

The key difference with this filter holder is that it’s constructed of copper, which is a great thermal conductor and helps the water stay at a consistent temperature throughout the filtering process.

If you really want to wow or bore your guests, we recommend spending an extra £140 on the Hario Copper V60 Buono Drip Kettle (opens in new tab) with the required goose neck for flawless splash-free pouring. You may not know what you’re doing, but you can always pretend you do. Hario also produces the V60 in plastic, glass, and metals other than copper.

FELLOW DUO COFFEE STEEPER

This four-cup product makes a clean, clear coffee with no sludge or grits thanks to a two-stage filtration system and the power of gravity. Fellow Duo Coffee Steeper is made up of only three parts: a stainless steel upper piece, a brewing chamber, and a borosilicate glass pot.

Fill the chamber with coarse coffee grounds, add boiling water, mix, and wait four minutes. Twist the cover and watch as a stream of clean, sediment-free bean juice falls into the saucepan below.

Simply tip and pour from the top-mounted spout to drink. The Duo Coffee Steeper is also ideal for taking with you everywhere there is hot water. It is, however, difficult to clean.

KITCHENAID DRIP COFFEE MAKER 5KCM1208

With a 1.7 litre reservoir, the hands-free KitchenAid can make enough coffee for a small battalion. It also comes with its own ‘gold-tone’ permanent filter that just takes a fast wash and rinse after each use, so you won’t need to buy any paper filters.

KitchenAid developed this 12-cup coffee maker to be extremely user-friendly. As a result, a series of numerals etched on the side of the water reservoir match to a dose ladder in the filter. Simply fill the water tank to your desired level and add the appropriate amount of ground coffee to the filter.

Now, press the power button and step back for a few moments while its 29-hole spiral shower head gently douses the coffee. A programmable warming plate can keep it warm for up to 30 minutes, but the period can be changed in the settings.

This machine is around 18cm wide, making it ideal for any kitchen worktop. It’s also fairly priced, at least by KitchenAid standards, costing between £90 and £125.

MELITTA AROMAFRESH

It’s not the most revolutionary invention in human history, but Amalie Auguste Melitta Bentz’s first filtration system – made from a scrap of blotting paper from her son’s exercise book – has remained largely intact since its start in 1908. One of her middle names has become synonymous with one of the world’s most successful coffee-based product firms.

The AromaFresh 10-cup isn’t as feature-rich as the Sage Precision, with only three easy settings ranging from mild to strong, but it does have one ace up its sleeve in the form of a built-in, top-mounted coffee grinder. Simply place some beans in the hopper, fill the large 1.375-litre reservoir with water, swing out the filter holder, and insert a Melitta paper filter.

Now, choose the number of cups you want and the strength of the brew, and press the start button. Like any other bean-to-cup machine, the beans are ground (quietly) and dumped into the filter holder, ready for a good dousing.

The UI is a little cumbersome, and the brewing procedure isn’t as refined as the Sage’s, but the coffee it delivers is well worth the effort. It’s also reasonably priced at just over £100.

SMEG DCF02

This one’s for the Smegeratti. The 1.4-litre water container (enough for up to 10 cups), a reusable filter, a 1-4 cup function, auto start, timer, and scent intensity choice are all included in the ’50s-style DCF02, which comes in seven colors including pastel blue, deep crimson, and pitch black.

Changing the settings is a confusing procedure that requires flicking a mechanical lever on the side and attempting to figure out what the tiny display’s different text abbreviations indicate, but with a little of manual swottage, you should soon get a grasp on it.

While it is not the simplest machine on the market, the Smeg produces an excellent brew that is both rich and aromatic, according to its devotees. Of course, it looks gorgeous as well.

Related Articles for you

• Cozeemax Espresso Machine Ultimate Guide & Review
• The ECM Classika PID Espresso Machine for Home and Commercial Use
• Best Espresso Machine with Grinder Built-in 2023
• Clever Coffee Dripper Instruction and Reviews – Full Guide
• Best Dual Coffee Maker – Hamilton Beach Flexbrew Review

Conclusion

In conclusion, a pour-over espresso machine is the perfect marriage of two popular coffee brewing methods, offering the precision and control of a pour-over with the speed and convenience of an espresso machine. Whether you’re a home brewer or a business owner, a pour-over espresso machine can help you create delicious, high-quality coffee with ease.

So, if you’re looking to upgrade your coffee brewing game, consider investing in a pour-over espresso machine. With its versatility, speed, and precision, it might just be the perfect addition to your kitchen or business.