For years, I've preferred manual brewing to even the best automatic pour-over coffee maker. The meditative morning ritual of heating water, concentric wetting of grounds and watching the blooming process is just so satisfying.
For years, I’ve preferred manual brewing to even the best automatic pour-over coffee maker. The meditative morning ritual of heating water, concentric wetting of grounds and watching the blooming process is just so satisfying.
But some mornings, even die-hard coffee purists like me need help. Still, I’ve always asked myself whether an automatic machine can match the quality of a hand-crafted brew.
After exploring the market, I’m ready to spill the beans. Read on to see which pour-over makers caught my attention.
Best Automatic Pour Over Coffee Makers at a Glance
Here’s a sneak peek at the best electric pour over coffee makers I’ll be discussing today.
Gevi 4 in 1
Beautiful design
Packed with features
Makes excellent coffee
Revolutionary brewing
Superb app
Highly customizable
Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker vs Drip Coffee Maker
OK, let’s settle this once and for all – are automatic pour-over makers that different from drip coffee makers? You bet your (coffee) beans they are! Think of a classic drip machine as that reliable friend you can always count on – it may not be full of flair, but it’ll always show up.
The best automatic pour-over maker? That’s a whole other story. See, these machines mimic the careful, artful technique of manual brewing. They’ve got this whole intricate coffee water dance down to a tee.
First, they swirl hot water over coffee grounds to let them bloom. Then, they precisely pulse the stream until the brew is complete. It’s like watching a graceful ballet compared to a drip machine’s steady water dump.
That extra effort? It pays off big time flavor-wise! By extracting more aromatic coffee oils and flavor compounds, pour-over brews tend to be more decadent and more complex than your average cup of joe.
Is the higher price tag worth it? That depends on you. Do you want your coffee to only wake you up? Or would you prefer it to tell you a story as it does? Either way, you can’t argue with the superior flavor.
Why Buy an Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker?
Remember that time you had the perfect cup at a hip coffee shop? The one that ruined regular joe for you? An automatic pour-over maker is your ticket to recreating that magic at home.
Sure, you could master the art of manual pour-over brewing. No one, and for sure not a coffee purist like me, would ever deny you that. But some mornings aren’t made for manual brewing because life happens. You could be in a hurry or just having a bad morning. These clever machines save the day. They do all the heavy lifting while maintaining your coffee’s artisanal quality.
Also, think of these machines as your ultimate money saver. Those $5 café pour-overs sure do add up over time!
Lastly, a valid reason to invest in one of these babies is just for the heck of it. Coffee is all about fun, experimenting and discovering the beauty of different brews.
With pour-overs, it truly is magic! The bloom rises, the perfect water spirals over coffee grounds, the drip, drip, drip in timed streams – all these are so satisfying to watch!
The 6 Best Automatic Pour Over Coffee Makers
I’ve covered what automatic pour-over coffee makers are and why you should consider one over a drip machine. But which should you choose?
After much scouring, here are my top picks for the best automatic pour-over maker. They may vary in price, design and functionality, but each brings something unique to the coffee table.
Gevi 4 in 1
PROS
- Looks fantastic!
- Built-in grinder and scale
- Highly customizable
- Suits small spaces
CONS
- Steep learning curve
- Some design elements aren’t cohesive
Looking to inject a shot of futuristic flair into your kitchen? Well, cop a load of the Gevi 4 in 1! This stylish but compact number is a sleek marriage of stainless steel and high-grade plastic.
The real showstopper is its distinctive transparent two-in-one water reservoir and kettle. It not only heats water but lets you watch brewing magic unfold. In addition, the intuitive interface, with LED display, is a breeze to navigate.
But this machine is more than a pretty face – it epitomizes versatility. Boasting a built-in flat-burr grinder and scale, it allows you to transition from whole beans to perfect brew effortlessly. Plus, with a programmable timer, anti-drip system and auto-shutoff, your morning routines will be easier (and safer).
The pour-over simulation is no slouch, either. Rotating jet spouts and adjustable temperature controls ensure your coffee brews to barista-level perfection. You can also dial in the brew strength to match your mood. And brew every way from a single serving to batch brews!
This versatility, I guess, explains the Gevi’s hefty $N/A price tag. Still, this thing is a stunner. It will most certainly impress your friends and maybe even convert a few drip lovers along the way!
See Also: Gevi 4 in 1 Review
Moccamaster Cup One
PROS
- Unique design
- Easy to use
- SCA certified
- Compact footprint
CONS
- One-trick pony
Introducing the Moccamaster Cup One, the next automatic pour-over maker on my list. First off, I must tip my hat to this beauty’s design. Moccamaster took a classic pour-over setup and gave it a sleek, modern makeover.
We’re talking clean lines, beautiful brushed metal housing and a compact footprint. And the built-in glass carafe? Swoon. Like the Technivorm Moccamaster KGBV Select, it screams high-tech brewing, which is, in fact, a Moccamaster calling card.
But it’s about more than looks with this one-cup, no-frills pour-over maker. It also boasts precision temperature control and a unique copper heating element for faster brewing. Plus, a clever shower-style water dispenser that mimics the pour-over technique. Oh, and did I mention the programmable timer? Yep, you can wake up to the heavenly aroma of fresh-brewed pour-over whenever you want!
Despite all this high-tech wizardry, using the Moccamaster Cup One is an absolute breeze. Simple one-button operation means minimal effort.
Moreover, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has designated it an SCA-certified coffee maker. It’s Golden Cup-certified, which means you can expect consistent brews with ideal brew strengths.
At $249.00, I would expect that. Get this machine if you’re just beginning pour-over exploration. Also, if you rock a solo or small household.
See Also: Moccamaster Cup One Review
Fellow Aiden
PROS
- Excellent coffee quality
- Precise temperature controls
- Versatile operation
- Cleans up easily
CONS
- Some find it unattractive
- No built-in grinder or scale
Ahh, the Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker! Now, this is a brand that speaks my language! If you’re a coffee lover who refuses to settle for anything less than perfection, this could be the brew buddy you’re searching for.
First off, the design won’t appeal to all. Still, like with the Fellow Stagg XF Pour-Over Set, Fellow clearly put much thought into making the Aiden sleek, minimalist, yet high-performance. The tapered carafe and matte black finish are stunning. But the lack of a built-in Fellow coffee scale and grinder is questionable.
However, the best automatic pour-over maker is about more than looks. In this regard, Aiden is super-durable and built like a tank. We’re talking commercial-grade stainless steel that’ll withstand years of daily use.
Then, there’s functionality. The precision temperature control is an absolute game-changer. It lets you dial in the perfect brewing temp every time. And the built-in pre-infusion mode? Chef’s kiss. Like with the Fellow Stagg Gooseneck Kettle, it saturates coffee grounds like a dream.
Oh, and I must mention this: the Aiden is programmable. Set it, forget it and wake up to fresh-brewed perfection every morning. It also has two brew modes: Medium-roast bloom-and-brew at 205 degrees Fahrenheit (96 degrees Celsius) and dark roast bloom-and-brew at 210 degrees Fahrenheit (98 degrees Celsius) and 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius), respectively.
The only downside? This level of coffee nirvana is costly. At $365.00, it isn’t for everyone.
But trust me, once you taste the Aiden difference, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. This is the kind of pour-over coffee maker that’ll make you a total coffee snob (in the best possible way).
See Also: Fellow Aiden Review
Chemex Ottomatic
PROS
- Elegant, minimalist design
- Excellent coffee flavor and clarity
- Excellent pre-infusion and temperature controls
- Unbeatable dripper convenience
CONS
- Warming plate can compromise coffee flavor
- Needs expensive Chemex bonded filters
The Chemex Ottomatic is a coffee maker that’ll get your caffeine-loving heart racing! It has stunning good looks. With its classic Chemex hourglass silhouette and sleek, minimalist aesthetic, this thing is a work of art.
But good coffee isn’t all about looks but also functionality. In this regard, the Ottomatic boasts a sturdy wood, metal and borosilicate glass construction.
Next, features. This machine takes the manual pour-over method and elevates it to new heights. Get your pour-over beans ready!
Its precision water delivery system carefully saturates coffee grounds, pausing to allow for optimal extraction. Then, it dispenses the liquid gold (hot or iced) into the glass carafe below.
The result? A sediment-free cup of coffee so rich, smooth and flavorful it’ll have you doing a happy dance.
Sure, the Chemex Ottomatic comes with a high $349.99 price tag. And the fact that it requires expensive Chemex bonded filters doesn’t help. But I believe it’s worth it. This is the kind of machine that’ll turn your morning cup of joe into a transcendent experience.
See Also: Chemex Ottomatic Review
xBloom Coffee Machine
PROS
- Stunning design
- A true all-rounder
- Brews excellent coffee
- Eco-friendly compostable pods
CONS
- Very expensive
Get ready to have your mind (and taste buds) blown! The literally changes the pour-over game. This sleek, futuristic coffee machine is the stuff baristas dreams of. Because the xBloom is literally like something out of the Star Trek Enterprise.
But, again, this machine is more than its looks. For starters, the build quality is off the charts. Durable aluminum and borosilicate glass help it withstand anything you throw at it. Plus, the sleek silhouette hides a lot of clever tech.
Speaking of tech, this coffee maker has an intuitive touchscreen and sophisticated app for easy use. Oh, and did I mention the built-in grinder? Yep, you can go from coffee beans to delicious brews in under a minute.
But it’s the features that set the xBloom apart. For starters, the innovative magnetic levitation system suspends water above the grounds. This mimics gooseneck kettle pour heights, ensuring even, precise extraction. It also boasts customizable brewing profiles, bound to make mornings easier.
Also, you can fine-tune everything from temperatures to flow rates for the perfect cup. Lastly, the xBloom’s self-cleaning feature is exemplary. It saves you time on scrubbing away those stubborn coffee stains.
Now, I know I’ve heaped praise, but the xBloom does come with a hefty $N/A price tag. Strangely, this price is higher than the newer xBloom Studio’s. But I think, if you want to experience the best automatic pour-over coffee maker, this tag is worth it. Go for it if youre tech-oriented and want to feel like an artisanal barista every morning.
See Also: xBloom Coffee Machine Review
Ratio Six Coffee Maker
PROS
- Elegant design
- Very durable
- Excellent coffee quality
- Thermal carafe
CONS
- Carafe and lid could be better designed
- Bloom stage could be more programmable
Ratio Six Coffee Maker is one of those coffee makers that promises to change your morning routine forever. Given its features, it just might!
I must say, at first glance, it’s beautiful! It’s definitely Architectural Digest-worthy with its minimalist silhouette and striking white finish.
To add to this, this coffee maker is remarkably durable. The heavy-duty stainless steel thermal carafe can withstand even the busiest routines.
As for features, the Ratio Six is jam-packed. Ingenious little touches like the precise temperature control, for example, mean you’ll always experience the perfect brewing temperature. And the showerhead-style water dispenser is absolute genius. It evenly saturates coffee grounds for a richer, more flavorful extraction.
Truly, the Ratio Six does all the heavy lifting. All you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your brew.
However, it comes with a slightly higher price tag – $359.00. Still, it’s durable, easy to use and brews like a dream. To me, this price is worth the elevated pour-over game.
See Also: Ratio Six Coffee Maker Review
Choosing the Best Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker: What to Consider
As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I know the idea of an “automatic” pour-over might seem like blasphemy. But, as I’ve said before, sometimes a little coffee convenience doesn’t hurt.
When searching for the best automatic pour-over maker, the trick is to find a machine that delivers quality and does so consistently.
So, what factors can help you find such a machine? Here are some helpful considerations:
Your Budget
I’ve often fancied a pour-over instead of my usual drip or espresso. On such mornings, I wished I had an automatic pour-over maker. But, then, there’s the matter of cost.
These beauties don’t come cheap. Entry-level machines cost around $150-$250. This might seem steep until you do the coffee math. If you spend $5 daily on café pour-overs, that machine will pay for itself within a month.
In the $350-$500 range, you’ll likely get more features, like pre-infusion, temperature control and multiple brew sizes. However, they still keep some of the “manual charm” of pour-over brewing.
On the other end of the scale, the “money is no object” crowd can expect to pay upwards of $700. These machines take precision brewing to a whole other level and offer convenience in droves.
My advice? Start with your monthly coffee budget. Then, examine your daily coffee needs. This should guide you on which machine to buy.
Size and Design
Now, I know we’ve all been here before! You find the perfect appliance online, but it won’t fit under your cabinets when it arrives! Let’s avoid this kitchen catastrophe, shall we?
First, grab a measuring tape. Then, get friendly with your counter space. Because most automatic pour-overs are tall.
Before you buy, check that your cabinet clearance can accommodate your potential choice.
It would help if you also considered your coffee personality. Are you into a sleek, modern vibe or a classic coffee shop feel? Do you prefer eye-catching color finishes or the monotone Scandi-chic of the Melitta SENZ? Whatever your tastes, make sure you choose something that you’ll love looking at every day!
Ease of Use
Some pour-over coffee makers are as easy as pie. Others? Well … I have no words.
Ask yourself this: Are you a “push one button and pray” kinda person? Or do you enjoy fiddling with water temperatures, bloom times and flow rates like a coffee scientist?
Personally, I like a little flexibility, but not so much that it feels like I’ve taken all the joy out of making pour-over coffee. So, choose the machine that matches your personality and skill level.
Next: Cleaning and descaling. Ever watched that Love, Death and Robots episode titled “Ice Age?” The one where the young couple, played by Elizabeth Winstead and Topher Grace, find a tiny civilization in their antique freezer? Yeah, that might happen with your pour-over maker if you don’t clean it properly!
Some machines make things easy; they’re practically self-cleaning. Others need more TLC. Which one you choose is up to you.
Special Features
Welcome to the “but wait, there’s more!” part of this best automatic pour-over coffee maker shopping guide! Let’s talk bells and whistles. While they are unnecessary, some might actually ease your morning. Popular features include:
Programmable start times: Brew your coffee before your alarm goes dark-side on you.
Temperature control: Play coffee scientist by adjusting temperatures within the 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit (90-96 degrees Celsius) range.
Pre-infusion: Allows coffee grounds to “bloom” before brewing.
Altitude adjustment: Some coffee machines apparently know when they’re in Denver and not San Jose, and adjust accordingly.
My personal favorite? Flow control. This feature handles everything from a single cup to a full pot without turning your coffee into rocket fuel.
While these advanced features are cool, don’t go all out. Pick only what you understand and will use. Otherwise, you’re paying for buttons you’ll never push!
Decision Time: Which Pour-Over Darling Tops Your Wish List?
I hope you’ve enjoyed my short exploration of the best automatic pour-over makers. After months of research and testing, here’s the bottom line: Automatic pour-over makers have earned their stripes.
While they may not perfectly replicate the subtle nuances of a hand-crafted pour-over, the best get remarkably close. Plus, the convenience factor is impossible to ignore. For me, the Fellow Aiden strikes a delicate balance of quality and value.
Whichever pour-over maker you choose, remember this – all excellent brews start with fresh quality coffee beans. Ditto clean water and the right grind. These machines simply make turning those essential elements into your perfect pour-over easier.
Is pour-over coffee a thing for you? Which of these beauties tickles your fancy? Please comment below – I’d love to hear from you!