For coffee enthusiasts who love pour over coffee but would rather have the effort of making it taken out of the process, a great option to consider is an automatic pour over coffee maker.
If you’re reading this, the chances are you are serious about home-brewed coffee. However, drip coffee makers are sometimes frowned upon by seasoned coffee drinkers. Thankfully, technological advances mean that – as with so many other areas – coffee machines are improving all the time. Some automatic pour-over makers offer a mixture of pour-over coffee precision with the ease-of-use of a drip coffee machine.
We’ve narrowed down the best automatic pour-over coffee makers for this extensive review. If you’re on the lookout for a drip coffee maker, there will be something in this buying guide to suit you too.
Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker Vs. Drip Coffee Machine
It’s often hard to detect any differences between an automatic pour-over and a drip coffee maker, and they are indeed similar. After all, you just need to turn each on, add your grounds, press the switch, and before long hot water drips through the grounds and makes the coffee. Indeed, many of the best pour over coffee maker guides treat them and drip coffee makers as the same thing.
However, since there’s a ‘Pour over’ in the title, every automatic pour over coffee machine we’ll feature can brew coffee that’s as close to the manual pour over quality as we can find.
If you love brewing coffee with a pour over coffee maker, you’ll be aware of the small things that can have a bearing on the quality of the coffee. These include water temperature, brew time, and brew ratio. One of the significant advantages of an automatic pour over coffee maker is you don’t need to concern yourself with these variables. For example, that means no need to set a timer and scale to get optimally bloomed, saturated, and extracted coffee.
What you can expect, though, is an end product that is more than satisfying.
Meanwhile, a high proportion of standard drip coffee brewers fail to heat the water to the correct temperature. If they do, they don’t maintain that temperature throughout the process. This results in dripping either water that’s too cold or boiling over the coffee grounds, leaving a somewhat bland, poorly extracted, and unpleasant coffee. We’ve made sure not to include those coffee machines in our rundown. If you want to check the best drip coffee brewers from all price ranges, check our best picks list.
How Did We Choose The Best Automatic Pour Over Coffee Makers?
We painstakingly select and examine well-known models amounting to hundreds of drip coffee machines . The majority are certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). This organization has stringent requirements, and only a handful of the best drip coffee makers have received the certification to date. The SCAA bases its requirements on brewing time, correct water temperature, and whether the machine can brew according to the SCAA Golden Cup recommendations.
All the automatic pour over machines certified by the SCAA heat the water to the correct temperature and maintain it throughout the whole process. In other words, those coffee machines ensure you get pefect hot water that hasn’t burnt the coffee.
The machines also ensure even saturation of the coffee grounds thanks to their broad drip pattern. Not only that, but pulse dripping ensure the grounds can bloom before they reach the carafe. The drip coffee machines also brew the coffee to the perfect strength in accordance with the Golden Cup coffee ratio for coffee to water to produce the maximum flavor.
These automatic pour-over coffee machines are so efficient that it can be hard to make a poor-quality cup of coffee using them. They also take much of the experimentation out of the brewing process for more consistent results.
We also assess the functionalities of the electric pour over coffee machines. For example, specific models will allow you to select the strength of brew, water temperature, and blooming times. They are compatible with well-known pour-over brewers such as Hario, Chemex, and Melitta. Some coffee makers are programmable, too, allowing the user to set the machine, so the coffee is ready once you wake up.
Review Of Our Top-Pick – The 7 Best Automatic Pour Over Coffee Makers
Let’s take an in-depth look at the best models to help you decide which one is the best option for your needs.
1. Breville Precision Brewer BDC450
It's a customizable drip coffee maker for serious specialty coffee lovers. With tons of flexible brewing options, you can get the coffee that you'd enjoy, in your own style or the golden cup standard.
As the name suggests, precision is the significant advantage of this machine. It has an adjustable PID control for water temperature, of the type you would most commonly find on a high-end espresso maker. In fact, you’re able to control the coffee brewing temperature so accurately with this that you can shape the brewing process using different roasts and grinds to get the specialty coffee of your desires.
The Breville Precision Brewer comes with six pre-set settings: Gold (which meets the highest standards of the SCAA), Strong, Fast, Cold Brew, Iced, and My Brew. Most are self-explanatory. However, the My Brew option lets you tweak your bloom time, brewing temperature, and flow rate according to your tastes. This coffee maker allows for customization not found with many other machines.
There is a generous 60oz capacity with this coffee maker, meaning you can brew a large pot. This coffee maker is even able to tell whether you’re using a single cup rather than a carafe and will change the brew settings accordingly. This programmable, 12-cup coffee maker is perfect if you would like to make coffee in large batches and want the option of brewing a single cup.
Pour over coffee can also be brewed using a Kalita Wave, Hario V60, or similar pour-over coffee maker courtesy of its useful drip adaptor.
The machine also has a double-walled stainless steel thermal carafe. However, for people who prefer a glass carafe with a hot plate, the Breville BDC400 Precision Brewer is a suitable alternative that is also certified by the SCAA.
This automatic pour-over machine gives you complete control over the brewing process and allows for the automatic brewing of craft filter coffee.
Pros
- It is possible to customize the entire brewing cycle
- Accurate temperatures are guaranteed thanks to the PID temperature controller
- You can alter the pre-infusion, brewing time, and flow rate
- Built from high-quality stainless steel with a 2-year warranty
- Comes with a stainless steel carafe that keeps water hot
Cons
- It’s relatively expensive, so you’ll need to spend more to get great coffee
- It’s not compact, so it is best suited to people with lots of counter space
2. Technivorm Moccamaster KBT Coffee Brewer, 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The Technivorm Moccamaster is one of the most celebrated drip coffee makers you can buy. It has a beautiful design, is very straightforward to operate, and has all the features necessary to brew high-quality coffee.
The first Moccamaster drip brewer came on the market in 1968. The classic design of that is incorporated into this KBT model. It’s built from BPA-free plastic and durable metal, ensuring it will offer many years of excellent service.
The Technivorm Moccamaster is not programmable. However, it is still exceptionally easy to use. To set it up, place the filter and grounds in its brew basket, then add water to the device’s transparent water tank. Then, position the carafe beneath the basket. Turn the machine on and choose either half a jar (2 to 6 cups) or a full jar (6 to 10 cups of coffee). It will produce a 40oz carafe of freshly brewed coffee in six minutes and will even switch itself off when it’s finished.
The drip machine has a copper heating element that rapidly heats the water to between 196 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal brewing temperature range. It will also hold the optimal brewing temperatures until the end of the process.
The device boasts a metallic, rectangular showerhead with nine holes, meaning it will maintain a consistent temperature during extraction. The coffee grounds can also bloom thanks to the pulse action that replicated pouring manually.
The KBG models have glass carafes, and the brewed coffee stands on a hot plate between 175 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit for as long as 100 minutes to ensure the coffee flavor and quality remain intact. It’s not easy to find a green, blue, yellow, or pink coffee maker that matches your kitchen but also brews great coffee. With Moccamaster KBG series, you’re also sure to find one as it is available in an impressive 25 colors.
For coffee enthusiasts wanting a thermal carafe, the KBT series is the place to look.
With the approval of both the European Coffee Brewing Center and certification from the SCAA, you can rest assured this – and all – Moccamaster coffee makers produce great coffee that has been tested and guaranteed.
Moccamaster is one of the most well-known specialty coffee brewers around, but with a brand that well established, its good reputation comes a high price – it is the most expensive, in fact, of all the automatic pour-over coffee makers, featured on this list.
The device is built by hand in the Netherlands and is exceptionally durable. Another significant advantage is the comparatively lengthy five-year warranty. Their models look similar, check out our Technivorm Moccamaster comparison so you can know which one suits you best.
Pros
- Tried and tested coffee maker with an excellent reputation
- Excellent, long-lasting quality of build
- Easy to operate
- Brews European Coffee Brewing Center and SCAA endorsed coffee
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- The most expensive automatic pour-over coffee maker on our list
The Bonavita BV1900TS coffee maker is a no-frills, simple, one-touch coffee maker that brews excellent coffee that has satisfied the SCAA’s Golden Cup standards.
The coffee machine replicates the brewing method of the artisan pour over. It has a flat-bottomed filter basket that helps produce an even extraction, while there is a shower head top. The grounds can bloom before the brew is complete thanks to its pre-infusion mode, which is not dissimilar to the process needed for manual pour-overs. Meanwhile, it brews the coffee at a temperature between the industry standard of 195 to 205 F.
This automatic pour over coffee maker brews quickly, meaning you can have eight cups in just 6 minutes, while the coffee will stay hot for two hours, courtesy of the high-quality thermal carafe built from stainless steel.
It’s a one-touch coffee maker offering exceptional ease of use, with just a power button, while the machine turns itself off after brew cycle is complete.
This coffee maker is also compact, making it ideal for coffee enthusiasts with little counter space. At the same time, it’s easy to clean. Its BPA-free plastic parts are dishwasher safe, taking out much of the hassle required to clean and maintain it.
If you’re on a restricted budget, this is one of your best options as it’s at the cheaper end of the scale. However, it will still brew consistently excellent coffee.
BV1900TS v BV1901TS – What’s The Difference?
The BV1901TS is the newer of the two versions, and they’re almost identical except for two significant differences:
- The BV1901TS allows the filter basket to slide in the showerhead instead of being placed on top of the carafe.
- The BV1901TS has a 1.3L carafe capacity, rather than the 1.7L capacity of the older version.
Pros
- Pre-infusion
- Brews fantastic pour over coffee
- Rapid brewing time, only 6 mins for 8-cup capacity
- Compact coffee machine
- Easy-to-use one-touch design
Cons
- Not programmable and lacks features
4. OXO On Barista Brain Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
This OXO machine is a no-frills coffee maker with a modern-looking and sleek design. On its right are a thermal carafe and a stainless steel dripper, while on the left is a transparent water reservoir. It is an excellent option if you want great coffee from a good-looking coffee maker.
The control panel is straightforward with one button and a dial for brewing either 2-4 or 5-9 cups of coffee at a time. There is also a 24-hour auto-start timer, meaning it can brew coffee in time for you to get out of bed each morning. There’s also an aesthetically pleasing LED display with a backlit screen that provides at-a-glance information.
The pulsating brew, pre-infusion mode, and rainmaker showerhead with seven holes help replicate manual pour-over brewing cycle while you can brew SCAA approved coffee at the optimum temperature. The thermal carafe will also ensure your coffee stays warm.
OXO Brew 9-cup coffee maker also has a very useful indicator that alerts you when it needs descaling, while it is programmable and quiet, too.
If you want a great-looking coffee maker that is practical and allows for brewing half a carafe at a time, this is one to consider.
Pros
- It can brew excellent coffee to the perfect temperature and using pre-infusion
- It is programmable and has a 24-hour auto-start timer
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to some of its rivals
- Some people have noted that, on initially removing the carafe once brewing is complete, there is some dripping. The valve doesn’t shut off completely.
5. Ninja CP307 Specialty Coffee Maker
The Ninja Brewer stands out on this list because it’s able to brew black coffee and other brew types.
However, it isn’t an espresso maker, even though there is a fold-away frother meant for frothing milk while the machine is brewing.
Coffee-shop style drinks are within reach with this machine, including lattes and cappuccinos, even though the base is coffee concentrate rather than real espresso.
There are four brewing styles on the Ninja brewer – rich, classic, iced coffee, and specialty brew. There are also six sizes of brew, from a single cup to a large pot. A turn of the dial is all that’s needed to select between them.
The regular drip black coffee has been SCAA certified, meaning it will also brew top-notch pour over style coffee.
If you’re looking for variety, this is an excellent choice as you can have pour over coffee or various other types of brew.
Given the options available with the Ninja coffee brewer, it won’t surprise you to learn it is on the expensive side.
Both versions have a 1-year warranty. If you are not sure if this CP307 meets your needs, check out our best Ninja Coffe Makers guide, we compared and explained all the models, so you can have a full picture of the lineup.
Pros
- A range of different brewing options
- Has its own milk frother
- Five brewing styles
Cons
- The thermal carafe version is expensive
6. Cuisinart CPO-850 PurePrecision 8-Cup Pour Over Coffee Brewer
The Cuisinart CPO-850 takes the hassle out of making great-tasting pour-over coffee while using the same technique to brew it.
As with other automatic pour over coffee makers in this round-up, the CPO-850 has SCAA approval, meaning it has conformed to a list of strict technical requirements for high-quality home coffee brewers. So, expect it to brew at the ideal temperature, allowing for coffee blooming and correct brew times depending on the ratio of coffee to water, among other factors in the brew cycle. The showerhead design also ensures consistent distribution of the water over the coffee for a fantastic taste.
You can select the flavor strength control with mild, medium, and bold options. You can also switch between hot and extra hot temperatures. The control panel, which is situated at the front of the machine, allows for easy configuration of the settings.
Other great features of this home brewer include a program that allows you to set the device to make coffee automatically within 24 hours for waking up to a freshly brewed cup. This automatic pour over coffee maker also has a one-of-a-kind laser-etched stainless steel filter, but you can also use filter papers.
There is a carafe made from stainless steel on the CPO-850, but if you prefer a glass carafe, you’ll find that on the CPO-800.
The Cuisinart automatic pour over coffee maker also has a generous 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Durable, sleek design
- Wide shower head design allows for great-tasting coffee
- The carafe is dishwasher safe
Cons
- Despite being SCAA certified, some people have said the coffee isn’t hot enough.
7. Brim Coffee 8-Cup Pour Over Coffee Maker
This product combines the ease-of-use of an automatic drip machine with the subtle flavor of pour over coffee.
With one switch – an on/off one, this machine couldn’t be more straightforward, as it fully controls the brewing process. There’s no finessed pouring technique required for perfect coffee – this takes care of everything.
The machine takes the pour over method’s simplicity and adds a very accurate temperature control. Indeed, it will brew at a temperature between 197.6 and 204.8F. Another advantage is its speed, brewing eight cups in only 5 minutes.
The machine has a pour over showerhead system for even water distribution, while the pulse brewing lets the grounds bloom.
Chemex lovers will love this. It has a Chemex-esque elegant glass carafe, but it’s completely automatic. However, if you’ve not used Chemex, you will find it tricky gripping and pouring without a handle. Also, keep in mind that the glass carafe is not as good at retaining heat as a stainless steel one, as nice as it looks. It’s also easier to break, so extra care will be needed when storing it away and cleaning.
This product has a 66g-capacity permanent fine mesh filter, so paper filters won’t need replacing. However, for those wanting a completely clean coffee, you have the option of using paper filters. Try the size 03 Hario V60 cone filter for a good fit.
Another advantage of this coffee maker is you can make a manual coffee if you so wish because the Chemex-style carafe and coffee filter allow for this.
This is a no-frills product, so don’t expect lots of added extras or programmability. If your priority is high-quality coffee without the fuss, it’s a good option.
The product comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Accurate temperature control
- Appealing design
Cons
- Fragile glass carafe, and not as hard-wearing as stainless steel
- No handy features, and it’s not customizable
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker
All the devices we have featured make excellent pour over coffee automatically. However, they all offer different things too, so choosing the right fit for you is essential. Let’s examine some of the most significant factors to consider.
Brew Capacity
The capacity ranges of the automatic pour over coffee machines we have featured span between 8 and 12 cups, with some models able to produce a single-cup, too. You need to consider whether you tend to make coffee for many people regularly, or do you just need a coffee maker that can make one or two cups quickly? Remember, too, that the more capacity a machine has, the more space it is likely to need.
Programmability
While some coffee machines in the list are effortless to operate with the one-touch feature, others, such as the Ninja CM407, have a range of brew settings. So, have a think about in what circumstances you would usually use the automatic pour over coffee maker.
Thermal Carafe Or Heat Plate?
As a general rule, coffee makers with thermal carafes cost more than those with a glass carafe and heat plate.
For people who brew big batches regularly, a thermal carafe will be better because the coffee will go stale over time in a glass carafe. That’s because the heat plate will lead to incremental amounts of evaporation. Meanwhile, the internal airflow causes the brew’s oxidization, slowly leading to the coffee’s deterioration.
Another consideration is that thermal carafes are more hard-wearing than the glass alternative.
Price
Drip coffee makers are very affordable nowadays, but if you’re in the market for a drip coffee machine that can make coffee with the quality of pour over, you will need a slightly bigger budget.
The Best Ways To Make Good Coffee With A Machine
While a good coffee machine can take the hassle out of brewing coffee, there are other elements to the process that can make the difference between a perfect cup of coffee and one with flaws.
Grind Quality
With pour over coffee, the grounds need to be consistent for the best results. To achieve the level of consistency for great-tasting pour over coffee, a conical burr grinder is your best bet. Using the correct grind size is also of paramount importance. That’s because if you choose the wrong grind size, it will restrict the amount of flavor you can extract from the coffee beans. If the size is too coarse, you’ll have coffee that’s weak and under-extracted. On the other hand, if it’s too fine, there will be an unpleasant, bitter taste to the coffee due to over-extraction.
Water
Water is, naturally, a major component of a perfect cup of coffee. If the tap water you have contains impurities, your coffee will suffer. Bottled or filtered water will lead to a better taste.
Quality Of The Coffee Beans
With pour over coffee, in particular, coffee that’s been freshly ground tastes far more agreeable than coffee brewed using pre-ground beans.
In some cases, the process of making coffee can seem convoluted. However, it basically comes down to mixing hot water with ground coffee before straining it through particular filters. The difficulty comes in paying attention to exactly how to do this process, considering factors such as temperature control, grind size, and the coffee to water ratio. That’s why it’s essential to take account of all these elements of the process to end up with the perfect cup of coffee for your tastes.
Our Final Thoughts on Choosing The Best Automatic Pour Over Coffee Maker
Regardless of which of the automatic pour-over coffee makers we’ve showcased in this article that you decide is the best for you, we’re confident it will give you the tools to brew fantastic pour over coffee at home. After all, they are the best the drip coffee maker market has to offer.
If you’re only interested in brewing black coffee, there are far more budget-friendly drip coffee makers on the market that will do a perfectly adequate job for you. However, in our opinion, the taste of the finished product will not be as good as you can achieve with a manual pour over.
A high-quality coffee maker will last you for years, and the ones we’ve featured in this article all fall very firmly into that category.
If you’re a daily drinker of coffee, spending the extra money on a coffee maker that can elevate the quality of your coffee represents, in our opinion, a very sound investment. You will not need to upgrade for years, and you can expect high-quality, consistent coffee every day.
All you need to do is consider aspects such as the capacity that’s best suited to your needs, as well as whether or not you require lots of features. Whichever you opt for from our list, you’ll be getting a high-quality product and great-tasting coffee.
