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For some of us, it’s the only thing getting us out of bed on Monday mornings.
A decent cup can help you wake up and start your day strong, but the perfect cup of coffee? Now that can set the right mood for your entire day.
We all have our favorite coffee shop that brews our coffee as if they read all our wants and desires straight from our minds. Getting that same level of perfection at home doesn’t seem feasible. Or does it?
If your at-home coffee maker isn’t giving you that pristine cup of joe that we all wish for, it might be time to switch to an automatic pour-over coffee maker.
But what makes this machine any different from the next? Here’s everything you need to know before deciding if an automatic pour-over coffee maker is your next purchase.
What is an Automatic Pour-Over Coffee Maker?
So what makes pour-over coffee different than drip coffee?
It’s all in the technique. Most baristas and coffee enthusiasts use this pour-over method to achieve perfection in each cup.
Pour-over coffee sounds just like its name. This method is done by slowly pouring hot water over the coffee grounds to evenly soak and saturate your grounds for the best possible flavor.
Sounds pretty easy right? Eh, not so much. Perfecting this method takes time and precision. Something many of us don’t have in the morning.
You need to get the water to the exact temperature, carefully and evenly spread the water over the grounds, then wait for the right brew time before your cup is ready.
Luckily the advanced technology of today’s world has provided us with an automatic option. Automatic pour-over coffee machines use the same method as manual pour-over methods, but with much less work.
These machines have a dual-tank set up with the water tank on the left and the carafe and coffee basket on the right. This creates quite the modern, sophisticated look that can spark conversations during at-home get-togethers.
What makes these machines superior to others is the way they brew their coffee. They heat the water before mixing it with the coffee grounds.
It controls the temperature at the time of brewing and holds that temperature throughout the entire process. This allows for even saturation and more flavor being extracted from your coffee grounds.
The perfectly heated water is evenly distributed over the grounds with the unique shower-head watering system, unlike regular drip-coffee machines that dump the water straight into the middle of the carafe.
Although you do have to grind the coffee beans yourself, the coffee maker will take care of the rest. This machine will brew you a flawless cup of coffee in about 6-8 minutes.
Our Top Reviewed Automatic Pour Over Coffee Machines
OXO BREW 9 Cup Coffee Maker
The advanced drip coffee machine reproduces the method of a barista using a microprocessor-controlled drip method.
For optimal brewing, water temperature is maintained at 197.6-204.8°F.
Its “rainmaker” showerhead assures a consistent extraction of the coffee for perfect brewing every time.
It also has a programmable timer, so your coffee is ready when you get up in the morning.
Pros
- Approved by the SCA to replicate barista quality coffee
- Consistent temperature control
- The carafe is double-walled insulated to keep coffee hot even when it’s off the hot plate.
Cons
- The filter basket will drip a little bit once you lift the carafe out, not a dealbreaker but it is a little annoying.
Dimensions – 8.3 x 15 x 17.2 inches
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | OXO |
| Color | Silver |
| Capacity | 48 oz |
| Voice command | Dial |
Breville BDC400BSS Precision Brewer Coffee Maker
More affordable Glass carafe option
This is by far the most consistent, high-quality pour over coffee maker on this list.
If I was making this list for myself and not the masses This would undoubtedly be number one.
The reason why I made it number two is due to all the bells and whistles that can cause of a learning curve.
To get get all you can out of the machine you really need to sit down and read the manual and program it. I love reading the specs and learning how to work a new coffee machine.
But, I also know that everyone doesn’t agree with me and they want to unbox it, plug it in, add coffee and hit a button.
Pros
- Can make 12 cups of coffee
- Automatic Presets and Customizable ( maybe too much for some people)
- Six brewing modes ensure you get the perfect, balanced cup of coffee every time. With Preset modes Gold, Fast, Strong, Iced, Cold Brew, and My Brew; Or you can use the drip adaptor to brew pour-over with your favorite pour-over device.
Cons
- A little pricey but well worth it if you can afford it
- High tech
Dimensions – 12 x 8 x 15.5 inches
| Material | Glass, Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Breville |
| Color | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 12 Cubic Centimeters |
| Item Weight | 3.15 Pounds |
Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG
More affordable glass carafe option
The Moccamaster gives you a throwback feel while using modern age materials and technology to give you a high end specialty coffee shop beverage at home.
It was one of the fastest machines we reviewed and is made with high quality materials like copper and stainless steel, and aluminum
It also comes in 27 different colors making it nearly impossible not to match your home design interests.
Pros
- Has an auto shut off after 100 minutes
- Uses internal copper parts
- Very consistent
Cons
- A little pricey, would’ve been our number one pick if not for the price tag. If you have a large budget, it is definitely worth it.
| Material | Aluminum/Stainless steel |
| Brand | Technivorm Moccamaster |
| Color | 27 options |
| Capacity | 10 Cups |
| Voice command | Buttons |
Dimensions – 6.5 x 12.75 x 14 inches
Cuisinart CPO-800P1 Pure Precision
More affordable glass carafe option
Available in stainless and black, it will fit in nicely to anyone’s kitchen design, and holding enough water to make 8 cups will make enough coffee for even large gatherings.
It also has a brew strength selector for mild, medium, and strong; the filter is laser cut stainless steel, allowing it to consistently hold its temperature during the brewing process.
Pros
- Laser-etched filter
- Brew strength
- Thermal carafe
Cons
- It has some internal and external parts made out of plastic, but this is expected from more affordable options.
Dimensions – 12 x 7.5 x 13.5 inches
| Material | Plastic |
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Color | Silver and black |
| Capacity | 8 Cups |
| Item Weight | 9 Pounds |
Brim 8 Cup Pour Over Coffee Maker
Maintains a constant temperature up to 204 degrees and utilizes pulse brewing to distribute water evenly.
It comes equipped with an automatic 30-minute shut-off and is in a brass finish, which is very popular now.
Pros
- Pulse distribution is constant for even water distribution
- Well designed internal heating system
Cons
- The carafe is hard to clean unless you have very tiny hands
- Larger than average size
Dimensions – 12.28 x 6.02 x 12.87 inches
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Brim |
| Color | Satin Copper |
| Capacity | 2 Quarts |
| Item Weight | 6.1 Pounds |
KitchenAid KCM0801OB Pour Over Coffee Brewer
Out of all the machines on this list, this was one of two that consistently made a perfect coffee bloom and didn’t break it(the Breville was the other one).
the reason why I put it lower on the list was due to it’s simplicity and looks.
If you like a no-nonsense machine without any of the bells and whistles this machine is perfect for you.
The design was based on Kitchenaid’s mixer design, which I’m not a fan of, but again, this is a matter of personal preference.
Pros
- Creates perfect coffee bloom
- Very easy to use, no programming involved
Cons
- Not stylish
- Not programmable or customizable.
Dimensions – 11.3 x 8.7 x 15.1 inches
| Material | Plastic |
| Brand | KitchenAid |
| Color | Onyx Black/red/silver |
| Capacity | 8 Cups |
| Voice command | Buttons |
Bonavita BV1900TS 8-Cup One-Touch
More affordable glass carafe option
This is a basic pour-over maker with no extras, accessories, or bells and whistles.
Small footprint and shorter than the other models this will perfectly under a cabinet or in the corner of your kitchen.
Even with its simplistic design, it does make rich flavorful coffee.
Pros
- Small and compact
- Simple to use
- Affordable
- Pre steeping works well to almost create a coffee bloom
Cons
- Not programmable
- No features
Dimensions – 12.4 x 6.8 x 12.2 inches
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Bonavita |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 8 Cubic Inches |
| Voice command | Button |
Behmor Brazen Coffee Maker
In addition to setting the presoak and the brew time, you’re also in control of the coffee’s brewing temperature, from 180-210f.
This model features a Mode Button that controls various timings and temperatures shown on the inbuilt screen.
You can also set an autostart function, letting you set and forget your automated pour-over coffee maker and wake up to a perfect brew.
Pros
- Oversized shower head to extract your grinds fully
- Consistent temperature control
- Compact
Cons
- Uses a hot plate instead of a thermal carafe
- When you hold it, you get a bit of a cheap feel
Dimensions – 9 x 9 x 15.25 inches
| Material | Stainless Steel, Plastic |
| Brand | Behmor, Inc. |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 1.2 Liters |
| Item Weight | 10 Pounds |
Motif Elements Pour-Over Style Coffee Brewer
The water heater included with the motif is superb and has no problem keeping a consistent heat throughout the brewing process.
It also has a decalcification mode, which other machines don’t have, making it easier to keep it clean and work properly.
Great features for the price, this is definitely the best pour over coffee machine to buy if you’re on a budget
Pros
- Programmable
- Affordable
- Very effective internal heater.
Cons
- It has a larger footprint than other brands
- The brewing process is a little too quick to maximize flavor.
Dimensions – 12 x 12 x 13 inches
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Motif |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 8 Cups |
| Item Weight | 6.6 Pounds |
Vinci Auto Pour Over Coffee Maker
This model uses a rotary dispersion technology to evenly distribute the hot water over the grounds which works great but it is adding one more moving piece tat may break one day.
Stainless steel design with a glass carafe, digital clock and keep warm option that can be adjusted up to four hours, and a brew cycle light indicator.
Pros
- Gold finished filter basket that makes it easier to clean
- Not complicated to use at all
- Timer, bloom, and brew settings
Cons
- Filling the reservoir is a bit tricky and can get messy
- Noisier than other brands
Dimensions – 10.98 x 8.07 x 16.5 inches
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Vinci |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 12 Cups |
| Item Weight | 6.69 Pounds |
What is the Difference Between Manual and Automatic Pour-Over Methods?
What makes the automatic pour-over method different than the manual?
Manual pour-over methods are done with your own hands. You are controlling the water temperature and saturation speed instead of the machine.
This can leave a lot of room for human error.
Getting the water to the right temperature is probably the hardest part. If it’s too hot, you need to let it sit before pouring.
Too cool, and you have to reheat it. This is not the type of trial-and-error conquest we want to be dealing with when our eyes are barely open.
Once the water is right, then you have to carefully and evenly distribute the water over the coffee grounds.
And hopefully, you put the right amount of coffee grounds into the carafe. Is the ratio right? Do you have enough water? Too much?
You wouldn’t want to do all that work and end up with a mediocre cup of coffee.
Not to worry! The automatic option does all that thinking and measuring for you.
All you need to do is push the button, and the machine can take it from there. You get the quality of this complicated method without the complication.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Auto Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Not every automatic pour-over coffee maker is the same.
Different sizes, features, materials, and styles are available, making it easy to find the right machine to meet your needs.
Here are some questions to consider before buying an automated pour over coffee maker.
What is the Capacity?
The size of your household can determine what capacity you need your coffee maker to meet. Smaller households will benefit from a 4-8 cup machine, whereas larger households might need a larger 12-cup capacity or more.
What size it?
Because of the dual-tank design, these pour-over coffee makers can take up more space than a regular drip machine. You’ll want to make sure that your coffee-maker will fit nicely on your available counter space.
Does it offer temperature control?
As we pointed out above, having the correct water temperature can make the difference between a good cup of coffee and a great one.
Some machines come with built-in temperature control that will keep your water at the right heat throughout the brewing process. This is highly recommended.
What material is the carafe made out of?
Carafes can come in different materials. Each has pros and cons but are mostly up to personal preference.
Glass is great at retaining heat but can break easily if dropped and can be hot to the touch.
Plastic may not break on impact and is easy to keep clean but is overall less durable. Steel is the most durable but can be harder to clean.
Decide on which style best matches you and your kitchen.
Is it programmable?
Programmable coffee machines allow you to set a brew time so you can wake up in the morning with your coffee ready to go.
This allows more time for other things and means you get to wake up and literally smell the coffee.
How easy is it to clean?
Automatic pour-over coffee makers can be more high-maintenance when it comes to cleaning.
There are more parts than regular drip machines that require routine attention. If cleaning is something you abhor, an easy-to-clean machine is a must.
How durable is it?
If you’ve ever woken up to find your coffee machine on the fritz, you can guarantee your day is going to be pretty miserable.
You want your coffee maker to last through all of your bleary-eyed mornings and never let you down. Find a machine that has a high durability rating.
I hate to say it the price will tell you how durable it is since better materials cost the manufacturer more money to make it, which will be seen in the price tag.
Does it fit your style?
With so many styles, materials, colors, and finishes, you can find a coffee pot that will match perfectly with your kitchen decor. There is no reason to have an eye-sore sitting on your countertops.
Does it taste like traditional coffee?
Taste matters most. Automatic pour-over coffee makers have the precision of coffee-brewing down to a science.
Some machines will make your traditional cup of coffee or machines with options for different types of brews.
Benefits of Using an Automated Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Is it worth it to spend the money on an automatic pour-over machine rather than learn to do it yourself? Here are some benefits of using an automated device.
Quicker
Measuring out the right amount of coffee, filling the carafe, boiling the water, then waiting for it to get to the correct temperature, and finally carefully and evenly saturating your coffee grounds takes a lot of time out of your morning.
With an automated pour-over coffee maker all you have to do is grind your coffee and click a button and voila!
Easier
It’s hard to make a mistake with an automatic machine.
All the guess-work is taken out of the equations as your automatic coffee maker knows exactly how to brew your perfect cup.
You don’t have to use any extra brainpower as you wait for your coffee to be ready.
Won’t over-extract your coffee
Percolators were the predecessor for pour-over coffee. Percolators constantly recirculate the water through the coffee grounds as it sits on the stove.
This can lead to over-extraction and a not-so-great tasting cup of coffee. This problem does not exist in automatic pour-over machines.
It evenly saturates the coffee grounds for the right amount of time to extract the perfect amount of flavor without going over.
Heating
The best part about this type of coffee maker is its ability to get the water to the perfect temperature and keep it there for the entire brew process.
It also heats the water before mixing with the coffee grounds which creates a clean, well-rounded flavor you won’t get with a drip pot.
Water is dispersed evenly
The shower-head design of the water dispenser ensures that the water is evenly dispersed among the coffee grounds.
Normal drip coffee pots simply have a regular water spout that dumps all the water into the middle of the carafe.
This results in some of your grounds being more saturated than others and will not evenly extract the flavor.
Pre brew mode
The pre brew mode gently soaks the coffee grounds before full saturation.
This allows the coffee grounds to soak up moisture and evenly distributes the water to ensure even distribution when it is time to brew.
Hot plates that don’t stew your coffee
Coffee left on the hot plate too long results in a bitter, sour taste.
Automatic pour-over coffee makers won’t burn your coffee. Their hot plates stay warm but not scorching and have a manual on/off switch.
Tips For Making Barista-Quality Coffee
The automatic pour-over coffee maker can get you pretty close to your favorite coffee shop brew, but here are some tips to make your coffee even better.
- Use quality beans
You can have the best coffee maker in the world, but if your coffee beans aren’t good there’s nothing your machine can do to make it any better.
Quality beans mean quality coffee. So what are the best beans to use with an automatic pour-over machine?
Beans with delicate flavors can get lost in regular drip machines but do great with the pour-over method.
The flavors and aromas come down to personal preference, but quality should never be skimped on.
Check out this guide to learn more about matching coffee beans to the best coffee makers.
- Grind correctly
Another mishap that can occur when preparing your beans is grinding them incorrectly.
You want a nice even grind so the flavor will be evenly extracted during the brewing process.
Invest in a high-quality grinder, and make sure you are grinding your beans to the appropriate size. For pour-over pots, medium to medium-fine grind size is recommended.
- Measure the right ratio between beans and water
The ratio of beans to water is important for getting the right flavor extraction. The standard ratio is 1:17 or 17 grams of water for every 1 gram of coffee.
The best way to do this is to buy a coffee scale for accurate measurements.
You’ll also want to check your machine’s user manual for any other guidance or suggestions.
- Use the correct water temperature
As stated above, the water temperature is important. The recommended water temp is between 195 and 205 degrees F.
Your automatic machine should achieve this without issue, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check the temperature before brewing using a beverage thermometer.
- Keep it Clean
Automatic pour-over coffee makers can be more high-maintenance than regular drip machines.
It is important to keep your coffee maker clean so it runs correctly. Dirty machines can affect the taste of your coffee and can cause them to break or damage more easily.
Buying a cleaning kit meant for coffee machines will cost less than $10 and extend your machine’s lifespan saving you money in the future.
Final Thoughts
If you want to save time in the morning but don’t want to skimp on having that perfect cup of coffee, the automatic pour-over coffee machine might be exactly what you need.
With all the precision of hand-made pour-over coffee at the push of a button, you’ll never settle for a regular drip-coffee ever again.
These machines are highly recommended for their ease of use and quality of the cup. The automatic pour-over coffee maker is at the top of the list for all coffee lovers.
