Capacity: The brewing capacity of drip coffee makers varies greatly. Carafes can range from about 16 ounces to over 50 ounces. Larger vessels often have a handle to make pouring easier or a lid to keep the coffee warm.
You can also opt for single-serve options, which basically consist of just a dripper placed over the cup. Think about how much coffee you want to make at once, whether you’ll be serving it straight away, and where you’ll store the jug or coffee maker.
Material: Drip coffee pots are usually made of glass. Borosilicate glass is ideal because it is strong and durable, and its thermal expansion is low, meaning it is unlikely to crack when filled with boiling liquid. Some are double-walled to better retain heat. However, the glass will get very hot, so some pots have handles or cork bands to prevent burning your hands.
Drippers can be made of porcelain, stoneware, or stainless steel. These materials are not only resistant to heat damage, but they also retain heat, which helps keep water at an optimal brewing temperature.
Filter Compatibility: Some coffee makers are compatible with any brand of filter, but may require a specific size. Sizes are 1, 2, 4, and 6 (there are no 3 or 5), with 1 being the smallest and 6 being the largest. Your coffee maker may require conical filters or basket filters with flat bottoms and foldable sides. Other systems may require a custom shape or size.
You’ll also find coffee makers with reusable, washable mesh filters. According to Celeste Mobjack, co-owner of Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters, stainless steel filters can affect flavor. “Use paper filters if you want to reduce the amount of coffee grounds and oils that get into your cup,” she says. “This will make your coffee brighter and fresher.” She also recommends rinsing your paper filter first to prevent a papery aftertaste.
Brewing time: The pour-over method is a relatively quick way to brew coffee. According to the experts we spoke with, it usually takes three to five minutes. The exact time depends on the size of the batch you’re making and the design of the dripper. (Some have three holes on the bottom, while others have just one.)
“If the water is having trouble flowing through the coffee, continuous pouring may be a better option than waiting for the coating to clear,” Mobjack says. “Make a decision as you play, taking into account the grind and the shape of the brewer.”
Price: Pour-over coffee makers can be very cheap. You can get a simple system with a jug and dripper for about $25—sometimes less. More expensive manual sets can cost closer to $100.
There are also brewing machines that automate the brewing process and mimic the manual method to achieve the same flavor. They can cost anywhere from $100 to over $500.
