Introduction
Pour over coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years. The pour over filter method allows you to carefully control every aspect of the brewing process, from the grind size and water temperature to the rate of pour. This results in a clean, bright, and flavorful cup of coffee.
With so many pour over filter options on the market, how do you choose the right one for you? In this guide, we’ll compare five of the most popular pour over filters to help you find your perfect brew companion.
The Contenders
Here are the pour over filters we’ll be comparing:
Hario V60
Chemex
Kalita Wave
Bee House
Clever Dripper
We’ll evaluate each pour over filter based on factors like ease of use, body and flavor clarity, and value for money. Let’s get started!
Ease of Use
A pour over filter should be easy and intuitive to use, even for beginners. Here’s how the contenders stack up:
- Hario V60 – With its simple conical shape and large single hole, the V60 is very straightforward to use. The open design allows for a high degree of control over the brew.
- Chemex – The thick filter and hourglass shape make the Chemex forgiving and easy to master. The wider opening and filter handle are also convenient features.
- Kalita Wave – Three small holes in the flat bottom filter promote even extraction. The brewer is easy to use but offers slightly less control compared to the V60.
- Bee House – Shaped like a cone, the Bee House works similarly to the V60 while the ridges help direct the water flow. Relatively easy for beginners.
- Clever Dripper – As an immersion brewer, the Clever is the easiest to use with foolproof results. Simply add grounds and water, steep, and drain.
Winner: Clever Dripper – With its immersion brewing method, the Clever Dripper is hands-down the most convenient and easy to use pour over filter. It’s nearly impossible to mess up.
Flavor Clarity & Body
A good pour over filter will produce coffee with a clear, clean flavor, nuanced tasting notes, and a rich, full body. Here’s how each option fares:
- Hario V60 – The thin filter and open design highlight clarity and acidity. Brews tend to be lighter in body with bright flavors.
- Chemex – Excellent flavor clarity but the thick filter removes more oils and results in a lighter body. Notes can taste thinner.
- Kalita Wave – The flat bottom and 3 holes produce an evenly extracted, clean cup. Body is fuller than the V60 but lighter than Chemex.
- Bee House – The cone shape and ridges create a cup with decent clarity and moderate body. Flavors are balanced.
- Clever Dripper – Immersion brewing brings out coffee’s inherent flavors and body. Very full, rounded mouthfeel with excellent sweetness.
Winner: Clever Dripper – The full immersion brew of the Clever Dripper provides unparalleled flavor richness and mouthfeel compared to standard pour over methods.
Price & Value
You don’t need to spend a lot to get a quality pour over filter. Here are the options ranked from most to least expensive:
- Hario V60 – At around $10-20, the V60 is very reasonably priced for the quality. Great value for money.
- Bee House – Usually priced around $15-20, the Bee House is another lower cost option that punches above its weight.
- Kalita Wave – Expect to pay $20-30 for a Kalita Wave. A fair price for its performance.
- Clever Dripper – Ranging from $25-40, the Clever Dripper is fairly priced given how foolproof it is to use.
- Chemex – As a premium pour over filter, the Chemex costs $35-50. The higher price tag matches its sleek design.
Winner: Hario V60 – It’s hard to beat the Hario V60 for value. The inexpensive V60 delivers quality results on par with filters costing much more.
The Verdict
Based on ease of use, flavor, and value, here is how the pour over filters compare overall:
- Clever Dripper – Best overall for convenience and foolproof flavor
- Hario V60 – Best for control and value
- Kalita Wave – Best balanced flavors
- Bee House – Best budget option
- Chemex – Best for clarity but not cost effective
The Clever Dripper stands out as the overall winner, being extremely easy to brew and delivering unrivaled flavor complexity. For an affordable option with a high degree of control, go for the Hario V60. The Kalita Wave and Bee House are also solid mid-range choices.
Now that you know the key differences between the top pour over filters, choosing the right one for your needs and preferences is simple. Any of these filters can produce an amazing cup of pour over coffee with the proper technique. Pick the one that fits your personal brewing style and start enjoying pour over perfection.
FAQs
Still have questions about choosing the best pour over filter? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the most popular pour over filter?
The Hario V60 is the most popular and widely used pour over filter. Its simple design, affordable price point, and ability to control brew factors have made it a staple for pour over enthusiasts.
Which pour over filter makes the strongest coffee?
The Clever Dripper tends to make the strongest tasting coffee out of the pour over options. Its full immersion brew brings out the robust, aromatic qualities more intensely.
Do you need special filters for pour over?
Yes, pour over filters are designed specifically for pour over coffee methods. They are made of thicker paper and shaped to optimize the water flow and brewing process. Do not substitute regular coffee filters.
Can you use a paper towel as a pour over filter?
Paper towels are too thin and porous to work well as pour over filters. They allow too many coffee grounds through. Always use the appropriate paper filters made for pour over brewing.
What is the difference between Chemex and V60?
The Chemex uses a thicker filter that produces a cleaner, lighter cup versus the V60. The V60’s thinner filter allows for more oils and fuller body. The V60 also gives more control over brewing factors.