What Is the Difference Between Drip and Pour-Over Coffee?

In the United States, there is a high percentage of coffee drinkers, with 75% of adults reporting to drink coffee regularly and 49% of them drinking it daily. With so many people drinking coffee in the US, there are, of course, various methods of preparing it.

The most common way to brew coffee is by using a standard electric coffee maker; however, other methods such as using a French press and espresso machines are also becoming popular. Because coffee beans can grow almost anywhere in the world with a tropical climate, every cup you drink has a different and unique flavor or aroma.

With so many methods of brewing coffee available, many struggle to tell the difference and advantages of each. In this article, we will compare two of the most common ways to brew coffee: drip brewing and pour-over brewing. Looking for the best automatic pour-over coffee maker? Check out our recent article.

Drip Brewing Versus Pour-Over Brewing

Drip brewing and pour-over coffee methods are quite similar–both methods include adding water to the coffee grounds and then separating the resulting liquid from the used coffee grounds. However, the difference comes in with the specifics and results of each process–for instance, some variables of each process, such as brew time, water flow, and speed, affect the end product in terms of its aroma, flavor, strength, and texture.

Drip brewing is the most common and fastest way to brew coffee. It involves using an electric coffee maker with a paper filter. 

On the other hand, pour-over brewing is a manual, artisanal, and measured process. Pour-over brewers don’t use pressure to force water through the coffee grounds. Instead, the process relies on gravity to draw water through the grounds.

Quality of Coffee

When it comes to the quality of the coffee, both methods can produce great-tasting drinks. However, many people believe pour-over coffee tastes better because it allows for a more controlled and precise brewing process. Additionally, the paper filter used in automatic drip brewing can sometimes absorb some of the coffee’s oils and flavors, which results in a less intense and flavorful cup of coffee.

Brew Time and Convenience

When it comes to brewing time, drip coffee is faster and more convenient, as it only takes a few minutes to brew a pot of coffee using an electric coffee maker. Pour-over coffee, on the other hand, takes a bit longer because it involves a manual brewing process. Additionally, you will need to heat the water separately before adding it to the coffee grounds.

Equipment Used

In terms of the equipment needed, drip coffee is more convenient, as all you need is an electric coffee maker and a filter. Pour-over brewing requires a bit more equipment like a kettle, filter, and coffee brewer.

Due to the popularity of the pour-over coffee brewing process, many manufacturers are creating automated pour-over coffee makers.

However, if you are wondering if pour-over coffee makers are worth it, these machines can heat the water to the right temperature and control the water flow, making the brewing process easier and faster for new coffee brewers.

One of the best automatic pour-over coffee makers on the market is the Oxo on 9-Cup Coffee Maker. This machine comes with a rainmaker shower head that evenly distributes water over the coffee grounds, as well as a programmable timer that allows you to set a brewing time in advance.

Control Over the Brewing Process

The process is quite simple for new brewers wondering how to use a pour-over coffee maker. When it comes to the level of control you have over the brewing process, pour-over coffee gives you more authority compared to drip coffee brewing.

This is because drip coffee makers often come with preset settings, meaning you cannot customize the brewing process to your liking. On the other hand, pour-over coffee makers allow you to manipulate variables such as water temperature, brewing time, and water flow, giving you control over the outcome of your coffee.

Cleanliness

Finally, cleanliness is key when it comes to brewing coffee. If your coffee maker is not clean, your coffee will not taste good. Pour-over coffee makers are easy to clean, as they’ll often involve two or three pieces of equipment.

Drip coffee makers can be more difficult to clean. The coffee grounds can get stuck within the machine, making it difficult to remove them from the pot. If you do not clean your drip coffee maker regularly, your coffee will start to taste bad.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking for a more hands-on and customizable brewing process, pour-over coffee is the way to go. With just a few pieces of equipment, you can control variables like water temperature, brewing time, and water flow, resulting in a cup of coffee perfectly tailored to your taste.

Check out PageOne Coffee for information on the best automatic pour-over coffee makers on the market, or take a look at our other articles to learn about the different types of coffee makers available.