There is nothing like the smell of freshly-brewed coffee in the morning. Whether you are working a 9 to 5 needing some fuel for the day’s tasks, or you’re a busy student looking for a drink that can help you stay sharp and alert throughout your online classes, nothing beats a good cup of freshly brewed joe taken just the way you like it. The difference between brewed coffee and instant coffee is too big, and once you have a freshly brewed cup every day, it is hard to go back on the switch.
Suppose you have been experimenting with coffee at home and channeling your inner barista during this pandemic. In that case, chances are you have also delved into the world of learning how to make drip coffee and tried to concoct your coffee shop favorites from the comfort of your home. Several brewing methods and devices are out on the market, but the experienced coffee connoisseur knows that not every brewed cup is equal.
Recently, a new coffeemaking method has been gaining popularity among the home barista movement. Some remote employees have been favoring the method of pour-over coffee versus drip coffee, supposedly due to its deeper flavor. However, each coffee drinker has unique preferences that may affect their experience using the brewing method.
If you are picking between drip bags coffee versus pour over coffee, read on and find the right coffee brewing method for you based on these two methods’ unique pros and cons.
Convenience
Depending on your lifestyle, both pour-over coffee and drip coffee present their unique convenience points. For the digital nomad who enjoys the thought of working from anywhere, please like a beachfront hostel, a far-flung country, or maybe even just the flexibility of shifting around their workspace at home, pour-over coffee lets you make a batch from the comfort of whatever desk space or countertop you are currently using to work on and top up your mug as you see fit.
On the other hand, drip coffee presents a very different point for convenience, enabling you to quickly get up from your workstation to enjoy a fresh, piping hot cup in minutes—all at the click of a button. Sure, this may mean you need to break the momentum of your work, but you can also see this as an opportunity to stretch your legs and rest your eyes while getting yourself a hot cup of joe.
Verdict: Either
When it comes to the convenience of drip coffee versus pour-over coffee, it boils down to your priorities. If you prioritize having your coffee within reach wherever you may be, a pour-over method may be the one for your caffeine break. It might not always be piping hot and fresh, but this is a non-issue if you are the coffee drinker who finishes your pour-over pot in one sitting or likes their coffee in several different ways. Pour-over coffee devices are also far more convenient in portability, requiring no electricity. This makes it the perfect choice for traveling or camping coffee enthusiasts! However, this does have the trade-off of having more steps to prepare your brew.
If you prioritize having a hot cup of coffee in a flash with a quick trip to the kitchen or pantry, then a drip coffee machine may be for you. A drip machine also means you do not have to finish all your coffee in one sitting to enjoy it at the optimal temperature. Portion your caffeine intake throughout the day for better control, and relax with a hot cup of coffee during your breaks instead!
Flexibility
Regarding the coffee that a pour-over coffee versus a coffee drip method can produce, it is important to delve into your preferences as a coffee drinker. Do you see yourself as someone who swears by a steaming hot americano as needed? Then creating the perfect pot of drip coffee is a great option that you will surely enjoy. Though to craft that PERFECT cup consistently, there are still several factors that you can consider, such as the ratio of drip coffee, as well as the drip coffee grind size.
On the other hand, if you’re the type of person who likes a bit of variety when it comes to caffeine fixes, then maybe consider a pour-over instead. A dual-purpose pour-over model like this Hario Cold Brew Pot with 600 mL capacity is an excellent option for both hot pour-over coffees in the morning or a refreshing glass of iced cold brew in the evening. Pour-over coffee devices allow for a bit more creativity since you can play around with different beans and styles. Go for the light texture of a pour-over with the depth of flavor of a classic espresso using ground coffee beans, or learn how to make cold brew coffee with your pour-over for a cool treat on a hot work day.
Verdict: Pour Over Coffee, Hands Down.
The main selling point of pour-over coffee among professional and home baristas is your total control over your brew. From the type of grind to the ratio and even the water temperature you use, your pour-over set-up lets you have an unmatched amount of customization for making several types of coffee beverages. On the other hand, drip coffee has a water reservoir, which automatically heats the water as it’s forced through the filter filled with coffee grounds. This means your coffee will always be hot by default. You can save your drip coffee brew for an iced coffee the next day, but you lose out in terms of depth of flavor and freshness.
Price
The simplicity of the coffee-making process is a massive factor in why many people choose drip coffee versus pour-over coffee. This is because the machine usually does most of the work for you—heating the water to the appropriate temperature and filtering it through the beans for a pot of smooth coffee that always stays hot. This convenience usually has a hefty price tag because of the internal machinery involved. Any repairs would also come up to a steep figure, and you would have to say goodbye to your precious coffee machine for at least a little while.
On the other hand, the parts of a pour-over setup are fairly straightforward and allow for more customization because of their simplistic approach. All the components necessary for the coffee brewing process are within sight. As long as you have access to boiling water, you have a durable and portable coffee-brewing option for a fraction of the cost that a drip machine will require. Pour over coffee will also lend you more bang for your buck. Pour-over coffee usually has more caffeine than drip coffee due to the customizability of the temperature and beans.
Verdict: Pour Over, in terms of raw cost.
Regarding raw cost alone, the pour-over is an unquestionable winner. With virtually zero need for repairs and a much simpler apparatus, the pour-over has the drip coffee machine beat. However, what you save in terms of money, you sacrifice time and convenience. The coffee drip is still a great choice, but its convenient systems and intricate parts come at a cost that may burn a hole in the pocket.
So, between a pour over coffee versus a drip coffee setup, which do I choose?
It’s up to you! Look at the verdicts above to get an idea for yourself, but the TLDR version is: pick the drip coffee machine if you want a speedy, consistent cup of joe at the ready. Pick the pour-over if you relish the artisanal process of brewing coffee, and don’t mind taking your time for your brew. After all, everyone’s perfect cup of coffee is unique. What makes your ideal cup of coffee will not be everyone else’s cup of tea! check also our drip bags coffee
