What’s the Difference Between Drip Coffee and Pour-Over Coffee?

The simple answer is a machine makes drip coffee, while you make pour-over coffee. And while the two methods share some similarities, the difference in the final product can be profound.

And since we all know that the difference is in the details, let’s take a closer look—starting with the actual brewing method.

 Drip coffee is brewed using an automatic drip coffee maker, which typically involves pouring water into a reservoir, where it’s heated and then dripped over a bed of coffee grounds in a filter basket. The water flows through the grounds and a filter, extracting the flavors and oils, and collects in a carafe below.

 Pour-over coffee, on the other hand (no pun intended) involves manually pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter cone or dripper. The water is poured in a controlled manner—usually in a circular motion—to ensure even saturation of the grounds. The brewed coffee drips through the filter into a serving vessel below.

There’s also the level of control to consider.  While automatic drip coffee makers offer convenience and consistency in brewing, they may not provide the same level of control or precision as pour-over methods. The brewing parameters, such as water temperature, flow rate, and extraction time are often predetermined by the machine, and there’s not much you can do to control them.

Pour-over brewing allows for greater control over the brewing process. With pour-over, you can adjust variables such as water temperature, pouring technique, and pouring rate to customize the brew to your own preferences. And while this method requires more attention and skill (not to mention patience) the end result is usually a more nuanced and flavorful cup of coffee.

Drip coffee brewed in automatic machines is generally consistent, with a medium body and balanced flavor profile. The brewing process typically emphasizes clarity and cleanliness in the cup.

Pour-over brewing tends to highlight the unique characteristics of the coffee beans, since manual process allows for more control over extraction—and the opportunity to experiment a little. With a little practice, this method can result in a more aromatic, flavorful cup with a lighter body and more nuanced flavor—along with ability to show off your mad skills to your friends and family.

Which brings us to the equipment:  Drip coffee makers are typically automatic machines that require minimal manual intervention. They come in various sizes and configurations, ranging from simple models for home use to commercial-grade machines for high-volume brewing.

Pour-over brewing requires a few basic pieces of equipment, including a pour-over dripper or filter cone, a filter, a serving vessel, and a kettle for heating water. And while pour-over setups can vary in complexity, they are generally more compact and portable than drip coffee makers and can be tucked away in a cabinet when not in use.

If pour-over brewing has piqued your interest, surf on over to the store.  We’ve got everything you need to be a pour-over pro.  (Except the patience.)