Slow Bar Brewing

Sometimes you want a change of pace from espresso. Manual brewing methods (like pour over and French press) offer a completely different expression of the same bean.

Paper Filter
Metal Mesh

Method Comparison

Key Specs
Top Pick

AeroPress

Budget

Hario V60

Budget

French Press

Brew Method
Immersion
Percolation
Immersion
Ease of Use
Easy
Hard
Easy
Body / Texture
Medium-Heavy
Light
Heavy
Flavor Clarity
Medium
High
Low
Portability
Excellent
Risky (Ceramic)
Poor (Glass)

Price tiers are our own rough budget bands, not live prices. Check the listing for today's price.

Essential Brewers

Every home barista should own at least one of these manual brewers.

Best for Travel
Illustration of a hand-press immersion coffee maker like the AeroPress Original

Illustration generated by us, not a product photo.

AeroPress

AeroPress Original

Budget

The most versatile coffee maker ever invented. Brew espresso-style strong coffee or delicate filter coffee. Indestructible and portable.

Type
Hybrid
Material
Plastic
Filter
Paper/Metal
Time
2 mins
Best For
  • •Immersion + Pressure
  • •Unbreakable
Check Price on Amazon Full In-Depth Review
Pro Standard
Illustration of a ceramic cone dripper like the Hario V60

Illustration generated by us, not a product photo.

Hario

Hario V60 Ceramic

Budget

The choice of specialty coffee shops worldwide. The V60 highlights acidity and floral notes like no other brewer, but requires technique.

Type
Pour Over
Material
Ceramic
Filter
Paper 02
Time
3 mins
Best For
  • •High clarity
  • •Clean cup
Check Price on Amazon Full In-Depth Review
Design Icon
Illustration of an hourglass glass pour-over brewer like the Chemex 6-Cup

Illustration generated by us, not a product photo.

Chemex

Chemex 6-Cup

Budget

A masterpiece of design that brews an incredibly clean cup thanks to its thick bonded filters. Great for sharing.

Type
Pour Over
Material
Glass
Filter
Bonded
Time
4-5 mins
Best For
  • •Zero sediment
  • •Beautiful design
Check Price on Amazon Full In-Depth Review