If you're a coffee aficionado, you may already be aware that pour-over coffee is preferable to a regular drip machine for many. It creates richer flavors and offers you more control over your brew. However, it takes longer and requires more effort — which is why the best automatic pour-over coffee makers are so amazing. They offer pour-over flavor without the hassle of making it by hand.
Keep in mind that automatic coffee makers will never precisely replicate the taste of hand-poured coffee; however, many modern machines get pretty close. This is usually due to four key features that distinguish them from drip machines:
They distribute water over the grinds in wide, even patterns rather than funneling it through a single spot. This is typically achieved via a showerhead-style dripper or other sprinkling feature that simulates manual pouring.
They wet the grinds first, and then allow for a brief pause so they can soak before brewing. This step is commonly known "blooming," during which the coffee grinds release carbon dioxide, resulting in better flavor.
They offer more precise temperature control, typically ranging from 197 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some of them allow you to measure and control the grinds-to-water ratio.
At the higher price points, you will also find extra features like special heating coils to warm up water quickly, or decalcification sensors to tell you when it's time to clean them.
Below, I've made a list of the best automatic pour-over coffee makers, ordered from most to least expensive (and, with that, the most to least automated). Check it out to find the one that fits your budget and coffee preferences the best.