Published on Jan. 15, 2025
It's pretty enough that you might mistake it for its namesake, but the Origami pour-over is artfully crafted to make a nearly perfect cup of coffee.
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When it comes to kitchen gadgets, the ones that are aesthetically pleasing aren’t always functional. Luckily, that’s not the case for the Origami pour-over. Our team loves this sleek coffee maker for its adorable design—and for the fact that it brews a cup so flavorful, we wanted to stop testing and just sit down to enjoy it!
We ranked Origami the top overall option on our list of the best pour-over coffee makers. Here’s what you need to know about this pretty and practical option.
MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME
We found that our favorite overall pour-over looks as good as it performs
Made out of ceramic, the Origami is a pretty classic pour-over coffee dripper. It sits on top of your mug or glass of choice as you brew your coffee. It has a maximum yield of 7 ounces, so it can only make one cup of coffee at a time.
Its uniquely fluted design is similar to a lampshade, and it comes in a variety of colors, so you can pick one that matches your kitchen. It’s hand-crafted by Japanese artisans and made out of the same type of Japanese clay used in Mino ware pottery, which is known for its ability to retain heat. The fluted design also serves a specific purpose: It maximizes airflow and drainage for a smoother end result.
The coffee maker is conical-shaped, and you can use any generic disposable filters with it, including Origami paper filters, Kalita Wave filters or V60 paper filters. (And if you’re in need of beans, we recommend signing up for a coffee subscription box or exploring some of the best organic coffee.)
We put all of our pour-over coffee makers through the same initial test: making a cup of coffee based on the manufacturer’s guidelines. In this case, the Origami pour-over didn’t come with instructions (a bit of a disappointment), so we used the standard 12 grams of coffee ground to a medium coarseness with 8 ounces of water.
Despite the lack of directions, this pour-over was very easy and intuitive to use. We used a gooseneck kettle, heating the water to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, when making a pour-over, you want to start by letting the coffee bloom. Pour in just enough water to moisten the grounds, and let it sit for about 30 seconds. This helps release carbon dioxide, which makes for a smoother cup of coffee. Once it’s bloomed, continue pouring the rest of the water (ideally in a circular motion) to make sure all of the grounds are saturated.
The end result? A really, really fantastic cup of coffee. Our testing team said they just wanted to stop testing and sit down and enjoy it. The strength ranged between average and strong, with our testers noting that it really allowed the flavors to come through. While there was some bitterness, it nearly completely disappeared once we added cream. After brewing, the temperature was 158.9 degrees, a difference of about 41 degrees.
Cleaning was just as much of a breeze. You can rinse the Origami pour-over in the sink or toss it into the dishwasher. Throw your paper filter in the trash. That’s it. While its flutes may make it slightly harder to clean than smoother styles of pour-overs, we didn’t have any problem.
If you haven’t made pour-over before, it requires a little more involvement (but not that much more) than a coffee machine or Keurig, but it’s well worth it. (That’s why if you see it on the menu at your local cafe, it costs a lot more than a typical drip coffee.) Luckily, the Origami allows you to enjoy a flavorful cup without the extra expense—and without needing to change out of your pajamas.
Our expert Product Testing team put various pour-overs to the test. We tested each using the yield, ground coarseness and brewing process recommended by the manufacturer to ensure an end result similar to what someone else might make at home. We evaluated the brewed coffee based on its flavor and its strength. We also used a liquid thermometer to see how well heat was maintained post-brew. Among the competition? Other pour-overs from top brands like Chemex and Stanley.
Along with being a frequent writer of gift guides and product reviews, I’m also an ardent drinker of pour-over coffee. I’ve had amazing and sub-par results, and I take finding an option that matches your flavor preferences, budget and lifestyle seriously.
MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME
The Origami pour-over is available from Equator Coffees or Stumptown Coffee Roasters for $55.
