Best Glass Coffee Makers
Brewers whose body is glass rather than steel or plastic, ranked from our reviews. This is the one finish that changes the coffee rather than just the kitchen. Borosilicate is inert, so it adds nothing and holds nothing: a glass carafe that has made a thousand cups tastes like the thousand and first, where plastic picks up oils and a badly seasoned metal pot carries the last batch into the next one. You can also see the brew, which sounds cosmetic and is not, because the colour of a cold brew or the bloom on a pour over is the only feedback most of these give you. What you pay for it is heat and nerve. Glass sheds temperature far faster than a vacuum flask, so a pot left standing goes cold rather than stewed, and it breaks, usually at the handle joint or in a sink full of other things. Every maker here sells the carafe on its own, which is the number worth checking before you buy the brewer.
Ranked by our review score, which is worked out from the specifications each maker publishes rather than from opinion, so you can open the arithmetic on any product page. Anything commercial is labelled and sits outside that order, and how we score explains what each criterion measures.
Ranked, and why
scored on what the maker publishes · open a row for the working1
AGOGO Pour Over9.6- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 10.0
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 10.0
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality & Consistency — 9.0 of 10, carrying 26 of the 62.4 points scored here.
2
Bodum Pour Over9.2- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 8.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 10.0
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 10.0
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality & Consistency — 8.0 of 10, carrying 26 of the 62.4 points scored here.
3
Lalord Stainless Steel9.2- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 8.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 10.0
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 10.0
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Brew Quality & Consistency — 8.0 of 10, carrying 26 of the 62.4 points scored here.
4
Mixpresso Pour Over9.2- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 8.5
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 10.0
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Build Quality & Durability — 8.5 of 10, carrying 16 of the 62.4 points scored here.
5
COSORI Pour Over9.1- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 9.0
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 10.0
- Value for Money
- 8.6
Weakest link: Value for Money — 8.6 of 10, carrying 12 of the 62.4 points scored here.
6
Coffee Gator Pour Over8.9- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 7.5
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 10.0
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Build Quality & Durability — 7.5 of 10, carrying 16 of the 62.4 points scored here.
7
Kavako Pour Over8.4- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 8.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 9.0
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 10.0
- Value for Money
- 7.3
Weakest link: Value for Money — 7.3 of 10, carrying 12 of the 62.4 points scored here.
8
Bean Envy Pour Over8.3- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 8.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 9.0
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 10.0
- Value for Money
- 6.9
Weakest link: Value for Money — 6.9 of 10, carrying 12 of the 62.4 points scored here.
9
Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot 600ml8.1- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.1
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 10.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 3.3
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 3.3 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity600mlMaterialGlass body with polypropylene, polyester resin fittingsFilter TypeReusable metal meshRead review →PriceFrom $22.5010
Lalord Pour Over8.1- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 8.5
- Flow Rate & Control (hole diameter not published)
- 7.1
- Build Quality & Durability
- 8.5
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 5.0
- Value for Money
- 9.7
Weakest link: Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published) — 5.0 of 10, carrying 14 of the 75 points scored here.
11
AeroPress Clear7.8- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 9.5
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.1
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 10.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 3.3
- Value for Money
- 7.4
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 3.3 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
12
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker 32oz7.7- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 10.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.1
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 10.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 3.3
- Value for Money
- 6.3
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 3.3 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity946mlMaterialBorosilicate glass carafe with a plastic brewing containerFilter TypePaper, Reusable metal meshRead review →PriceFrom $59.9713
AeroPress Original XL7.4- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 10.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.1
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 10.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 3.3
- Value for Money
- 4.7
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 3.3 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity591mlMaterialPolypropylene, with a Tritan carafeFilter TypeReusable metal meshRead review →PriceFrom $79.9514
AeroPress Premium Coffee Press7.3- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 9.5
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.9
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 5.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 5.8
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only) — 5.0 of 10, carrying 20 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity300mlMaterialDouble-wall borosilicate glass chamber with stainless steel, aluminium componentsFilter TypePaperRead review →PricePricing N/A15
QHH Cold Brew Mason Jar Pitcher 64oz7.3- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.9
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 5.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 6.7
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only) — 5.0 of 10, carrying 20 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity1890mlMaterialSoda-lime glass pitcher, BPA-free plastic lid, stainless steel filterFilter TypeMeshRead review →PricePricing N/A16
OVALWARE RJ3 Airtight Cold Brew Coffee Maker 1.5L7.1- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.9
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 5.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 2.5
- Value for Money
- 7.5
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 2.5 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity1500mlMaterialBorosilicate glass body with a stainless steel lid, filterFilter TypeReusable metal meshRead review →PriceFrom $46.9917
Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker 1qt7.1- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.1
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 10.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 3.3
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 3.3 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity946mlMaterialShatterproof Tritan, published as stain, odour resistantFilter TypeReusable metal meshRead review →PricePricing N/A18
Bayka French Press6.9- Brew Quality & Filtration (mesh fineness not published)
- 9.2
- Build Quality & Durability
- 7.9
- Heat Retention
- 4.0
- Ease of Cleaning
- 7.5
- Pour & Handling (weight not published)
- 7.5
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Heat Retention — 4.0 of 10, carrying 16 of the 82.1 points scored here.
19
Primula Burke Deluxe Cold Brew Maker 1.6qt6.8- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 9.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.1
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 10.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 0.8
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 0.8 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity1514mlMaterialGlass carafe with a comfort grip handleFilter TypeReusable metal meshRead review →PricePricing N/A20
Hemli Cold Drip Coffee Tower 32oz6.6- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 7.2
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.1
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 10.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 4.2
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 4.2 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
21
Yama Glass 5-Cup Stovetop Siphon Coffee Maker6.5- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 8.5
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.1
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 5.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 4.2
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 4.2 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity590mlMaterialHand-blown heat-resistant borosilicate glassFilter TypeClothRead review →PricePricing N/A22
Hario Switch Immersion Dripper 026.3- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 7.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.9
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 5.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 2.5
- Value for Money
- 6.8
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 2.5 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity200mlMaterialHeatproof glass cone with a stainless steel ball valveFilter TypePaperRead review →PriceFrom $4523
Clever Coffee Dripper Large 18oz6.2- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 8.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.1
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 5.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 3.3
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 3.3 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
24
Hario Switch Immersion Dripper 036.1- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 7.5
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 7.9
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 5.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 2.5
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 2.5 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Capacity360mlMaterialHario heatproof glass cone with a stainless steel ball valveFilter TypePaperRead review →PricePricing N/A25
Utopia Kitchen French Press6.1- Brew Quality & Filtration (mesh fineness not published)
- 8.5
- Build Quality & Durability
- 6.9
- Heat Retention
- 0.5
- Ease of Cleaning
- 4.5
- Pour & Handling (weight not published)
- 7.5
- Value for Money
- 10.0
Weakest link: Heat Retention — 0.5 of 10, carrying 16 of the 82.1 points scored here.
26
Chemex Coffee Maker5.9- Brew Quality & Consistency
- 6.0
- Flow Rate & Control (hole diameter not published)
- 5.0
- Build Quality & Durability
- 8.5
- Filter Availability & Cost (filter cost per 100 not published)
- 5.0
- Value for Money
- 3.6
Weakest link: Value for Money — 3.6 of 10, carrying 12 of the 75 points scored here.
27
Delter Coffee Press4.9- Brew Quality & Filtration
- 6.0
- Build Quality & Seal (replacement parts sold not published)
- 5.0
- Ease of Use & Cleaning (dishwasher safe only)
- 5.0
- Portability (weight not published)
- 1.7
- Value for Money (no price published)
- 5.0
Weakest link: Portability (weight not published) — 1.7 of 10, carrying 18 of the 74.2 points scored here.
Glass is on this list as a finish and belongs on it as a mechanism. In a French press, a pour-over server or a cold brew jar, being able to see the coffee is not decoration - it is the only way to judge a brew that has no other indicator.
Borosilicate and soda-lime are not interchangeable
Borosilicate expands very little when heated, so it takes boiling water into a cold carafe without complaint. Ordinary soda-lime glass, which is what most cheap carafes are, can crack from that same thermal shock. Makers who use borosilicate almost always say so, because it costs them more; where a listing simply says glass, assume soda-lime and warm the vessel first.
Seeing the brew is the actual advantage
A French press tells you nothing about extraction from the outside. In glass you can watch the crust form, see whether the grounds are circulating and know when the bed has settled enough to plunge. A pour-over server shows you the volume as it fills, which is how you hit a ratio without a scale. This is why glass survives in a category that otherwise rewards steel.
The obvious cost, and the less obvious one
It breaks, and it is excluded from our travel and camping list for exactly that reason. Less obviously, glass holds no heat at all: a glass carafe on an unheated base is lukewarm within twenty minutes, and on a heated plate the coffee carries on cooking and turns bitter. Glass suits coffee that is drunk soon after it is made, which is most coffee, and suits a flask-filling household badly.
Common questions
Does glass keep coffee hot?
No, and this is the honest trade for everything else glass gives you. A glass carafe sheds heat far faster than a vacuum flask, so a pot left standing goes cold rather than stewed. Whether that is a fault depends on how you drink: it is the wrong choice for a machine that sits on a hotplate all morning and the right one for a brew you pour out within the half hour.
Does glass change the taste of coffee?
It is the only material here that reliably does not. Borosilicate is inert, so it adds nothing and holds nothing, and a glass carafe that has made a thousand cups tastes like the thousand and first. Plastic picks up coffee oils over time and a badly seasoned metal pot can carry the last batch into the next, which is the case glass answers.
What happens when the carafe breaks?
Check the replacement price before you buy the brewer, because that is the whole risk in one number, and it is one we cannot answer for you: we hold no replacement pricing, and it is the specification almost nobody puts on the product page. Some of these carafes are a few pounds and some are most of the cost of the machine. Breakages happen at the handle joint and in a sink full of other things, rarely from heat.
Is borosilicate glass safe for boiling water?
Yes - that is exactly what it is for. Borosilicate expands very little when heated, so it tolerates boiling water poured into a room-temperature vessel without cracking, which is why laboratory glassware uses it. The caution applies to ordinary soda-lime glass, where the same pour can shatter a cold carafe.
Can a glass carafe go in the dishwasher?
Almost always, and the manual will say so. The part that usually cannot is the assembly around it: a French press lid with a mesh filter, a plastic collar, or a glued handle. Dishwasher detergent is also mildly abrasive, so a carafe that goes through it weekly will cloud slightly over years - harmless, but visible on clear glass.