Pour over coffee is beloved for producing a remarkably clean, nuanced cup that highlights the individual characteristics of the coffee bean.
What is Pour Over?
Pour over involves manually pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter, allowing gravity to pull the water through. Unlike immersion methods, pour over creates a clean cup with bright acidity and clarity of flavor.
Equipment You Need
The Recipe
Use a 1:15 to 1:17 coffee-to-water ratio. For a 300ml cup, use 20g of coffee and 300ml of water at 93°C.
The Technique
Step 1 — Rinse: Pre-wet your filter to remove paper taste and preheat your vessel.
Step 2 — Bloom: Pour 40–60ml of water over your grounds and wait 30–45 seconds. The coffee will bubble as CO2 escapes — this is called degassing.
Step 3 — Pour: Pour in slow, steady circles starting from the center and moving outward. Maintain a consistent pour rate.
Step 4 — Finish: Your total brew time should be 3–4 minutes. Adjust your grind to control this.
Choosing a Dripper
The Hario V60 offers full control and makes an incredibly clean cup. The Chemex produces a heavier body due to its thick filters. The Kalita Wave is more forgiving for beginners.
Pour over rewards attention to detail with extraordinary flavor.
