If you are looking for how to make pour over coffee, look no further. This manual coffee making method is a great way to get the perfect cup of coffee every time. It’s not as difficult as you might think, and all you need are a few basic supplies. Here are the simple steps to follow to make the perfect cup of coffee.
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What Is Pour Over Coffee?
Pour over coffee is a manual coffee brewing method that has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The pour over coffee method was originally created in Germany by Melitta Bentz in the early 1900s, this coffee brewing method was once the most popular way to make coffee. Pour over coffee makers were even mass produced and sold in the United States in the 1920s.
The method came back into popularity in the 2000s, with the help of specialty coffee shops. Now, pour over coffee makers are widely available and many people are choosing this method to make their coffee at home.
Benefits of Pour Over Coffee
Pour over coffee has a reputation for being a bit more difficult and time consuming than other brewing methods. However, it is actually a very simple process that anyone can do at home with the right supplies. There are several benefits of pour over coffee, including control over the brewing process, potentially better flavor and flexibility.
Full control of the brewing process
When you make pour over coffee, you have complete control over every aspect of the brewing process. This allows you to experiment with different variables to find the perfect cup of coffee for your taste.
Better flavor
Many coffee enthusiasts believe that pour over coffee has a better flavor than coffee made with other methods. This is because the coffee grounds have less contact with water, which prevents them from becoming over-saturated and causing a bitter flavor.
Flexibility
Pour over coffee makers are very versatile and can be used to make a variety of different types of coffee. For example, you can experiment with different grind sizes, water temperatures, and brewing times to find the perfect cup of coffee for your taste.
Pour Over Coffee Equipment Needed
Now that you know the benefits of pour over coffee, you might be wondering what you need to get started. Fortunately, you don’t need much to make pour over coffee at home. Here is a list of supplies you will need:
Pour over coffee maker
Of course you will need a pour over coffee maker. There are many different types and brands of pour over coffee makers, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
A pour over coffee maker consists of two parts. First the cone filter or portafilter, which holds the coffee grounds, and second the decanter or carafe, which catches the brewed coffee.
The cone filter is the part of the pour over coffee maker that holds the coffee grounds. There are a variety of different cone filters available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The most important thing to consider when choosing a cone filter is the material. Cone filters are typically made of paper, metal, or plastic.
The decanter is the part of the pour over coffee maker that catches the brewed coffee. Decanters come in a variety of different materials, including glass, ceramic, and plastic.
For best results, avoid plastic as it will not hold head as well as glass or stainless steel. For an inexpensive way to get started, consider the pour over coffee maker below.
Coffee beans
You will need freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor. Use a quality coffee grinder to grind your beans just before brewing.
Be sure to use a medium coarse grind for pour over coffee. If the grind is too fine, the coffee will be over extracted and taste bitter. If the grind is too coarse, the coffee will be under extracted and taste weak.
For pour over coffee I find the best coffee to water ratio to be between 1:16 and 1:14. This means you will need around 60 – 70 grams of coffee per liter of water.
Coffee Grinder
You will want a quality coffee grinder to grind your coffee beans just before brewing. For the best results for ground coffee you will want to set you grinder to a medium setting. The finished result should resemble rough sand or sugar in the raw.
Water
You will need fresh, cold water for brewing. filtered water is best, but if you don’t have a filter, tap water will do. Avoid using distilled water as it can cause the coffee to taste flat.
Kettle
You will need a kettle to heat your water to the perfect brewing temperature. I recommend using an electric kettle as it is more precise than a stovetop kettle.
An electric kettle will allow you to set the exact temperature you need for brewing. The ideal brewing temperature for pour over coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, a gooseneck kettle design will allow the best control of your pour.
Measuring scoop or scales
You will need a way to measure the coffee and water. I recommend using a digital scale for the most accurate measurement.
A one to two tablespoon scoop can also be used, but it is not as accurate.
Timer
You may want to use a timer to keep track of the brewing time. I find that three minutes is the ideal brewing time for pour over coffee.
Paper filters
You will need paper filters for your pour over coffee maker. Be sure to choose the right size filter for your coffee maker.
There are two main types of paper filters, bleached and unbleached. I prefer to use unbleached filters as they do not add any flavor to
Coffee mug
You will need a coffee mug to catch the brewed coffee. I recommend using a glass or ceramic mug as it will retain heat better than plastic.
Optional:
Pour over stand: A pour over stand is not necessary, but it can be helpful. A pour over stand allows you to brew multiple cups of coffee at once and can help keep your pour over coffee maker clean.
Coffee mug warmer: A coffee mug warmer is not necessary, but it can be helpful. A coffee mug warmer will keep your coffee mug warm, which will help keep your coffee hot longer.
Now that you have all of your supplies, you are ready to brew the perfect cup of coffee. Follow these simple steps and you will be enjoying a delicious cup of coffee in no time.
How to Make the Best Pour Over Coffee
Below my a step by step guide on how to make the the best pour over coffee consistently brew after brew.
Choose your coffee beans
Any type of coffee bean can be used for pour over coffee, but it is important to choose a quality bean for the best flavor.
Grind your coffee beans
Use a quality coffee grinder to grind your beans just before brewing. For the best pour over coffee results, use a burr grinder for your beans. This will provide a more uniform grind.
You will want to use a medium grind on your coffee grinder. This will look similar to rough sand when finished, similar to the grind used for the AeroPress. For the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder, I use a setting of #21.
Another popular grinder is the Capresso Infinity grinder and for it I use a medium grind setting of #2
Rinse Paper Filter
This will help to remove any paper taste from your final cup of coffee and will also help the filter to adhere to the sides of the pour over coffee maker.
To rinse your paper filter, simply place it in your pour over coffee maker and pour hot water over it. Allow the water to run through the filter and discard it before adding your coffee grounds.
Boil filtered water
Be sure to use filtered water for the best flavor. Bring your water to a boil in a kettle or pot. It is ideal to use a kettle with a temperature control so you can set the water to the perfect temperature. If the water is too hot, the result will be a bitter cup of coffee.
For pour over coffee, you will want to use water that is between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. I have been using the SAKI Baristan electric kettle and it is perfect for pour over coffee with it’s gooseneck kettle design.
Pour Water and Wait for Bloom
Once your water is at the correct temperature, add a small amount of water (around 30 ml) to wet the coffee grounds and start the bloom. The bloom is when the coffee grounds absorb water and expand. This helps release carbon dioxide from the beans for a better cup of coffee.
After wetting the grounds, wait 30-45 seconds for the bloom. You will know the bloom is finished when you see the coffee grounds start to settle. This stage is referred to as dissolution.
Pour Remaining Water in a Slow and Steady Stream
Once the bloom is finished, continue pouring hot water in a slow and steady stream in the center of the coffee grounds. Be sure not to pour too quickly as this will result in a weaker cup of coffee. stop the water flow regularly to allow the water to naturally drip through the beans and into the caraffe.
Your total brew time will be around 3 minutes on average. For darker roasts, you will want to pour a bit faster (2.5 – 3 minutes) vs light roasts will tend to take 3 – 4 minutes brew time.
Pour Over Coffee Brewing Tips
If at first you do not succeed, do not worry. It takes a little practice to get the perfect cup of coffee. Here are a few tips that will help you on your journey to making the best pour over coffee.
Make Adjustments
If your coffee is too weak, it is most likely one of two reasons, you are grinding the beans too coarse or you are pouring too fast. The next time you brew, try a finer grind or pour a bit slower. If your coffee is too bitter, the grind is too fine or you are pouring too slow. Try a coarser grind or pour a bit faster next time. It’s all about finding the perfect balance for your specific coffee beans and tastes.
Pour Over Coffee Ratio
Experiment with different water to coffee ratios until you find the perfect ratio for your taste. I personally like a 1:14 ratio of water to coffee, but this may be too strong for some. A good starting point is 1:16 water to coffee if you are starting to learn how to make pour over coffee.
Use Fresh Coffee Beans
Coffee beans start to lose their flavor as soon as they are ground, so it is important to use fresh coffee beans. For the best flavor, it is recommended to grind your beans just before brewing.
Choose the Right Equipment
To get the best cup of coffee, it is important to have the right equipment. You will need a quality coffee grinder, a pour over coffee maker, and filtered water.
Alternative Brewing Methods
If you find pour over is not the right brewing method for you, there are many other brewing methods to choose from. Some popular manual and automatic coffee brewing alternatives include:
AeroPress
The AeroPress is a popular brewing method that uses a plunger to press hot water through the coffee grounds. This brewing method is quick and easy, making it a great choice for those on the go. This handy coffee maker can brew traditionally or using the inverted method.
French Press
The French press is another popular brewing method that uses a plunger to press hot water through the coffee grounds. This brewing method produces a rich and full-flavored cup of coffee.
Drip Coffee
A drip coffee machine is the most common brewing method and is what you will find in most coffee shops. Drip coffee is made by dripping hot water over the coffee grounds and into a carafe. You can find drip coffee makers that make full pots or single cup servings.
Moka Pot
The Moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that produces a strong and rich cup of coffee. The Moka pot is easy to use and only takes a few minutes to brew a cup of coffee.
Enjoy Now That You Know How to Make Pour Over Coffee
Now that you know how to make pour over coffee, it is time to sit back and enjoy a cup of the most delicious coffee you have ever had. Experiment with different beans, grinds, and water to coffee ratios until you find your perfect cup of coffee.
FAQ
Below are answers to common questions about how to make pour over coffee.
How Does Pour Over Coffee Work?
Pour over coffee is brewed by pouring hot water over coffee grounds that are contained in a filter. The hot water extracts the coffee’s flavor and aroma, and the resulting liquid is collected in a carafe or mug.
How to Grind Coffee Beans for Pour Over?
For pour over coffee, you will want to use a medium grind. If the grind is too fine, the coffee will be bitter. If the grind is too coarse, the coffee will be weak. Experiment with different grind sizes until you find the perfect grind for your coffee beans and taste.
How Much Coffee Should I Use for Pour Over?
A general rule of thumb is to use 1.5 – 2 grams of coffee per fluid ounce of water. However, this may be too strong or weak for your taste. Experiment with different ratios until you find the perfect ratio for your taste.
Is Pour Over and Chemex the Same?
Pour over coffee and Chemex coffee are similar brewing methods. The main difference is the equipment that is used. Chemex coffee is brewed using a specially designed coffee maker, while pour over can be brewed using any number of devices.
What Are the Best Coffee Beans for Pour Over?
There is no one “best” coffee bean for pour over. The best coffee beans for pour over are the beans that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different beans and blends until you find the perfect coffee for your taste.
For my personal taste, I prefer to use a light or medium roast bean with the standard pour over setup using a paper filter. This provides a bright cup with plenty of clarity.
For darker roasts, you may want to use a metal mesh filter or a French Press. This will allow you to get a richer cup of coffee without sacrificing flavor.
What is the Best Water Temperature for Pour Over Coffee?
The ideal water temperature for pour over coffee is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. This will extract the maximum amount of flavor from your coffee beans.
How Much Water Should I Use for Pour Over?
The amount of water you use for pour over coffee will depend on the size of your coffee maker and the amount of coffee you are brewing. A general rule of thumb is to use a coffee to hot water ratio between 1:16 and 1:14.
Can you use regular coffee for Pour over?
You can use any type of coffee for pour over, but the grind size will need to be adjusted depending on the type of coffee you are using.
