How to Make the Perfect Pour-Over Coffee: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a coffee enthusiast looking to elevate your brewing game, pour-over coffee is the way to go. This method gives you full control over the brewing process, resulting in a clean, flavorful cup that's hard to beat. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this guide will walk you through how to make the perfect pour-over coffee.

Step 1: Measure & Grind the Coffee Beans

Start by measuring your coffee. A good rule of thumb is a 1:16 ratio of coffee to water. For example, use 20g of coffee for 350g of water.

Grind your beans to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to the texture of salt.

Step 2: Boil the Water

Next, heat your water to a temperature between 195–205°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly before using it. This range is perfect for extracting the rich flavors from your coffee without burning the grounds.

Step 3: Prep the Filter and Brewer

Place your filter in the pour-over brewer. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any potential paper taste and preheat the brewer. Discard the rinse water before adding your coffee grounds.

Step 4: Add Ground Coffee

Pour the freshly ground coffee into the filter. Gently shake the dripper to level out the grounds. This will ensure even saturation when you start pouring.

Step 5: The Bloom

The "bloom" is a crucial step for great pour-over coffee. Pour a small amount of water (about 50g for 25g of coffee) over the grounds to saturate them completely. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30–45 seconds, which allows gases to escape and opens up the grounds for better extraction.

Step 6: The Main Pour

Once the bloom has settled, continue pouring the remaining water in slow, circular motions. Avoid pouring water directly on the sides of the filter. This helps the water extract flavors more evenly.

Pour in small amounts, pausing between pours to let the water drip through the coffee. The goal is to finish your pour within 2:30 to 3 minutes.

Step 7: Let the Coffee Drain

Allow all the water to pass through the coffee grounds. The total brewing time should be between 3 to 4 minutes, depending on your grind size and pour technique. If it takes longer, your grind may be too fine; if it’s too fast, try a coarser grind.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the water has filtered through, remove the dripper and pour the freshly brewed coffee into your cup. Sit back, take a sip, and enjoy the clean, aromatic flavors that pour-over coffee is famous for!

Making pour-over coffee might take a bit more time than your standard coffee maker, but the reward is in the cup. With practice, you’ll be able to fine-tune every aspect of the process, from the grind size to the pouring technique, ensuring a truly personalized cup of coffee each time.