Understanding Pour Over Coffee: Brewing Basics for Beginners

Table of Contents

Introduction

Pour-over coffee brewing is a manual brew process that takes a bit of practice but can produce a high-quality cup of coffee. Hot water is poured over coffee grounds in a filter and the brewed coffee drips into a cup or carafe. The pour-over method allows you to control all of the brewing variables, resulting in a coffee that is uniquely your own.

The slow, steady pour allows the water to evenly extract the coffee’s flavor and produce a clean-tasting cup of coffee.

The method has become increasingly popular in recent years as people have become more interested in specialty coffee. Pour-over coffee makers are now widely available, making it easy to brew pour-over coffee at home.

Pour-over coffee makers are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them a great option for those just starting in the world of specialty coffee.

The Benefits of Pour Over Brewing Method

Pour-Over Coffee is More Flavorful

One of the primary benefits of pour-over coffee is that it is more flavorful than coffee made using other methods. This is because this method allows for a greater degree of control over the brewing process, which results in a cup of coffee that is more evenly extracted and thus more flavorful.

Pour-Over Coffee is Easier on the Stomach

The second benefit of pour-over coffee is that it is easier on the stomach than coffee made using other methods. This is because the brewing process used for pour-over coffee results in a cup of coffee that is less likely to be over-extracted, which can make coffee harsh and irritating to the stomach.

Can be Tailored to Your Preference

The third benefit of pour-over coffee is that it can be tailored to your preferences easily since you have full control of the brewing process from start to finish. Coffee enthusiasts tend to like this method because you can experiment with different grind sizes, water temperatures, and brew times to find the perfect cup of coffee for your taste buds.

More Efficient When You Only Want to Drink One Cup

The fourth benefit of pour-over coffee is that it is more efficient when you only want to drink one cup. This is because there is no need to brew a whole pot of coffee, which can often go to waste if you only end up drinking one cup.

Great for Outdoor Camping Trips

The fifth benefit of pour-over coffee is that it is great for outdoor camping trips. This is because all you need to make pour-over coffee is a filter, hot water, and ground coffee beans. This means that you can easily make coffee while camping without having to lug around a bulky coffee maker.

What are the Drawbacks of Pour-Over Coffee

Requires Practice

The downside to pour-over coffee is that it demands skill and practice. This brewing method is not as forgiving as others, such as drip coffee, and thus takes a bit of time and effort to perfect. Pour-over coffee can be easily ruined if the water is poured too quickly or if the grind size is too coarse or too fine.

Needs to be Monitored Closely

Pour-over coffee also needs to be monitored closely during the brewing process, as even a small mistake can ruin the final product. For example, if the water temperature is too hot or if the grind is too coarse, the coffee will be bitter and unpleasant to drink. This can be frustrating for those who are new to brewing pour-over coffee, as it can be difficult to get the perfect cup every time.

Not Always Consistent

Another drawback of pouring over coffee is that it is not always consistent. Because the brewing process is so sensitive, it can be difficult to replicate the same cup of coffee each time. This can be frustrating for those who are looking for a consistently good cup of coffee. Additionally, it can be challenging to troubleshoot problems with your brew if you are not an experienced barista.

How to Make a Perfect Cup of Pour-Over Coffee

Here are a few tips on how to make a perfect cup of pour-over coffee:

Use Freshly Ground Beans – We always recommend grinding your own coffee beans because they’ll taste fresher that way. Pre-ground coffee can taste stale and flat.

Use a Correct Grind Size – 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. You should aim for a medium-fine consistency.

Use the Right Kind of Paper Filter and Fill it Correctly -Use a thicker paper filter for pour-over coffee to help prevent sediment from ending up in your cup. Be sure to wet the filter before adding coffee, as this will help to prevent the coffee from tasting like paper. Additionally, be sure to fill the filter correctly if it is too full, the coffee will become muddy and unpleasant.

Use the Correct Water-to-Coffee Ratio – A general rule of thumb is to use about 15 grams (0.5 ounces) of coffee per 8 ounces of water. But you can experiment with this ratio to find what works best for you.

Use Freshwater – For the best-tasting coffee, use fresh cold water that has been filtered. Avoid using tap water, as it can contain chemicals that can alter the taste of your coffee.

Pour Speed – Take your time when pouring the water over the grounds. Pour slowly and evenly in a spiral motion, starting from the centre and working your way out. Be sure not to pour too quickly, as this will cause the coffee to become over-extracted and bitter.

Stop pouring when the desired amount of coffee has been brewed. Do not continue pouring just because there is still water in the kettle. Once the desired amount of coffee has been brewed, stop pouring and remove the filter.

How to Make Pour-Over Coffee

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Coffee beans
Grinder
Filter
Carafe or mug
Scale (Optional)
Gooseneck Kettle (Optional)

Step 2: Measure and Grind Your Beans

Start by measuring out the coffee beans you’ll need. A general rule of thumb is to use about 15 grams of coffee per 8 ounces of water.

Once you’ve measured the beans, grind them to a medium-fine consistency. The size of the grind will impact the taste of your coffee, so make sure to experiment until you find a grind that you like.

Step 3: Place the Filter in the Carafe

Place the filter in the carafe or mug that you’ll be using to brew the coffee. If you’re using a cone-shaped filter, make sure that the pointy end is facing down.

Step 4: Wet the Filter

Place the carafe under the faucet and wet the filter with hot water. This will help to remove any papery taste from the filter and preheat the carafe. Then, dump out the water from the carafe.

Step 5: Add Coffee to the Filter

Add the ground coffee to the filter and give it a gentle shake to level out the grounds.

Step 6: Pour Hot Water Over the Coffee

Place the carafe back under the faucet and wet the coffee grounds with hot water. Heat water using a gooseneck kettle up to the ideal temperature. Start by pouring a small amount of water (enough to just wet all the coffee grounds) and then wait for about 30 seconds. This will allow the coffee to bloom. Coffee bloom releases any carbon dioxide that’s been trapped in the beans.

After the bloom, continue pouring hot water over all the grounds in a slow and steady stream. You want to pour just enough water so that all of the grounds are evenly wetted, for a balanced brew but not so much that water starts overflowing from the carafe.

Step 7: Let it Drip

Once all of the water has been added, place the carafe on a heat-safe surface and let it drip. Do not try to speed up the process by pushing down on the filter or jiggling the pot; this will only make your coffee taste bitter.

Let the coffee drip until it reaches your desired strength. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8: Remove the Filter and Enjoy

Once the coffee is finished brewing, remove the filter and discard the grounds. Then, pour yourself a cup and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

What are the Best Coffee Beans for Pour Over

It’s important to consider the type of roast you want. Light roasts are usually better for pour-overs as they tend to have more acidity and brightness than darker roasts. It’s also important to look for a bean that is freshly roasted. This will ensure that all of the flavor compounds in the beans are extracted, giving you a delicious cup of coffee every time.

Here are some of our favourites:

The Best Pour-Over Drip Coffee Makers

In our previous article, we explored the best pour-over coffee makers on the market. Some of our personal favorites include the following:

Pour-Over vs. Drip Coffee: What’s the Difference

Both drip and pour-over coffee brewing methods involve adding water to coffee grounds and separating the liquid from the used grounds. However, the specifics of each process are what set them apart.

Drip Coffee Brewing

This method is automated using an electric coffee maker.
The process is straightforward: fill the water reservoir, place a filter, add coffee, press a button to start brewing, and wait for your coffee to be ready.
The drip method offers consistency in quantity, quality, and taste.
While it minimizes human error, it also limits your ability to tweak the process.
It’s convenient and well-suited for making larger quantities of coffee quickly.

Pour Over Coffee Brewing

Like the drip method, pour-over involves saturating coffee grounds with water and filtering the liquid.
The key difference is that pour-over gives you more control over the brewing process.
With pour-over, you can adjust variables such as water temperature, blooming, grind size (if you grind your own beans) and pouring flow.
It often produces a clean and nuanced coffee with the potential for a richer flavor.

FAQ’s

Does Pour-Over Coffee Contain Less Caffeine than Drip Coffee, a French press, or an Espresso

The amount of caffeine in coffee depends on several factors, including the type of beans used, the brewing method, and the size of the cup. In general, Arabica beans contain less caffeine than Robusta beans. Drip coffee contains more caffeine than pour-over coffee because the water has more contact with the grounds during drip brewing.

French press coffee has a similar caffeine content to drip coffee because the grounds are also in contact with water for a longer period. Espresso has the highest caffeine content because it is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. So, if you are looking for a less caffeinated cup of coffee, pour-over is your best option.

Can You Put Other Spices in Your Pour-Over Coffee. What are Some Good Additions

If you typically drink your coffee black, you may be wondering if it’s possible to add other spices to your pour-over coffee. The answer is yes! There are a variety of spices that can complement the taste of coffee, and adding spice can be a great way to experiment with new flavors. Some good spices to add to coffee include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa powder.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try adding a small amount of chilli pepper for a bit of heat. Just remember that a little goes a long way when it comes to spices, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste. With a little experimentation, you can create a truly unique cup of coffee that is perfect for your palate.

Why is my Pour-Over Coffee Bitter

When it comes to coffee, there are a lot of variables that can impact the flavor. The type of beans, the grind, the brewing method, the water temperature, and the list goes on. That’s why it can be so difficult to pin down why your coffee tastes bitter. However, there are a few common causes of bitterness in pour-over coffee.

If you find your coffee is overly strong, you may need to adjust the coffee-to-water ratio. Excessive bitterness can also result from using water at too high a temperature. For pour-over coffee, it’s best to use water within the temperature range of 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit; using hotter water can lead to an increased extraction of bitterness from the coffee grounds.

Finally, grinding your beans too fine can also make for a bitter cup of coffee. If your grind is too fine, try coarsening it until you find the sweet spot. With a little trial and error, you should be able to eliminate bitterness from your pour-over brews.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best way to brew your coffee, pour-over is the way to go. When done correctly, pour-over coffee brewing can produce a cup of coffee that is both rich and complex in flavor. The key to a good cup of pour-over coffee is all in the beans. Make sure to choose a high-quality coffee bean that is freshly roasted.

The grind of the beans is crucial, and you should aim for a medium-fine consistency. Finally, be patient when brewing. Take your time to slowly pour hot water over the grounds and allow the coffee to steep for several minutes before enjoying it. With a little practice, you’ll be able to brew the perfect cup of pour-over coffee every time.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be well on your way to brewing delicious pour-over coffee that has the perfect balance of flavor and aroma. With a little patience and practice, you’ll soon be able to master the art of pour-over and ring out coffee’s best flavors.

Linda K.

Writer/blogger