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

Pour-over coffee is one of the simplest and most rewarding methods to brew a rich, flavorful cup at home. This guide will walk you through each step to achieve the perfect pour-over, allowing you to get the most out of your beans. Let’s dive into the process!

What You’ll Need:

Pour-over coffee dripper (e.g., Hario V60, Chemex, or similar)
Paper filter for your dripper
Gooseneck kettle (for precise pouring)
Coffee grinder (for freshly ground beans)
Fresh coffee beans (about 15g for a single cup)
Scale (optional, but helps with precision)
Mug or carafe to catch the coffee

Step 1: Heat Your Water

Start by heating your water to just below boiling, around 90-96°C (195-205°F). This temperature range ensures optimal extraction of coffee flavor.

Step 2: Grind Your Coffee

Grind about 15g of fresh coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. Freshly ground coffee results in the best-tasting brew.

Step 3: Set Up the Filter and Rinse It

Place your paper filter into the dripper, then rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste. Discard the rinse water from your mug or carafe.

Step 4: Add Coffee Grounds to the Dripper

Place the dripper on your mug or carafe, add the ground coffee to the filter, and gently shake it to level the grounds. This ensures even water distribution during brewing.

Step 5: Bloom the Coffee

Pour a small amount of water (about twice the weight of the coffee grounds) in a circular motion over the grounds. Let it sit for 30-45 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom and release trapped gases.

Step 6: Pour the Water

After blooming, pour the rest of your water in a controlled, circular motion, avoiding pouring directly on the filter’s edges. This process should take around 2-3 minutes. Aim for a total water volume of about 300ml for a single cup.

Step 7: Let the Coffee Drip

Once all the water has been poured, allow the coffee to finish dripping through the filter. This should take about 1 minute. When the dripping slows down and stops, your coffee is ready.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Coffee

Now, pour your coffee into a mug (if using a carafe) and enjoy the fresh, aromatic flavors of your homemade pour-over coffee.

Watch the Full Tutorial:

If you want to see the pour-over brewing process in action, watch the video below for a step-by-step visual guide.

Conclusion

Pour-over coffee offers a simple way to brew an incredibly flavorful cup at home. By following these steps and experimenting with grind size, water temperature, and coffee-to-water ratio, you can perfect your technique. Enjoy the process and explore the nuances of different beans to find your ideal brew.

Ready to get started? Browse our collection of pour-over drippers, kettles, grinders, and high-quality beans at Kōfē to elevate your coffee game.