Coffee making is an art. Anyone can swing by a coffee shop, restaurant or convenience store and easily pick up a cup. But making your own
coffee at home results in a better-tasting (and less expensive!) cup. With more and more people working from home, DIY coffee has become increasingly popular. And though there are plenty of high-tech machines and systems designed to make coffee-making a breeze, brewing it the old fashioned way can be quite pleasurable – even meditative.
So, what is pour-over coffee?
The pour-over method of making coffee is a slow and refined way of brewing that results in an excellent cup of coffee.
This manual method involves slowly pouring hot water over coffee grounds through a filter positioned in a funnel-like piece of equipment sitting above a cup or a coffee pot. The slower you pour, the more intense the flavor. It’s considered to be an artisanal style of coffee making, producing a beverage far superior to anything that comes from a push-button, automated brewing machine.
Plus, the act of creating a cup with the pour-over method is mentally satisfying. It promotes mindfulness and the feel-good sensation you get when making something “from scratch.” If you give it a try, you might just find your morning coffee ritual turns relaxing and therapeutic!
The right tools for the job
When switching to pour-over coffee, it’s a good idea to consider investing in a few tools to make the experience easier.
Gooseneck Kettle - The key to the ultimate cup of pour-over coffee is controlling the temperature and the pour. Slowly pouring your water at the correct temperature ensures that no Starbucks drink will ever compete with your coffee.
Pour-over coffee maker + steel reusable filter - These makers are often attractive looking; some are made from glass, some sit above a mug. Steel reusable filters are a must-have!
Burr grinder - Grinding your beans also is a must if you want to achieve true homebrew bliss.
Kitchen scale - Gone are the days of eyeballing how many spoons of coffee you put into your maker. A scale ensures you get the right measurement, every time.
The beans and the grind
If you’re just getting started with (serious!) home coffee brewing, it’s good to know the difference between
pre-ground coffee and
whole coffee beans. Pre-ground coffee, of course, is available in almost every supermarket; but if you want to make pour-over coffee that truly kick starts your day, purchase whole beans and only grind when you need them.
Burr grinders grind your beans evenly into the right consistency. When using freshly ground beans, you’ll maximize your coffee's flavor potential. An even and consistent grind helps coffee extraction to be even and provide the greatest amount of flavor. Each cup should rise between 22 and 27 grams of ground coffee per 12-oz cup. Adjust the amount of coffee slightly for stronger or weaker coffee.
Warm up time!
For the perfect – and we mean perfect – cup of coffee, you’ll want to warm the mug or pot used to collect your pour-over brew. Think about it: hot coffee landing in an un-warmed cup or pot will chill a bit when it hits the cold surface. So, start with a pre-heated mug!
You should also warm the filter component if you can, before starting.
What about the water?
Water is an essential component of good coffee. Using tap water can cause scale buildup on your kettle. The impurities in tap water also can impact the flavor of your coffee. Always use
filtered water for a clean kettle and equipment – and for exceptional taste.
Water temperature should also be checked. The ideal temperature for pour-over coffee is between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. The correct temperature ensures that the coffee is adequately extracted and not burnt. A Gooseneck kettle with a built-in thermometer will help you reach the right temperature; if your water is too hot, allow it to cool slightly.
How to make pour-over coffee
Now that you’re ready to produce the best cup of coffee, you can begin preparation to pour. Scoop your
grounds into the filter. (Note: If you’re making two cups of coffee or more, place the maker over a coffee pot and not a mug.) Fill the coffee maker's basin to 3/4 full, allowing the water to drain through for 40 seconds. The coffee will bloom in the filter.
Once foam forms on top of the water, let it stand for a few seconds before adding more water into the brewer. Pour slowly in a clockwise direction until you reach your desired amount of coffee.
Now sit back, relax and enjoy your home-brewed beverage!
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