Master the Art of Pour-Over Coffee

Pour-over coffee isn’t just a convenient way to brew a single cup of coffee at a time; it also calls for a radically simple technique. Just-boiled flows over ground beans, extracting essential oils as brewed coffee drips through the cone filter and into your server or mug. Cleaning up is a cinch: simply toss the used filter into the compost and rinse out the cone.

The secret to pour-over done right is slow, careful pouring, precise measurement of your coffee and your water, and the correct water temperature. See how it’s done with our complete step-by-step instructions.

What you’ll need:

• Whole coffee beans
• Coffee grinder
• Plastic or ceramic coffee dripper (we like this entire set-up)
• Either a stovetop or variable temperature gooseneck kettle filled with water heated to 200ºF
• Measuring tools
• Cup for waste
• Coffee mug
• A cone filter either made of paper or stainless steel mesh

What to do:

1. Grind the beans: You’ll want to guarantee even coffee extraction by setting beans to a medium-fine grind.
2. Position and rinse filter: Set the cone on your waste cup, then fold the filter at the seams and place inside the cone. Run hot water through the filter and allow it to drain completely.
3. Place rinsed filter on coffee dripper, then add coffee into the filter: Add 10 grams of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. (Feel free to adjust proportions for a stronger or weaker brew.)
4. Initial pour: You’ll use a total of 12 ounces of hot water for two pours. First, slowly pour in just enough hot water to saturate the grounds, moving the stream in a circular pattern, starting in the middle and moving outward for even saturation. (A gooseneck makes this process easy to control.) Be sure to avoid pouring water directly on the filter.
5. Brewing pour: Wait 15 seconds, then pour in the rest of the water using the same slow, swirling motion as before.
6. Pull your mug: When you have 8 ounces of brewed coffee in your mug, move the dripper onto the waste cup and let it drain completely.
7. Enjoy! Drink up before your coffee gets cold.

Add this to your to-make list, and pin the how-to for later by hovering over the image.

Those of you who’ve made pour-over coffee: What are your tips for achieving a perfect cup every time? Share with us below!