How to Make Pour Over Coffee

Pour over coffee is not complicated, but it requires attention. The method's simplicity is also its demand: there are fewer variables to hide behind than with an espresso machine or an automatic drip brewer, so the quality of the beans and the care of the brewer are more directly expressed in the cup.

What you need

The basics: a brewer (Hario V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave, or similar), paper filters, freshly ground coffee, a kettle, and a scale. A gooseneck kettle is strongly recommended because it allows precise control over where the water lands. A thermometer helps until you develop a sense for water temperature.

Grind size

Pour over coffee uses a medium to medium-fine grind, coarser than espresso and finer than French press. The exact grind size depends on the brewer and the coffee. As a starting point, aim for a grind that looks like coarse sand. If your coffee tastes weak and flat, grind finer. If it tastes bitter and takes too long to drain, grind coarser.

Water temperature

Water between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (90-96 Celsius) is ideal for most pour over brewing. Boiling water (212F) can over-extract and produce bitterness. Water that is too cool under-extracts and produces a flat, underdeveloped cup. If you don't have a thermometer, letting boiled water sit for 30 seconds gets you close to the right range.

The bloom

Fresh coffee releases carbon dioxide when it meets hot water. The bloom is a pre-infusion step where you pour just enough water to saturate the grounds (about twice their weight) and allow the gas to escape before the main pour. This prevents the gas from channeling through the coffee bed and causing uneven extraction. Bloom for 30-45 seconds.

The pour

Pour in slow, concentric circles, keeping the water level relatively constant above the coffee bed. Avoid pouring directly against the filter walls. The total brew time for most pour over methods should be between 3 and 4 minutes.

See our guide to the best pour over brewers for equipment recommendations.

Related reading: pour over vs espresso vs cold brew, best pour over brewers.

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