How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee Using the Pour-Over Method

photo of the pour-over method

The pour-over brewing method is the older way to brew a cup of coffee before we had hi-tech coffee machines. It does not require any electronic machines or coffee makers to use. There are just a few basic tools that you will need to perform this brewing method. When coffee machines were invented, people sort of forgot about the pour-over method for a while. But now they are starting to become popular again in artisanal style coffee shops.

The pour-over brewing method requires you to have a lot of patience because it will take about 4 minutes to complete. The result will be coffee that is brighter, tastier, and crisper than if you were to use a machine to brew it.

To get started, you will need to have a glass decanter, a filter cone, and a paper filter for the cone. As for the coffee, you will need ground roasted coffee beans and a kettle. However, for the highest quality taste, it is better to purchase the coffee beans whole and then grind them up usingĀ  a coffee grinder.

Pour Method Steps

  1. The first step is to boil water in the kettle or any stove pot that allows you to easily pour water out. Make sure the amount of water inside the kettle is not more than what can fit in your glass decanter or else it will overflow in the later steps.
  2. As you are waiting for your water to boil, you can prepare the other tools. The glass decanter will be at the base. Next, you will stick the smaller end of the cone into the top opening of the decanter and then place the paper filter inside the wider opening of the cone on top.
  3. If you have whole coffee beans, grind them with your coffee grinder until you have nothing but coffee grinds available. You will need 60 grams of coffee grinds per liter of water. That is why you should always know exactly how much water you are boiling. It will help you determine how much coffee grinds you should use.
  4. Now you are ready to start brewing your coffee with the pour-over method. Place the coffee grinds into the paper filter of the cone. Take the kettle of boiling water and gently pour it over the coffee grinds in a circular motion, starting from the outer area of the cone. Pour for 15 seconds and then wait 30 seconds. Begin again by pouring for another 15 seconds and then stop for 30 seconds. You will do this for 4 times while working your way further toward the middle each time.
  5. The whole process should be done in 4 minutes. Now just remove the filter and cone. Pour the coffee solution into a coffee pot and serve.

So there you have it – the pour-over method 5 simple steps. To assist you further I’ve included this infographic that I’ve found which illustrates and breaks down the method perfectly visually,