Pour Over Coffee: How to Brew the Perfect Cup
Pour over coffee is a handcrafted brewing method that involves slowly pouring hot, just-boiled water over coffee grounds in a filter to create a customized level of boldness and taste. The pour over coffee method is unique in that it allows you to control variables like grind size, water temperature and pouring speed to result in a cup of coffee perfect just for you.
If you’re looking for a personalized brewing experience and enjoy the meditative process of boiling water, measuring grounds and watching a cup of coffee come to life, the pour over method can be a wonderful addition to your daily routine. Read on for more information about pour over coffee and how a gooseneck electric kettle can help you achieve an outstanding pour.
Key Things to Know When Making Pour Over Coffee
Before delving into a pour over coffee how to, there are a few key things to keep in mind. You’ll need to be aware of the best grind for pour over coffee, understand what’s a coffee bloom and learn the best ratio of water to grounds. Get familiar with the pour over process to get started.
What is a coffee bloom?
A coffee bloom is a stage of brewing after hot water is initially poured over coffee grinds and sits for 30 seconds or so before the next pour. This causes the grinds to release gases that were trapped during roasting. As the coffee blooms, bubbles form and gases escape.
During this phase, give it a little time between pours to ensure the gases can release. Trapped gas can lead to an acidic taste in your coffee.
Do you need a gooseneck kettle for pour over coffee?
Gooseneck kettles are ideal for pour-over coffee or other brew methods that require a precise pour. The slim spout is important to help ensure even water distribution over your coffee grounds. A gooseneck kettle, like this model from KitchenAid brand, also provides a lower flow rate that helps avoid creating too much turbulence which can result in a gritty cup of coffee.
Electric gooseneck kettles from KitchenAid brand can be set to three unique flow rate settings, so you can personalize the way you pour. These kettles also have precise temperature settings that allow you to heat water to the exact point required for a variety of tea blends.
Pour Over Measurements: How many grams of coffee per cup?
While your ideal ratio of water to coffee will vary based on your preference, a good place to start is 1:16. For example: if you’re brewing with around 350 grams of water, divide that by 16 to get roughly 22 grams of coffee grounds. Decrease the ratio for stronger coffee or vice versa for a weaker brew.
What’s the best grind for pour over coffee?
A medium or medium-fine grind that’s close to the consistency of sandbox sand is best for pour over coffee. You can create this grind consistency with a burr grinder and aim for a general ratio of 1 ounce of beans for every 16 ounces of water.
How to Make Pour Over Coffee: Step-by-Step Instructions
The steps below outline the basic process for how to make pour over coffee at home. Use this to get started, then experiment with the best grind size, water temperature and pouring speed for a brew customized to your taste.
What You’ll Need
Medium-fine ground coffee beans of your choice
Gooseneck electric kettle
Filter-lined pour over cone
Coffee cup or carafe
Scale
STEP 1: Heat water in a gooseneck kettle
Fill your gooseneck kettle with a little more water than you need for your final brew. Heat the water to between 195°F and 202°F (Note: Some brewers recommend using a higher temperature for this method, closer to 208°F.)
STEP 2: Rinse and pre-heat the pour-over filter
Place a filter-lined pour-over cone, like this one from KitchenAid brand, over a coffee cup or carafe. Pour just enough water to wet the filter and warm your container, then discard the water.
STEP 3: Add medium-fine coffee grounds
Add your medium-fine coffee grounds to the pour-over cone. For extra precision, place the entire setup on a scale to keep track of how much water you will add in the next steps to maintain the proper ratio.
STEP 4: Let the coffee grounds bloom
Slowly pour about twice as much water as your grounds, starting in the center of the cone and spiraling towards the edges. Make sure the grounds are evenly saturated, then wait 30 seconds for the grounds to release gases (or bloom).
STEP 5: Pour more water onto the grounds
Slowly pour about ⅓ of your remaining water over the grounds using a spiral pattern from the center to the edges and back again. Let sit for another 45–60 seconds. Repeat two more times, allowing the water to drain completely each time.
STEP 6: Discard the filter and serve
Discard the filter with used grounds and enjoy your resulting brew. Make sure to turn off your electric kettle when you’re done using it.
Shop KitchenAid® Pour Over Coffee Cones and Coffee Making Supplies
Create the best brew for you with the KitchenAid® Coffee Collection. With a selection of espresso machines, drip coffee makers and electric kettles, you have options to suit your coffee-making needs and the right equipment to make your coffee shop favorites. To hone your pour over skills, use the KitchenAid® 2 Cup or 4 Cup Pour Over Cone.
