How to Brew the Perfect Pour-Over Coffee (e.g., Hario V60, Kalita Wave)
Mastering pour-over coffee unlocks clarity, flavor, and control in every cup. If you’re aiming for barista-level results at home, this guide will take you from bean to brew with precision.
What is Pour-Over Coffee and Why It Matters
Pour-over coffee is a manual brewing method where hot water is slowly poured over coffee grounds, allowing gravity to draw out the flavors. It’s favored for its clarity and complexity, highlighting subtle tasting notes. Devices like the Hario V60 and Kalita Wave are popular due to their unique designs that control flow rate and extraction.
What You Need Before You Brew
- Pour-over device: Hario V60, Kalita Wave, or Chemex
- Paper filters (specific to your device)
- Freshly roasted coffee beans
- Burr grinder
- Gooseneck kettle (for precision)
- Digital scale
- Timer
- Thermometer (optional)
- Filtered water
Step-by-Step: How to Brew Pour-Over Coffee
1. Heat the Water
- Temperature: 195°F to 205°F (90–96°C)
- Tip: Let water boil and cool for 30 seconds to reach the ideal range.
2. Weigh and Grind the Coffee
- Ratio: 1 gram of coffee per 15–17 grams of water
- Example: 20 g coffee to 300–340 g water
- Grind size: Medium-fine (like table salt)
- Kalita Wave prefers medium; Hario V60 does well with medium-fine
3. Rinse the Filter
- Place the paper filter in the dripper
- Rinse with hot water to eliminate paper taste and preheat your vessel
- Discard rinse water
4. Add Coffee Grounds
- Pour ground coffee into the filter
- Shake gently to level the bed for even extraction
5. Bloom (First Pour)
- Start your timer
- Pour 2–3x the weight of coffee in water (e.g., 40 g water for 20 g coffee)
- Let it bloom for 30–45 seconds
- Why: Releases trapped gas, allowing for even saturation
6. Continue Pouring
- Pour slowly in concentric circles from the center outward
- Pause between pours to maintain water level (don’t flood)
- Total brew time: 2:30 to 3:30 minutes
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Swirl the final brew to mix flavors evenly
- Serve immediately in a preheated cup
Pro Tips for Better Pour-Over
- Use a gooseneck kettle for precision pouring
- Avoid pouring directly on filter walls
- Use a timer for consistency
- Pre-wet filters to reduce papery taste
- Use fresh, specialty-grade beans for best results
Best Beans for Pour-Over
- Light to medium roasts shine in pour-over methods
- Highlight fruity, floral, or tea-like notes
- Try single-origin beans from Ethiopia, Kenya, or Colombia
For great beans, check out Blue Bottle Coffee, Stumptown Coffee, or Onyx Coffee Lab.
Cleaning Your Gear
- Rinse dripper, filter holder, and carafe with hot water
- Deep clean weekly with a mix of vinegar and water or Cafiza
- Store in a dry area to avoid mold
