How to achieve the perfect pour

Coffee can be more than just that extra boost to kick-start your day. It could also be a ritual. While drip coffee is a great option in a pinch, if time allows, a pour-over is a divine treat to indulge in. Also known as a hand brew, this method allows you to take control of all the variables of the brewing process to craft it precisely to your taste. Making your cup of coffee this way can be an almost meditative addition to your morning routine. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of coffee or you’re a seasoned professional, read on to learn more about perfecting your pour-over.

Any great pour-over will hinge on the equipment you use to achieve it. Here are the must-haves:

First and foremost, you should pick out a pour-over brewing device. Several options will all lend nicely to a smooth brewing process. You really can’t go wrong if you have a great brewing method but, if you want to optimize your brew, consider buying a Hario V60 decanter. This plastic brewer doesn’t feature the three holes flat-bottom pour-over brewers have so it offers a faster, more efficient drawdown.

A digital scale will aid in measuring out precise amounts of coffee grounds and water. This is absolutely critical when making a pour-over. As you shop around for a digital scale, be sure it’s capable of measuring to the .1g.

This one is not that hard — any old spoon will do. This tool will be helpful at the end of the brewing process.

Water will determine a lot when it comes to the taste of your brew. Filtered water will offer the best results. You can either use bottled water or a water filtering device such as a Brita filter.

Water temperature is key when it comes to crafting a pour-over. Ideally, you should look into getting a goose-neck electric kettle. A normal electric kettle will work too; it will just be more challenging to get a consistent pour. A pouring kettle is not recommended as you may lose valuable temperature as you transfer the hot water from its source.

This is by far the most important factor when making any cup of coffee. Even if you brew your cup to perfection, it will be lackluster if you use low-quality beans. There’s a lot that goes into sourcing coffee beans, your personal taste included. Start by looking into local coffee roasters if you’re still learning your preferences.

A burr grinder will offer even, uniform grounds. An electric burr grinder will cut down on time but if you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can also use a hand grinder.

Purchase paper filters specifically made for pour-over cones. Fast papers will aid in the drawdown process but they are not a requirement.

Hopefully, at this point, you’re more tuned into the intricacies that go into a perfect cup of pour-over coffee. As you fine-tune your process, keep these final tips in mind to take your brew to the next level.