Pour over coffee is the simplest way to make a clean, bright, cafe-quality cup at home. You pour hot water slowly over ground coffee in a paper filter, and gravity does the rest.
It takes about 4 minutes and a little practice. This guide covers the gear, the numbers and the method.
The Short Answer
Use a 1:16 coffee to water ratio (about 22 g of coffee to 350 g of water for one large mug), a medium-fine grind, and water just off the boil at 195 to 205°F (90 to 96°C). Bloom the grounds with a little water for 30 to 45 seconds, then pour slowly in circles. The whole brew should finish in about 3 to 4 minutes.
What You Need
- A pour over dripper such as a cone dripper or flat-bottom dripper, plus matching paper filters.
- A burr grinder. Even grounds matter more than anything else; a conical burr coffee grinder gives a consistent medium-fine grind.
- A kettle. A gooseneck spout gives the most control, but any kettle works.
- A kitchen scale (or measuring spoons: about 3 1/2 tablespoons of beans per 12 oz of water).
- A mug you love. See our guide to choosing coffee mugs.
How to Make Pour Over Coffee, Step by Step
Step 1: Heat and rinse
Heat water to 195 to 205°F. Put the filter in the dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove papery flavor and warm everything up. Discard the rinse water.
Step 2: Grind and bloom
Grind 22 g of coffee medium-fine, like coarse sand. Add it to the filter, start a timer, and pour about 45 g of water to wet all the grounds. Wait 30 to 45 seconds while the coffee bubbles and releases gas.
Step 3: Pour in stages
Pour slowly in small circles from the center outward, avoiding the paper. Add water in 2 or 3 pours until you reach 350 g total.
Step 4: Let it drain
The water should finish draining at about 3 to 4 minutes. Swirl and enjoy.
Pour Over Coffee Ratio Chart
| Cups | Coffee | Water |
|---|---|---|
| 1 small (8 oz) | 15 g | 240 g |
| 1 large (12 oz) | 22 g | 350 g |
| 2 mugs (24 oz) | 44 g | 700 g |
Troubleshooting
- Sour or weak: grind finer or pour more slowly so the brew takes longer.
- Bitter or harsh: grind coarser or use slightly cooler water.
- Drains too fast: grind finer.
- Drains too slowly (over 5 minutes): grind coarser.
Equipment I Used
- Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
Planning a busy week? The Slow Cooking for Busy Days guide covers time-saving slow cooker recipes and meal planning.
Pour Over Coffee FAQ
What is the best ratio for pour over coffee?
Start with 1:16, for example 22 g of coffee to 350 g of water. Use 1:15 for stronger coffee and 1:17 for lighter.
What grind size is best for pour over?
Medium-fine, similar to coarse sand. Adjust finer if it tastes sour and coarser if it tastes bitter.
What water temperature for pour over coffee?
195 to 205°F (90 to 96°C), or about 30 seconds off the boil.
Is pour over better than drip coffee?
Pour over gives you more control over each variable, which usually means a cleaner, brighter cup.
