The Best Pour-Over Gear for Brewing Like a Pro

The pour-over method is far more than a simple brewing process. It's a philosophical trek into the epicenter of your inner craftsman.

Prepare yourself, coffee connoisseurs, we're about to unravel the mystic weave of this java journey, so hold onto your Engineered Garments bucket hats. The pour-over coffee methodology is a practice steeped in more than just hot water. It's an alchemical transformation. It isn't merely a conveyor belt for caffeine. No, dear reader, this is a ceremony, a séance with the very soul of the coffee bean.

This is about the unhurried, intimate experience of coaxing the subtle flavors and aromas from those humble beans. It's about understanding the nature of the beast you’re brewing, feeling the weight of the water, the grind, the time.

Coffee is a lot more than just a drink; it's something happening. Not as in hip, but like an event, a place to be, but not like a location, but like somewhere within yourself. It gives you time, but not actual hours or minutes, but a chance to be, like be yourself, and have a second cup.
- Gertrude Stein

Mastering the pour-over method is a humbling homage to the ages-old art of brewing coffee, an intricate dance between you and the bean. This ceremonial immersion allows you to disconnect from the relentless pace of the digital age and reconnect with the innate value of craftsmanship and time.

And there it is, the finishing pour, the crescendo in your caffeinated symphony. The result? A handcrafted cup of coffee that's more than the sum of its parts. A testament to your ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. A triumphant affirmation that in our fast-paced world, slowing down can yield the richest brews.

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Coffee with a Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Sales of pour-over coffee makers have increased by 300% in the last 5 years.

With great power comes great responsibility. Pour-over makers demand more time, effort, and precision than other brewing methods. Each time you enter the pour-over zone, you must conquer the unique challenge by grinding your beans to the perfect coarseness, heating water to the ideal temp, and mastering your pouring technique.

And while there are budget-friendly pour-over makers out there, this is a gateway to bigger things– once you go down the pour-over road, you might find yourself shelling out some serious cash for high-end models and salivating over extra gear like a gooseneck kettle or coffee scale.

But it's all good if you are looking to achieve java nirvana!

A Quick Guide to Pour-Over Coffee Ratios

Pour-over coffee ratio refers to the amount of coffee grounds to water used in the brewing process. The most common ratio is 1:16, which means one part coffee to sixteen parts water. This ratio is a good starting point for beginners and produces a balanced cup of coffee.

But, some coffee enthusiasts prefer a stronger or weaker cup of coffee, and the ratio can be adjusted accordingly. For a stronger cup, a ratio of 1:15 or 1:14 can be used, while a weaker cup can be achieved with a ratio of 1:17 or 1:18.

It's important to note that the grind size of the coffee beans also affects the ratio. A finer grind requires less water, while a coarser grind requires more water. Experimenting with different ratios and grind sizes can lead to finding the perfect cup of pour-over coffee.

Ultimately, the pour-over coffee ratio is a matter of personal preference and can be adjusted to suit individual tastes. It's important to start with a basic ratio and make adjustments based on the desired strength and flavor of the coffee.

Considerations: What Should you look for in your pour-over apparatus?

The pour-over method allows for a clean and nuanced cup of coffee that highlights the unique flavors of the beans.
- James Hoffmann

A pour-over maker is the key to unlocking the full potential of your beloved morning ritual. But there are some things to consider, so let's consider them.

The Material Matters: Ceramic, Glass, or Plastic?

When scoping out the perfect pour-over maker, the dripper material is a crucial factor. Ceramic and glass come out on top in terms of heat retention, but beware, they can be a touch fragile. Plastic, on the other hand, won't shatter and is lightweight and thus highly portable, but may lack in the heat retention department.

Size Matters Too: Brewing for One or Many?

Consider the size of your dripper, as it directly impacts the amount of coffee you can brew at once. Flying solo or brewing for two? A small dripper is the way to go. Need to caffeinate a crowd? A larger dripper for you and your crew.

Shape Up Your Coffee Game: Cone or Flat-bottomed?

Let's talk dripper shape. The classic cone-shaped dripper is praised for its clean, crisp coffee. Flat-bottomed drippers may be less common, but they're all about that full-bodied flavor. The shape game is often overlooked, influencing water flow rate and coffee extraction.

Filter Finesse: Paper or Metal?

Filters play a vital role in your pour-over experience. For those who want to taste all the fruity notes, paper filters are the go-to for a brighter cup, as they trap more oils. Metal filters let more of the microfines through, blessing you with a fuller-bodied brew, but also may result in a less flavorful, less consistent cup.

Design & Aesthetics: Form Meets Function

Last but not least, don't forget about the look and feel of your pour-over maker. Some are all about that striking visual appeal, ready to complement your kitchen's vibe. Others prioritize portability with compact and lightweight designs for coffee on-the-go.

Upgrade Your Coffee Game with Eco-Friendly Pour-Over Vibes

Pushing the Aeropress | Corbett, Oregon — One way to make your pour-over eco friendly is to use an aeropress with the optional reusable filter.

What if we told you pour-over coffee can not only elevate your caffeine experience but also be kind to our planet? We're talking about an eco-friendly pour-over coffee that's all about brewing with a conscience, baby.

Reusable Filters: The Key to Conscious Brewing

First up, let's ditch those disposable paper filters and embrace reusable filters made of cloth or metal. Not only do they make a more robust cup by letting through more micro-fines, but they also reduce waste. Win-win!

Choose Beans That Mother Earth Would Approve

When it comes to beans, opt for those that are ethically sourced and produced with minimal environmental impact. Your taste buds and the planet will thank you.

Go Manual and Break Free from Electricity

Who needs an electric brewing machine when you can go manual with a ceramic or glass pour-over cone? Pair it with a kettle and a scale to measure your coffee and water, and voilà! You've got a sleek, sustainable brewing process that doesn't rely on non-renewable resources.

Can I Get a Pour-Over at Starbucks?

Most of the best speciality (read: 3rd-wave) coffee shops offer pour overs. These places often source speciality beans from around the world, and they want to give you the full spectrum of flavors.

Even some Starbucks offers pour-overs. Customers can request a pour-over at any Starbucks location that offers whole bean coffee. The barista will grind the beans fresh and brew the coffee to order. But, it's important to note that not all Starbucks locations may have the necessary equipment or trained baristas to offer pour-over coffee. It's always best to check with your local Starbucks before ordering.

So if you want to experience the best that the pour-over method has to offer, consider visiting your local speciality shop, and maybe just save Starbucks for when you need something big and sugary.

Unlock the Ultimate Coffee Experience: Our Guide to The Best Pour-over Makers

Sorry that took so long. Now that we have the background info out of the way, let's talk about some of the best pour-over apparatus going. I have personally used most of these, and while I have my favorites, I guarantee that these methods will all help you make a great cup of coffee and help you find joy in experimenting with beans from a variety of roasters around the world.

The Hario V60

The pour-over method is a ritual that allows for a mindful and intentional coffee-making experience.
- Sara C. Schweitzer

If you're looking to elevate your coffee game and make every sip feel like a transcendent experience, then it's time to talk about the Hario V60 – the pour-over maker that's been the go to for industry peeps for a while. It's the Obi-Wan Kenobi of pour-overs, with the multifaceted powers and solid dependability of everybody's favorite Jedi hermit.

This sleek, cone-shaped dripper, adorned with mesmerizing spiral ridges, promises to unlock untold layers of flavor and aroma from your favorite beans. With its generous opening at the base, you'll be in total control of water flow and brew time, crafting the perfect cup every time. And with options galore – think ceramic, glass, and plastic – the V60 is ready to flex and adapt to your growing coffee-making skills.

The Origami Dripper

The pour-over method is preferred by 29% of coffee drinkers.

I use the Origami Dripper at home, and I was beyond validated when I noticed the crew at Discourse using this method for their pour-overs.

Unfurling the secrets of the Origami, those of us who use it have discovered a pour-over prodigy that's all about precision and consistency. Crafted from ceramic with a conical shape, it's the nifty ridges on the inside that keep the coffee filter from cozying up to the sides—an unfortunate occurrence that can lead to uneven extraction. But with the Origami dripper, each cup has masterpiece potential.

Decked out in a variety of hues, the Origami dripper caters to your incredible aesthetic style and your caffeine needs with one-cup and two-cup sizes. And forget about complicated setups—simply perch this gem atop your coffee mug or carafe, slide in a filter, load up your coffee grounds, and let the hot water work its magic. (Note: buying the wood holder thing makes the dripper much easier to perch atop cups, so be ready to make that extra investment.)

Those ingenious ridges will guide the water's flow through the grounds, culminating in a delectable, evenly extracted cup of coffee.

The Chemex

Pour-over coffee has a higher concentration of flavor compounds compared to other brewing methods.

Get ready to upgrade your coffee game with the timeless, aesthetically-pleasing classic that is the Chemex. This pour-over maker has been crushing the coffee scene since the 1940s, sporting a midcentury-fever-dream, sleek hourglass shape crafted from glass or wood. The Chemex isn't just eye-candy, though – it's got serious brewing prowess. Unleash the full potential of your beans with Chemex's thick paper filter, which banishes unwanted flavors and oils to deliver a clean, smooth cup of coffee.

Need to serve a crowd? No problem. The Chemex boasts a larger capacity than most pour-over makers, making it the ideal choice for sharing your coffee mastery with friends and family. If you're a true coffee aficionado, the Chemex is a must-have addition to your collection.

The Bodum

The Bodum coffee pour-over maker is another possible answer to your caffeinated dreams. With its permanent stainless steel mesh filter, you can bid adieu to constantly buying paper filters. Not only is this more convenient, but it's also a major eco-friendly win.

Constructed from high-quality borosilicate glass, the Bodum pour-over maker is durable and heat-resistant. So go ahead and pour that boiling water with confidence, knowing your beloved coffee gadget won't crack or break.

Bodum

The Espro Bloom

Pour-over coffee is less acidic than coffee brewed with a French press.

This bad boy has a killer industrial-looking design that promises a more even extraction and a flavor-packed cup of joe. And let's not forget the Bloom's double micro-filter system, which keeps those pesky grounds out of your cup – we're talking clean and velvety brews, folks.

This unorthox-looking filter is designed to remove any impurities from the coffee, resulting in a cleaner and more flavorful cup of coffee. The micro-filter is also reusable, which means that it is more environmentally friendly than traditional paper filters.

Kalita Wave

Pour-over coffee has a smoother taste profile compared to drip coffee.

If you've been craving a coffee game upgrade, look no further than the Kalita Wave—a pour-over wizard that's been steadily gaining street cred in the caffeine scene. This sleek gadget sports a flat-bottomed dripper and three tiny holes, ensuring your coffee's extraction is as smooth as a dolphin's backflip.

Plus, the wave-like filter design keeps bitterness at bay by preventing over-extraction. With options like stainless steel and ceramic, this bad boy is built to last. Trust us, the Kalita Wave could be your ticket to a consistent, balanced, and life-altering coffee experience.

The Aeropress

In 2020, the global pour-over coffee market was valued at $1.5 billion.

Deets: While some might argue it's a whole different beast than other pour-over methods, we're gonna slide the Aeropress into this convo, 'cause you need to know how ridiculously rad it is. The Aeropress, known for its mad versatility and breezy use, boasts a cylindrical chamber and rocks either a paper or metal filter to extract that sweet, sweet coffee.

This bad boy lets you play around with brewing methods like immersion and pressure, unlocking a wild range of flavors and coffee strengths. Plus, it's portable and a cinch to clean, so you can whip up a cuppa anywhere, anytime. If you're down to experiment with brewing styles and flavors, the Aeropress is a top-notch pick. And it's the most portable of the bunch, meaning you can whip out your Aeropress in an airport, while camping, or if you are in a zombie apocalypse and just need to make one more dope cup of coffee before you get bitten by the undead.

Nailing your pour-over game? Don't Forget About The Kettles.

In the realm of the pour-over coffee game, a kettle isn't just a kettle—it's an essential tool of the trade. Elevate your coffee-slinging skills with the crème de la crème of kettles, those that offer precise temperature control. Why? Because each unique coffee bean demands its own specific water temperature to unleash its true flavor potential. Bonus points if your kettle sports a gooseneck spout, giving you mad control over the water flow during your brew session.

One of the top kettles for pour-over coffee is the Fellow Stagg EKG. It has a sleek design and allows for precise temperature control with its digital display. The gooseneck spout also ensures a steady and controlled pour.

Another great option is the Hario Buono kettle, which is a classic in the pour-over coffee world. It has a simple design and a comfortable handle for easy pouring.

For those on a budget, the Bonavita Gooseneck Kettle is a great option. It has a simple design and allows for precise temperature control. The gooseneck spout also ensures a controlled pour.

Another affordable option is the OXO BREW Adjustable Temperature Electric Pour-Over Kettle. It has a digital display for temperature control and a gooseneck spout for precision pouring.

Ultimately, the best kettle for pour-over coffee will depend on personal preference and budget. However, it is important to choose a kettle that allows for precise temperature control and has a gooseneck spout for controlled pouring. With the right kettle, making pour-over coffee can be a delicious and enjoyable experience.

Enjoy your pour-over-ness.

Starting your day with laughter and friends is pure happiness.

So, next time you're brewing a cup, remember: it's more than coffee. It's a journey. It's your moment of zen. So, immerse yourself, revel in the process, and cherish the craftsmanship of your own artisanal cup.

Welcome to the pour-over revolution.