Brenna Miles | Apr 12, 2023
How to Make Pour Over Coffee at Home & On the Go
Hey there, coffee connoisseur. Looking for a perfectly steamy cup of joe? If so, using the pour over method can get you there. In just a few simple steps, you can brew a delicious mug—no bulky drip machine required.
In this guide, we show you how to make pour over coffee at home and on the go. You’ll walk away with tips you can use to make cafe-worthy coffee, whether you’re chilling on the sofa or enjoying time outdoors with friends.
Table of Contents
Why Pour Over Coffee Anyway?
Brewing Pour Over Coffee: Tools of the Trade
How to Make Pour Over Coffee at Home: 3 Simple Steps
How to Make Pour Over Coffee On the Go
Pour Over Coffee Tips & Tricks
Why Pour Over Coffee Anyway?
The pour over coffee brewing method involves pouring water over fresh coffee grounds and allowing the liquid to drip into your waiting mug. And while plenty of brewing methods exist, pour over is popular with coffee aficionados for many reasons.
First, pour over coffee is often bolder and richer in flavor. This is due to the slow process of pouring and dripping, which pulls more flavor from your grounds. The pour over method also allows you to customize the taste of your coffee by switching up the coffee-to-water ratio.
Pour over coffee is super simple to make, requiring only a few steps and tools. This simplicity makes the pour over method an excellent choice for your morning routine or when traveling.
Brewing Pour Over Coffee: Tools of the Trade
To get started with pour over coffee, there are a few basic tools you’ll need:
A kettle: You’ll need hot water to pour over your coffee grounds. A kettle makes warming the water simple. You can opt for an electric kettle or even a more traditional option you can heat over your stove. Kettles that feature a gooseneck spout are best for pour over coffee, as they help you maintain a consistent pour speed.
A dripper or another pour over device: Next, you’ll need a pour over device, such as a dripper that sits on top of your coffee mug. Our personal favorite? The BrüMate 2-in-1 Pour Over, which includes a built-in pour over nesting cup and a 100% leakproof mug.
Coffee filters: You can’t make pour over coffee without a good filter. You can choose from reusable coffee filters made from stainless steel or paper filters. Just make sure the filter you choose will work with your pour over device.
Coffee grounds: Of course, you’ll need some delicious, medium-coarse coffee grounds. You can choose to purchase coffee grounds or grind your own. If you choose to grind your own, you’ll also need to purchase a coffee grinder, whether electric or manual. As for the roast of the beans, that’s completely up to you. For example, if you like a lighter-tasting coffee, try a light roast. If you want a full-bodied cup, go for a dark roast.
How to Make Pour Over Coffee at Home: 3 Simple Steps
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to brew! Luckily, you can make pour over coffee in just three simple steps. Let’s dive right in.
#1. Prep Your Coffee Grounds & Water
First, you’ll want to prep your coffee grounds and water. Heat your filtered water using your kettle. The optimal water temperature for brewing is between 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (90 to 96 Celsius).
While your water is warming, prepare your coffee grounds. If you’re grinding your own coffee, you’ll want a medium-coarse grind. This grind ensures you don’t end up with gritty grounds in your java.
#2. Prep Your Pour Over Dripper
When your water is steamy and your grounds are prepped, you should prep your pour over device. Start by inserting a filter into the pour over and then add your grounds.
If you’re using a dripper, place it on top of your favorite coffee mug. Other drippers, such as the Chemex-style, have a reservoir attached that will collect your coffee.
#3. Get Pouring
Now for the fun part. Using your kettle, you’ll want to start slowly pouring water over the waiting coffee grounds. Focus the stream of water in the middle of the grounds and work outwards in a spiral motion.
As the grounds saturate, liquid gold will begin to drip down. Remember to be patient and don’t oversaturate the grounds. For the best results, pour the water until the housing is around 3/4 full. Let the water sit for 30-45 seconds and then finish with the rest.
And voila, you have a delicious cup of fresh coffee ready for doctoring up any way you’d like. Want to try something new? Here are some of our favorite coffee recipes.
How to Make Pour Over Coffee On the Go
Heading to a chilly tailgate with friends? Heading out to camp over a long weekend? Wherever the day takes you, you can take your pour over coffee too.
To make pour over coffee on the go, you’ll need to follow the same steps as above. However, you can simplify the process by trying the BrüMate Pour Over, the first-ever nesting pour over travel mug.
Using the BrüMate Pour Over is easy. Simply place the Pour Over Cup and one of the included coffee filters into the brewing position. After adding your grounds and steamy water, you’re all set.
Discard your grounds, remove the nesting pour over cup, and voila! You’ll then find your coffee waiting for you in the attached 100% leakproof, triple-insulated travel mug (which you can also use for ice water later). Cool, right?
Plus, the Pour Over comes in a variety of colors and finishes made to fit your unique style. With a 20-ounce capacity (brewing up to 16oz of coffee, with an extra 4oz for any creamer, milk, or other additives you’d like) you’ll have more than enough fuel to power through your day.
Pour Over Coffee Tips & Tricks
Now that you have the basics down pat, it’s time to up the ante and start brewing coffee just like your favorite barista. Below are some tips to help you do just that.
#1. Invest in a Scale
A scale is a great tool when using the pour over method. While you can see results by just pouring water over coffee grounds, a scale allows you to be more precise.
For example, you can weigh your coffee to ensure you’re using the perfect amount. You can also use the scale to measure the amount of water you’re pouring over the grounds. A scale helps ensure you get the coffee-to-water ratio just right for the best cup.
When looking for a scale, you’ll want to choose one that measures both ounces and grams. You’ll also want a scale that’s wide enough to hold your mug or other pour over device so you can measure as you pour.
#2. Get Your Coffee-to-Water Ratio Right
What is the perfect coffee-to-water ratio? It depends. Most people brew coffee using a ratio of 1:15 to 1:20. This means that for every gram of coffee you use, you’ll use anywhere from 15 to 20 grams of water.
If you want a stronger cup of coffee, start with a lower ratio. For a lighter cup of joe, try a higher ratio. Over time, you’ll get to know what works best for you.
#3. Bloom Your Coffee
Ready for some science? Coffee beans contain carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide can prevent the water from fully extracting the flavor from your grounds. So, it’s best to bloom your coffee before continuing your pour.
How do you bloom? Simply add enough water to lightly saturate your coffee grounds. Then, allow the grounds to sit for around 30 seconds. Bubbles will form on the top of your grounds, which is a sign that the bloom is working. After 30 seconds have passed, you can continue your pour over.
Try the BrüMate Pour Over for the Perfect Cup of Joe On the Go
From camping to commuting, it’s easy to take your favorite coffee with you wherever you go with the BrüMate Pour Over. You can grab one for yourself right here in a wide range of unique colors and finishes.