How to Make Pour Over Coffee at Home

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Nothing can beat a good cup of coffee in the morning, but not all people can buy a coffee machine. In this case, learning how to make pour over coffee is the way to go.

Pour over coffee is a brewing method where hot water is slowly poured over ground coffee in a filter. The water passes through the coffee grounds, then drips into a cup or pot below. This method will give you a clean and flavorful cup of coffee. 

In this article, we will learn how to make pour over coffee at home correctly and tips to help you succeed. We will also share some other ways to make a good cup of coffee without a coffee machine at home. We gathered the information from various sources, Monday (22/9/2025).

Before we start, it is important to have the right tools. Each tool helps you make a better cup of coffee. Here are the items you need:

1. Pour Over Coffee Dripper: This essential tool holds the coffee filter and sits directly on top of your mug or carafe. It allows water to pass through the grounds slowly, giving you a clean and flavorful cup.

2. Coffee Filters: Paper filters or reusable ones help hold the coffee grounds in place. They keep the unwanted particles from ending up in your drink, ensuring your coffee stays smooth and enjoyable.

3. Freshly Ground Coffee Beans: Medium ground beans are best for pour over coffee. This grind size lets water flow evenly through the grounds, balancing the extraction and bringing out the coffee’s natural flavors.

4. Kettle: A gooseneck kettle is ideal for pour over coffee because it gives you control over the speed and direction of your pour. This makes brewing more precise and consistent.

5. Hot Water: Use hot water just below boiling, around 90–96°C (195–205°F). This temperature range extracts the coffee well without burning the grounds or making the drink taste bitter.

6. Coffee Mug or Carafe: This is the container that collects your brewed coffee. A sturdy mug is great for single servings, while a carafe is perfect for making more than one cup.

7. Scale (Optional): A kitchen scale helps you measure coffee and water accurately. Using it ensures you get the same strength and flavor every time you brew a pour over.

Now, it's time to learn how to make pour over coffee. Follow this instruction to make a good cup of coffee at home:

1. Boil the water: Heat your water to just below boiling. If you don’t have a thermometer, let the water boil, then wait 30 seconds before pouring.

2. Prepare the filter: Place the coffee filter inside the dripper. Pour a little hot water over it to remove any paper taste and to warm the dripper. Discard the rinse water.

3. Measure the coffee: Use about 1–2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 180 ml (6 oz) of water. Adjust based on how strong you like your coffee.

4. Add the coffee grounds: Put the coffee into the filter and gently shake the dripper so the grounds are level.

5. Bloom the coffee: Pour a small amount of hot water over the grounds, just enough to wet them. Let it sit for about 30 seconds. This helps release carbon dioxide and improves flavor.

6. Pour slowly in circles: After blooming, pour the rest of the hot water slowly in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving out. Keep pouring until you reach your desired amount.

7. Wait for dripping to finish: Let the water drip through completely. This usually takes 2–4 minutes.

8. Serve and enjoy: Remove the dripper, discard the filter, and enjoy your fresh cup of pour over coffee.

Once you know the basics, you can improve your brew with a few simple tips. These small changes can make your coffee taste even better:

1. Preheat your mug or carafe: Rinsing your cup with hot water before brewing warms it up. This simple step helps your coffee stay hotter for longer and prevents sudden temperature changes that affect taste.

2. Keep a steady pour: Pouring water slowly and steadily allows it to spread evenly over the grounds. This helps extract balanced flavors and avoids weak spots or over-extracted bitter patches.

3. Try different grind sizes: Changing the grind size changes how water flows through the coffee. A slightly finer grind gives stronger flavors, while a coarser one can make the taste lighter and smoother.

4. Adjust coffee-to-water ratio: Some people like a bold taste, others prefer mild coffee. By trying different ratios, you can customize the strength and create a cup that perfectly matches your preference.

5. Use a gooseneck kettle if possible: A gooseneck kettle makes it easier to guide the water exactly where you want it. This control leads to more consistent brewing and a better-tasting cup.

Beside the pour over method, there are still many ways to brew coffee, even when you don't have a coffee machine. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. French Press: This simple device lets you steep coarse coffee grounds in hot water for a few minutes. After brewing, you press down the plunger, producing a rich, full-bodied cup.

2. Cold Brew: This method involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12–24 hours. It creates a smooth, less acidic drink that tastes refreshing, especially when served over ice.

3. Moka Pot: A stovetop coffee maker that uses steam pressure to brew strong coffee. The result is a bold, concentrated drink similar to espresso, perfect for lovers of deep flavors.

4. Turkish Coffee: Finely ground coffee is gently simmered with water and sugar in a small pot called a cezve. This method creates a strong, thick, and rich drink traditionally enjoyed unfiltered.

5. Instant Coffee: This is the fastest way to make coffee at home. Simply add hot water to the powder or granules, stir well, and you have a quick, convenient cup ready in seconds.

6. Cowboy Coffee: This is the traditional method that is often used outdoors. Coarse coffee grounds are boiled directly in a pot of water, then left to settle before drinking, producing a strong, rustic cup.