How to Make Pour-Over Coffee With an Innovative Drip Brewer
Pour-over coffee is a beloved brewing method for those seeking control over every aspect of their cup. However, there’s a unique drip brewer on the market that simplifies this process while maintaining the quality and precision pour-over enthusiasts love. Unlike traditional pour-over brewers that rely on the user to manually control the water flow over the coffee grounds, this brewer introduces an innovative mechanism. It collects the water poured into it and evenly distributes the water over the coffee grounds for a more uniform extraction.
How does it compare to other flat-bottom pour-over brewers? Let’s explore how to use it and evaluate its effectiveness.
The Equipment
Using this drip brewer for the first time can feel like assembling a puzzle. The parts are compactly stored together, so the first step is to unpack and set it up.
- Open the outer shell to access the internal components.
- Inside, there’s an additional compartment with more sections.
- Once fully unpacked, the brewer consists of a dripper, a water distribution spout, a water reservoir, and an optional stand. A mug or jar will also be needed for brewing.
Measuring the Coffee
Included with the brewer is a scoop, but note that it holds 6-7 grams of coffee rather than the 15 grams stated in its labeling. This discrepancy isn’t a problem, as the brewing process follows a straightforward ratio.
To brew 10 ounces of coffee (approximately 300 milliliters), use 20 grams of coffee, or about three scoops. This results in a 15:1 water-to-coffee ratio, which is a balanced starting point for most pour-over recipes.
One of the brewer’s clever features is its water reservoir, which holds exactly 150 milliliters of water per fill. For a 10-ounce brew, simply fill the reservoir twice, eliminating the need for additional weighing or measuring.
Grinding the Coffee
Since this is a flat-bottom pour-over brewer, a medium grind is ideal, similar to what you’d use for other flat-bottom brewers. This grind size promotes even extraction and enhances flavor clarity.
Brewing the Coffee
Step 1: Assemble the Brewer
Begin by connecting the water reservoir to the water distribution spout. Set this assembly aside for later use.
Step 2: Rinse the Filter (Optional)
The brewer uses flat-bottom filters, similar to those used by other well-known coffee devices. Place the filter into the dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove any potential paper taste. Discard the rinse water.
For white filters, rinsing might not be necessary, but for unbleached brown filters, it’s generally recommended to avoid imparting any paper flavor to the brew.
Step 3: Add Ground Coffee
Place 20 grams (or three scoops) of medium-ground coffee into the filter. Set the dripper over your mug or jar. If the dripper doesn’t fit the mug, use the optional stand to stabilize the setup.
Step 4: Attach the Reservoir and Spout
Place the connected water reservoir and spout assembly on top of the dripper. This completes the brewing stack.
Step 5: Heat and Add Water
Heat water to 200°F (93°C). Fill the water reservoir to the top and allow it to drain completely through the spout. Repeat this process once more to add a total of 300 milliliters of water for the brew.
Step 6: Remove and Serve
Once the coffee finishes brewing, remove the brewing stack from the mug or jar. Your pour-over coffee is now ready to enjoy.
What Makes This Brewer Special
The standout feature of this brewer is its water distribution spout. Traditional pour-over methods require careful pouring to ensure even saturation of the coffee grounds, a skill that can take practice to master. This brewer automates that process, evenly dispersing water across the grounds in a consistent manner.
This feature mimics the precision of high-end automatic drip coffee makers but at a more affordable price point. It reduces the chance of user error, allowing anyone to achieve a balanced extraction without advanced pouring techniques.
Final Thoughts
This innovative brewer offers a new approach to pour-over coffee by automating the most challenging aspect of the process: water distribution. Its thoughtful design, combined with the ease of use, makes it a compelling choice for both beginners and seasoned coffee enthusiasts.
Whether you’re seeking convenience or consistency, this brewer delivers a high-quality cup without compromising the artistry of pour-over coffee.
