Manual coffee-making methods are increasing in popularity due to low cost tools, simplicity and control over the end product.

The final cup is similar to that of a drip coffeemaker, but noticeably more delicate and complex. The visual experience enjoyed with this routine, gets you in tune with your coffee!

Step 1: Rinse & Preheat

Place your filter in the dripper and rinse it thoroughly with hot water.

This removes paper taste and preheats your brewer.
Discard the rinse water.

Step 2: Dose & Grind

Use a 1:15–1:17 ratio depending on preference:

• Example: 20g coffee to 300–340ml water

Grind medium to medium-coarse (similar to coarse sand).
Grind fresh for best flavour.

Step 3: Bloom

Add coffee to the filter and tare your scale.

Pour 2–3x the coffee weight in water (e.g. 40–60ml for 20g coffee), ensuring all grounds are saturated.

Let it bloom for 30–45 seconds.

Step 4: Main Pour

Slowly pour in stages, keeping the water level steady and avoiding pouring directly onto the filter walls.

A simple structure:

• Pour up to ~150ml
• Then up to final weight (300–340ml)

Use a gentle circular motion for even extraction.

Step 5: Drawdown

Allow the water to fully drain through the coffee bed.

Total brew time: ~2:30–3:00

The bed should look flat and even when finished.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the dripper, give the coffee a gentle swirl, and enjoy.

Pour Over Troubleshooting

My coffee tastes sour

This is usually under-extraction.

To fix it:

• Grind finer
• Increase brew time
• Pour more slowly and evenly
• Ensure full saturation during bloom

My coffee tastes bitter

This is usually over-extraction.

To fix it:

• Grind coarser
• Decrease brew time
• Pour a bit more gently (avoid over-agitation)

My coffee tastes weak or watery

This is a strength issue.

To fix it:

• Use more coffee (adjust your ratio)
• Check that your brew time isn’t too short

My coffee tastes hollow or uneven

Often caused by uneven extraction.

To fix it:

• Improve your pour consistency
• Make sure all grounds are evenly saturated
• Avoid pouring only in the center or only on the edges
• Use a gentle swirl after pouring to level the bed

My brew is too slow

To fix it:

• Grind coarser
• Avoid clogging filters with too many fines
• Pour more gently

My brew is too fast

To fix it:

• Grind finer
• Pour more slowly
• Ensure proper bloom and saturation