Purover
How a pourover works
A pourover is an accessory and one of the methods of brewing coffee. Hot water gradually passes through ground coffee in a filter. We get a clean, aromatic drink.
This is one of the most popular ways to make coffee, based on the principle of extracting flavors from coffee beans by slowly flowing water through coffee.
The pourover has won the hearts of true coffee connoisseurs due to its ease of use, the ability to control each stage of the process, and the perfect balance of the taste of the finished drink.
This brewing method appeared at the end of the 19th century. In 1908, German housewife Melitta Benz invented the first paper coffee filter. She used this filter for brewing, and thus got rid of excess bitterness and small particles of coffee.
Modern funnels, in particular popular models such as Hario V60 and Chemex, became popular only in the middle of the 20th century. They became the basis for the coffee culture known as Third Wave Coffee.
The principle of operation of the pourover is quite simple: ground coffee is placed in a filter, after which hot water is slowly poured on top. First, blooming is performed – pre-wetting the coffee with a small amount of water for 30-45 seconds, which allows carbon dioxide to escape from the beans. This is followed by a gradual extraction of aromatic oils and other flavor components contained in the beans. The total brewing time is usually 2.5-4 minutes.
The key is to control the temperature of the water and the speed at which it flows through the coffee. The funnel allows for more precise control of the brewing process, the ratio of water to coffee, temperature and time compared to other methods.
As a result, the consumer receives a drink with a clean taste, without sediment and bitterness, which meets his individual preferences.
In addition, the pourover allows you to preserve the entire palette of flavors, thanks to which the drink is rich and expressive.
The conditional disadvantages of this method include the need to purchase a kettle with a thin spout and scales, as well as a slightly longer brewing process compared to automatic methods.
Types of pourovers
Pourovers differ in design and material. The shape of the funnel and the material of manufacture directly affect the speed and uniformity of extraction. For example, models with metal filters can leave more oils, which give the coffee a richer taste, while paper filters provide a clean and soft.
Funnels are made of different materials:
Glass provides a neutral taste and an elegant look.
Ceramic allows you to retain heat longer.
Metal is resistant to high temperatures.
Plastic is a cheap material that retains heat, but can affect the taste.
Paper filters for pourovers are classified by size: 01 (for 1-2 cups), 02 (for 2-4 cups), 03 and 04 (for a larger number of servings). The most popular brands have their own standards, so it is important to choose filters that are compatible with your funnel.
Bleached filters are treated with oxygen, which makes them neutral in taste. Unbleached (brown) filters are more environmentally friendly, but require a mandatory rinse with hot water before use to avoid the taste of paper.
Among the popular options, we highlight the following:
Kalita Wave – a model from the Japanese brand Kalita with a flat bottom and three holes for draining water. It uses special filters with a wavy bottom. This design contributes to uniform brewing of coffee and a stable result even for beginners.
Chemex – a funnel that combines elegance and functionality. It has a glass design and special dense paper filters that retain even the smallest particles and most coffee oils, which helps to get an exceptionally clean and soft drink.
Hario V60 – this model has a conical design and spiral ribs inside the funnel. This design ensures a uniform flow of water and allows you to control the extraction. It will be a godsend for those who want to experiment with different brewing parameters.
Our store features models that combine the advantages of immersion (infusion) and filtration (dripping), a special valve allows you to adjust the degree of extraction, as well as models that come complete with a carafe for greater convenience.
Hario V60: detailed review
Purovers of this type are most widely represented in the Kyiv City Roastery store.
The Hario V60 has a conical shape with one large hole in the center. This allows water to pass evenly through the ground coffee and ensure good extraction. Spiral ribs inside the funnel help the water move in the right direction. Together with the 60-degree angle, they create optimal conditions for brewing.
The Hario V60 gives maximum control over the brewing process. Baristas can change the speed of pouring water and its temperature, which allows you to create coffee with the perfect taste according to the personal preferences of customers.
The Hario V60 is available in different sizes (for 1-4 cups) and materials (ceramic, plastic, metal). The ceramic V60 is suitable for home use, and the plastic one is for travel or for those looking for a budget option.
We carefully check the quality and functionality of all devices and accessories and offer our customers only the best.
Selection criteria: what to look for
When choosing a pour over, think about how many cups you plan to prepare at the same time. This determines the size and volume.
The choice of material from which the accessory is made depends on your budget and aesthetic preferences. All materials perform their tasks well.
The shape and angle of inclination, size and number of drainage holes affect the extraction speed and the final taste of the coffee.
Additional features, such as the presence of spiral ribs or special filters, play an important role in the coffee extraction process. The spiral ribs characteristic of the Hario V60 models help the water move evenly, which contributes to better extraction and preservation of aroma. Special filters, such as thick Chemex filters or metal filters, can affect the purity of the taste and the amount of oils that get into the drink. The choice of filter and pourover design allows you to control the texture of the coffee, its softness and richness, creating a unique taste profile for each user.
These parameters are not easy for beginners to understand, so it is better to turn to specialists. The managers of the Kyiv City Roastery are open to your questions and will be happy to help you choose the best option.
How to properly brew coffee in a pourover
You will need a scale, a kettle with a thin spout, a thermometer and filters.
Step-by-step process:
Heat the pourover and cup.
Add medium-ground coffee, similar in texture to sugar, to the filter. It is usually recommended to use 15-18 g of coffee per 250 ml of water.
Slowly pour the water, starting from the center. The water temperature should be 90-96℃.
After brewing, stir the coffee and let it brew for a few minutes.
Common mistakes:
Incorrect coffee to water ratio.
Pouring water too quickly or too slowly.
Using the wrong water temperature.
Where and how to buy a funnel
A large selection of pourovers and other coffee accessories can be found both on marketplaces and in specialized stores, such as Kyivska Miska Roasteria. Read reviews, trust sellers with a good long-term reputation.
Prices for funnels can vary from several hundred to several thousand hryvnias, depending on the brand and material.
Practical advice from professionals
A pour-over is not only a way to make the perfect cup of coffee, but also part of coffee culture. A mechanical coffee grinder will be a harmonious duo for it.
If you are a beginner, it is better to buy a Hario V60 or Kalita Wave.
This convenient accessory requires care. Wash it thoroughly after each use.
Although a pour-over requires special equipment and attention to detail, the result is worth the effort. And the availability of different types of funnels allows you to adapt the method to your own preferences and enjoy the perfect cup of filter coffee every day.