Why Pour-Over Coffee Is So Good (And So Popular) And How To Make It Right Slideshow

The pour-over coffee method allows for a very robust extraction because the water is pre-heated to the correct temperature, which creates a bold, well extracted mug of coffee in your hands, without the tedious cleanup required with some other coffee-making options.

The chemistry of coffee requires experimentation regardless of brew method. Try these basic steps to making a perfect cup of craft coffee with ease. Adjustments will most likely need to be made as you become more familiar with the process.

What you'll need:

- Fresh coffee (roasted less than two weeks week prior to brewing)
- Coffee grinder
- Single-cup drip coffee cone (ceramic or glass)
- Paper filter to fit
-  Kettle with a swan-necked spout (for precision pouring)
- Coffee cup

Heat water and grind coffee to medium-fine ground — finer than auto-drip, but coarser than the size used for an espresso shot, if you are familiar with that process. A good gauge would be to measure 1.5-2 grams of coffee for every fluid ounce you intend to drink.

Pre-wet the filter with water from the kettle at between 195 degrees F and 205 degrees F; the kettle will reach this temperature after 35-40 seconds once it has been removed from the boil. This will prevent a papery taste (never a good thing) as well as preheat the cup. Dump water from cup.

This is where precision and patience come into play. Begin pouring again very slowly, until the water level reaches halfway up the cone, for optimal "extraction." Continue pouring in a circular motion, starting at the center of the cone and working your way outwards, avoiding pouring directly onto the filter. This process should take 40 to 45 seconds. Pause long enough to let the grounds settle, then begin pouring again until the cup is nearly full.