How to Brew the Perfect Pour-Over at Home

If you love a fresh cup of coffee but think you need a fancy setup to get it right, think again. Brewing the perfect pour-over at home is simple, satisfying, and — best of all — you don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to get started.

At Bellwood Coffee, we’re all about making great coffee accessible, so here’s your step-by-step guide to mastering the pour-over method with what you’ve got on hand.

Why Pour-Over Coffee?

Pour-over coffee is loved for its clean, bright flavor and full control over the brewing process. It’s a great way to highlight the unique notes of your favorite Bellwood single-origin or blend — whether it’s a juicy natural process or a smooth, chocolatey coffee.

What You’ll Need

• 21 grams freshly roasted coffee beans (we recommend Bellwood’s fresh whole bean coffee)

• Kalita Wave 185 Dripper

• A grinder (a burr grinder is ideal, but a blade grinder can work in a pinch)

• 350 grams (or mL, 1mL water = 1 gram) hot water (about 205°F or 15 seconds off the boil)

• A mug or carafe

• A gooseneck kettle if available

• A kalita filter (paper or reusable)

Step-by-Step: Brewing Your Perfect Cup

1. Prep the Kalita:

   Place the filter in the Kalita and rinse it with hot water. This gets rid of any paper taste and warms everything up. Dump the rinse water.
   Add Your Coffee:

2.  

   Grind your coffee through a burr grinder to a medium-fine grind; think sea salt!
   Pour 21 grams of ground coffee into the filter and give it a little shake to even it out.

3. Brew

   Start your timer and pour about 50 grams of hot water (just enough to wet all the grounds). Let it sit for 30 seconds—this is called the "bloom." It helps release gasses from the coffee, allowing it to continue brewing properly.
   At 0:30 seconds, slowly add water in a small, circular motion until you've poured to a total of 250 grams, around the 1:30 mark. Rest for 15 seconds. 
   At 1:45, pour the rest of the water (to 350 grams) in the same slow, circular motion. Aim to finish pouring by the 2:15 mark
   

4. Let It Drip:

   Once you've poured all the water, just let it drip through. The whole process should end around the 2:30-2:45 mark.
   Enjoy!

5. Slow down and savor this one; you’ve earned it! Look for the tasting notes on the bag, and send us any other notes you’re tasting!

Pro Tips for Pour-Over Success

• Use fresh, quality coffee (Bellwood’s freshly roasted beans are a great start).

• Keep your water temperature just off boiling (around 200°F).

• Pour slowly and steadily for even extraction.

• Experiment with grind size and coffee-to-water ratio to find your perfect balance.

Why Fresh Coffee Matters

Your pour-over can only be as good as the coffee you start with. That’s why Bellwood roasts in small batches and ships fast — so you get fresh whole bean coffee bursting with flavor every time.

Ready to Try?

Grab your Bellwood beans, your favorite mug, and start brewing. Pour-over coffee is a simple way to elevate your mornings and savor the complex flavors specialty coffee has to offer.