Manual Brewing (Pour-Over)

A great way to prepare fresh coffee one cup at a time is to use a cone shaped manual, or pour-over brewer. This is an easy way to prepare fresh, high-clarity brewed coffee in an environment that is easy to clean, control, and maintain.  These filters are sometimes referred to by the brand name Melitta. Brewing with the pour-over method is extremely cost effective and requires very little counter space.
Manual filter cones or baskets come in different shapes and sizes. It is important to use a brew basket that is appropriate for the amount of coffee you wish to brew. A wedge shaped filter is better for brewing smaller amounts of coffee (1 to 3 cups) and flat-bottomed baskets work best for larger brews.

How to Use a Manual Filter

The items necessary for preparing coffee using this brewing method are:

Proper grind and portioning, as always, are essential in order for proper extraction to occur. The amount of ground coffee you use depends on how much you are brewing. A general rule of thumb for filter coffee is approximately 2 tablespoons per 6 oz. Of course you can always adjust to your taste.

1. Preheat your mug or thermos with hot water.
2. Place a filter into the brew basket.
3. Boil water. (Water temp. should be approx. 95 degree C/203 degree F.)
4. Measure the coffee into the filter and level out the bed of coffee a bit to obtain an even extraction.
5. Measure hot water and pour a small amount of water over the grounds to moisten the surface. Let stand a few seconds to allow the grounds to absorb the water and any “blooming” to dissipate.
6. Slowly pour the remaining water over the grounds in a circular motion. If any of the grounds remain dry or if the flow of the drip stops, give it a stir.
7. After the water has run through all the grounds remove the basket from the container and stir the coffee.
8. Enjoy!