Pourover Equipment Recommendations

Pourover Equipment Recommendations

To get started with pourover, this is a checklist of the equipment you'll need:

  • Brewer and filter papers
  • Scale
  • Kettle
  • Timer
  • Grinder

Brewers

Conical Brewers:

Conical brewers are called conical brewers, well because they are shaped like a cone. They tend to produce cups with the highest clarity, meaning individual flavor notes are more separated and easier to pick apart. However, conical brewers are more sensitive to your pouring technique and require more care during brewing to repeat the same cup consistently.

Note: There are other conical drippers on the market that may have different aesthetics and angles, but having a basic one is more than enough.

Choosing Size 01 vs 02

Size 01 works best for <15g of ground coffee. With a 1:16 ratio, it will result in about an 8oz coffee. (If a Starbucks mug is too much coffee, then go with 01)

Size 02 works best for >20g of ground coffee. With a 1:16 ratio, it will result in about a 10oz coffee. (Filling a Starbucks mug to a comfortable level without spilling)

Conical Filter Paper:

Note: Nicer filter paper drains faster and is more consistent. This allows for more experimentation with other variables while brewing without stalling (water drains too slowly) the brew.

Flat Bottom Brewers:

Unlike conical brewers with pointy ends, flat bottom brewers have a flat bottom (hence the name). They tend to brew a more consistent and rounded cup, where the flavors are well integrated. Flat bottom brewers are less affected by pouring technique and make it easier to repeat brews.

Note: There are also other flat bottom brewers with different aesthetics and materials. Some can have faster drawdowns and you can experiment more with other variables.

Choosing Size 155 vs 185

This is the same choice as choosing size 01 vs 02 for conical brewers.

Size 155 works best for <15g of ground coffee. With a 1:16 ratio, it will result in about an 8oz coffee. (If a Starbucks mug is too much coffee, then go with 01)

Size 185 works best for >20g of ground coffee. With a 1:16 ratio, it will result in about a 10oz coffee. (Filling a Starbucks mug to a comfortable level without spilling)

Flat Bottom Filter Paper:

  • Basic Kalita Wave filter - Kalita Wave Filter Paper
  • Nicer filter paper but only available in size 155 - xBloom Filter Paper
  • Nicer filter paper that drains faster for a clearer brew but not sold on Amazon - Sibarist, April, Orea

Note: Nicer filter paper drains faster and is more consistent. This allows for more experimentation with other variables while brewing without stalling (water drains too slowly) the brew.

Scale:

Using a scale while you brew helps you make repeatable cups.

Any scale that has 0.1g precision works - Maestri House Scale

Kettle:

A gooseneck is preferred because you can control the pour speed and precision. A regular kettle spout can't control the flow well enough.

Any temperature controlled electric gooseneck kettle works, just find a brand with good reviews or your preferred aesthetics - INTASTING Gooseneck Electric Kettle

Timer:

Just use your phone or your scale/kettle if it has a timer function.

Each coffee grinds and brews differently. Using a timer gives you a reference to compare to so you know how the coffee differs. It will help you dial in your coffee.

Grinder:

There are way too many grinders on the market, each designed for a different purpose. These grinder recommendations are for pourovers only. They don't have the adjustment granularity or motor power to grind for espresso. Their flavor profiles also lean toward higher clarity, which may not be what you want for espresso. There will be a separate guide for a deeper dive into grinders.

These grinders are recommendations for pourovers only. If you want to use the same grinder for espresso, do not get these.

If you are okay with manually grinding coffee - 1zpresso Q Air

If manually grinding is too much - Fellow Ode Gen 2

If your budge can stretch a little further - Femobook A4Z