The Chorreador, a Costa Rican coffee maker, brews rich, bold coffee with a wooden or wire stand and a sock-like cloth filter called a “colador” or “bolsa.” Fill the cloth with ground coffee, pour hot water slowly, and watch it drip into your mug. It’s a traditional method that’s easy to use and loved for its flavor control. Here’s how it works, its history, and why it’s a must-try for coffee fans.
What is a Chorreador de Café?
A Chorreador is a simple device with a stand (wood or wire) and a cloth filter held open by a rim. I first saw one while studying in Costa Rica, watching my host family brew coffee each morning. It looked basic but made amazing coffee—smooth and full-bodied. At my roastery, a wooden Chorreador sparked countless chats with customers curious about its origins and use.
Born in the 19th century as Costa Rica’s coffee industry grew, the Chorreador adapted pre-Columbian filtration for quick brewing. Its name, from the Spanish “chorrear” (to drip), reflects the slow drip process. Used in homes, rural cafes, and festivals like Tarrazu’s Festival del Café, it’s a symbol of Costa Rican coffee culture, delivering top-quality coffee with minimal gear.
Types of Chorreadors: Wood and Wire
Chorreadors come in wood or wire styles, each with its own look and feel. Wooden ones, crafted from Costa Rican woods, double as decor, while wire versions are light and practical. Both hold the cloth filter steady, letting you brew bold coffee with a setup that fits your style.
Wood Chorreador
Wooden Chorreadors, often made from sustainable cedar or guanacaste, are popular souvenirs for tourists. Their tropical look makes them great display pieces. Artisans like Café Tico, based near San José, handcraft them with care (Café Tico). Prices vary by wood type, with rosewood models costing more.
Wire Chorreador
Wire Chorreadors are lightweight and basic, built for everyday use. Found in small Costa Rican stores, not souvenir shops, they’re cheap and portable—perfect for travel. They hold the cloth filter steady and get the job done without fuss.
What is the Best Coffee to Use?
Costa Rican coffee, especially from Tarrazu or small-batch roasters, is the go-to for Chorreadors. It offers full body, crisp acidity, and bright, fruity notes. A light to medium roast highlights these flavors best. Buy fresh whole beans from a local roaster and grind them just before brewing for maximum taste. Check our home brewing guide for more tips.
Use a medium-fine grind and a 15:1 water-to-coffee ratio (e.g., 20g coffee, 300g water) for a standard mug. Any high-quality coffee works, but Costa Rican beans make it authentic.
Brewing Coffee in a Chorreador
Brewing with a Chorreador is like pour-over with a Costa Rican twist, taking about 4 minutes. Here’s what you need and how to do it:
Essentials:
- Chorreador (wood or wire)
- Cloth filter (bolsa)
- Burr grinder
- Scale
- 20g coffee
- 300g water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Place a mug under the Chorreador and hang the cloth filter in the top hole.
- Rinse the filter with clean water (no soap) and drain it.
- Grind 20g of coffee to a medium-fine size.
- Heat water to 195–205°F (or boil and wait 30 seconds).
- Add ground coffee to the filter.
- Pour 40g of water, wait 30 seconds for the bloom (optional for fresh coffee).
- Slowly pour the remaining 260g of water, letting coffee drip into the mug (takes ~4 minutes).
- Done! Enjoy your coffee. Adjust to a 13:1 ratio for a stronger brew.
Cleaning a Chorreador
Cleaning is easy. Rinse the cloth filter with warm water after each use—no soap. A brown stain is normal and won’t affect taste. Once a week, rub the filter with salt under water, then rinse thoroughly and air dry. Replace the bolsa every 6–12 months if it looks worn.
Where and How to Buy a Chorreador
In Costa Rica, buy wire Chorreadors at small stores or wood ones at souvenir shops. Online, Café Tico offers handcrafted wooden models made sustainably, built to last. Specialty coffee shops worldwide now stock Chorreadors, as baristas use them to brew Costa Rican beans pour-over style. Check eco-friendly options for a greener choice.