Nothing beats the simplicity of a Melitta Pour Over for a great cup of coffee. Invented by Melitta Bentz in 1908, this manual brewing method is a timeless way to make coffee at home, on the road, or even at the office. Its single-hole cone design and paper filters deliver a clean, rich brew with minimal fuss. Whether you’re new to pour-over coffee or looking to refine your technique, this guide walks you through each step to brew a perfect cup.
With just a few tools and a little practice, you’ll enjoy coffee that’s bold, smooth, and tailored to your taste. Let’s get started with everything you need to know about mastering the Melitta Pour Over.
Why Choose a Melitta Pour Over?
The Melitta Pour Over is affordable, easy to use, and perfect for single servings. Its single-hole design slows the brewing process, giving you a full-bodied cup with less effort than other pour-over methods like the Hario V60. Plus, Melitta’s paper filters remove bitter oils, leaving you with a smooth, clear brew.
What You’ll Need
Brewing Summary
- Melitta Pour Over (plastic or porcelain, single-cup model)
- Melitta #2 cone filters
- Digital scale
- Gooseneck kettle (or standard kettle)
- Freshly roasted coffee beans
- Filtered water
- Burr grinder
- Mug or carafe
- Timer
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Brew Time | 3.5 minutes |
| Coffee | 20g |
| Water | 320g |
| Coffee-to-Water Ratio | 1:16 |
| Grind Size | Medium (like coarse sand) |
| Water Temperature | 195–205°F (90–96°C) |
Step-by-Step Guide to Melitta Pour Over
1. Heat the Water
Bring filtered water to 195–205°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, boil the water and let it sit for 30 seconds. Pour some hot water into your mug or carafe to warm it, then discard.
2. Prepare the Filter
Fold the creases of a Melitta #2 filter and place it in the brewer, seams toward the handle. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove paper taste and heat the brewer. Discard the rinse water.
3. Grind the Coffee
Grind 20g of fresh coffee beans to a medium consistency (similar to coarse sand) using a burr grinder. This ensures even extraction without clogging the brewer’s single hole.
4. Add Coffee
Place the brewer on your mug or carafe. Add the ground coffee to the filter and shake gently to level it.
5. Set Up the Scale
Place the brewer, mug, and coffee on a digital scale. Tare (zero out) the scale for accurate measurements.
6. Bloom the Coffee
Pour 50g of hot water over the coffee in a slow, circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Let it bloom for 30 seconds. This releases CO2, improving flavor extraction.
7. First Pour
After the bloom, pour 90g of water (total 140g) in a circular motion, moving from the outside to the center. Pour slowly to avoid overflow. Wait until the water drains to just above the coffee bed.
8. Second Pour
Pour another 100g of water (total 240g), starting from the center and circling outward. Let it drain again until the water level reaches the coffee bed.
9. Final Pour
Pour the remaining 80g of water (total 320g), circling from the outer edges inward to rinse any grounds stuck to the filter sides. Let the coffee drain completely, about 3.5 minutes total.
10. Swirl and Serve
Gently swirl the coffee in the mug or carafe to mix it evenly. Pour and enjoy.
Tips for Perfect Pour-Over
- Adjust Grind Size: If the coffee tastes weak or sour, grind finer. If it’s bitter, grind coarser.
- Control Pour Speed: Pour slowly to enhance flavor. A gooseneck kettle helps with precision.
- Use Fresh Beans: Coffee tastes best within 2–4 weeks of roasting.
- Avoid Clogging: Pour toward the center to prevent fine grounds from blocking the brewer’s hole.
- Troubleshoot: Sour coffee? Try hotter water (closer to 205°F). Bitter? Use cooler water or pour faster.
Final Thoughts
The Melitta Pour Over is forgiving, but small tweaks can make a big difference. Experiment with grind size, pour speed, or coffee beans to find your perfect cup. Have a favorite brewing tip? Share it in the comments!
For more coffee guides, check out our posts about coffee beans or mastering French press brewing.