Coffee lovers are often seeking the brewing method that can provide the best results.
Who can blame them? After all, there are so many brewing methods out there to try out!
Two that have been growing in popularity are the percolator and pour over methods.
One provides a stronger, more flavorful brew while the other offers a clean, less bitter cup that is often found to be.
Each one is well worth a try, and you may find that you end up enjoying both!
Read on to discover more about these great coffee-brewing methods!
Pour Over: Slow, Steady, and Smooth
Pour over coffee essentially refers to the process of manually pouring hot water over your grounds.
This results in a highly-controlled process that can allow you to adjust the resulting brew to your specific tastes.
While the pour over method doesn’t tend to be an overly complicated process, it isn’t an automatic one.
Because of that, it tends to be preferred by those who have the time to spend on perfecting the brewing method to suit their needs.
Pros
- Allows you to achieve a brew with less bitterness.
- A great way to get the most out of high-quality coffee beans.
- Relatively short brewing period.
- You get the ability to experiment a lot.
- Much of the equipment needed is aesthetically pleasing.
Cons
- The filters needed for this method can be more expensive than typical paper filters.
- Tends to require more attention because it’s not an automatic process.
- Bleached filters tend to be less environmentally friendly.
What You Need
There are a few different kinds of equipment you can use for making pour over coffee, though they often tend to be pretty similar.
Essentially, you’ll need a kettle, a container with a dripper, filters and a mug to pour the coffee in after.
If you prefer to grind your own fresh beans, then you’ll also need a decent grinder and a food scale to help with measuring out the correct amounts.
One of the more common options is a Chemex container, which are commonly made from glass, but there are some other pour over container options out there as well such as the Bee House, Kalita Wave and V60.
The filters used in this method are also typically thicker than the paper filters you might use in a standard drip-style coffee maker.
For those who want to be extremely accurate, a timer can be a great idea as well.
Oftentimes, you can use a watch or a timer on your phone as well.
The Flavor
One of the most common features of pour over coffee is that it tends to be more pure and crisp than some of the other options out there.
This is largely due to the thicker filters, which keep more of the acid in the beans from getting into the final cup.
Depending on the kind of pour over option you choose, this filter might be a thick paper filter, a built-in metal filter or a cloth filter.
It’s going to be important to keep in mind that the different kinds of filters can result in slightly different flavors of coffee, depending on how much of the acid they let through.
You’ll also have full control over every part of the process, from the water temperature to the drip speed.
Because of this, there is a lot of room to experiment and find ways to adjust the process so that it works perfectly for you.
Unlike other options, this is able to ensure you get your coffee exactly the way you want it without having to worry about a machine taking control of the process.
How It Stands Out
Pour over coffee is a coffee style for your inner chemist.
It allows you complete control over every little aspect of the process, which means you can take your time to experiment and enjoy making different concoctions until you find your exact brewing method.
In addition, it’s a very precise method, which results in a clean brew.
Because of that, it’s a great choice for those who want to avoid the bitterness or chance of grounds ending up in your cup.
Many find that the flavor is smoother and more enjoyable than other options out there.
Percolator: Simple Pep
In contrast to the pour over method, using a percolator tends to be much simpler.
All you need to do is add water and grounds into the percolator of your choice, then wait for the water to heat and flow through the grounds.
This is a method that many use while camping, or just for achieving a little simplicity.
There are plenty who also prefer the flavor of percolated coffee to that of other methods, especially drip-style coffee, greatly.
In addition, you can choose between stovetop or electric methods, depending on your personal preferences.
Pros
- Many users find the resulting coffee to be more flavorful and rich.
- Tends to be stronger with regard to caffeine.
- Easy to travel with and use outdoors.
- Those who use this method enjoy the control they get over the brewing process.
- It offer a unique, nostalgic feel.
- Most percolators don’t require the use of paper filters.
Cons
- Grounds may sometimes end up in the finished cup.
- There can be a risk of over-extraction or the resulting brew tasting burnt.
- Cleaning a percolator can sometimes be more difficult.
What You Need
In most cases, all you need for this method is a percolator and a mug for your coffee.
Most percolators include a built-in filter that keeps the grounds contained while allowing the boiling water to draw out the flavors and benefits.
There are also stovetop percolators, which work on your stove at home, over a campfire or on a camping grill.
These are typically great for those who want something they can easily take on the go, without having to worry about plugging it in.
For those who want the benefits of an electric device, there are also electric percolators.
This option allows you to keep your stove free, just hitting a button to get the coffee brewing.
Depending on what you need, you’ll surely be able to find the ideal option out there.
Percolators are typically very easy to use, and are often also dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean.
Many also find that they make a truly delicious brew!
The Flavor
Coffee made with the use of a percolator is often considered to be richer and more flavorful than other options out there.
When compared to pour over options, it may be stronger but it also can run the risk of allowing some sediment into your cup.
If that is something you’d prefer to avoid, then it’s going to be important to pay close attention to the kind of filter that comes in the percolator you choose.
Another option you have is pouring the finished brew through a paper filter after it has been made, to keep any loose grounds from making it into your cup.
Because of the brewing process in a percolator, it’s a great option for those who want something that will be strong and flavorful, though it may be more bitter as well.
How It Stands Out
Many who want to return to simpler times find a percolator to be the perfect way to do it.
The resulting coffee may be something much more reminiscent of the days before drip-style coffee makers were made.
Percolators are simple, easy devices to use and many people find that they really enjoy the resulting brew.
Similarly to pour over methods, you get a decent amount of control over the process, though it isn’t quite as exact a science as pour over can be.
Generally, it’s considered to be a happy medium between pressing a button for an automated process or having to time and measure each aspect as with Chemex and other pour over methods.
Which Is Better?
Largely, there are a few key factors to keep in mind as you consider whether pour over or percolator coffee is the ideal option for you.
The first is how much time you want to spend on the process.
While neither is as automatic as something like a Keurig, the pour over option can be much more labor intensive than using a percolator.
If you’re someone who wants control over every little part of the process, that might be a great thing for you!
However, if you just want simple, great tasting coffee then a percolator is highly recommended.
If you can, it’s a great idea to find ways you can try out coffee made through both methods to find out which one you prefer before buying your own equipment!
Good luck, and happy shopping!
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