Dial in your brewRoast level drives everythingTemperature is keyAgitation mattersFind your baselineAdjust from thereDial in your brewRoast level drives everythingTemperature is keyAgitation mattersFind your baselineAdjust from thereDial in your brewRoast level drives everythingTemperature is keyAgitation mattersFind your baselineAdjust from thereDial in your brewRoast level drives everythingTemperature is keyAgitation mattersFind your baselineAdjust from there
Agitation is the #1 cause of over-extraction in home pour-overs.
Ratio is the least sensitive variable — 1:15–1:17 almost always works.
Altitude / Density
High Altitude
Temp
94–96°C
Ratio
1:15–1:17
Grind
Med-fine
Agitation
Mod–High
>1,700m / high density. Denser beans need more energy to extract; higher temp and agitation help unlock acidity, florals, and complexity.
Mid Altitude
Temp
91–94°C
Ratio
1:15–1:17
Grind
Medium
Agitation
Moderate
1,200–1,700m / medium density. Balanced extraction potential. Typical of many Colombians and Centrals. Good balance between sweetness, clarity, and body.
Low Altitude
Temp
88–91°C
Ratio
1:15–1:18
Grind
Med-coarse
Agitation
Gentle–Min
<1,200m / low density. More porous beans extract faster — use lower temps, coarser grind, and reduce agitation to avoid bitterness or flatness.
Decaf (any altitude)
Temp
88–92°C
Ratio
1:15–1:18
Grind
Med-coarse
Agitation
Very Min
Processed beans like decaf mimic low-altitude behavior — highly extractable, easily overdone. Lower heat and gentle technique.
Processing
Washed
Temp
93–96°C
Ratio
1:15–1:17
Grind
Med-fine
Agitation
Moderate
Clean, bright flavors; good clarity and acidity. High temp enhances origin characteristics.
Natural
Temp
90–94°C
Ratio
1:16–1:17
Grind
Medium
Agitation
Gentle
Fruity and body-heavy. Easier to over-extract — use gentle agitation and slightly coarser grind.
Honey / Pulped
Temp
91–94°C
Ratio
1:15–1:18
Grind
Medium
Agitation
Light
Sweetness from retained mucilage. Balanced extraction for both body and clarity.
Anaerobic / Fermented
Temp
88–92°C
Ratio
1:15–1:18
Grind
Med-coarse
Agitation
Very Min
Intense, often funky. Highly soluble — go low on temp and minimize turbulence.
Wet-Hulled
Temp
91–94°C
Ratio
1:15–1:18
Grind
Med-coarse
Agitation
Gentle
Earthy, complex body. Tends toward uneven extraction — use a forgiving grind and gentle pour.
Decaf (SWP/EA)
Temp
88–92°C
Ratio
1:15–1:18
Grind
Med-coarse
Agitation
Minimal
More soluble due to cell structure changes. Easily over-extracted. Lower temp & coarser grind help retain sweetness and reduce bitterness.
Roast Type
Light Roast
Temp
94–97°C
Ratio
1:15–1:17
Grind
Med-fine
Agitation
Mod–Aggr
High density and low solubility. Needs higher temp and more agitation. Emphasizes acidity and origin clarity.
Light-Medium
Temp
93–95°C
Ratio
1:15–1:17
Grind
Medium
Agitation
Moderate
Balanced extraction; acidity still present, but with more sweetness and body.
Medium Roast
Temp
91–94°C
Ratio
1:15–1:17
Grind
Medium
Agitation
Moderate
Sweet, rounded flavors. Lower temp helps preserve balance. Most versatile for manual brewing.
Medium-Dark
Temp
89–92°C
Ratio
1:15–1:18
Grind
Med-coarse
Agitation
Gentle
Solubility increases. Can over-extract easily. Slightly lower temp and agitation recommended.
Dark Roast
Temp
87–90°C
Ratio
1:15–1:18
Grind
Med-coarse
Agitation
Very Gen
High solubility and fragility. Very easy to over-extract. Use lower temps, minimal agitation, and faster brews for balance.