If you’re like me, you probably bought a Baratza Encore because everyone said it was the best entry‑level burr grinder.Yet when you first try a pour‑over, the results...
I’ve tried just about every way to make coffee, French press, AeroPress, automatic drip, you name it. But at the end of the day, I keep coming back to pour-over, especially using a Hario V60.
It’s simple, clean, quick, and consistent.
And once you get the hang of it, it’s honestly hard to beat.
👉 Here’s the V60 I use on Amazon
I know French press has its fans, my wife and I used one for years back when we lived in Australia. But here’s why I think pour-over is the better choice in the end.
1. Pour Over Is More Reliable
French press is great, when everything goes right. But it’s easy to mess up.
Too fine a grind? Oversteeped? Pressed too early?
Suddenly it’s bitter, flat, or sludgy.
With pour-over, once you dial in your recipe, it’s easy to repeat.
The right grind, a gooseneck kettle, and a little patience = a great cup.
The V60 gives you full control over time, temperature, and flow.
2. A Cleaner, Smoother Cup
This is the big one for me. French press always leaves a bit of grit and oil at the bottom of the cup. Some people love that texture, I don’t.
Pour-over uses paper filters that remove sediment and excess oils.
The result? A cleaner, crisper brew that brings out the clarity and sweetness of the beans—especially with light roasts.
3. Pour Over Is Just Easier to Clean
French press cleanup is messy. Grounds get stuck in the mesh, and the whole thing takes effort to rinse out properly.
With pour-over, cleanup is as easy as tossing the filter. No plungers, no scooping out sludge. Just rinse and go.
4. Better Flavor, Less Effort
When done right, French press can be rich and bold, but it rarely has the flavor clarity of a well-brewed pour-over.
The V60 gives you a sweet spot:
Great extraction, balanced flavor, and full control; without a ton of work.
And once it’s part of your morning rhythm, it’s quick and satisfying to brew.
The Final Cup
French press certainly has its place (maybe for a slow weekend morning when you want a heavier body). But for a clean, flavorful, and easy-to-clean cup that still feels like a ritual, the V60 is my daily driver.
👉 Click here to check it out on Amazon
Regardless of which method you choose, you need the right station to support it. I have written deep-dive guides on how I organize my own counters for both workflows:
- For the Drip Lovers: My Work From Home Guide to the Best Coffee Setup
- For those that want espresso: My Work From Home Guide to the Best Espresso Setup
And remember, the best brewer in the world can't save bad beans. I use Trade Coffee to ensure I always have fresh, single-origin bags ready to grind.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps fuel the coffee, the testing, and the writing. Thanks for supporting the work.
