Manual brewers are a simple way to elevate an everyday brewing experience by allowing for a more focused connection with the coffee. Much more than a “labor of love”, manual brewing is an artform in itself, centered on slowing down and increasing the attention given to every aspect of the coffee preparation and brewing process.
Preferred by many coffee professionals when brewing particularly unique coffees, manual brewers offer an exceptional balance between taste, style, and ease of use. With the ability to craft manual brewing into something simple or something complex, manual methods of coffee brewing are one of the most personable experiences, easily swapped to cater to individual specifications or satisfy general needs.
Featured Partners Team Members
Rachel G. | Customer Experience Associate
Sam K. | Green Coffee Buyer & Head Roaster
Cary W. | Director of Coffee
Our Team’s Manual Brewer Recommendations
“The Hario V60 is my go-to manual brewer, it’s what I use every morning to start my day. There’s something comforting and stress-relieving about the ritual of making a pour-over with it. I love the flavor profile it brings out, especially since I prefer a clean and complex cup of coffee. And honestly, there’s nothing more iconic than spotting a V60 when walking into a cafe.” (Cary W.)
“Special shoutout to CAFEC brand V60 filters. The paper is more similar to the older version of Hario filters that disappeared 5 or 6 years ago. They have a few versions intended for different roast levels (which I have not experimented with).” (Sam K.)
“I like the classic pour over devices, especially the Hario V60-02 and the Kalita Wave 185. The V60 is a conical brewer with a large hole at the bottom for coffee to flow through; the Wave is a flat-bottomed brewer with three small holes. The geometry and aperture of each brewer affects how water interacts with the ground coffee, which influences flavor. I generally opt for the V60 if I want a juicy, high-clarity cup with more fruit and floral flavors, or the Wave if I want to favor complexity over acidity. I have a modified Kalita Wave; I cut a piece of stainless steel mesh to fit inside the brewer, which keeps the filter from sagging on the bottom, potentially impeding the flow of water.” (Sam K.)
“I love using the AeroPress, it’s one of the most versatile manual brewers out there. There are so many ways to play around with it, from the inverted method to bypass brewing. My favorite thing to do is using double paper filters for a more clean cup. There are also many different attachments and tools to level up your game for the Aeropress. There’s even a World AeroPress Championship that’s been going on for years! Plus, it’s super easy to travel with and takes up almost no space. Definitely one of my go-to brewers!” (Cary W.)
“Another classic manual brewer! The Chemex is my go-to when I have guests over as it’s perfect for brewing multiple cups at once. The thicker filters help create a super clean and nuanced flavor profile. I recommend starting out with a 1:15 coffee to water ratio first. Plus, it’s my favorite method for making iced pour-overs in the summer and sharing them with friends and family.” (Cary W.)
“One of my favorite manual brewers these days. I love that it works with both cone and flat-bottom filters, giving me more flexibility to experiment with different coffees and filters. The design is beautiful but it also helps with heat retention and airflow, leading to a better extraction. Flavor-wise, I’d say it’s similar to the V60 but with slightly more body, making it a great option for those who want a bit more body and sweetness in their cup. I usually start with my V60 recipe and tweak from there when dialing in, adjusting grind size and flow rate to bring out the best in each coffee. It’s such a fun and versatile brewer to play around with!” (Cary W.)
French Press
“My first introduction into the world of manual brewing began with a Bodum Chambord French Press that I purchased from the grocery store. Centered on a bold cup, this user-friendly brew method is a great option if you’re looking to make multiple cups of coffee at once with very little involvement - perfect for when friends or family come over for a cup! Just measure coarse-ground coffee, bloom for about 30 seconds, stir, fill up the carafe with hot water, wait about 4 minutes, push down the plunger, and you’re all set! I’d recommend choosing a French Press with a tight-fitting plunger and fine mesh to reduce the presence of residual grounds from getting into the cup.” (Rachel G.)
For brew guides, recipes, and specific brewer information, browse our FAQ page here.
Any additional questions? Can’t find a particular recipe? Email us at help@partnerscoffee.com!
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