Filtrare Pour Over Coffee Maker – Instruction Manual

Welcome to Filtrare

Thank you for choosing Filtrare, a pour-over coffee maker crafted for those who value both art and technique in brewing. Filtrare is more than a coffee maker – it embodies a philosophy of slow living, meticulous design, and the pursuit of the perfect cup. Each unit is expertly crafted from high-quality materials, marrying form and function inspired by time-honored coffee brewing traditions. We invite you to enjoy the ritual of brewing with Filtrare, where every detail – from the ceramic’s glaze to the gentle flow of water – reflects our commitment to quality and elegance.

Filtrare comes in two distinct design editions – Scandinavian and Victorian. While the brewing function is identical across all versions, each style offers a unique aesthetic experience. Whether you gravitate towards modern minimalism or classic ornamentation, Filtrare provides a refined brewing tool that turns your daily coffee into a luxurious experience. Welcome to the Filtrare family; we hope this manual guides you through caring for and mastering your new pour-over coffee maker.

Included Components

Your Filtrare package includes the following components:

Filtrare Ceramic Pour-Over Brewer (1) – The main brewing vessel (in your chosen style and material).

Paper Filters (Starter pack) – High-quality, thick paper filters tailored for pour-over brewing.

Before first use: Wash the ceramic brewer by pouring warm water and mild dish soap into it. Swirl the soapy water around to ensure it's thoroughly clean, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Dry all components thoroughly before the first use.

 

Care & Maintenance

Proper care will ensure your Filtrare coffee maker remains pristine and brews delicious coffee for years to come. We strongly recommend hand-washing to preserve its finish and longevity. Below are general guidelines:

Hand Wash Preferred: Hand-washing with a soft sponge and mild detergent is recommended to maintain its glossy, timeless beauty. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaners that could scratch the smooth glaze.

Temperature Caution: It can handle boiling water, but avoid sudden extreme temperature changes. Do not rinse a hot brewer with cold water – allow it to cool gradually to prevent thermal shock and cracking.

Stains & Odors: The non-porous glaze resists staining. Rinse the brewer after each use to prevent coffee oil buildup. If you notice any coffee stains over time, soak the interior with warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda or a gentle ceramic cleaner. Do not use bleach or chlorine-based cleaners, as they may discolor the finish.

Handling: Handle with care – it is sturdy but can chip if dropped or knocked against hard surfaces. When storing, consider placing a soft cloth or liner between Filtrare and other dishes to prevent accidental scratches or contact.

General Tips: Always allow your Filtrare to dry completely before storing it to prevent any residual moisture from affecting the ceramic. Do not use metal scouring pads, as they can leave gray marks on ceramic surfaces. With proper care, your Filtrare’s high-quality ceramic will remain as elegant and functional as the day it arrived – it is built to be a long-lasting companion in your coffee journey.

 

Brewing Techniques & Best Practices

Brewing coffee with Filtrare is a rewarding ritual. The pour-over method allows you to control every variable – from grind size to water temperature – to achieve your desired flavor. Below, we outline the step-by-step brewing process, followed by specialized brew “recipes” for different taste profiles. Embrace the process with patience and attention, and you will be rewarded with a café-quality cup.

 

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Setup & Preparation: Place a Chemex branded filter into the Filtrare brewer. If the filter is not pre-folded, fold it in half, then fold it in half again to form a cone. Open it up so one side has three layers and the other has one; place the three-layered side away from where water might bypass (e.g., opposite the pour area for even flow). Seat the filter flat against the dripper. Bring fresh filtered water to a boil. Rinse the filter and warm the brewer by pouring approximately 75g of hot water through the empty filter and letting it drip out; this preheats the ceramic and removes any paper taste. Let the hot water heat the brewer for 30-60 seconds, then discard the rinse water. Set the brewer on a stable carafe or mug. Tip: Using filtered water is recommended, as impurities or high mineral content in tap water can alter the coffee’s taste.
   
   
2. Measure & Grind Coffee: Using a large spoon/scoop or ideally a scale, measure out your coffee. Grind the coffee beans to a medium grind. The texture should be similar to coarse sand or fine table salt – not as fine as espresso and not as coarse as a French press. This medium grind allows for optimal extraction in pour-over brewing, yielding a balanced flavor. (If the grind is too coarse, the brew may taste weak or sour; if too fine, it can clog the filter and taste bitter). Place the ground coffee into the filter, and gently shake or tap the brewer to level the coffee bed for even extraction.
   
    For ratios, we recommend the following based on common pour-over guidelines. These can be adjusted to taste. A "strong" brew is bolder and more concentrated, "medium" is balanced, and "weak" is lighter and more diluted. For coffee for two (approximately 500g of water, yielding about two 8-10 oz cups):
   
   

Brew Strength	Ratio (Coffee:Water)	Example for Single Serving (300g Water)	Example for Two Servings (500g Water)
Strong	1:15	20g coffee for 300g water	33g coffee for 500g water
Medium	1:16-1:17	18-19g coffee for 300g water	29-31g coffee for 500g water
Weak	1:18+	17g coffee for 300g water	28g coffee for 500g water

3. Bloom (Pre-Infusion): Start your timer (or note the time) and begin by pouring a small amount of hot water evenly over the grounds – just enough to saturate them. Aim for about 2x the weight of coffee in water for this bloom phase (e.g. ~40 g of water if you used 20 g of coffee). You should see the coffee grounds “bloom” and release carbon dioxide, bubbling up. Allow the coffee to bloom for ~30–45 seconds. Blooming is essential: it degases the coffee and primes the grounds for extraction, enhancing flavor clarity. For very fresh coffee (roasted within the last week), you may extend bloom up to 45–60 seconds to allow extra gas to escape.
   
   
4. Main Pour-Over: After the bloom, proceed with the main pour. Begin pouring hot water slowly in a steady spiral motion, starting at the center of the grounds and moving outward in circles. Pour in stages rather than all at once – for example, add water in 2–4 increments, pausing briefly between each. Maintain a gentle pour to keep the water level about half an inch below the rim of the brewer, avoiding overflow. If you added ~60 g water during bloom, continue with the remaining water until you reach your target total (e.g., pour an additional ~260 g to reach 320 g total in several pulses). Try to pour evenly over all the grounds, but avoid pouring directly on the filter paper (which can cause water to bypass the coffee). The entire pour process (including bloom) should take about 2½ to 4 minutes for an optimal extraction, depending on your pour rate and coffee dose.
   
   
5. Draw-Down & Serve: Once you’ve poured the full water amount, let the coffee drip through completely. You will know the brewing is finished when the flow has slowed and the grounds are visible on the filter (no standing water on top). The total brew time (from start of pour to finish) should be roughly 3 to 4 minutes for most brews. If the drip finished much faster than ~2½ minutes, your grind might be too coarse or you poured too quickly; if it took significantly longer than 4 minutes, the grind might be too fine or you poured too slowly. Remove the filter with the spent grounds and discard or compost it. Give the brewed coffee a gentle swirl in the carafe, then serve and enjoy immediately for the best taste.
   
    Brew Timing Notes: Brew time depends on many variables like coffee type, grinder, water, filters, and dripper, so it's not always a precise indicator—treat it as one output alongside taste. For dialing in, fix all variables except grind size (e.g., stick to one simple recipe, use consistent temperature like boiling for the bloom without reboiling). Recipes are guides, but focus on basics like even pouring. Always start with a grind that's way too coarse; this way, as you gradually go finer, the taste improves predictably. Starting too fine can lead to uneven extraction that's hard to diagnose.
   
   

Brewing Notes: Filtrare’s ceramic construction retains heat effectively, but it’s good practice to pre-warm your cup or carafe with hot water before pouring the coffee, to keep your brew at optimal temperature. If you find the flavor is not to your liking, adjust the variables next time: a finer grind or slightly hotter water can increase extraction (yielding a bolder taste), whereas a coarser grind or slightly cooler water can decrease extraction (yielding a brighter, more delicate taste). Always use freshly roasted, freshly ground coffee for the best results, and ensure your water is in the 195–205 °F range for proper extraction. With a bit of practice, you’ll find the sweet spot that suits your palate. Over time, it's common to perform your pour-over intuitively, without relying on a scale or timer—it will become second nature, seamlessly woven into your morning routine for effortless enjoyment.

 

Brewing Recipes for Flavor Profiles

One of the joys of pour-over brewing is the ability to tailor the cup to highlight different flavor characteristics. Below are three Filtrare recipe profiles developed by our experts. Use them as starting points to explore various taste dimensions:

Bright & Fruity Profile: For a crisp, vibrant cup with high notes of fruit and florals.

Coffee Dose & Ratio: 20 g of light-roast coffee to 340 g water (approximately 1:17 ratio). Using a slightly higher water-to-coffee ratio can enhance perceived acidity and clarity.

Grind: Medium, but on the coarser side of medium. A touch coarser grind will shorten the brew time a bit and emphasize brightness.

Water Temp: ~92 °C (198 °F). Using water on the lower end of the optimal range can preserve delicate floral and citrus notes and avoid extracting harsher flavors from a light roast.

Bloom: ~60 g of water for 45 seconds. A longer bloom with more water (approximately 3× the coffee weight) helps release acidity and aroma. Expect a vigorous bloom with fresh light-roast beans.

Pour Technique: Pour in 2–3 slow pulses, keeping the total brew time around 3:00 minutes. Aim for a faster draw-down than usual – stop the pour slightly early if needed (e.g., at 3 minutes even if a bit under target volume). This slightly under-extracted approach highlights bright, fruity tones.

Taste: Clean and lively cup with pronounced acidity and fruity sweetness (look for notes like berries, stone fruit, or citrus). The body will be light and juicy, and the finish refreshingly crisp.

Bold & Rich Profile: For a full-bodied, robust cup with deep flavors and a lingering finish.

Coffee Dose & Ratio: 20 g of medium-dark roast coffee to 300 g water (1:15 ratio). A slightly lower ratio (more coffee or less water) produces a stronger, more concentrated brew. This intensifies body and richness.

Grind: Medium-fine. Grinding a notch finer increases extraction, drawing out more chocolatey, caramelized flavors and body from the coffee. Be cautious not to go so fine that the filter clogs – the drip should still finish in about 3½–4 minutes.

Water Temp: ~94–96 °C (201–205 °F). Hotter water aids in extracting the heavier compounds and oils that give body and deep flavor. (For very dark roasts, you might use slightly cooler water ~93 °C to avoid over-extraction or bitterness, as darker beans release flavors more quickly.)

Bloom: ~40 g of water for 30 seconds. A standard bloom is sufficient; darker roasts generally bloom less vigorously. Keeping the bloom volume smaller (about 2× the coffee weight) can lead to a slightly smoother sweetness in the final cup.

Pour Technique: Pour steadily and slightly more slowly, perhaps in 3–4 pulses. You want to keep the coffee bed fully saturated for longer. Aim for a total brew time closer to 4:00 minutes. You may even do a gentle stir after the final pour to ensure all grounds are immersed (optional technique for maximizing extraction).

Taste: Rich, bold flavor with a heavier mouthfeel. You’ll get notes of dark chocolate, nuts, or caramel depending on the coffee, with low acidity. The cup will have a round, lingering finish and a satisfying robustness, akin to a classic European-style drip brew.

Balanced & Smooth Profile: For a harmonious, well-rounded cup that combines sweetness, clarity, and body.

Coffee Dose & Ratio: 20 g of medium roast coffee to 320 g water (1:16 ratio). This is a mid-point ratio often recommended for a balanced pour-over, extracting ample flavor without over- or under-doing strength.

Grind: Medium (the classic pour-over grind). Aim for the consistency of regular sand – this should yield a brew around 3:30 minutes, balancing extraction and flow perfectly.

Water Temp: ~93–94 °C (200 °F). A medium roast shines at this temperature, extracting a sweet, syrupy character while maintaining clarity. (This is also the temperature range the Specialty Coffee Association considers ideal for most drip brewing.)

Bloom: ~50 g of water for 30–40 seconds. Ensure all grounds are evenly wet. This moderate bloom time allows both aroma and sweetness to develop without tilting the flavor too far in one direction.

Pour Technique: Use a steady hand and pour in 3 equal stages, with brief pauses between. Maintain a consistent flow rate to hit a total brew time of roughly 3:30. Finish pouring around 2:45 and let it draw down. The coffee bed should be flat at the end, indicating an even extraction (you can give a tiny swirl to settle grounds right after the last pour).

Taste: A smooth, balanced cup where no single flavor note overpowers the others. You can expect a pleasant sweetness (think milk chocolate or caramel notes), moderate brightness (gentle fruit or floral hints), and a comfortable medium body. The finish is clean with a mild, lingering sweetness. This profile is an excellent starting point and daily driver – an embodiment of the classic pour-over experience.

Feel free to adjust these recipes to your taste. Small changes in grind size, water temperature, or pour speed can significantly impact the flavor. We encourage you to experiment: for instance, to increase brightness in any recipe, try a slightly higher water ratio or a tad coarser grind; to boost body, use a bit more coffee or a slightly finer grind. Remember, coffee brewing is a craft – with practice, you’ll intuitively dial in the variables to create your perfect cup, every time.

 

Safety Guidelines

Your Filtrare coffee maker is designed for safe, simple operation, but please follow these safety guidelines to prevent damage or injury:

No Direct Heat: Do not use Filtrare on a stovetop, open flame, or any direct heat source. The ceramic is not made for stovetop or oven use. Similarly, do not place the brewer in a microwave – pouring hot water is the only heating method to be used.

Handle with Care (Hot Contents): When brewing, the ceramic will become hot. Always handle the brewer by the handle. Brewed coffee and grounds are very hot; keep the brewer out of reach of children and pets while in use. Take care when disposing of the hot filter and grounds.

Stable Placement: Always place the Filtrare brewer on a dry, stable, heat-safe surface during brewing. Ensure your carafe or mug is stable and won’t tip. Do not try to move the brewer while it’s full of hot liquid. If you need to move it, wait until brewing is complete and hold it securely by the handle.

After Brewing – Cooling & Cleaning: Allow the brewer to cool down gradually before cleaning or storing. Sudden temperature changes (for example, rinsing a just-used hot brewer with cold water) can cause thermal shock and damage the ceramic. Once cooled, discard the used filter and rinse the brewer. Hand wash only with warm water and mild detergent (dishwashers and microwaves may prematurely age or damage the brewer). Use only non-abrasive cleaning tools to avoid scratching the surfaces.

Inspect for Damage: Routinely check your Filtrare for any cracks, chips, or crazing, especially if it’s been dropped or exposed to extreme conditions. Do not use the brewer if it is cracked or heavily chipped. A damaged ceramic could break unexpectedly, possibly causing burns or spills. If you find a structural crack, discontinue use.

Use Only as Intended: Filtrare is intended for brewing coffee (and tea, if desired) by manual pour-over filtration. Do not use it for other purposes (such as a cooking pot or storage of highly acidic or alkaline solutions) which could damage the ceramic or compromise safety. Only use paper filters or compatible high-quality paper filters. Using incorrect filter sizes or materials (like cloth or metal filters not designed for this brewer) could lead to overflow or damage. If unsure about a filter’s compatibility, contact info@filtrarecoffee.com.

Children and Hot Liquids: This product is not a toy. Keep it away from unsupervised children. Educate any older children in the household about the dangers of hot water and the importance of not touching or using the Filtrare without adult supervision.

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure not only your safety but also the longevity of your Filtrare coffee maker. When used correctly, Filtrare will provide a safe and enjoyable brewing experience every time.

 

Warranty & Customer Support

Filtrare coffee makers are built to the highest standards. Each Filtrare is handcrafted by skilled artisans, making every piece unique and individual. Due to the handmade nature of our products, there may be slight variations in glazing, color, texture, and overall appearance that differ from the photographs on our website—these are inherent characteristics of artisanal craftsmanship and add to the charm of each unit. Each Filtrare pour-over coffee maker comes with a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Below are the key terms of our warranty and information on how to obtain support:

Warranty Coverage: We offer a one-year limited warranty from the date of original purchase (or longer where required by law or explicitly stated for special editions). This warranty covers any defects in the ceramic body or included components that arise from normal, intended use. For example, if your Filtrare arrives with a crack or develops an issue due to a manufacturing flaw (such as an improperly attached handle) within the warranty period, we will replace or repair the item at no cost. In many cases we may supply a new unit, at our discretion, to resolve the issue.

Warranty Exclusions: The warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, accidents, or modifications. This includes cracks or breakage from dropping the brewer, thermal shock cracks from improper use (e.g., direct stove heating or pouring ice-cold water into a hot brewer), finish wear due to abrasive cleaning, or any unauthorized alterations. Cosmetic wear from normal use (such as minor scratches, slight discoloration over time, or glaze crazing that does not affect function) is not considered a defect. Due to the handmade process, slight variations in color, glazing, texture, or minor imperfections inherent in artisanal ceramics are not covered and do not constitute defects. Stains or build-up that can be removed with proper cleaning are also not covered. Essentially, if an issue is due to how the product was used or cared for (outside of the guidelines in this manual), it would not be covered under manufacturing warranty.

How to Make a Warranty Claim: If you believe your Filtrare has a defect covered under warranty, please contact our Customer Support team at info@filtrarecoffee.com. Provide your proof of purchase (order receipt or retailer invoice), a detailed description of the issue, and photos of the product and the defect to help us assess if it's a manufacturing flaw. Our support team will evaluate your claim promptly, offer troubleshooting tips if applicable, or confirm next steps such as a return or replacement. We strive to ensure you are completely satisfied with your Filtrare experience.

Support and Resources: Even beyond the warranty period, we’re here to help. If you have any questions about using your Filtrare, or need brewing advice please reach out. Additional resources can be found on our website, including brewing tutorial videos, FAQs, and tips for caring for your Filtrare. We also value your feedback – if you have suggestions or comments, do let us know as it helps us continue improving our products and services.

Customer Care Philosophy: Filtrare is a small team of designers and coffee enthusiasts. We take great pride in our work, and it is equally important to us that you love your Filtrare. Should you encounter any issue, you will find us responsive and eager to make it right. Our aim is that your Filtrare serves you as a beloved coffee companion for a long time.

Thank you once again for entrusting your coffee moments to Filtrare. We wish you many years of happy brewing. If you take care of Filtrare, it will take care of you – yielding delicious pour-over coffee and a daily ritual imbued with elegance and calm. Enjoy your brew!

Happy Brewing,

The Filtrare Team