Brewer shape is not cosmetic—it guides how water moves and where fines collect, changing clarity and body.
Geometry and Flow
- Cones concentrate flow toward the tip; flow rate depends heavily on pour technique and filter thickness.
- Flats spread the bed; flow is less sensitive to small pour errors and often yields steadier times.
Flavor Tendencies
- Cones: higher clarity, vibrant acidity when technique is tight.
- Flats: rounder body, reliable sweetness; excellent day-to-day consistency.
Tuning Cheatsheet
- Cones: grind a touch coarser, keep pours low and centered, use smaller pulses.
- Flats: you can push slightly finer; modest swirls okay; avoid overfilling bed depth.
Pick by Preference
- Love sparkle and nuance? Start with a cone.
- Want reliable sweetness and ease? Try a flat.
Keep Exploring
- Technique first: Pour-Over Flow and Agitation
- Baseline method: Pour-Over Coffee
- Water makes or breaks it: Coffee Water Quality
- Grind control: Grind Size Guide