Pour boiling water into a cold base.
A finer grind leads to higher extraction and a hotter brew temperature due to increased resistance.
The lowest stove setting leads to the lowest overall brew temperature, resulting in better coffee.
Sputtering is undesirable since it’s a symptom of a higher brew temperature, caused by uncondensed steam passing through the brew.
Aim for at least 60% water extraction before the sputtering phase, after which it is recommended to lift the pot from the heat.