Interested in experimenting with Pour-Over coffee as your favorite coffee shops make it? Wondering whether the Hario V60 would be a good enough companion to start your coffee journey? Worry no more!
In this article, I’ll give a thorough Hario V60 review to answer any questions you might have.
This includes comparing three different sizes of the V60 coffee maker – 01, 02, and 03 along with our discovery on which size should be best for different types of coffee drinkers.
And to make things more interesting, we’ll also discuss the difference between plastic, ceramic, metal, and glass V60s. Finally, we’ll share some tips on how to make delicious coffee using a Hario V60.
Can’t wait to get to your favorite part? Use our navigation table to find your answers!
What Is Hario V60?
Hario V60 is a Pour-Over coffee maker, which is like the drip coffee machine but you have to operate it manually.
Manufactured by the Japanese brand Hario, it’s known for its iconic 60-degree V-shaped dripper, which should explain how its name came about.
It has been around for a while and has gained immense popularity due to its ability to produce a solid cup of coffee.
Why Hario V60 Is The Best?
Specialty Cone Shape Coffee Dripper
Like many other Pour-Over drippers, the V60 also takes up a conical shape to guide the hot water to flow toward the center.
This way, it can come into contact well with the grounds for optimal flavor extraction.
But, what’s special about the V60 is the 60-degree V-shaped design that not many other drippers have. This unique design was created to optimize the water flow rate and create a longer brew time.
This ultimately results in an even extraction, which is perfect for those who want to enjoy a full-bodied cup of Joe.
Unique Spiral Ridges
You’ll also find interesting spiralled grooves detail along the inner side of the V60.
This isn’t purely for aesthetics (it isn’t observable from the outside on ceramic V60 models anyway). Its main benefit is actually functional.
The spiral ribs together with the conical shape of the brewer help create a deeper bed of grounds as they stack up.
This delays the path of hot water as it seeps through and extracts more umami flavors.
Grounds with bright floral or fruity flavor notes also have a better chance to shine through this Pour-Over extraction.
What’s more, this design also allows more room for grinds extension as they release excess C02 during the coffee blooming process. For more information, check out the section … below.
Single Large Exit Hole
The V60 also features a single large hole at the bottom of the dripper for the coffee to flow through.
This is in contrast with most other gear that comes with multiple small holes (cough Kalita Wave cough).
It helps regulate the water flow rate. This avoids over and under-extraction by giving you more control over your brew time.
You can choose to pour quickly for a lighter cup or slower for a more robust and rich-tasting coffee.
The feature can also better accommodate the extraction of complex fruity and floral flavor compounds.
Multiple Hario V60 Sizes And Materials Available
One of its best selling points is the fact that the V60 is available in so many sizes and materials to accommodate various types of coffee lovers.
From single-cup drinkers to larger groups, from avid travelers to aspiring home baristas, everyone can find their preferred version of the universally loved V60.
What Material Is Best For V60?
If you missed the title of this article, you can find the V60 in 4 materials – ceramic, glass, metal, and plastic.
Ceramic
You can go with the most popular version among coffee lovers everywhere – the ceramic model.
The durable Japanese ceramic material is heat resistant so you don’t have to worry about any potential build-ups of toxin chemicals or unfavorable flavor transfer.
Ceramic also has pretty high heat retention to moderately maintain the ideal temperature throughout the brewing process.
However, extensive preheating is required before starting. Ceramic absorbs a lot of heat because of its high thermal mass.
It may also chip or break if you aren’t careful, being made of ceramic and all.
This ceramic material also requires a higher production cost, so don’t be surprised when you find it more expensive than other models.
And, if you want to make Pour-Over Joe for a large group, the ceramic V60 can’t accommodate that as it’s only available in sizes 01 and 02.
Glass
The glass V60 is a great choice if you want to watch your brewing process as it happens (and show off to your Instagram and Tiktok followers!)
It’s actually even better at maintaining the brewing temperature than its ceramic counterpart due to its lower heat conductivity.
The heatproof borosilicate glass also has the advantage of being dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean.
However, because of its fragile nature, you need to be extra careful when handling it not to drop or break it.
But, if you decide to bring home this aesthetically pleasing piece of art anyway, you’ll be happy to find out that the glass Pour-Over device is available in all 3 sizes.
Personally, I find the V60 Glass Dripper Olive Wood featuring an olive wood holder to be the best-looking version out of them all.
Metal
If you’re looking for a more durable and long-lasting option, then the metal version is perfect for you.
The stainless steel and copper material are known for their heat resistance and longevity. They’re also very easy to clean with just some soapy water and a sponge.
The design gives off an edgy steampunk industrial vibe that can complement any modern kitchen décor.
However, it does have the potential to rust over time if not properly taken care of.
Another drawback of this material is that it doesn’t do well in retaining heat due to its excellent heat conductivity.
So, unless you have a gooseneck kettle with very precise temperature control, it may be difficult to maintain the brewing temperature throughout the process.
Another tip to ace the metal V60 is by preheating properly before making the best coffee, which I recommend for most if not all Pour-Over brewing devices.
The metal V60 is also the most expensive option out of all materials. So keep your budget in mind when browsing this device.
It’s most widely available in size 02, but you can find it in size 01 as well if you dig deep enough.
And finally, the most affordable material of all…
Plastic
Plastic brewers are a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable and lightweight option.
The plastic material is also known for being shatterproof, making it a great choice for travel.
What’s more, it’s amazing at insulation thanks to its low thermal mass!
If you’re unsure about whether the plastic dripper can handle high temperatures, let me assure you that the V60 is made of BPA-free Styrene-acrylonitrile Resin Polypropylene plastic. So it’s safe to use, especially as such a small device.
Although the plastic brewer is dishwasher-safe, if you want a long-term partner, the manufacturer recommends hand-washing it with some soap and water to clean instead.
And, plastic is the cheapest out of the 4 types of material V60 dripper is offered in. So, even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still indulge in a damn good cup of coffee.
Last but not least, you can find the plastic ones in all 3 sizes.
What Size V60 Should I Buy?
What is the difference between Hario V60 01 and 02 and 03? Does size affect taste? Let’s dive into the in-depth battle between Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03.
Hario V60 01
The V60 01 is the smallest size of the 3, with a brewing capacity of 10 ounces (300 ml). This option is perfect for those who want to brew only one cup or small batch of coffee.
If you’re just starting out and don’t have much experience with manually making coffee, definitely consider the V60 01 as it’s the easiest to work with, especially when it comes to mastering the pouring technique.
The V60 01 is also the most affordable option out of the 3 sizes. So, if you’re on a budget, this is the one for you.
Hario V60 02
The V60 02 is the medium size, with a brewing capacity of 10 – 17 ounces (300 – 500 ml), enough for two large mugs.
This option is great for those who want to brew a small batch of coffee for 2 – 4 people. It’s also the most popular size due to its versatile brewing range and ease of use.
But, keep in mind that, although all 3 sizes share the same 60-degree design, when comparing V60 01 vs 02, the latter has a noticeably taller rim.
This can make it a tad harder for you to aim your pour, especially when working with fewer grounds.
Some may even find the drawdown time to be a bit longer, which can, at best, give the final cup of Joe a richer taste, and at worst, cause over-extraction.
Hario V60 03
The V60 03 is the largest size, with a brewing capacity of around 40 ounces (1,200 ml).
This option is great for those who want to brew a batch for a large group of people often.
Otherwise, just stick to the smaller sizes which can be found in all materials that Hario offers. The V60 03 is only available for the glass and plastic models.
How Do You Brew Coffee In A Hario V60?
What Beans To Use For V60?
Like other Pour-Over coffee gear, you can pretty much pair any type of beans with the Hario V60.
However, I do recommend getting single-origin specialty coffee, if possible, as Pour-Overs are excellent at highlighting the consistency and exoticism in flavor, aroma, body, and overall quality.
The same can be applied to the roast profiles. You can go with whichever that you prefer.
But, if you’ve had light roast coffee before, you’d notice that lighter roasts bring a much brighter and more complex flavor combo to the final cup compared to others.
Since the beans aren’t roasted as long or intensely, much of the original flavor compounds still remain.
And, as I’ve mentioned, the structure of the Hario V60 highlights the extracted fruity and floral notes especially well.
If noticeable acidity isn’t exactly your cup of Joe, or you’re just unsure and want to play it safe, your next best bet is the medium roasts that offer balance in all aspects.
What Is V60 Grind?
For the grind size, I recommend starting with a medium-fine grind.
This should work well for most people, but if you find that the brew is too weak for your taste, you can go for a finer grind. And if the brew is too strong, you can opt for a coarser grind.
You’ll also want to make sure that you’re consistent with the grind size, as it can have a big impact on the taste of the final product.
If you haven’t got a coffee grinder to partner up with your V60, find your new bestie from our list of the best coffee grinders for Pour-Over.
How Much Coffee Goes In V60?
I usually start off with around 15 – 20 grams. But, as I said before, it really depends on your taste and the roast profile, the size of your Hario V60 dripper, and the amount of coffee you want to make.
The Golden Ratio for Hario V60, and Pour-Over coffee in general, is around 1:17. For a stronger brew, go with a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio.
Make sure that you’re using clean water (preferably filtered water) and ensure that you heat it up to the optimal brewing temperature – between 195 – 205 degrees Fahrenheit (91 – 96 degrees Celsius).
What Size Is V60 Filter?
Similar to drip coffee, Pour-Over drip also incorporates filters in the process.
Hario V60 has its own special paper filters. Hario filters can be found in 3 sizes – 01, 02, and 03, corresponding with the coffee dripper sizes.
You can also use regular paper filters, as long as you can fold them well so that the shape matches. Your money. Your brew. Your call.
How To Make Hario V60 Coffee
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s get into step-by-step instructions to start brewing some delicious coffee!
- Step 1: Place the dripper over a decanter or a large cup. Put the paper filter in place.
- Step 2: Add near-boiling water to wet the filter and warm up the coffee dripper. Then, dump out the water.
- Step 3: Place the ground coffee in the filter and give it a light tamp (or just use your finger to push it down).
- Step 4: Slowly pour the hot water over the grounds, using a circular motion. The first pour only needs enough water to wet the coffee grounds bed.
- Step 5: Wait for 30 seconds to let it bloom. The grinds will slowly expand while they’re releasing excess gases.
- Step 6: Slowly pour the rest of the water in a circular motion moving in and out from the center to the edge. You may also attempt the pulse pouring technique by just adding a small amount of water at a time. Do it in around 3 minutes.
- Step 7: Allow the coffee to drip into your serving vessel.
- Step 8: Serve and enjoy!
To master the pouring technique more easily, invest in a quality gooseneck kettle.
What Does V60 Coffee Taste Like?
The Hario V60 produces a bright and clean cup of coffee with a delicate sweetness and floral notes. Better coffee is also better-balanced with a slight acidity that’s not overpowering.
This is thanks to the incorporation of a paper filter, the structure of the device, and the use of lighter roasted beans.
Our Final Verdict
Is Hario V60 Worth It?
Pros
- Easy enough coffee brewing method to explore Pour-Over coffees
- Can highlight the complexity and exoticism in flavor, aroma, body, and overall quality of coffee
- Allows a fine control over the brew (more than devices like French Press)
- Can produce a variety of different mug sizes
- More affordable than many other Pour-Over coffee brewers
- Lightweight with durable materials available, making it portable
Cons
- Requires a bit of practice to get it just right
- Cannot make large quantities of coffee at once
Hario V60 is a great little device that’s easy to use and can produce some excellent cups of coffee.
If you’re new to Pour-Over brewing, this would be a great place to start. And even if you’re an experienced barista, it’s definitely worth using this brewer for its unique flavor profile and ability to highlight the complex characteristics of coffee beans.
So, if you’re looking for a great Pour-Over brewer that won’t break the bank, this device is definitely worth considering!
Which V60 Should I Buy?
If you’re a single coffee drinker and don’t need to entertain a large group, the 01 and 02 sizes should suffice, which can be found for every material.
Otherwise, go with size 03 which can make 6 cups of Joe at a time for your family, friends, and visitors. You can only get it in the glass and plastic models.
And, if you travel often, the durable metal and plastic Hario V60s should be the best choice. It’s actually one of my favorited camping coffee makers besides the Aeropress Go!