Hario V60 Review – Taste Test & Barista’s Real Opinion
In my years crafting all kinds of coffee with the different brewing methods and devices that I could get my hands on, the Hario V60 is one that really stands out with such simplicity.
If you’re wondering what makes this pour over brewer a popular pick among baristas and coffee lovers alike, then you’re in the right place. With this in-depth review of the Hario V60, I’ll discuss the enticing features of this coffee maker and how it differs from other famed pour-over options.
Let’s get started.
The Hario V60 – Brewing Process and History
The Hario V60 is a pour over coffee brewer that takes its name from its V-shaped cone dripper with a 60° angle. The process involves putting coffee grounds and a paper filter on the cone, which goes on top of the decanter. Hot water is then poured into the bed of grounds and the final drink drips down the cone.
The Hario company has a long history. It started as an eco-friendly, heat-proof glass manufacturer in Japan in 1921. With multiple coffee innovations under their belt, Hario created their first conical dripper in the 80s when trapezoid-shaped drippers dominated the market.
Nothing has changed from the original design since then: the inner side of the brewer has spiral ribs that allow the air to be released as the coffee flows down and out of a large drip hole in the center of the Hario V60.
After its success, the company revisited and improved on it in 2004, inventing the very first Hario V60. In 2010, this brewer started to capture the hearts of coffee lovers from all around the globe after the 2010 World Brewers Cup in London.
Hario V60 TL;DR
The Hario V60 is a value-for-money pour over brewer that can cater to all types of baristas and coffee enthusiasts. Aside from the simple and quick brewing method that gives you a clean and well-extracted coffee, it is available in three different sizes and several material options with a wide selection of colors. Really, the V in the V60 can stand for Versatility.
Pros
Cons
Key Features of the Hario V60
Let’s have a closer look at the features of the Hario V60.
Different Design & Aesthetic Choices
The Hario V60 has a recognizable design with its conical shape and spiral ridges on the inside that help promote an even extraction.
It may have a simple design but the different material options add a variety to its look. My favorite and the one I’ve been using for a long time is the glass Hario V60, which has a classic look that fits into any countertop.
There’s a total of five Hario V60 material choices, each with its own distinguishing style and different color choices:
- Glass – Transparent and timeless aesthetic.
- Plastic – A bit plain and standard-looking.
- Copper – Unique and shiny sheen.
- Metal / Stainless steel – Modern and sleek.
- Ceramic – Elegant with a premium finish.
Overall, the Hario V60 really caters to every personality and can fit right into any kitchen, thanks to its many material options and color choices.
Versatile Brew Control
The Hario V60 offers exceptional brew control ability, allowing you to achieve your desired flavor profile with ease. However, the process may require some experimentation and tweaking before you find that perfect cup.
Unlike other brewing devices such as the French press and automated drip coffee, the Hario V60 pour over gives you full control over the water flow using a gooseneck kettle, so there’s more room to adjust your brew aside from tweaking your grind size and ratios.
This factor has even led to award-winning recipes using the Hario V60 such as the 4:6 Method by Tetsu Kasuya and the Five Pour recipe of Matt Winton who are World Brewers Cup Champions in 2016 and 2021 respectively.
If that doesn’t convince you of this brewer’s versatility, I don’t know what will.
But don’t be intimidated, using the brewer isn’t that complicated. I suggest you start out with this easy Hario V60 recipe, and try the more complicated ones after.
Easy to Use & Clean
Using the Hario V60 is actually as easy as it looks. I really love how this brewer doesn’t have any complicated parts to make brewing a headscratcher. It is what it is and all you need is a paper filter to fix your cup of joe.
Aside from learning the right ratio and grind size, it’s the pouring of the hot water that really requires some learning curve to get your coffee right. But once you master the simple technique of gently pouring in concentric circles, achieving your desired cup is an easy feat. A gooseneck kettle is a lot of help in this.
Plus, because there are no removable parts like filters or plungers, cleaning the V60 is a breeze.
Durable Dripper
When it comes to durability, the Hario V60 offers sturdy builds with different materials. The glass dripper might be prone to breakage, yet it’s made with thick borosilicate glass. Mine’s still squeaky clean and crack-free after having accidentally pushed it over the kitchen counter once. But I think I was just lucky there, the glass version is not for throwing around 🙂
The ceramic V60 is the same. It has a thick body that isn’t easy to dent.
Even the plastic variant is not that cheap to the feel.
Of course, if you want the sturdiest Hario V60, you always have the option to choose the metal or copper versions of the dripper.
Portable and Space-saving
Another thing that I really like about the Hario V60 is that it is small in size and yet it can brew great coffee from a single cup to multiple coffee drinks.
Unlike the Chemex (here is my review), the dripper of the V60 is separate from the decanter, making it easy to store or bring with you wherever you go. My glass V60 dripper is just about 4 inches tall and 5 inches wide.
Note though that Hario also offers three size categories to cater to different needs:
- 01 for up to two servings
- 02 for up to four servings
- 03 for up to six servings
I have the 02, which is actually the popular pick among coffee enthusiasts due to the balanced amount of coffee it can produce.
A Richer, Fuller Flavor in a Simpler Way
I have to say, using the Hario V60 pour over is one of the simplest ways for me to achieve a rich brew with a well-rounded flavor.
The secret lies in its conical shape, spiral ridges, and precise water flow control. Pouring hot water into the V60 evenly saturates the grinds and extracts all those beautiful nuances of flavor that are sometimes lost with other brewing methods.
Additionally, since there’s no immersion like in the French press where coffee grounds steep for an extended period, I never struggled with a bitter or burnt coffee taste.
Great Value for Money
Another upside to choosing the Hario V60 in brewing is its price. In manual brewer standards, the Hario drippers and set bundles are quite affordable.
Even if you opt for higher-end materials such as glass or ceramic, they’re still reasonably priced compared to other premium brewers in the market. And if you take care of them, they will never break down or need servicing, there are no replaceable parts.
However, the need for paper filters must be taken into consideration since it would be a constant additional cost for your daily cup of coffee.
But overall, the Hario V60 allows you to enjoy its brewing prowess without breaking the bank.
Comparing the Hario V60 with the Chemex and Kalita Wave
Now that you know what the Hario V60 has to offer, I’ll show you how it measures up compared to two other popular pour over coffee makers, the Chemex and Kalita Wave. Check out a comprehensive table comparing these three brewers:
| Features | Hario V60 | Chemex | Kalita Wave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 01 – 2 cups 02 – 4 cups 03 – 6 cups | – 3-Cup – 6-Cup – 8-Cup – 10-Cup | – 155 (2 cups) – 185 (4 cups) |
| Materials | – Metal – Ceramic – Glass – Copper – Plastic | – Glass | – Stainless steel – Ceramic |
| Taste | – Produces a clean brew with a rich flavor | – Produces a clean and smooth flavor with a heavy body | – Produces a balanced and rich flavor |
| Price | – Relatively affordable | – Relatively expensive | – Mid-range pricing |
Tips for Brewing Coffee with the Hario V60
To help ensure that you get optimal results when brewing coffee at home with the Hario V60, here are a few tips for a brew that can rival your go-to coffee shop:
- Choose high-quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing. The freshness of your grounds can make or break your cup whatever coffee brewing method you’re using.
- Using a reliable grinder like the 1Zpresso JX-Pro, give your beans a medium grind. You can then adjust the grind size depending on your preference.
- Use filtered water for the best coffee experience. Minerals from tap water and distilled water can have negative effects on the taste of your coffee.
- Do not use boiling water because this may scorch the coffee which leads to an overly bitter flavor profile. I recommend you keep the water temperature from 195°F to 205°F, just a bit below the boiling point.
- Bloom your coffee. Saturate the coffee grounds with a small portion of water and wait for a bit before pouring in the rest. This allows those gases and oils inside the beans to escape into the aroma of your freshly brewed coffee.
For a full step-by-step guide on brewing coffee with the Hario V60, read my easy recipe here. You can also check out the award-winning Five Pour coffee recipe here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to some questions about the Hario V60:
Yes, Hario is a reputable Japanese brand that’s well-respected in the coffee community for its high-quality products and innovative designs.
The Hario V60 is an ideal choice for individuals who are looking to elevate their pour-over coffee game and want complete control over the brewing process, from water temperature to extraction time.
Depending on the specific model of the Hario V60, it typically comes with a warranty period ranging from 1-2 years. Be sure to inquire about such warranties at your local distributor.
The process is pretty simple. For a quick clean after each use, rinse your Hario V60 thoroughly with hot water and let dry completely before storing it away in a cool, dry place until the next use. For a deep clean, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and fill the vessel halfway. Leave it for up to fifteen minutes before rinsing it out with fresh water.
Final Words on The V60
Overall, the Hario V60 is a pour over coffee brewer that offers simplicity, versatility, and exceptional control in the brewing process. Its unique design comes in different materials with a variety of aesthetic choices and various colors to cater to every personality.
If you’re looking for a simple yet versatile device that allows you full control over your daily mug of caffeine kick without breaking the bank then look no further than this tried-and-true classic drip brewer – The Hario V60.
