Hario V60 Materials and Sizes – Find the Coffee Dripper That’s Best for You
One of my top recommendations for friends getting started with pour over coffee is the Hario V60 dripper.
Easy and rewarding to use, this coffee maker delivers a clean and balanced brew every time if you do it right. But before you begin, it can be tricky picking among the Hario V60’s variety of choices for materials and sizes.
In this article, I’ll break down these features for you so you can easily make an informed decision on which V60 is best for you.
Hario V60 Materials: Pros & Cons
The Hario V60 is a popular brewing device that takes its name from its V-shaped conical dripper with a 60° angle. Unlike the French press, there’s a center point for the flow of water allowing for a different style of flavor extraction as it drips coffee.
While it has a very specific design, the Hario V60 offers a variety of materials available you can choose from:
- Ceramic V60
- Metal / Stainless steel V60
- Plastic V60
- Copper V60
- Glass V60
Each material has its own pros and cons when it comes to brewing pour-over coffee. Here’s an overview of the features of each material:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | – Excellent heat retention capabilities – Aesthetically pleasing – Minimal environmental impact | – Relatively expensive – Not shatter-proof and heavy |
| Metal | – Great heat retention – Most durable and portable – Sleek, modern aesthetic | – Higher price |
| Plastic | – Affordable – Lightweight and portable – Not prone to shattering or denting | – Lowest heat retention, impacting taste – Less sturdy compared to metal |
| Copper | – Even heat transfer due to high thermal conductivity – Unique copper sheen | – Can add bitterness to the coffee |
| Glass | – Great heat retention – Easy to clean – Timeless, classic design – Semi-porous material for optimal water-coffee interaction | – Fragile and prone to breaking |
Ceramic V60
The Hario V60 ceramic variant is a popular option due to its heat retention capabilities and sturdy construction. It is also aesthetically pleasing on your countertop with minimal environmental impact compared to other materials like plastic or metal.
The downside though is that it’s a bit pricey, it’s not shatter-proof, and it’s a bit heavier than other options. But thanks to its heat retention, a ceramic dripper can provide you with consistent and even brewing temperatures throughout the brewing process, which ultimately lead to balanced flavors.
Metal V60
The metal Hario V60 also offers great heat retention and it’s the most durable material among your choices. It also has a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits right into your kitchen’s shiny appliances.
The drawback though is that it’s pricier, but I think it is worth investing in since it will last longer than the other materials will.
As someone who travels a lot and brings my brewing with me, the metal Hario V60 is also a favorite of mine since it’s a very portable coffee maker.
Plastic V60
If budget is a priority, then the affordable plastic Hario V60 may be the best option for you. It is also lightweight and easy to handle making it a portable tool as well.
Though it’s not as sturdy as a metal Hario V60, the plastic body is not prone to shattering or denting like the glass and ceramic variants.
However, it has the lowest thermal mass or the ability to absorb heat, which could negatively impact the taste of your coffee.
Copper V60
Copper is another popular pick for a V60 due to its high thermal mass and that unique copper sheen. Since it retains and transfers heat better than the other materials, you’re sure to enjoy a warmer cup every time after brewing.
However, the heat retention can add a little bitterness to the cup so I advise that you adjust your grind size and make it a bit coarser for a quicker flow of coffee.
Glass V60
Finally, there’s the glass Hario V60. This option offers great heat retention and is easy to clean after brewing. It has a timeless, classic design which often has an olive wood collar that would fit right into any kitchen.
Along with heat retention, the glass Hario V60 also has a semi-porous surface which allows for optimal interaction between water and coffee grounds during the brewing process. I often find that the coffee it yields is lighter-bodied with increased clarity in its flavor profile.
Regardless of whether you choose ceramic, metal, plastic, copper, or glass for your Hario V60 setup, remember that each material will require specific care instructions to maintain optimal performance over time.
Once you have decided on the material that suits your taste and brewing style, it’s time to select the right size for your Hario V60.
The Hario V60 Size Guide
The sizes for the Hario V60 drippers are 01, 02, and 03, with each size having its own unique characteristics. Here’s a closer look at the different sizes of the Hario V60 brewers:
| Size | Servings | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 1-2 cups of coffee | W11.5 × D10 × H8.2 cm |
| 02 | 1-4 cups of coffee | W13.7 x D11.6 x H10.2 cm |
| 03 | 1-6 cups of coffee | W15.5 × D14 × H16 cm |
Note: Dimensions may slightly vary depending on the specific model or material used.
Size 01
The 01 size is ideal for making one to two cups of coffee. This size is perfect if you want more control over each cup of coffee you make. It also saves space in your kitchen setup due to its compact design.
Size 02
The most popular size, the Hario V60 02 can make one to four cups of coffee in one go. This option provides a bit more room for water and ground coffee while still allowing for precision brewing techniques like pour rate adjustments. The versatility this model offers makes it an all-around favorite among many baristas, including me.
Size 03
Finally, there’s the 03 size which can produce one to six cups of coffee. If you regularly brew large pots of coffee for friends or family, this size might be the one for you. The larger capacity allows you to make larger batches in one brewing without sacrificing quality or consistency.
Since it’s bigger though, you’d want to consider where you’ll be storing this Hario V60.
When deciding on which size to choose, think about:
- how often you’ll be using it,
- the number of people who may use it at any given time to pinpoint how much coffee you’ll frequently brew,
- storage space in your kitchen, and
- portability, since some models may not fit easily into travel bags or require special care when storing them away between uses.
More Tips for Using the Hario V60
Here are some more tips and tricks to help you brew the perfect cup of Hario V60 pour-over coffee at home:
- Use the right filter. I recommend that you use Hario’s own paper filters that fit snuggly to its coffee drippers.
- Pick high-quality beans and grind them right before brewing if possible. Your pour-overs can only extract what your coffee beans have to offer so purchase from reputable roasters.
- Roast levels are important. I recommend medium-dark roast beans for more complex flavors but feel free to experiment to suit your needs.
- Choose the right grind size. I prefer starting with a medium-fine grind before troubleshooting your grind size to get your desired cup. Make it finer for stronger coffee or a coarser grind if it’s too bitter.
- Use filtered water whenever possible because unwanted minerals from tap water or distilled water can affect the taste of your coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hario V60 pour-over coffee brewing:
A plastic Hario V60 is popular for beginners starting out because it’s affordable, but the glass variant is the most popular and recommended overall because of its great value for money.
You can use the 01 filters on a 02 dripper if you’re brewing a smaller amount of coffee. However, I wouldn’t recommend doing this often as it can lead to clogging or other issues that can affect the brewing process.
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, fill the vessel halfway with white vinegar mixed with an equal amount of water then leave for up to fifteen minutes before rinsing out with fresh water.
Some of the popular pour over options other than the V60 include the Chemex and Kalita Wave drippers. The caveat with the Chemex is that it comes attached to the container and it’s generally made with glass. Meanwhile, Kalita Wave requires more advanced techniques and the filters are a bit harder to find, but it can brew better coffee.
Wrapping It Up
Now you have a better idea of the different variations of Hario V60 based on material and size. When considering which one is right for you, think about what qualities are most important to you and where you’re willing to make compromises based on your budget or other factors. Portability, strength, design, and the flavor you achieve will be different based on the model of V60 you choose.
At the end of the day though, what’s important is that you enjoy the process of the V60 brew method and you’re able to capture the perfect cup that caters to your palate and caffeine kick cravings.
So, which version did you pick? Please let me know in a comment below!
