Hario v60 vs Chemex: Which one is better & Why?
Many individuals are choosing hand-poured coffee every day for their daily brew. With the passage of time, I came across certain coffee makers that have established their superiority and made the choice much simpler.
But one of these brewers will almost surely work better for you because of a few significant variations between them. Which one find out by reading on! The Hario v60 vs Chemex are likely your two options if you want to make pour-over coffee.
These brewing techniques could appear to be extremely similar at first. You may choose which to purchase by analyzing the two pour-over coffee brewers. To understand the significance of the distinction between Hario V60 vs Chemex, we must first know what pour over coffee is and how to create it.
What is a Chemex?
The Chemex, created in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm Ph.D., is an hourglass-shaped heat-resistant glass pour-over brewer vessel that enables brewing the ideal cup of coffee quickly and pleasantly.
It is composed of tempered borosilicate glass, has a slight ridge that acts as a spout, and is specifically intended to accommodate the thick filters needed to produce the exceptionally clear Chemex coffee.
One may even be seen at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The Chemex pour-over brewer design and method are renowned for their simplicity and beauty, which is why it has earned spots in numerous museums around the world.
The most recognizable-looking and best coffee makers come in a variety of styles, but my favorite is the one with the wood collars and leather string that has a glass pattern.
It often wears a rawhide leather tie-fastened heat-proof hardwood collar around its constricted waist.
Because chemex has a sleek, contemporary appearance and is simple to clean in the dishwasher, I also own this model of the Chemex. A wooden handle is included with some of them.
What is a Hario v60?
Hario, a Japanese company whose name translates to “King of Glass,” was founded in 1921 to produce heat-resistant glass and ceramic equipment for research labs.
The Hario V60, the second pour-over coffee brewer developed in 2005, takes its name from the precise 60-degree angle of its cone and has become quite popular in the coffee industry. However, it lacks the additional space on the bottom where the coffee is poured into.
The inside of the cone is lined from top to bottom with spiral ribs that enable water to flow perfectly and can withstand extremely high temperatures, which is particularly helpful in the coffee-making process because it allows ground coffee to extend and absorb.
I appreciate that it has a conical dripper (60° “V” design) that works well for both small batches of coffee and single servings.
On the other hand, the Hario V60 contains a number of ridges in which the water must travel. The ridged shape of the Hario V60 makes it more difficult for the coffee to pass through the filter without clogging.
V60 vs Kalita wave
V60 vs Kalita wave both they use for brewing specific coffee cups, which one is more useful than other, it’s up to you. Both these brewing system have its own characters, pros and con which give different flavor for different coffee.
Comparison of the Hario v60 vs Chemex Coffee Makers’ Distinctive Features
Hario v60 vs Chemex are two brewers that I adore passionately, and they are among the nicest cone-shaped drippers ever made. Here, I shall discuss how different tastes differ from one another. Therefore, we will concentrate on design, filters, accessibility, size and styles, flavor, and overall mix for our showdown.
Hario v60 vs Chemex both are cherished for various reasons. The best outcome “a superb cup of coffee” is what you want to achieve while brewing coffee at home. I will start with materials for those of you who truly prefer having alternatives.
Chemex warmer:
Chemex produce heat diffusers that is easily available in the market you buy it and then place it on the top of model coil in order to protect the carafe`.
Funnel design
The Hario V60 dripper contains ridges or grooves inside of the cone that enables air to escape and give some distance between the wet filter and the cone walls, giving the dripper its distinctive “V” form. They made coffee that would perfectly flow through the filter’s sides and out the bottom.
However, I’ve never seen that in Chemex in this way. It doesn’t truly offer this method for coffee. Instead, the majority of the coffee exits through the funnel’s bottom since it sticks to the little area between both the filter and the funnel.
Another prominent difference between the V60 coffee vs Chemex seems to be that the Hario V60 is a separate dripper that rests on the cup, but the Chemex is a single unit that can also be used as a carafe. I saw the aesthetic appeal of coffee in a carafe. It resembles premium wine in a decanter made of pure crystal.
The size of the grind and the rate of the pour is highly important while brewing since the exit hole at the base of both brewers is relatively wide compared to several other pour-over devices and a paper filter passes into the cone. Overall, I think making coffee this way is lovely.
Grind size
When brewing coffee at home, one significant difference between the Hario v60 vs chemex is choosing the proper grind size for the coffee beans. Hario v60 sizes to grind beans in my view, can be very challenging to get right every time and may make or break your day.
Although they differ somewhat, the Hario v60 vs Chemex sizes is nearly identical in terms of coarseness. Because the filters of V60 sizes are narrower than Chemex filters, the coffee steeps somewhat more quickly than with a Chemex.
The Chemex’s thickest filter allows the water to cool with the ground coffee beans for a little longer before passing completely through it. To accommodate for the coffee filter’s rapidity, I use a different, finer grind size. if you need a best coffee filter, you can find it here also.
The coffee’s flavor is significantly influenced by the grind size. The strongest cup of coffee is produced by a fine grind and a gradual pour, whereas a medium grind and a quick pour produce a weaker cup.
With the Hario V60 sizes, I like using medium-fine to medium grinds, but the Chemex is made to use somewhat coarser grounds because of the extended brewing duration. For a quicker brewing time, coarser grinds aren’t necessary.
Filters
To keep the grounds from getting into your cup, pour-over coffee makers utilize either paper or metal filters. However, for optimum extraction, both the Hario V60 and Chemex employ a paper filter.
You need filters that are the right size for your brewer since the thickness of the paper filters differs between the Hario V60 and Chemex. The filter papers used by the Hario v60 and Chemex come in three sizes that correspond to the size of the dripper you are using.
A 01 filter paper matches the Hario models of the Hario 01 and so on since it utilizes cone-shaped filter papers. While Chemex’s folded circle, folded square, and unfolded half-moon filters are more intricate than the Hario V60 sizes we use.
As with every Chemex coffee maker, the first two papers work. The three-cup Chemex fits the third paper form. But before using it, I must bend it into a cone.
Comparatively speaking, Chemex filter papers are thicker than Hario V60 filter papers. The flavor, necessary grind size, and brewing time are all impacted by this. You may pick between oxygen-bleached and natural filters for the V60 coffee vs Chemex depending on your preferences.
Ease of use
Chemex or V60, between these two equipment’s which one is easier to operate? Most individuals find this to be the most exciting part. According to our tests, both pour-over coffee makers are easy to use. However, I believe that the Hario V60 requires a little more skill to get everything exactly perfect to make a beautiful cup.
One of the primary variations in this instance is the use of paper filters with the Chemex trademark. The Chemex takes a little bit longer to brew coffee than the V60 coffee maker.
Because these narrow-spouted kettles provide you greater control over the water flow and Chemex is simply more forgiving of different coffee grind sizes, you can achieve complete, even separation of your coffee grounds.
In contrast to the Chemex, the Hario V60 is easier to use. Regarding the V60, your freedom to experiment with your brews is truly all you need to perfect for the greatest extraction of the pleasure of pour-over coffee.
You may alter the grind size, water temperature, and the way you pour water over the ground coffee to optimize the brew.
If you’re searching for a pour-over coffee maker, either one will work without too much problem to make a delicious cup of coffee, but if you want to improve your method, I recommend getting a Chemex because it doesn’t take as much trial and error.
Portability
Size and material are crucial considerations if you’re searching for a portable pour-over coffee maker that you can carry with you everywhere you go.
I think that the V60 is the only choice because it is much lighter and smaller than some of the more popular substitutes, but the Chemex pour-over brewer is much bigger. If we’re talking about terms of durability, non-glass solutions like plastic or metal v60s significantly reduce the likelihood of breakage.
Cleaning
Cleaning up with the Chemex or V60 is simple; you can quickly get rid of each paper filter. The substantially smaller V60 receives a quick rinsing.
On the other hand, because of its hour-glass form and the requirement to remove the wood collar, the bottom portion of the Chemex might be a little more challenging to access. To reach everything, you should use a bottle brush or something similar.
Flavor Comparison between the Hario V60 vs Chemex:
When I first brewed coffee at home, the Chemex was the very first pour-over coffee maker I bought. It produced a bright, tasty coffee with a small edge in clarity. However, both coffee makers have virtually the same flavor profile. If you ask me, the Hario V60 still has a little bit more taste.
Both chemex and v60 coffee makers utilize paper filters, so when I compare the two, I can notice the thickness difference. The bigger filters used by Chemex absorb more coffee oils and stop tiny particles from entering your cup. Chemex brews frequently have a weaker flavor and less of a mouth feel-balanced coffee flavor.
Each coffee maker will brew a great cup of coffee if everything has been implemented right, including freshly grinding the entire beans, monitoring the extraction time, and controlling the water flow rate. A cup of pour-over coffee made with the Hario V60 will have a little bit more taste despite this.
I love the texture of French press coffee since it is more indicative of the coffee flavor the more oil and other little coffee flakes of coffee beans go into your coffee.
Which should you get a Chemex or a V60?
So, which pour-over brewer will function admirably for you? Compared to one another, the Chemex and V60 are more similar. You can barely go wrong with either of these premium coffee makers.
Although they both create excellent coffee, many people care about the slight flavor variations. The decision between the two devices basically comes down to personal preference.
Try the coffee brewed using both methods at friends’ homes or coffee shops if you can. Both of them are quite simple to operate. Both also demand the purchase of specialty filters.
Enjoy your clear, tasty, and healthful cups of coffee with any gadget you decide! Your preference for one will become apparent in this way.
Get the Chemex if;
- You want a thicker filter that produces bright coffee with a clear, balanced flavor and minimal to no difficulty while using it.
- There should be no plastic used.
- You need a robust brewer that can serve several cups at once.
- You adore its style, and its graceful purity makes it the piece you want to display as art for visitors to admire.
Get the Hario V60 if;
- You want to brew a single cup at a time (smallest size).
- You want the simpler to clean and store.
- You appreciate the concept of experimenting to develop more intriguing taste profiles and aroma like a deeper bite.
- You want a stronger material, like plastic or stainless steel, since you never want it to shatter.
Size and Styles
To achieve the finest outcomes while preparing coffee at home. We must indulge all of our senses in order to really appreciate the process, not just taste. Naturally, a lot of us are also worried about how our equipment looks.
You should absolutely take your gooseneck kettle’s capacity into account while using such materials. To help you choose between the two coffee makers, here are some quick tips.
Hario v60 styles
Most people won’t have a problem with the little variations in designs and sizes. The materials utilized vary in a variety of various types, therefore you will have to choose:
- Plastic
- Stainless steel
- Heat-resistant glass
- Ceramic
- Copper
At home, I use a plastic V60, which works fine. Since it doesn’t retain as much heat energy as other materials, particularly ceramic and glass do, plastic versions are the most cost-effective, are designed for novices, and are best at keeping your water temperature.
Hario v60 sizes
Hario v60 in all styles or majority of them, are offered in all three sizes (01, 02, and 03). The capacity of the three V60s differs from one another, in terms of cups.
Hario 01:
Hario 01 is the smallest size of as compare other two with ten ounces brewing capacity. If you are beginner and just start to make delicious coffee. We suggest you to use V60 01 as its perfect for those who want to brew just a single cup for their self.
It’s easy to use also budget friendly affordable than other two sizes 02 or 03. This is a perfect match for you if are making small batch of coffee.
Hario v60 01 vs 02:
V60 02 is medium size with brewing capacity 300-500 ml. it’s also better for those who want to make coffee for 2 individuals or 2 cups.
V60 size 1 vs 2 share the same 60o design, when we compare hario 01 vs 02 the latter has taller rim. It is more versatile and easy to use, give richer taste.
Hario V60 03:
Hario V60 03: largest size among these three 01, 02, 03 sizes with brewing capacity 1200ml. This one is best for those who want to make coffee for more than two individuals. V60 03 is only available in plastic and glass models.
Which Hario v60 size should you choose?
The Hario V60 is stylish and attractive whether it is placed on a cup or used with a stand. Your demands will determine the size you select. More coffee may be brewed at once the larger the size.
The majority brew one or two cups in the regular size (one mug). The tiny size 01 edition is ideal if you only make one cup of coffee at a time. If you need to prepare coffee for a large group of people, we suggest the size 02, which is appropriate for serving only you and/or a companion, and the size 03, which is excellent for three to four people.
Chemex size and styles
The Chemex is the perfect choice if you typically brew numerous cups each batch, ranging from
- 3 cups – 16 oz.
- 6 cups – 30 oz.
- 8 cups – 40oz
- 8 cups – 40oz
- 13 cups – 65 ounces
Based on the type of Chemex you purchase. The Chemex, however, is a true work of design genius. Due to its distinctive design, it has attracted a lot of attention.
Classic: A rawhide band in various colors fastened to a natural hardwood collar.
Glass handle: The collar is swapped out with a glass handle, which somewhat takes away from the original design’s beauty.
Hand-blown: Similar to the traditional but produced in limited quantities by trained craftspeople.
Which Chemex size should you choose?
While the volume of your gooseneck kettle should be taken into account while effectively extracting your coffee, the capacity of your Chemex doesn’t directly affect this. Those who often just make coffee for themselves or have limited storage space may benefit more from the 3-Cup Chemex.
However, the six- and eight-cup variants are the most often used. The belly of the Chemex gets larger as the size increases. In this sense, the Chemex can store more coffee and is a wonderful mid-sized brewer, making it ideal for making coffee for oneself or for smaller gatherings of family members and friends.
Additionally, you have the choice between the full-glass model and the “original” Chemex with the wooden collar.
Now that you are aware of the various sizes, keep in mind that each has a minimum brew capacity if you want to achieve adequate extraction.
Final words
Overall, the two excellent coffee makers I use at home were compared in this article. In actuality, the majority of the variations in the coffee each company makes have more to do with issues of flavor than quality. Ideally, the details provided have helped you choose the best pour-over coffee maker.
The Chemex is ideal for those who want a sweeter, cleaner cup of coffee, while the V60 is a wonderful choice if you enjoy strong coffee. It actually depends on which option you want and how much coffee you often brew.
