Two titans compete for the throne in the immense world of drip coffee makers: the Chemex vs Hario V60. Both are revered in the world of drip coffee makers, and their popularity has created a recurring dilemma among lovers of this aromatic drink. Although the Chemex and Hario V60 share similarities, such as their ability to produce high-quality coffee, subtle differences in their brewing methods can significantly influence choosing one.
Chemex Vs Hario V60, both are some of the best drip coffee makers on the market today
In this article, we will reveal the mysteries surrounding these two jewels of manual coffee brewing. We will provide key information to help you make the decision that best suits your preferences and needs.
Chemex Coffee Makers
Chemex coffee makers are the favorites of baristas and lovers of good coffee. Thanks to its preparation process, preparing it becomes an experience for the senses.
Chemex, a jewel in the world of coffee makers, stands out for its unique design and functionality. Created in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, this specialty coffee – -maker is made from borosilicate glass, a material that does not absorb chemicals or odors, ensuring an interference-free coffee experience.
Its hourglass-shaped structure, with a wooden collar that serves as a handle, not only adds an aesthetic touch but also allows for a secure grip without the need for oven gloves.
The Chemex is Available in sizes 6, 8, and 10 cups and offers versatility to suit individual preferences. Although the 6-cup variant is the most popular, each size maintains the quality and elegance of the original design.
The coffee maker has gained recognition for its elegance, even being exhibited in fine arts museums. Its ease of use is reflected in the ridge designed for easy pouring and the extra-coarse filters that enhance the clean, refined flavor of the final brew. Plus, its versatility allows you to store excess coffee in the refrigerator without compromising quality or flavor.
Hario V60
The traditional method of the Hario V60 coffee maker consists of a ceramic or glass cone and a filter in which we place the ground coffee and, later, the hot water. Credit Image; Foto de Julien Labelle on Unsplash
The Hario V60, originally from Japan, stands out for its unique design, especially the V-shaped cone with 60-degree angles. This cone features spiral ridges inside, designed to facilitate the extraction of coffee oils during the brewing process. These ridges allow the hot water to be distributed evenly, ensuring complete absorption of the ground coffee flavor.
The distinctive feature of the ridged cone is evident during dripping, where the ridges provide a clear path to release the carbon dioxide gas released by the ground coffee. Additionally, like the Chemex, the Hario V60 uses borosilicate glass in its design, preventing chemicals from affecting the quality of the coffee.
The versatility of the Hario V60 is highlighted by offering options in different materials, such as ceramic, stainless steel, copper, and even plastic, and in different sizes: 01, 02, and 03, with the 02 version being the most popular, allowing users to Coffee lovers choose according to their preferences and needs.
Difference Between Chemex And Hario V60
| Aspect | Chemex | Hario V60 |
|---|---|---|
| Funnel Design | Classic and elegant. No ridges. | Curved ridges inside the funnel. |
| Grind Size | Preferred medium to fine grind. | A finer grind is required. |
| Filters | Thick filters, eliminate sediments. | Thinner filters allow oils |
| Size Variety | Various sizes available. | Limited to three sizes. |
| Ease of Use | More forgiving for beginners. | More demanding on water pouring. |
| Brewing Time | Slower, around 7 minutes. | Faster, 3 to 4 minutes. |
| Coffee Flavor | Smoother and cleaner | More flavorful and darker. |
The Chemex and V60 coffee makers are distinguished by their funnel designs, preferences in grind sizes, use of different filters, and levels of ease of use. Although they share similarities, they present unique designs. Find out more about these differences below.
Funnel
The first key difference between Chemex vs V60 coffee makers lies in their funnel design. The V60 stands out for having curved ridges along its funnel, facilitating an orderly flow of coffee into the carafe by leaving space between the wet filter and the walls of the funnel. This design speeds up brewing time by allowing the coffee to fall easily into the carafe.
On the other hand, Chemex coffee makers do not have ridges on their funnels, which results in a slower flow to the carafe. This design can cause inconvenience if the hot water is poured too quickly, as the coffee can only escape through the bottom of the funnel. The choice between both designs depends on personal preference, whether for the speed or the slower flavor of the infusion.
Coffee grind size
The Chemex and V60 coffee makers have notable differences regarding the coffee grind size. The Chemex produces optimal coffee with a medium or fine grind, and even slightly coarser grinds still provide an excellent cup of coffee.
On the other hand, the V60 requires more filter paper and finer grind to achieve quality coffee preparation. The thinner thickness of the Hario V60 filters allows beans to soak quickly, maximizing extraction with a finer grind.
Both coffee makers have sizable outlet holes at the bottom of their funnels, highlighting the importance of grind size specifications as they significantly impact the final brew result.
Variety of sizes
Regarding size variety, the Hario V60 coffee maker has a more limited offering than the Chemex. The V60 coffee makers are available in three sizes, with the largest being able to prepare only 2 or 3 cups of coffee. If you intend to serve a large group of friends, it is advisable to opt for the Chemex.
On the other hand, the Chemex coffee maker offers a wide variety of sizes and shapes to suit various needs, from brewing 3 cups to 10 cups of coffee. This makes the Chemex more versatile and customizable to your unique lifestyle, avoiding the frustration of having to throw away hot ground coffee to brew multiple cups or batches. The Chemex is designed to make it easy to prepare the desired amount without complications.
Filters
Both the Chemex and V60 use paper filters, but they have notable differences. Chemex paper filters are noticeably thick, almost comparable to cloth, and have a special design that makes them more expensive. These thicker filters are known for removing most of the sediment and many of the oils from coffee, resulting in a smooth, clean flavor similar to a French press, but with the benefits of pour-over.
On the other hand, V60 filters are much thinner, allowing some sediment and most oils to pass through them. This thinner filter contributes to the creation of a darker, more flavorful coffee, sometimes with a more bitter touch. Although there have been debates about which filter is better, choosing between the two usually comes down to personal preference, as both filters manage to make delicious coffee.
Ease of use
In terms of ease of use, the Chemex coffee maker is more beginner-friendly as it is more forgiving of less experienced to pour over coffee make-overs.
When it comes to the Hario V60, its use can be a little more demanding, especially for beginners. This method can result in under-extracted and watery-tasting coffee if water is poured too quickly. However, by taking a more conservative approach to pouring, the Hario V60 can deliver a perfect, controlled draw.
The shape of the Chemex tends to slow down the extraction rate, being more forgiving of the pour time. On the other hand, the V60 has a faster process, requiring 3 to 4 minutes compared to the Chemex’s 7 minutes.
Flavor
In terms of coffee taste, both coffee makers offer a delicious experience, but there are notable differences. The Hario V60 tends to produce tastier coffee compared to the Chemex. This is partly due to Chemex’s coarse filters.
Chemex filters remove all the sediment from the ground coffee, but they also tend to retain many of the oils. These oils are responsible for the delicious flavor of brewed coffee, and filtering out too many can result in less flavorful coffee.
Coffee flavor preference is personal, and both coffee makers are excellent options. Choosing between the two coffee brewers will ultimately depend on your unique taste.
Chemex coffeemaker styles
The different styles of the Chemex coffee maker offer options for all tastes. The classic Chemex, made of heat-resistant glass in an hourglass shape, features a wooden collar around its waist, offering comfort and aesthetics. Some variants replace the wooden collar with an elegant glass handle on the side. Additionally, there is a hand-blown version of Chemex, with glass made in small batches by expert artists, providing superior quality and excelling in both functionality and design.
The variety of styles allows coffee lovers to choose a Chemex coffee brewer that perfectly suits their aesthetic and practical preferences.
Hario V60 Styles
The Hario V60 coffee maker offers a wide range of styles that seek to satisfy various tastes and preferences. These styles include plastic, ceramic, heat-resistant glass, stainless steel, and copper, each with its characteristics and suitable for different lifestyles. Plastic, stainless steel or copper models are ideal for travelers who want to take their coffee maker with them. For those who value aesthetics and elegant design, the heat-resistant glass version could be the most perfect cup of choice, while lovers of sustainability can opt for the ceramic version.
How do you use the Chemex Coffee Maker?
Ingredients:
– 34 grams of La Organization Coffee, medium roast, whole grain, or freshly ground.
– 544 grams of water between 92° and 95° C temperature.
Necessary equipment:
– Chemex coffee maker
– Digital scale or weight
– Clock
– Measuring spoon and another for stirring
– Paper filter for Chemex
– Gooseneck teapot or kettle
Procedure:
1. Place the filter in the Chemex filter cone.
2. Rinse the filter with hot water to preheat the Chemex and remove impurities. Discard the rinse water.
3. Place the Chemex on the scale and set it to zero.
4. Add 34 grams of ground coffee to the filter and zero the scale again.
5. Make the pre-infusion or Bloom, pouring 68 grams of water in circles. Let it degas for 30 seconds.
6. Pour water in counterclockwise circles, in 30-gram portions. Don’t let the coffee dry completely.
7. Add water until you reach 544 grams in no more than four and a half minutes.
8. After the first minute, use the spoon to stir the surface of the filtrate making three rotations to the right and three to the left.
9. When the coffee flow slows and dripping begins, remove the filter.
10. Carefully shake the Chemex to homogenize the preparation and activate the aromas.
11. Pour your cup of coffee and enjoy.
Brew Coffee with a Hario V60
Instructions for making coffee with Hario V60:
Ingredients/Materials needed:
– Hario V60 coffee maker
– 30 g of ground coffee for the Coffee Life filter
– 500 ml of water at 95º
– Paper filter
– Bamboo shovel
– Weighing machine
Preparation time: 3 to 6 minutes
Preparation:
1. Tare the Hario V60 on the scale and place the cone-shaped filter.
2. Moisten the filter and remove excess water.
3. Place the ground coffee in the filter, balance the dose, pour over coffee maker and make a crater with the bamboo scoop.
4. Preinfuse for 30 seconds.
5. Pour over the remaining water slowly, steadily, and in circles.
6. Stir with the bamboo paddle to oxygenate.
7. Remove the filter, homogenize the infusion and serve.
The final decision
The choice between Chemex and V60 largely depends on the personal preferences and lifestyle of each coffee lover. While the Chemex stands out for its elegant design, size options, and thick filters that offer clean, smooth coffee, the V60 stands out for its versatility in styles and materials, providing options adapted to various needs.
Both coffee makers offer a unique coffee brewing experience, and the final decision comes down to whether you value aesthetics, convenience, or the ability to customize coffee brewing for specific flavors. Ultimately, whether enjoying the relaxed pace of the Chemex or exploring the stylistic options of the V60, both promise to elevate the daily ritual of enjoying a cup of coffee to new heights.
Frequently Ask Questions About Chemex Vs V60
1. What is better V60 or Chemex?
The choice between V60 and Chemex depends on individual preferences. The Chemex offers a clean, smooth coffee, while the V60 is more versatile in terms of styles and materials. There is no single answer, as the best option varies depending on personal preferences and lifestyle.
2. Does Chemex coffee taste better?
Some people prefer the cleaner, smoother flavor profile that Chemex offers due to its thick filters, while others enjoy the complexity and intense flavors that the V60 can provide. Ultimately, the preference between Chemex and V60 will depend on the personal tastes of each individual.
3. What is the advantage of Chemex?
The key advantage of Chemex lies in its ability to produce coffee with a clean, smooth taste thanks to its thick paper filters, which remove sediment and oils. Additionally, its attractive design and variety of sizes add versatility and aesthetics to the coffee-making experience.
4. Do Chemex and V60 have the same grind size?
No, Chemex and V60 require different grind sizes. Chemex benefits from a finer or medium grind, while V60 requires a finer grind. The difference in grind size influences the extraction speed and, therefore, the flavor of the coffee prepared with each brewing method.
5. Can you use V60 filters in a Chemex?
It is not recommended, as V60 filters are thinner and would overview the coffee in a Chemex, negatively affecting the flavor.