Gaining the know-how to prepare coffee at your own abode can increase the pleasure you get from coffee. When looking into buying a filter coffee maker, it’s worth investigating both the Hario brand from Japan, noted for its V60 brewer, and the Chemex company. But how do they differ? Let’s examine the Chemex and V60 coffee makers to determine which one is the best for you.
What is pour-over coffee?
Pour-over is a low-tech way to get great coffee. This brewing process is highly regarded for its ease; all one needs to do is put the ground coffee in a paper filter. Next, you add hot water to the coffee grounds, which creates a freshly-brewed coffee.
Pour-over coffee usually does not have any of the residues or sediment that is present in coffee that is prepared with a French press. A paper filter is responsible for removing micro-particles of coffee and reducing its bitterness. Nevertheless, French press coffee is generally noted for having a more abundant texture than what can be achieved through a drip machine.
It is significant to be aware that compared to a cup of drip coffee or a shot of espresso, a serving of pour-over coffee has a higher amount of caffeine. Be careful not to put too much when trying pour-overs.
Hario V60 and Chemex are some of the most popular pour-over coffee makers on the market. The Chemex has a distinct hourglass shape, whereas the Hario V60 looks like a small cone that goes on the top of any mug meant for coffee.
A Brief History
Both the Chemex and Hario V60 were manufactured by businesses that were established over a century ago. Meanwhile, both are renowned in the coffee industry.
What Is Hario V60?
Hario is a Japanese business which was founded back in 1921, initially producing thermal resistant glass. In the 1950s, Hario came out with the coffee siphon and trickle brew machine. Finally, in 2005, it introduced the V60 dripper. This dripper earned admiration from both professional baristas and domestic brewers due to its remarkable capabilities.
What Is Chemex?
The Chemex is an hourglass-shaped, one-piece brewing device created by German chemist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. Its design is aesthetically pleasing and recognizable enough to have earned it its spot in museums around the globe, with one example being New York City’s Museum of Modern Art.
Chemex vs. V60: what is the difference?
The Chemex is celebrated for its aesthetically-pleasing hourglass shape, which has been put on display in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. The exterior of this object is composed of borosilicate glass of the highest standard, paired with the addition of a wooden collar and a leather strap to give it a natural and organic appearance.
The Hario V60 is a Japanese-made coffee device that is both convenient and transportable. The moniker V60 is derived from the 60-degree angle of the filter cone, possessing a singular great opening at the base from which the coffee is brewed. This coffee maker is available in a range of different materials, such as plastic, glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and copper. The cone will be placed on the top of the cup you have selected and make coffee.
When comparing Chemex and V60, the most notable contrast is that Chemex features a carafe integrated into it, whereas V60 does not. Recognizing the similarities in the way they brew, it can help to differentiate between the Hario V60 and Chemex models when trying to locate the best coffee brewer for your taste in coffee.
Ease of use
The procedure of using the Chemex and the V60 is fairly alike. Using freshly ground coffee beans will yield optimal results with either coffee maker. Consequently, it would be wise to consider how much effort and resources you will dedicate to this.
Pour-over coffee brewers do not require electricity to operate. To make coffee using Chemex and Hario V60, you’ll need to have hot water available to add to the ground beans.
An ideal partner for either product is a gooseneck kettle as its slim spout allows for enhanced accuracy when pouring. Nonetheless, an ordinary tea kettle should be suitable provided that you pour the liquid in gradually.
Chemex
It is optimal to use a medium-coarse coffee grind size when using a Chemex brewer. You will likely need to buy whole coffee beans and grind them yourself, as the coffee obtained this way is usually much less fine than the pre-ground coffee found in shops. It isn’t obligatory to make use of the exceptionally fine coffee grounds favored for use in French press coffee makers.
Once you have ground the coffee beans and placed them in the Chemex filter, be prepared to be patient while gently pouring boiling water over them and waiting for the coffee to be brewed. Heating water to its boiling point can help you get the best flavor out of your drink, but you may need to try different amounts of hot water and temperatures before you find the one that works best for you.
The Chemex brewer is equipped with an carafe which eliminates the threat of spilling, something which may be a hazard when utilizing other drippers which are placed upon cups or mugs. Using an excessive amount of water can cause a cup of coffee to taste flat, while using too small amount of water can give a cup of coffee an unpleasant, sour flavor.
Chemex stands out for its simplicity when it comes to making coffee. The wooden collar serves as an ergonomic grip, enabling you to pick up the container without having to worry about getting burnt and pouring your coffee.
Hario V60
The optimal grind size to use with the Hario V60 brewer is a medium-fine grind. You can select a medium-coarseness setting when grinding your coffee beans, or you can opt for ready-made pre-ground coffee if that’s more convenient. An espresso grind will be definitely too fine, though.
A mistake that newbies may make when making pour-over coffee with a Hario V60 or similar device which fits onto a cup is to pour in an excessive amount of liquid. Try adding the hot water slowly if you have coffee scales and a gooseneck kettle to stop this issue from occurring.
Winner
The Hario V60 wins for ease of use. If you don’t possess a burr coffee grinder, you can make do with prepackaged coffee. If you wish to take your coffee out and about, the Hario V60 is a great option as it is portable.
Brewing time
If you’re craving a yummy cup of coffee, you likely want it right away. Taking the length of time it takes to make the desired brew into account is significant when deciding which of the Chemex or Hario V60 to use.
Chemex
Brewing coffee with a Chemex takes somewhat longer than other methods, especially when preparing a big batch. Be certain to moisten the paper filter, and pour out the liquid from the carafe, prior to beginning the brewing process. Put the grounds into the filter and lightly sprinkle them with hot water. Allow them to open up or take a breath for approximately half a minute. After that, you should carefully pour water in a circular pattern to trace the outline of the glass. Ultimately, you have to be patient for the coffee to slowly pour into the container.
The length of time it takes to make coffee in a Chemex can range from 3.5 to 5-6 minutes.
It definitely requires more effort than activating a programmable coffee brewer or just brewing with an AeroPress.
Hario V60
Most of the suggestions for making a good cup of coffee with a Chemex would work well if you were using a Hario V60. You should still moisten the paper filter, lightly sprinkle water on the coffee grounds, and allow them to release gases. Carefully add hot water in a continuous motion in a circular pattern, following the shape of the cone.
The amount of time needed to make coffee with a V60 is typically shorter than that for a Chemex since less coffee is being made. It should take approximately 3 minutes in order to achieve an even extraction.
Winner
The V60 can brew in a shorter period than Chemex. It’s not a balanced competition, because typically the V60 produces less coffee.
Design – Hario V60 vs Chemex
Hario V60 Design
Don’t be misled by the straightforward appearance of the conical-shaped dripper – a careful consideration was devoted to its structure, producing an excellent cup of coffee.
The “V60” design is attributed to the pour over device being angled at 60 degrees, forming a V shape. Within the cone are spiraled protuberances that enable air to escape and broaden the grounds of the coffee. This ensures a more consistent, even extraction. The bottom of the instrument has a large aperture, and a paper strainer needs to be inserted into the cone.The V60dripper can be obtained in a variety of colors and substances. It’s no surprise that the plastic models are the least expensive, and they come in clear, red, and white. If you would prefer not to use plastic, there are ceramic and glass alternatives available. Finally, there is a copper variation, which looks more luxurious and offers improved heat conduction during preparation.
Chemex Design
The Chemex is built from borosilicate glass. It also has a leather tie and wooden collar. It was previously remarked that this brewer is so attractive that museums around the world have made it a part of their permanent collections. Astoundingly, in spite of being created 80 years ago, this does not have a bit of an antiquated look. If you are someone who values the look of your coffee maker as much as you appreciate having good coffee, then the Chemex is definitely an ideal option.
The contrast between the Chemex and the Hario V60 is substantial, as the former is one single piece while the latter is a divided dripper designed to fit on the cup. You can use the Chemex, since it is a single item, to serve as a decanter. The Chemex is easy to handle because of its wooden collar, which prevents it from becoming too hot to hold. At the same time, there is a neat depression on the side of the container that promises not to cause any drips or messes as you pour it into your cup.
Paper Filter
Utilizing either paper or metal filters, a pour-over coffee maker ensures that no coffee grounds make it into your cup. No matter the brewer, paper filters are necessary; you must get the size that fits your brewer correctly.
Hario V60 Filter
The Hario employs cone-shaped filter papers that come in three various sizes which are coordinated with the size of the coffee dripper. A filter paper that is compatible with the 01 model can be used with the 01 version. The same applies to other models as well.
To utilize the filter, it is necessary to bend the side and pull it open from the top. This creates a conical form that is perfect to use with a V60. You can purchase your filter papers either directly from Hario or through other vendors. The paper’s gauge may fluctuate depending on the source.
Chemex Filter
The filters employed by Chemex are more intricate than the ones employed by Hario V60. There are three shapes:
- Pre-folded circle
- Pre-folded square
- Unfolded half moon
The initial pair of papers goes with all Chemex machines apart from the three-cup size. The third paper shape fits the three-cup Chemex. You will need to form it into a cone shape before you can use it.
Coffee Taste
Since both coffee pots employ paper filters, your beverage will be free of sediment. However, they share other flavor similarities, too.
Both of the coffee brewers create scrumptious coffee, providing tangy tartness and beautiful aromas from a solitary source African variety, a nutty, chocolate-like, smooth taste from a Brazilian option, or any other remarkable tastes from any of your chosen beans. It is sensible because using the pour-over method brings out the intrinsic features of the coffee beans.
If you followed the correct process for making coffee, like freshly grinding the beans, selecting the right temperature, ratio of coffee to water, monitoring the extraction time, and handling the speed of the water flow, you will have delicious coffee all the time. Nonetheless, each coffee maker produces coffee with distinct nuances. As an illustration, the Chemex’s more substantial filters hold back a greater amount of the coffee oils, and do not let any minute particles blend into the cup – thus leading to a smoother and brighter taste. Many people like this. If you like a bolder-tasting coffee, brewing with Chemex can sometimes produce a drink with a less full-bodied flavor. However, the V60 brews coffee with more body.
Durability And Maintenance
Hario V60
The plastic drippers may not be as esthetically appealing as the glass and ceramic ones, but they possess the added benefit of being indestructible. We have employed these items for a few years and they still perform excellently, despite the discoloration and the white dropper appearing not as spotless as it did when initially bought. No upkeep is needed for it, except for a rinse in water. The cost of plastic drippers is quite low, making them a perfect decision for someone who is on a tight budget.
Chemex
The V60 is more robust than the Chemex, due to the fact that the Chemex is solely made out of glass, which is not as strong. Although an hourglass shape is attractive, it can be difficult to clean unless you have a bottle brush with a long handle. It would be wise to take off the leather strap and the wooden handle before washing.