Pour-Over Duel: Get to Know V60 and Chemex

If you have entered the world of coffee, you must have come across pour-over equipment such as the V60 Dripper and the Chemex. Both are used to brew filter coffee and are based on the manual pouring technique. However, both the design and brewing characteristics of these two equipment significantly affect the taste of the resulting coffee. So what are the differences between the V60 and the Chemex? Which method is better for you?

1. Design and Material Differences

The V60 is manufactured by Japanese coffee equipment brand Hario. It is usually made of glass, ceramic, plastic or metal. It has a large hole at the bottom and spiral grooves on the inside. This design helps the water flow more controlled and quickly.

Chemex is an elegant glass container that functions as both a coffee brewer and a presentation container. It is usually made of a single piece of glass and has a wooden handle in the middle. With its aesthetic and functional design, it looks like a decorative object in the kitchen.

2. Filter Thickness and Its Effects

The V60 uses finer, more porous Hario filters, which allow water to flow more quickly and brew coffee more cleanly but more aromatically. Chemex filters are quite thick, which filter out coffee oils and some fine particles, resulting in a much cleaner, clearer cup of coffee. However, this can reduce the coffee’s body a bit.

3. Brewing Time and Control

With the V60, the brewing time is usually shorter (2.5–3.5 minutes), and you can control the brewing process more because you can use the pour-over technique in a more controlled manner. With the Chemex, the brewing time is usually longer (4–5 minutes) due to its thicker filter and design, which makes for a slower coffee experience.

4. Flavor Profile and Aroma Intensity

V60 is ideal for those looking for more aromatic and vibrant flavors. Its acidity is more pronounced, so it is very successful with coffee beans with fruity or floral notes. Chemex, on the other hand, offers a smoother, cleaner and more elegant coffee profile. The body is lighter and the acidity is softer, making it suitable for those who prefer simple and balanced flavors.

5. Which Equipment is for Whom?

If you want to have more control over the brewing process, try different techniques and highlight the character of the bean, V60 may be the right choice for you. However, if you want an aesthetic look, easy service and smoother coffee, Chemex may be the way to go. Coffee enthusiasts like to have both methods in their collections because they both have their own unique advantages.