The Coffee Kits

The Battle of Hario V60 vs Chemex: Which One Makes the Best Coffee?

Coffee lovers know the importance of investing in a good coffee maker. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Two of the most popular coffee makers are Hario V60 and Chemex. Both have their unique features and benefits, but which one makes the best coffee? In this article, we will compare the two and help you decide.

Design and Build

Hario V60 and Chemex have completely different designs. Hario V60 has a conical shape with ridges on the inside and a large hole at the bottom. The filter paper is placed inside the cone, and the coffee is brewed directly into the cup or pot. Chemex, on the other hand, has a glass flask with a wooden collar and leather tie. The coffee is brewed in the top half of the flask and drips down into the bottom half.

While both designs are aesthetically pleasing, the Hario V60 is more practical. Its conical shape allows for better water flow and extraction, resulting in a better coffee flavor. The large hole at the bottom also allows for better control over the brewing process. The Chemex, on the other hand, is more fragile and requires careful handling. The wooden collar and leather tie can also be a hassle to clean.

Brewing Process

The brewing process for both Hario V60 and Chemex is straightforward. Both require a paper filter, coffee grounds, and hot water. However, the technique used for brewing is different.

The Hario V60 requires a slow and steady pour of water over the coffee grounds. The ridges on the inside of the cone help with even extraction and prevent over-extraction. The large hole at the bottom allows for better control over the flow rate of water. The entire process takes about 3-4 minutes.

The Chemex requires a slightly different technique. The coffee grounds are placed in the top half of the flask, and the hot water is poured over it. The coffee then drips through the paper filter and into the bottom half of the flask. The entire process takes about 5-6 minutes.

Both methods produce excellent coffee, but the Hario V60 is known for its clean and bright flavor profile, while the Chemex produces a smoother and more delicate flavor.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintenance are essential factors to consider when choosing a coffee maker. The Hario V60 is easy to clean and maintain. The cone and paper filter can be disposed of, and the Hario V60 can be rinsed under running water. The Chemex, on the other hand, requires more effort to clean. The wooden collar and leather tie can be removed for cleaning, but they need to be handled with care.

Price

The price of both coffee makers is relatively similar. The Hario V60 costs around $20 with the paper filters, while the Chemex costs around $40 with the paper filters.

Conclusion

Both Hario V60 and Chemex are excellent coffee makers, but they have their unique features and benefits. The Hario V60 is more practical, produces a clean and bright flavor profile, and is easy to clean and maintain. The Chemex, on the other hand, produces a smoother and more delicate flavor, but requires careful handling and cleaning. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and brewing technique.

So, which one makes the best coffee? It's a tough call, but we recommend trying both and deciding for yourself. Happy brewing!