Hario V60 Complete Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The Hario V60 is arguably the most popular pour-over coffee brewer in the world. Its iconic conical design and spiral ribs have become synonymous with precision coffee brewing. But what makes it so special, and how do you use it to brew the perfect cup?

What is the Hario V60?

The V60 stands for "V-shaped, 60-degree angle"—the precise angle of the cone. Designed by Hario, a Japanese glassware company founded in 1921, the V60 was introduced in 2004 and revolutionized home coffee brewing.

Key Design Features

1. Conical Shape: 60-degree angle allows water to flow toward the center
2. Spiral Ribs: Guide water flow and prevent filter from sticking
3. Large Single Hole: Provides maximum control over extraction time
4. Multiple Materials: Available in ceramic, glass, plastic, and metal

V60 Models and Sizes

Size Options

• V60 01: 1-2 cups (240ml max)
• V60 02: 2-4 cups (480ml max) - Most Popular
• V60 03: 4-6 cups (720ml max)

Recommendation: Start with the 02 size—it's the most versatile and commonly used.

Material Options

Ceramic V60:

• Excellent heat retention
• Beautiful, traditional appearance
• Heavier and more fragile
• Best for: Home use, aesthetics

Glass V60:

• Clean, modern look
• Good heat retention
• Shows the brewing process
• Best for: Visual appeal, home use

Plastic V60:

• Lightweight and durable
• Excellent heat retention (surprisingly!)
• Affordable
• Best for: Travel, beginners, daily use

Metal V60:

• Extremely durable
• Good heat retention
• Portable
• Best for: Camping, travel, durability

Recommendation: For most people, plastic is the best choice—it's affordable, durable, and actually retains heat better than ceramic or glass.

Why Choose the V60?

Advantages

1. Maximum Control: The large hole and conical design give you complete control over extraction
2. Versatility: Works with any coffee, any roast level
3. Clarity: Produces clean, bright, flavorful coffee
4. Speed: Faster brew times than flat-bottom brewers
5. Affordability: Very reasonably priced
6. Availability: Easy to find filters and accessories

Challenges

1. Learning Curve: Requires practice to master
2. Technique-Sensitive: Small mistakes are more noticeable
3. Requires Good Grinder: Needs consistent grind size
4. Needs Scale: Precise measurements are essential

Complete V60 Brewing Guide

Equipment Needed

• Hario V60 brewer (size 02 recommended)
• V60 filter papers
• Gooseneck kettle
• Digital scale (0.1g accuracy)
• Timer
• Burr coffee grinder
• Fresh coffee beans

Step-by-Step Method

1. Preparation (0:00)

• Coffee: 20g medium-fine grind
• Water: 320g at 93-96°C (200-205°F)
• Ratio: 1:16 (coffee to water)

2. Rinse Filter (0:00-0:30)

• Place filter in V60
• Rinse with hot water (removes paper taste, preheats)
• Discard rinse water
• Place V60 on server/cup

3. Add Coffee & Bloom (0:30-1:00)

• Add 20g ground coffee
• Start timer
• Pour 40g water in circular motion (2x coffee weight)
• Swirl gently to ensure all grounds are saturated
• Wait 30 seconds for bloom

4. First Pour (1:00-1:30)

• Pour in spiral motion from center to edge
• Reach 120g total water (including bloom)
• Maintain steady, controlled pour

5. Second Pour (1:30-2:00)

• Continue spiral pour
• Reach 220g total water
• Keep water level consistent

6. Final Pour (2:00-2:30)

• Complete remaining water (320g total)
• Final spiral pour
• Maintain steady flow

7. Drawdown (2:30-3:30)

• Allow water to drain completely
• Total brew time: 2:30-3:30 minutes
• Remove V60 before last drops

Pouring Technique Tips

• Spiral Motion: Always pour in circles from center to edge
• Height: Pour from 2-3 inches above the coffee bed
• Speed: Steady, controlled pour (not too fast, not too slow)
• Consistency: Maintain same technique throughout

Advanced Techniques

The 4:6 Method

Developed by 2016 World Brewers Cup Champion Tetsu Kasuya:

• First 40% of water: Determines sweetness (split into 2 pours)
• Last 60% of water: Determines strength (split into 3 pours)
• Allows for customization of sweetness and strength

Pulse Pouring

• Multiple small pours instead of continuous
• Maintains water level
• Better temperature control
• More consistent extraction

Single Pour Method

• One continuous pour after bloom
• Faster and simpler
• Requires good technique
• Produces different flavor profile

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Coffee is Too Weak

• Grind finer: Increase extraction
• Increase coffee amount: Use more coffee
• Extend brew time: Pour slower or use more water

Coffee is Too Strong/Bitter

• Grind coarser: Reduce extraction
• Lower water temperature: Use 90-93°C
• Reduce brew time: Pour faster or use less water
• Reduce coffee amount: Use less coffee

Uneven Extraction

• Improve pour technique: Ensure even spiral motion
• Check grind consistency: Use better grinder
• Swirl during bloom: Ensure all grounds are wet

Drawdown Too Fast

• Grind finer: Slow down the flow
• Pour slower: Give water more time to extract

Drawdown Too Slow

• Grind coarser: Speed up the flow
• Check filter: Make sure it's not clogged

Filter Papers

Hario V60 Filters

• White filters: Standard, unbleached option
• Natural (brown) filters: Unbleached, may have paper taste
• Tabbed filters: Easier to fold and place

Tip: Always rinse filters thoroughly to remove paper taste.

V60 vs Other Pour-Overs

V60 vs Kalita Wave

• V60: More control, faster, technique-sensitive
• Kalita Wave: More forgiving, consistent, easier for beginners

V60 vs Chemex

• V60: Faster, more control, produces brighter coffee
• Chemex: Slower, thicker filters, produces cleaner coffee

Maintenance and Care

• Cleaning: Rinse with hot water after each use
• Staining: Coffee oils may stain ceramic/glass (normal)
• Storage: Keep dry to prevent mold
• Filters: Store in dry place

Where to Buy

The Hario V60 is widely available:

• Amazon (best prices, fast shipping)
• Specialty coffee shops
• Online retailers
• Direct from Hario

Price Range: $15-40 depending on material and size

Final Verdict

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars

Best for: Coffee enthusiasts who want maximum control and are willing to practice

Price: $15-40 (excellent value)

Difficulty: Intermediate (requires practice)

Recommendation: The Hario V60 is an excellent choice for anyone serious about pour-over coffee. While it has a learning curve, the results are worth it. Start with the plastic version in size 02—it's affordable, durable, and performs excellently.

The V60 offers unparalleled control and produces clean, bright, flavorful coffee that showcases each bean's unique characteristics. With practice, you'll be brewing coffee that rivals the best specialty cafes.

Ready to get started? Check out our Japanese Pour-Over Method guide for detailed brewing techniques, or compare it with the Kalita Wave to find the right brewer for you.