The Hario V60

Written By Josh Herman

Loco’s Choice: https://amzn.to/4h2n8J1

The V60 is a popular manual pour-over coffee maker known for its simplicity, precision, and versatility. Developed by the Japanese company Hario in 2004, the V60 quickly became a favourite among coffee enthusiasts due to its ability to produce a clean, flavorful cup with excellent control over brewing variables. The name "V60" refers to the 60-degree angle of the cone-shaped design, which plays a significant role in the brewing process.

Key Features of the V60:

  1. Design & Materials:

    • The V60 is characterized by its conical shape, which promotes even extraction of the coffee. The spiral ribs on the inside of the cone allow air to escape during brewing, preventing the filter from sticking to the walls, which helps water flow through evenly.

    • The V60 is available in various materials, including ceramic, glass, plastic, and metal. Each material offers different heat retention properties, with ceramic being a popular choice for those seeking consistent brewing temperatures.

    • Its simple, minimalistic design is easy to use and visually appealing, making it a favourite both at home and in speciality coffee shops.

  2. Brewing Process:

    • To brew coffee with the V60, you first place a paper filter into the cone and wet it with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the brewer. After adding ground coffee to the filter, you slowly pour hot water over the coffee in a controlled, circular motion, allowing the water to evenly saturate the grounds.

    • The V60’s conical shape and the pour-over method provide excellent control over extraction time, flow rate, and water distribution, giving you the ability to fine-tune each brew. You can adjust factors like grind size, pouring technique, and water temperature to customize your coffee.

  3. Coffee Flavor:

    • The V60 is renowned for producing a clean, balanced cup with a bright and nuanced flavour profile. The even extraction provided by the cone shape allows for a more uniform coffee brew, highlighting the coffee’s natural acidity and intricate tasting notes.

    • The result is often a cup with crisp clarity and a smooth mouthfeel, ideal for showcasing high-quality single-origin beans, especially those with fruity, floral, or complex flavours.

  4. Capacity:

    • The V60 is typically available in three sizes: 01 (1-2 cups), 02 (1-4 cups), and 03 (1-6 cups). The most commonly used size for home brewing is the V60-02, which strikes a balance between single-cup brewing and larger batches.

  5. Brewing Control:

    • One of the key reasons coffee aficionados love the V60 is the control it offers. Unlike automatic machines, the V60 allows you to experiment with every element of the brewing process. Whether you're dialling in your grind size, adjusting the pour rate, or fine-tuning the water temperature, the V60 lets you shape the flavour of your coffee to your exact preferences.

  6. Ease of Use:

    • While it requires more involvement than an automatic coffee maker, the V60 is relatively easy to use once you get the hang of it. The process is more hands-on and takes a bit longer than drip coffee machines, but it’s perfect for those who enjoy the art of brewing and want to take their coffee to the next level.

  7. Aesthetic Appeal:

    • The V60's clean lines and functional design have made it a favourite among coffee professionals and hobbyists alike. It's often considered a piece of coffee gear that’s both utilitarian and visually pleasing, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate coffee culture and design.

Why Use a V60?

  • Customizable Brewing: The V60 gives you full control over the brewing process, allowing you to adjust grind size, pouring technique, and brewing time to produce the ideal cup of coffee.

  • Clean, Balanced Cup: The result is a bright and clear cup that showcases the full range of flavours in the coffee, particularly when brewed with high-quality, speciality beans.

  • Versatility: Whether you're brewing a single cup for yourself or a larger batch for friends, the V60 can handle a variety of coffee-to-water ratios. You can experiment with different brewing methods and techniques to find the one that suits your taste.

  • Portable & Easy to Clean: The V60 is lightweight, compact, and easy to clean, making it ideal for home use, travel, or even taking to coffee competitions.

Overall, the V60 is a versatile, high-quality pour-over coffee maker that excels in offering precise control and producing a clean, flavorful cup of coffee. While it requires a little more attention than an automatic machine, it's a favourite for those who appreciate the craft of coffee brewing and want to explore the nuances of their favourite beans.

This is the model we would advise, and also the model we use at Loco Coffee: https://amzn.to/4h2n8J1

These are some of the V60 Accessories that we would recommend that we have found to be the best value for money.

Josh Herman https://www.lococoffee.net
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