Chemex vs. Hario V60: Which One Is Better?

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 6th, 2023

When it comes to pour over coffee, there are two devices you will find in the homes of most coffee aficionados: Chemex and Hario V60. Both make a great cup of coffee and are easy to use. But which one should you choose? Which is one is right for you? We answer all these questions here. 


What is pour-over coffee?

In simple terms, pour over coffee is coffee that is made with hot hand-poured water over the coffee grounds. This method gives you total control over your brew.

Chemex vs. Hario V60

Chemex

clear pour-over coffee brewer with digital scale

Chemex was invented by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. He also designed the thick filters that must be used to make Chemex coffee extra clear. Since then, this coffee maker has received many awards for its science and design. 

It consists of an hourglass-shaped flask with a canonical funnel-like neck and proprietary paper filters, which are thicker. These filters make sure you enjoy sediment-free cups of coffee.

What Chemex coffee maker is the best?

Chemex is Chemex Corporation’s trademark. Chemex 2-Quart Water Kettle achieves the ideal mixing temperature with practical taste. The one-of-a-kind silicone plug holds blended water at crest temperature when venting steam, so the neck stays comfortable to reach for healthy treatment.

This component is constructed of non-permeable borosilicate glass that does not hold scents or residues.. This is the best chemex 8 cup coffee maker and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed if you do the order!

Pros 

  • Robust construction
  • Looks stunning
  • Makes great sediment-free coffee

Cons

  • Pricey than Hario V60
  • Requires paper filters
  • You need more time to get used to pouring to get the right strength of coffee

Hario V60

dripping liquid in cup

The V60 was invented in 2004. It gets its name from its distinct V shape and 60º angle and available in various materials such as plastic, ceramic, metal, and glass. Its internal sides have interior ridges that help with air and water flow during the brewing process.

Which Hario V60 is best?

The ceramic V60 is a great option and especially if looking for a coffee maker that retains heat. In fact, it is our favorite. 

Pros 

  • Affordable
  • Easy to use 
  • You can adjust the strength by using different pouring/filters at different speeds
  • It takes a few minutes to make a cup of coffee

Cons 

  • Require paper filters
  • You need more time to master the pour 
  • You will need a good coffee grinder

What is the difference between Chemex and V60?

coffee

Grind size

  • Chemex is designed for the medium-coarse grind. It will still make you great coffee if your grind is a bit coarser or finer.
  • V60 gives you much freedom. For example, with a fine grind and slow pour, you get a strong brew. If you use the medium grind and pour fast, you get a weaker cup. 

Filters 

Both makers use paper filters of varying thicknesses with the Chemex having the thickest filter. That means you get a cleaner brew than that of Hario V60. It is much easier to find the V60 filters.

  • The Hario V60 Pour Over filter is conical in shape with a semi-rough texture and medium thickness. The filter is seamed and requires the brewer to fold the seamed edges over to create a better fit with the brewer itself.
  • The Chemex Coffee Maker is also conical in shape once folded but before folding is a square. The Chemex filter is unique in that it has multiple layers once folded. There are four layers to the filter and once opened, three layers should lie on one side with the final layer separate. This creates the conical shape of the filter.

Convenience 

Convenience comes down to a few things: clean up, set up, and portability.

  • First, both makers require branded coffee filters, which you can find online today. 
  • When using a V60, your coffee collects in the serving carafe or mug—the Chemex doubles as a server. Nonetheless, you will still wash the same amount of dishes.
  • You need more time to clean a Chemex because of its hourglass shape, plus you need to remove the wood collar. The V60 is considerably small, hence easy to clean.
  • If looking for a travel coffee maker, the V60 will not disappoint. It is small than Chemex, plus it is non-glass.

Funnel design

While both have a huge exit hole compared to many other pour over devices. The V60 has grooves or ridges on the inside of its cones that you don’t see in the Chemex. This ridged cone allows coffee to exit through the sides of the filter and flow to the bottom of the funnel. When using a Chemex, most of your coffee only exists through the bottom of the funnel.

  • The Hario V60 Pour Over is a conical shaped brew basket with steep sides and a single, unrestricted opening for brewing. The Hario V60 Pour Over features ridges along the sides of the brewer so as to hold the filter in place properly and to prevent the filter from forming a seal with the brewer.
  • The Chemex Coffee Maker is also a conical shaped brew basket but is less vertical than the Hario V60 Pour Over. It does not feature any ridges but it does feature a recessed spout so as to prevent the filter from creating a seal with the brewer.

Variety of sizes 

  • The Hario V60 Pour Over is available in three sizes: 01, 02, and 03. These numbers correlate to the maximum brewing capacity by cup.
  • The Chemex Coffee Maker is available in four sizes: 3 cups, 6 cups, 8 cups and 10 cups. The three cup Chemex require a different filter size than the other Chemex sizes (six, eight and ten cups). The smallest capacity for the Chemex is three cups whereas the largest is ten cups. 

Brew 

  • The ChemexCoffee Maker brews the cleanest cups of coffee, thanks to its thick filters. The resulting brew has a tea-like body and brings out floral notes of coffee. Some people say the thicker filters hurt the brew by grabbing more of the oils that give coffee their unique taste.
  • With the Hario V60 Pourover giving its users the freedom to experiment with different recipes, you can take your brewing game to the next level to make sweet, bright, and complex coffee. While V60 is a versatile machine, it is good to note it is also unforgiving at the same time. So you want to be sure of what you are doing.

Flavor and Texture

  • The Hario V60 Pourover produces a medium bodied coffee with rich flavors. It highlights chocolatey notes and nutty flavors very well. We recommend brewing any roast level of coffee with the Hario V60 Pour Over.
  • The Chemex Coffee Maker highlights the floral and fruity flavors in coffee very well. It produces a brew with a silky, tea-like texture that is light bodied. We recommend brewing light roasts with the Chemex Coffee Maker.

Ease of use

While both coffee makers are easy to use, the V60 allows for more experimentation. This is because it is less sensitive variables such as water temperature, grind size, etc.

Chemex is more sensitive. For example, you must use a coarse grind. 

It is good to note that while the V60 allows room for experimentation, it is less forgiving, especially for beginners learning the ropes.

Time

  • If using a Chemex, you will have to wait for 3-6 minutes for your brew to be ready. If using the V60, you just wait for 2-4 minutes.
  • .he V60 takes less time to brew because of its large hole at the bottom. The Chemex takes longer because it uses thicker filters.

Which one should you choose?

Both coffee makers are great, are easy to use, use filters, and do a decent job. What makes them distinct is the flavor of the brew produced, and which matter to many people.

Go for a Chemex if:

  • Love its unique design and want to leave it sitting on your counter as art
  • Want to make multiple cups at a time
  • Craving clear, bright coffee 
  • You don’t want any plastic
  • Want some forgiveness with your grind and pour

Bonus: You can also purchase the Chemex Ottomatic coffee maker to automate your pour over.

Settle for the Hario V60 if:

  • You are a traveler and looking for something portable and less fragile 
  • You always want to make a single cup 
  • Want greater control over your brew
  • You want the easiest possible clean-up

Sizes and styles 

Chemex

Chemex are available in different sizes: 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 13-cup devices -all of which are clear glass. Chemex lines of coffee makers include:

  • Hand-blown: resembles the classic, but made in small batches by skilled artisans.
  • Classic: has a natural wooden collar, tied on with a rawhide band.
  • Glass handle: a glass handle replaces the collar.

Check out some of Chemex accessories.

Hario V60

Most brew 1-2 cups and comes in different materials:

  • Ceramic
  • Plastic 
  • Copper 
  • Stainless steel
  • Heat-proof glass

The plastic models are cheap and suitable for beginners. Ceramic, plastic, and metal models can be bought in sizes that will prepare up to 4 cups. The copper one is sharp and the most expensive. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.