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Hario V60 Plastic Pour Over - Your Definitive Guide

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hario v60 review

The Hario V60 – even the name evokes curiosity.  I love this simple, plastic pour over – what’s not to love!  It’s simple  and affordable; versitile & travel sized.  In fact, I don’t go on any long trips without it. It’s so simple that anyone can be taught how to use it with one lesson, yet, it has it’s unique complexities.  So much so that there are yearly world level competitions on how to get the best balanced cup of coffee out of it proving that this affordable pour-over is no slouch and that you don’t need expensive machines to brew a good cup of your your favorite coffee.

Hario V60 - A Brief History

Before we dive into the brew methods, let’s take a brief look into the history. 

The Hario V60, a revolutionary coffee brewing device, originated in Japan and was introduced by Hario, a company established in 1921. Initially focused on heat-resistant glassware, Hario expanded its product line and unveiled the V60 dripper in 2004. The V60’s design features a V-shaped cone with a 60-degree angle and internal spiral ribs, which promote even extraction and enhance the coffee’s flavor. Available in various materials, such as glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic, the V60 quickly became a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for its ability to produce a clean, flavorful cup.

The popularity of the Hario V60 soared in the specialty coffee community due to its precise control over brewing variables. Baristas and home brewers alike appreciated the ability to fine-tune factors like grind size, water temperature, and pouring technique to achieve the perfect brew. Its impact on coffee culture is profound, elevating the pour-over method to an art form and inspiring coffee lovers worldwide to explore the intricacies of manual brewing. Today, the Hario V60 remains a staple in both professional and home settings, synonymous with quality and precision in coffee brewing.

Hario V60 - A Simple Yet Delicious Recipe

hario v60 bloom

Equipment and Ingredients

To brew the perfect cup of coffee with the Hario V60, you’ll need the following equipment and ingredients:

Equipment:

  • Hario V60 dripper
  • V60 filters
  • Gooseneck kettle
  • Digital scale
  • Timer
  • Coffee grinder
  • Stirring spoon
  • Carafe or mug

Ingredients:

  • Fresh coffee beans
  • Filtered water

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

For this example, we’re going to use the 15:1 ratio meaning for every gram of coffee we’re going to use 15 grams of coffee.  Follow these steps to brew a delicious cup of coffee with the Hario V60:

Preparation:

  1. Boil Water:
    • Heat your water to 195-205°F (90-96°C).  If you don’t have a way to measure this, it’s ok.  Just take the kettle off the heat and let sit for 5 – 10 seconds before pouring.
  2. Measure Coffee:
    • Weigh out 20 grams of coffee beans (for a single cup).
  3. Grind Coffee:
    • Grind the beans to a medium-fine consistency, similar to table salt.
  4. Prepare Filter:
    • Place the V60 filter in the dripper and rinse with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the dripper.
    • Discard the rinse water.

Brewing Process:

  1. Add Coffee:
    • Place the ground coffee into the pre-wet filter, ensuring an even bed of coffee.
  2. Tare Scale:
    • Set the dripper on top of your carafe or mug and tare the scale to zero.
  3. Bloom Phase:
    • Start the timer and pour just enough water (about 30 grams) to saturate all the coffee grounds.
    • Allow the coffee to bloom for 30-45 seconds, releasing CO2 and enhancing flavor.
  4. First Pour:
    • Slowly pour water in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward, until you reach 150 grams of water.
    • Ensure all coffee grounds are evenly saturated.
  5. Second Pour:
    • Continue pouring in a controlled circular motion, adding water gradually until you reach 250 grams.
  6. Final Pour:
    • Complete the final pour, reaching a total of 300 grams of water.
    • Aim for a total brewing time of 2:30 to 3:00 minutes.

Tips for Achieving the Best Flavor:

  • Pouring Technique:
    • Maintain a slow, steady pour to ensure even extraction.
    • Avoid pouring directly onto the filter to prevent bypassing the coffee grounds.
  • Consistency:
    • Use a consistent grind size and water temperature for reliable results.
  • Adjustments:
    • Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, grind sizes, and brewing times to find your preferred flavor profile.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Bitter Taste:
    • Adjust grind size to be coarser.
    • Ensure water temperature is not too high.
  • Weak Coffee:
    • Use a finer grind.
    • Increase the coffee dose.
  • Uneven Extraction:
    • Practice pouring technique for better control.
    • Ensure even coffee bed before brewing.

Hario V60 - Benefits and Unique Features

Flavor Profile and Extraction Quality

The Hario V60 is renowned for its ability to produce a clean and vibrant cup of coffee, thanks to its unique design features:

Flavor Profile:

  • Clean Taste:
    • The paper filter removes most of the coffee oils and fine particles, resulting in a clean and crisp flavor.
  • Enhanced Acidity:
    • The V60 highlights the bright, acidic notes in coffee, making it ideal for showcasing high-quality, single-origin beans.
  • Balanced Complexity:
    • The even extraction process ensures a well-balanced cup, capturing the nuanced flavors and aromas of the coffee.

Extraction Quality:

  • Spiral Ribs:
    • The internal spiral ribs of the V60 allow for optimal air flow during brewing, promoting even extraction and preventing clogging.
  • 60-Degree Angle:
    • The V-shaped cone with a 60-degree angle helps water flow through the coffee grounds uniformly, enhancing the extraction process.

Versatility and Control

One of the key benefits of the Hario V60 is the level of control it offers to the brewer:

Customizable Brew Strength:

  • Adjustable Ratios:
    • Users can easily experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios to achieve their preferred strength and flavor.
  • Variable Grind Sizes:
    • By adjusting the grind size, brewers can fine-tune the extraction process, impacting the taste and strength of the coffee.

Precision Pouring:

  • Gooseneck Kettle:
    • Using a gooseneck kettle allows for precise control over the pouring speed and direction, crucial for achieving a consistent brew.
  • Pouring Technique:
    • Brewers can experiment with different pouring techniques (e.g., spiral, pulse) to influence the extraction and flavor profile.

Adaptability:

  • Multiple Sizes:
    • The V60 comes in various sizes (01, 02, 03), accommodating different brewing volumes, from a single cup to multiple servings.
  • Material Choices:
    • Available in glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic, the V60 offers options to suit different preferences for thermal properties and aesthetics.

Comparison with Other Brewing Methods

The Hario V60 stands out among other popular brewing methods due to its unique features and benefits:

Advantages Over French Press:

  • Cleaner Cup:
    • Unlike the French Press, which leaves coffee oils and sediments, the V60 produces a much cleaner cup of coffee.
  • Finer Flavor Control:
    • The V60 offers more control over the brewing variables, allowing for a more precise extraction and flavor profile.

Advantages Over AeroPress:

  • Larger Brew Capacity:
    • The V60 can brew larger volumes of coffee at once, making it more suitable for multiple servings.
  • Traditional Pour-Over Method:
    • For those who prefer the traditional pour-over technique, the V60 provides a more authentic and ritualistic brewing experience.

Advantages Over Automatic Drip Machines:

  • Manual Control:
    • The V60 gives brewers hands-on control over every aspect of the brewing process, leading to a more personalized and high-quality cup.
  • Superior Flavor:
    • The precision and customization possible with the V60 often result in a superior flavor compared to standard automatic drip machines.

In conclusion, the Hario V60 offers a combination of exceptional flavor quality, versatility, and control, making it a preferred choice for coffee enthusiasts. Its unique design and ability to highlight the intricate flavors of coffee set it apart from other brewing methods, solidifying its place in the world of specialty coffee.

FAQ:

What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for the Hario V60?

Generally, a ratio of 1:15 (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water) is recommended, but it can be adjusted based on personal preference.

What grind size should I use for the Hario V60?

A medium-fine grind is typically ideal, similar to table salt.

How important is the pouring technique with the Hario V60?

Very important; the pour affects extraction and overall flavor. Slow, circular pours are recommended.

Can I use pre-ground coffee with the Hario V60?

While possible, freshly ground coffee is preferred for optimal flavor.

What is the best water temperature for brewing with the Hario V60?

Water should be around 195-205°F (90-96°C).

Your Coffee Expert Author

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Nick Puffer

My love and passion for coffee goes back to a time when my nana would slip me my own cups of "coffee milk" when I would stay at her home in the dog days of summer in the 80's. I dove deeper into coffee when I worked as a barista where I began to explore the possibilities beyond store-bought coffee and learn about regions and methods. I founded coffee slang to not only continue my expedition but to create a community that is just as passionate about a small little bean with so many possibilities. Let's explore together!

Learn More About Nick Puffer

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