Hario V60 is a pour-over coffee maker designed to optimize the coffee brewing process. Hailing from Japan, where precision often meets tradition, Hario has built a reputation for high-quality coffee equipment since its founding in 1921. The V60 system, in particular, has become a favorite of home brewers and professional baristas alike.
Design and Build Quality
The unique design of the Hario V60 is one of its most distinctive features. The name “V60” itself comes from the vector 60, which means the 60-degree angle of its cone. This angle, combined with the spiral ribs inside the cone and the large single hole at the bottom, allows for optimal water flow through the coffee grounds, resulting in better extraction rates and better control over brewing time.
Hario offers the V60 in a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, metal, and plastic, each of which affects the heat retention properties and overall longevity of the brewer. The ceramic version, for example, retains heat extremely well during the brewing process, ensuring a stable temperature throughout. The lightweight plastic model is durable and ideal for travel, while the glass and metal versions combine aesthetics with functionality, appealing to those who value style as well as performance.
Brewing Productivity
For best results with the Hario V60, it is recommended to use coffee grounds that are similar in size to table salt. The pouring technique is critical; slow and controlled pouring in a spiraling motion, starting from the center to the edge, promotes even saturation and extraction. Ideally, the total brewing time should be between 2.5 and 3.5 minutes depending on the grind size and desired strength.
Temperature control is another critical factor; ideally, the water temperature should be around 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Consistency of water temperature and pouring technique significantly affects the taste of coffee.
The Hario V60 is best suited for those who like to prepare a drink and adapt various parameters to achieve an individual taste of coffee. Users must actively participate in the brewing process, making adjustments based on coffee bean type, grind size, water temperature, and pour speed. Therefore, it is recommended for users who value precision and are willing to spend time mastering their brewing skills to get a great cup of coffee.