The V60 is arguably the most impressive brewing device ever invented for filter coffee. It is a product of Japanese culture, where (gravity) brewing is central to their drinking culture and often seen as the drink of connoisseurs.

The V60 was invented by Hario, a high-quality heatproof glassware manufacturer based in Japan, which in many ways led to its fame in the specialty coffee world over the past decade. It is essentially a cone-shaped device (hence ‘V’) designed with an angle of 60 degrees. It comes in three different sizes (01, 02, and 03) and is made from four different materials (ceramic, glass, copper, and plastic). While the size allows us to brew more coffee without significantly changing the flavours (assuming an appropriate recipe for each size), the different materials have a direct impact on the heat retention of the device, which in turn alters the brewing temperature and coffee extraction quite dramatically. Ceramic followed by glass offers the best heat retention and is what we recommend. Plastic does not retain heat but is sturdier and more convenient for the traveller.

At the roastery, the V60 is always our preferred choice when brewing filter coffee. Why? Put simply, it is incredibly versatile, and you can brew great results with any kind of coffee at any of our roast levels. Unlike other brewing methods such as the Moka Pot or French Press, where you typically choose coffee due to the nature of the device and its brewing parameters, with the V60 you are in full control. The potential recipes are numerous, with naturally varied tastes resulting from each recipe. Most importantly, you can manipulate acidity/bitterness levels with a fine-tooth comb and adjust body/mouthfeel with ease. If you are familiar with how to navigate around the brewing variables (i.e. coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, time, agitation and water temperature), you can make good coffee taste great.

Perhaps more than most other brewing devices, however, it requires precision. We would not recommend attempting to manipulate the brewing recipe and variables if you do not have, at the very least, a scale (and timer). You need tools to keep track of what you are brewing, and to glide through the recipe while remaining in control and fully aware. Without this control, you will likely have unpredictable and inconsistent results.

If you are getting into the specialty coffee world and exploring, then consider upgrading to the V60. Brewing coffee with the V60 is a process and, like cooking, is considered therapeutic by many. After exploring the wide range of AeroPress recipes for five years, I dove deeper into the brewing world and switched to the V60 (ceramic size 01). For me brewing is a never-ending journey for a better recipe. I enjoy exploring with brewing variables, which is what makes the V60 ideal for me, and I have yet to find a better brewing device for filter coffee.