BrewGuideV60 vs Chemex: Which Pour-Over to Buy
The V60 and Chemex are the two most recognizable pour-over brewers. Both make excellent coffee, but they do it differently. If you’re deciding between them, here’s what actually separates them in daily use.
The Basics
The Hario V60 is a cone-shaped dripper with spiral ridges and a single large hole at the bottom. It sits on top of a mug or carafe. It comes in ceramic, glass, plastic, and metal.
The Chemex is a single glass vessel shaped like an hourglass, with a wooden collar around the middle. The top half holds the filter and coffee, and the bottom collects the brew.
Taste
The biggest difference comes from the filters.
V60 filters are thin. They let more oils and fine particles through, which gives the coffee a bit more body while keeping it clean.
Chemex filters are much thicker. They catch more oils and sediment, which produces an exceptionally clean, bright cup with a lighter body. Some people love that clarity. Others find it a little thin.
Ease of Use
The V60 is less forgiving. Its large single hole means flow rate depends heavily on how you pour and your grind size. Small changes show up quickly in the cup. That’s great for learning but can be frustrating at first.
The Chemex drains more slowly because of the thick filter, so it’s less sensitive to pouring technique. However, it can stall if the grind is too fine.
Batch Size
The V60 is ideal for one or two cups. You can brew larger amounts with the bigger size, but it’s designed for single servings.
The Chemex shines with larger batches. The common six-cup and eight-cup models handle 30 to 50 grams of coffee comfortably. If you regularly brew for two or more people, it’s convenient to have the carafe built in.
Grind Size
For the V60, use a medium-fine to medium grind. For the Chemex, go a step or two coarser, since the thick filter slows things down. A grind size chart is a useful starting point for both.
Cleaning and Durability
The V60 is simple to clean and, in plastic, nearly indestructible. The ceramic and glass versions need more care.
The Chemex is all glass, which can be awkward to clean inside and is easier to break. The wooden collar needs to be removed before washing.
Cost
A plastic V60 is one of the cheapest good brewers you can buy. Ceramic and glass versions cost a bit more. The Chemex costs more upfront, and its filters are pricier too.
Quick Comparison
- Best for one cup: V60
- Best for several cups: Chemex
- Cleanest, lightest cup: Chemex
- More body, faster brew: V60
- More forgiving technique: Chemex
- Lower cost: V60
Which Should You Buy?
If you’re brewing for yourself and want to learn pour-over, start with a plastic V60. It’s cheap, fast, and teaches you how pour-over ratio, water temperature, and grind interact.
If you usually brew for two or more people and prefer a very clean, delicate cup, the Chemex is the better fit.
Whichever you choose, the most important gear is still a good burr grinder and a coffee scale. The brewer is the easy part.