The Hario V60 is an ideal pour-over coffee maker that looks like a cone with a twisty design inside. It’s super easy to use and makes a really nice, smooth cup of coffee in just three minutes.
This guide is the one-stop shop for all things Hario V60. From its backstory and the ultimate recipe to the best beans to pair with it, I’ve got it all covered.
And don’t worry! I’ve also included tips to fix brewing issues and keep your V60 looking new.
Getting to Know the Hario V60
The Hario V60 is not just a coffee maker. It’s a masterpiece made by Hario, a famous Japanese glassware company.
Have you ever wondered, like I did, why it’s called the V60? The “V” stands for its distinct V-shape, and “60” points to the 60-degree angle of the cone. But trust me, there’s so much more to it than just a catchy name.
Specifically, this brewer uses the pour-over method.
In my experience, the V60 makes filter coffee, which is different from strong espresso. This means you get a drink with more water compared to coffee, resulting in a lighter and smoother cup.
So, how does it work? It’s straightforward. Firstly, a filter paper goes into the V60’s funnel. Then, you add freshly ground coffee. When you pour hot water over the coffee, it flows through naturally because of gravity. This results in brewed coffee dripping into your cup.
And what’s the genius part? For me, it’s the internal ridges in the V60. They assist in the blooming process of coffee and ensure even water flow through the grounds.
In my opinion, the Hario V60 design makes it perfect for anyone.
Now, eager to get to the heart of this guide? Follow me to jump straight into the step-by-step instructions.
How to Brew Hario V60 Coffee
First things first, I’ve listed the essential ingredients and tools for brewing coffee with the Hario V60.
Ingredients And Equipment You’ll Need
- Coffee beans
- Water (including extra water to rinse the filter)
- Hario V60 coffee dripper
- V60 filter paper
- Digital scales
- Coffee decanter
- Pouring kettle
- Coffee grinder
- Timer
In my experience, the secret to a rich and flavorful cup lies in the ratio of coffee to water. So, I’ll guide you through finding that sweet spot in the next section, ensuring that every cup you brew with your Hario V60 is just to your liking.
What is the ratio of coffee to water in Hario V60?
The Hario V60 stands out as a sleek yet straightforward manual pour-over, perfect for 1 to 4 cups. Here’s the specific coffee-to-water ratio I’ve laid out for you:
- 15 grams of coffee to 250 grams of water: 1 cup
- 30 grams of coffee to 500 grams of water: 2 cups
- 45 grams of coffee to 750 grams of water: 3 cups
- 60 grams of coffee to 1000 grams (1 liter) of water: 4 cups
Now that you’ve got a handle on the perfect coffee-to-water ratios, it’s time to put that knowledge into action. In the following section, I’ll bring you the Hario V60 recipe, a step-by-step guide to crafting your ideal brew.
Hario V60 Recipe
In this guide, I suggest 30 grams of coffee to 500 grams of water. However, remember my little trick: add an extra 300 grams of water for the filter prep.
Here’s the recipe I’ve outlined:
Step 1: Warming Up the Water
As I’ve found, water temperature can make or break your coffee. So, once you’ve got everything set, start heating that water to 195-205⁰F.
Step 2: Grinding the Coffee
While you’re waiting for that water to heat up, let’s grind the coffee to a medium-coarse texture, like sea salt. It’s the right texture for the V60.
Step 3: Setting Up the Filter
Put the filter in the V60 on your cup. Wet it with an extra 300 grams of water to remove the paper’s taste and warm it up. Once that’s done, toss out the extra water.
Step 5: Witness the Bloom
Add coffee to the filter and wet it with 25-30 grams of water. If you’re using fresh roasted coffee (and I recommend you do), you’ll notice bubbles forming. That’s the coffee “blooming.” Wait 30-40 seconds.
Step 6: The First Pour
Once the bloom settles, start pouring. To get the best flavor, pour half of your water in the first minute. Pour it slowly in circles from the center to the outer edges.
Step 7: Keep the Pour Going
After that first minute, pour slower and finish by 3 minutes. If you’re using 500 grams of water, pouring 75 grams every 30 seconds works wonders.
Step 8: The Final Drip
After pouring, let the coffee drip. It takes a bit, but it’s worth the wait.
Step 9: Sipping!
With your fresh brew, savor the moment.
Best Coffee for Hario V60
Are you wondering which beans suit your Hario V60 best?
In my opinion, the V60 is best for light to medium roasts. It especially enhances single-origin beans with citrus and floral flavors.
So, what’s the reason?
It’s all about how these roasts dissolve. Light and medium roasts need extra time to express flavors and create finer grinds. As a result, this might lead to a longer brewing time and a slower drip.
But here’s the twist: it gives you better control over the water flow. The controlled pace complements the V60’s quick flow perfectly.
Common Brewing Issues and How to Fix Them
Brewing with the Hario V60 can be tricky at times, but I’ve got you covered. Now, let me address some common issues you might face:
- Weak Coffee? If your brew feels off, you could be using too much water or not enough coffee. So, adjust the water or coffee quantity. Besides, you can consider trying a finer grind to enhance the extraction process.
- Strong Coffee? The opposite applies here. Use more water, reduce the coffee amount, or opt for a coarser grind.
- Bitter Taste? This indicates over-extraction. Adjust to a coarser grind to find the right balance.
- Sour Flavor? It’s likely under-extraction. A finer grind should help.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Hario V60 Brew:
I’ve also gathered some expert tips to perfect your V60 brew.
- Right Coffee & Grind: For optimal pour-over results, aim for a grind that’s neither too coarse nor too fine – a medium grind strikes the perfect. Too coarse, and water rushes through, leading to weak flavors. Too fine, and you risk over-extraction. It’s about striking that sweet spot for optimal flavor extraction.
- Even Saturation: Make sure all your coffee grounds are evenly wet. This ensures a balanced extraction and avoids any bitter notes.
- Coffee Choice: The Hario V60 truly shines with light to medium-roast coffees. They offer a bright, clean taste with a light texture.
- Pouring Technique: Your pour also matters! Aim for consistent concentric circles to ensure even extraction. Avoid pouring directly into the center hole, as it can lead to fast water flow and unwanted acidity. If you’re struggling, consider a gooseneck kettle for precision.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I believe that even the best beans won’t save a brew if your V60 isn’t kept in tip-top shape. So, how do we ensure the Hario V60 stays perfect?
Proper Cleaning:
After each use, give your Hario V60 a good rinse with warm water. Also, avoid using soaps or detergents as they can leave a residue that alters the flavor of your next brew.
If you notice any coffee stains, a soft brush can help scrub them away. Remember, the cleaner the dripper, the purer the flavor.
So, is Hario V60 dishwasher safe?
While many coffee enthusiasts prefer to hand wash their V60, it’s still acceptable to clean this in the dishwasher. The Hario V60 coffee dripper, especially the glass and ceramic versions, is dishwasher safe. However, it’s always best to check the specific care instructions of Hario for your particular model.
The plastic is also dishwasher safe, but repeated exposure to high temperatures in a dishwasher could shorten its lifespan due to wear and tear.
The lifespan of the V60 and When to Replace:
I have used the Hario V60. I like how durable it is, especially the ceramic and metal versions.
But, if you’ve opted for the plastic version, keep an eye out for any wear and tear or discoloration. If you see any cracks or it looks worn out, it may be time to replace it.
After all, a good dripper is key for consistent brewing.
General Maintenance Tips:
- Firstly, always store your V60 in a dry place to prevent mold or mildew.
- Also, to avoid issues, regularly check for any remaining coffee or blockages.
To conclude, a well-kept V60 makes tasty coffee and becomes a special part of your daily routine. So, give it the care it deserves, and it’ll reward you with countless delightful brews.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we’ve delved deep into the Hario V60 world, and I hope you’re geared up to brew that ideal cup.
I think that the V60 isn’t just a method; it’s a coffee adventure. Every step, from bean choice to that final pour, shapes your drink. And believe me, with some practice, you’ll master it.
Read more: The Ultimate Hario Nel Drip Review