The V60 and the Chemex are the two most iconic pour-over brewers in specialty coffee. Both produce excellent filter coffee. But they produce different coffee — and they require different techniques. Here's how to choose.
The V60 (Hario)
Designed in 2004 by Hario, the V60 is a cone-shaped dripper with a single large hole at the bottom and spiral ribs on the inside walls. It's available in plastic, glass, ceramic, and copper. The ceramic version is the most popular for home use.
Cup character: Clean, bright, nuanced. The V60 is excellent at highlighting delicate flavours — floral notes, fruit acidity, subtle sweetness. Light roasts shine in a V60.
Technique required: Moderate to high. The V60 is unforgiving of inconsistent pouring, incorrect grind size, or timing errors. Results vary more with technique than the Chemex.
Brew time: 2:30–3:30 for a single cup.
Filter: Proprietary V60 filters, available everywhere. White filters (bleached) recommended for cleaner flavour.
The Chemex
Invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex is a laboratory flask design that became a design icon — it's in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. It uses a thick proprietary bonded paper filter that removes more oils and fine particles than the V60 filter.
Cup character: Very clean, light-bodied, almost tea-like. The thick filter removes almost all oils, producing one of the clearest cups in coffee brewing. Excellent for showcasing complex light roasts.
Technique required: Lower than the V60. The Chemex is more forgiving — pour it wrong and the cup still comes out reasonably well. Better for beginners who want pour-over but find the V60 frustrating.
Brew time: 4–6 minutes, longer than V60 due to the thick filter restricting flow.
Filter: Proprietary Chemex filters only. More expensive than V60 filters. The thick filter is also what makes the Chemex distinctive — don't substitute standard paper filters.
The Verdict
Buy the V60 if you want precision, enjoy the brewing process as a ritual, and want to develop technique over time. The ceiling is very high.
Buy the Chemex if you brew for multiple people (larger sizes available), want a more forgiving brewer, or value the beautiful design as much as the coffee. Also excellent for offices and social settings.
Both are excellent. If you already have one, you don't need the other — they're more similar than different. If you're choosing between them for a first pour-over, the Chemex is more beginner-friendly.