What is a V60 and how do you use it?

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The Hario V60 dripper is one of the most popular ways to brew filter coffee at home, and for good reason. With the right technique, you can extract incredibly clear, complex flavors that are often missed with other brewing methods.

In this blog, you'll learn what a V60 is, why it works so well, and how to brew perfect coffee with it, step by step.

What is a V60?

The V60 is a pour-over coffee dripper from the Japanese brand Hario. The name comes from:

  • V-shape (60-degree angle)
  • Design that optimizes extraction

What makes the V60 unique?

  • Spiral ribs → ensure air circulation
  • Large hole at the bottom → full control over flow rate
  • Thin paper filters → clean and clear cup

Result: coffee with great clarity, fresh acidity, and complex flavors

Why choose a V60?

The V60 is beloved in specialty coffee because you:

  • have maximum control over extraction
  • can influence different flavor profiles
  • get the best out of high-quality coffee beans

Ideal for:

  • light roast coffee
  • single origin coffees
  • fruity and complex flavors

What do you need?

For a good V60, you need:

  • V60 dripper
  • V60 filters (size 01/02/03)
  • fresh coffee beans
  • coffee grinder (medium-fine grind)
  • kettle (preferably with a gooseneck spout)
  • scale

The perfect V60 brew guide (step by step)

Step 1: Rinse the filter

Place the filter in the V60 and rinse with hot water. This removes any papery taste and warms up your setup.

Step 2: Add coffee

  • Use: 15–18 grams of coffee
  • Grind size: medium-fine (sandy)

Step 3: Bloom (0:00 – 0:30)

Pour ~2–3x the weight in water (e.g., 40g for 15g coffee)

Let it rest for 30–45 seconds to allow CO₂ to escape for better extraction.

Step 4: Pour (0:30 – 2:00)

Pour slowly in circles:

  • Start in the middle
  • Work outwards
  • Maintain a constant flow

Total water: ±250 ml

Step 5: Let it drip through

Total time: 2:00 – 3:00 minutes

Too fast = underextraction (sour)
Too slow = overextraction (bitter)

Brew ratio (most important rule)

Use this standard:

1:16 (coffee : water)

Example:

  • 15g coffee → 240 ml water
  • 18g coffee → 288 ml water

What does V60 coffee taste like?

V60 coffee is known for:

  • clear taste ("clean cup")
  • fruity notes
  • high complexity
  • light body

V60 vs. other brewing methods

Method Flavor Profile
V60 Clear, complex, fresh
French press Full, heavy, oily
AeroPress Balanced, versatile
Espresso Intense, concentrated

Who is the V60 suitable for?

The V60 is perfect for:

  • coffee lovers who want control
  • specialty coffee drinkers
  • people who like to experiment

Less suitable if you:

  • want quick coffee without effort
  • like heavy, thick coffee
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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a V60?

A V60 is a pour-over coffee dripper from Hario that you use to manually brew filter coffee. Its design, with a large hole and spiral ribs, gives you complete control over the brewing time and extraction.

What grind do you need for a V60?

For the V60, use a medium to medium-fine grind. This should resemble granulated sugar. If your coffee is too sour, grind finer. If your coffee is bitter, grind coarser.

What is the ideal ratio of coffee to water?

A good guideline is a brew ratio of 1:16. This means, for example, 15 grams of coffee to 240 milliliters of water. You can adjust this to taste.