Chemex vs v60: Which is Better?
While automatic coffee makers are convenient to use, you just can’t beat the taste you get when using a pour-over coffee system. Two of the most popular options that you can choose are the Chemex and the Hario v60 pour-over coffee makers.
At first glance, these two systems seem very similar to each other. So, how do you know which one to buy? This article will review each one and discuss the differences between the two. This way you will easily be able to decide which coffee system is the best one for you.
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Chemex Review
Chemex was created by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. We wanted to create a way to make a delicious cup of coffee using a simple, beautiful design. Thus, the Chemex was born. He also designed the extra-thick filters that are used for the coffee system.
This system is constructed using heat-resistant glass in the shape of an hourglass. A small ridge is used as the pouring spout. The heat-proof wooden collar, or neck, makes handling the coffee system simple and safe for you. It even features a leather tie for some extra flair.
The Chemex system is an easy way to brew up a delicious cup of coffee. To use it you place a filter in the top half of the carafe and then fill it with your coffee grounds. Then slowly pour hot water over the grounds using a spiral motion, making sure you cover the coffee grounds evenly.
The coffee will slowly drip into the bottom half of the carafe. Once it is finished, you just remove the filter full of the coffee grounds out of the top and your coffee is ready to serve in the gorgeous carafe.
This coffee system is so elegant and stylish that it has been on display at the Museum of Art in New York City for decades. Everything about the Chemex screams quality and sophistication. However, it comes at a higher price point. If you want a pour-over coffee system that can also double as a piece of art on your counter, then this is the one for you.
Pros
- Elegant, sophisticated design
- Easy to use
- Brews up to 10 cups of coffee
- Strong glass and wood construction
- Makes sediment-free, clear coffee
- Coffee maker and carafe in one
- Safe for the stove and dishwasher
Cons
- Can be difficult to clean
- Need to use special paper filters
- Expensive price point
Hario v60 Review
The v60 pour-over coffee system was created by the Japanese company Hario. This coffee maker gets the name v60 from the perfect 60-degree angle of its cone design. This angle, along with the spiral ridges on the inside of it, directs the waters flow and allows the coffee to expand for optimal extraction.
This coffee maker features a simple, minimalist design and is easy to use. All you need to do is place the filter inside the cone. Fill it with your coffee grounds. Then slowly pour the hot water in a spiral motion over the grounds. The coffee will slowly drip into your cup or carafe. When it is finished brewing, just remove the cone off the top and your coffee is ready to be served.
While the classic design used transparent glass, this coffee system comes in a wide variety of colors and materials for you to buy. Everything from ceramic to copper, so you can choose the one that fits your home design best. It also comes in a variety of sizes, from a single cup to larger carafes, for you to purchase.
Pros
- Simple, minimalist design
- Compact and portable
- Can control the strength of your coffee through the pour technique
- Quick and easy to clean
- Brews sediment-free, clear coffee
- Wide variety of colors and materials to choose
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Must use special paper filters
- Has a learning curve to master the perfect pour
Chemex vs v60: What’s the Difference?
Before you decide which pour-over coffee system you should buy there are a few key features that you should consider. These key features include:
Design
The funnel design of each pour-over system is different. The Chemex features a smooth surface inside of it. The Hario v60, on the other hand, features ridges inside the cone.
The ridges help to direct the water flow and gives you more control over the strength of brewed coffee you get. If you want an easy to use, simple design, then go with the Chemex. However, if you want to have more control, then choose the Hario v60.
Size
The original Hario v60 is designed to be a single cup brewing system. While the Chemex can make up to 10 cups of coffee at once. Since, there you can get the Hario v60 in different sizes to meet your needs.
Filter
While both of these pour-over coffee makers require paper filters, they are different. The Chemex uses a thicker filter, so that no sediment gets into your coffee. The Hario v60 do a good job of filtering out any impurities. However, it is not as great as the Chemex filter. On the other hand, the paper filters for the v60 are easier to find.
Grind Size
Both of these coffee makers use a medium-coarse grind of coffee beans. The best way to get these is to use a manual coffee grinder to make them fresh at home. The Chemex is more forgiving when it comes to the size of the coffee grinds you use. You will get the same coffee brew, even if the coffee grinds are slightly coarser or finer than recommended.
The Hario v60 coffee maker gives you more control over the strength of your brew. However, this also means than any change in the size of the coffee grounds will affect the taste. If you pour the water slowly over fine coffee grounds, you will get a stronger coffee profile.
Ease of Use
Neither of these coffee makers are difficult to use. The simple pour-over design makes it easy for you to enjoy a hot cup of coffee in just a couple of minutes.
However, because the Hario v60 coffee system allows you to have more control over the strength, it does have a bit of a learning curve to it. I think it is worth it though to be able to make different strengths of coffee with the same coffee maker.
Coffee Quality
Chemex vs v60 when it comes to the coffee of the quality made is a popular question. The answer depends on what you consider quality coffee. The Chemex pour-over system uses thicker filters, so the coffee it brews will be lighter and smoother.
The Hario v60 pour-over system produces a stronger, more full-bodied coffee. While both brew delicious coffee, it is really down to your personal preference on which one is better.
Cleaning Process
Due to the unique, hourglass design of the Chemex coffee maker it can be difficult to clean. The Hario v60 coffee maker, on the other hand, is quick and easy to clean when you are done using it. The Hario v60 also comes in different materials, so you can buy one that is more durable.
The Chemex is made of glass and wood. This means you have to gentle during the cleaning process, so the coffee maker doesn’t get damaged. While you can put it in the dishwasher, I recommend you hand wash it to be safe.
Price
If you want a stylish, elegant coffee maker then buy the Chemex Pour-Over system. It can double as a work of art in your kitchen when you are not using it.
However, if you are on a budget then you should consider buying the Hario v60. It comes in a wide variety of sizes and materials, so you will easily be able find an affordable option.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand the pros and cons of each coffee maker, and the differences between the two. You should have no problem deciding which one you should buy. If you are looking for an elegant pour-over coffee maker that can make up to 10 cups and price isn’t a factor, then definitely get the Chemex coffee system.
However, if you want a pour-over that will brew you a delicious cup of coffee and you are on a budget, then buy the Hario v60 coffee system. This coffee maker is affordable, without compromising on the coffee quality.
All factors considered, I would choose the Hario v60 over the Chemex. It gives you more control over your coffee strength, is easier to clean and maintain, gives you more options when it comes to size and colors, and is more affordable.
However, the Chemex is slightly easier to use, and the coffee quality is slightly higher. In the end, you have to decide which features are most important to you. You really can’t go wrong with either coffee maker.
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