In this comparison guide we will guide you through all the key differences between the Chemex vs Hario V60 including ease of use, brew quality and performance, filter compatibility, and more.
But why should you trust our comparison guide?
We have spent more than 15 hours putting together this guide, and we have also included real images and videos so that you can see how these coffee makers look and work in real life.
Let’s get started.
What Is Pour Over Coffee?
The pour over method consists of manually pouring hot water over ground coffee beans in a dripper.
This method allows for greater control over the coffee brewing process, as the water is poured in a slow, steady stream over the grounds, allowing for a more even extraction and flavor.
To make pour over coffee, you will need a pour over dripper, a paper or metal filter, freshly ground coffee, and hot water.
What Is the Difference Between Pour Over Coffee and Drip Coffee?
The major difference between pour over coffee and drip coffee, is that the process of making pour over coffee is completely manual, while the process of making drip coffee is automated by a machine.
So, what makes the pour over method so special is that it allows total control over the brewing process.
What Is a Chemex?
The Chemex is a device to prepare coffee using the pour over method. It is made of heat-resistant glass and its shape resembles an hourglass. Its large size allows it to brew several cups of coffee at once.
The History of the Chemex
Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, a chemist, created the Chemex coffee maker in 1941. He used his knowledge of the methods of filtration and extraction to design a simple and elegant device that could brew delicious coffee with minimal fuss.
The Chemex looks like a combination of a glass funnel and an Erlenmeyer flask, two items that Schlumbohm was familiar with. He added a wooden collar and a leather tie to make it easy to handle and pour.
The Chemex not only makes great coffee but also looks great on any kitchen counter.
It was recognized as one of the best-designed products by the Museum of Modern Art in 1943 and by the Illinois Institute of Technology as one of the 100 best-designed products of modern times.
What Is a Hario V60?
The Hario V60 is a popular pour-over coffee brewing device, invented by the company Hario. It consists of a cone-shaped dripper made of ceramic, glass, metal, or plastic, with spiral ridges on the inside and a large opening at the bottom.
The V60 also requires a paper filter that is placed inside the dripper. The basic model is smaller than the Chemex and can brew fewer cups of coffee at a time.
The History of the Hario V60
The company that invented the V60 was Hario. The company was founded in 1921, and at that time initially manufactured and sold scientific products.
In 2004 they invented the V60 dripper. The original idea for the V60 was to use an Erlenmeyer funnel and filter paper folded into quarters. They realized that the conical shape is the most natural and efficient for filtration.
The name “V60” comes from the V-shape of the conical dripper with a 60° angle.
Since its invention, the Hario V60 has become a popular brewing method for coffee enthusiasts due to its simple design and ability to control brewing variables.
Overview: Chemex vs Hario V60
Chemex
Hario V60
Overall, the Chemex offers an elegant design, the ability to brew several cups of coffee at the same time, and is much more forgiving when it comes to brewing coffee, making it great for beginners.
However, it is a bit more expensive and the fact that it is mainly made of glass makes it quite fragile. In addition, it is not very portable due to its size.
On the other hand, the Hario V60 is cheap and extremely portable. In addition, this coffee dripper is very easy to clean and maintain and comes in several materials to choose from.
However, it is not the ideal model for beginners, as it requires excellent technique and precision to prepare a decent cup of coffee.
Comparison Table
| Specifications | Chemex | Hario V60 |
|---|---|---|
| Brew Sizes (Depends on the model) | 3 – 13 cups | 1 – 6 cups |
| Overall Product Dimensions (Depends on the model) | 9.2″ H x 6” W x 5.7” D (Eight Cup Classic Chemex) | 4.9” H x 4.8” W x 4.3” D (Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper, Size 02) |
| Weight | 1.5lbs | 0.24lbs |
| Materials | Glass | Glass, plastic, porcelain, and metal |
Key Features: Chemex vs Hario V60
Learn more about the key features of the Chemex and V60 and how they compare to each other.
Brew Sizes
The Chemex can brew from 3 to 13 cups of coffee, depending on the model you choose.
On the other hand, Hario V60 coffee dripper can brew from 1 to 6 cups. Also, it depends on the model you choose.
So, since there are Chemex models that can brew more cups of coffee than the Hario V60 models, Chemex is the winner when it comes to brew sizes.
Winner: Chemex
Ease of Use
When it comes to comparing the Chemex vs Hario V60, ease of use is a key factor to evaluate, as it will determine your daily coffee preparation experience.
How to Use the Chemex?
Here’s what you will need to brew coffee using a Chemex.
- Medium ground coffee (grind yourself for better results)
- A Chemex bonded paper filter
- Hot water
- Chemex coffee maker
The process:
- Bring water to a boil with a kettle and, once boiling, remove from heat and let it sit for about 1 minute (temperature should be 200°F when pouring).
- Open a paper filter and place it on top of the Chemex.
- Put some coffee in the coffee filter (Use one tablespoon of coffee for each 5oz cup you want to brew).
- Pour some water in a circular motion over the grounds and wait about 30 seconds for the grounds to bloom.
- Pour the water slowly over the grounds in a circular motion, but keep the water level below the top of the Chemex, and then allow the water to drain completely before pouring more water, and repeat this process until you have the amount of coffee you want.
- Remove the filter.
- Pour the coffee into your cup and enjoy.
Here’s a detailed video on how to use the Chemex:
How to Use the Hario V60?
Here’s what you will need to brew coffee using a Hario V60.
- Hario V60 dripper
- A Hario V60 paper filter
- Medium ground coffee (grind it yourself for best results)
- Hot water (220 ml per cup)
The process:
- Boil your desired amount of water using a kettle.
- Place a filter on top of the V60.
- Rinse the filter with boiling water to remove odors, then remove this water.
- Put some coffee grounds in the filter (16g per cup or 3 – 4 tablespoons).
- Pour some water on the grounds to start the blooming process.
- After about 30 seconds, continue to slowly pour water into the grounds, try pouring in the center and circling outwards, when the water gets too high, let it drain out and pour water back in until you get enough coffee.
- Remove the dripper and discard the filter.
- Pour the coffee into your cup and enjoy it.
Here’s a detailed video on how to use the Hario V60:
Which One Is Easier to Use?
Although both machines are fairly easy to use, the Chemex tends to be a bit more flexible in terms of technique.
On the other hand, the Hario V60 is much stricter as it requires a high level of technique and precision, so it is easier to mess up the extraction process, especially if you are a beginner.
Winner: Chemex
Brew Quality and Performance
Another key component of our Chemex vs Hario V60 comparison guide is brew quality and performance.
Grind size
The main difference in grind size between the Hario V60 vs Chemex is that the Chemex requires a medium-coarse grind, while the Hario V60 requires a medium-fine to medium grind.
The Chemex is more forgiving with a slight variation in grind size, whereas the Hario V60 requires more precision to achieve the desired taste.
It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each brewing method to achieve the best results.
Brewing Time
We tested the brewing time in both, the Chemex, and the V60.
We used a 16:1 ratio with 30 grams of coffee on the Hario V60, and 45 grams of coffee on the Chemex.
After our test, we found that the Hario V60 took about 3 minutes, while the Chemex took over 4 minutes.
In conclusion, the Hario V60 is just a few minutes faster than the Chemex.
Flavor
Both the Chemex and Hario V60 are pour-over coffee brewers that produce delicious cups of coffee. However, there are some differences.
The Chemex is known for producing clean, balanced, and smooth coffee. The thick paper filters used with the Chemex remove many of the coffee oils, which are responsible for giving the coffee a more acidic taste.
On the other hand, the Hario V60 produces coffee with a slightly more pronounced flavor. While still smooth, the coffee produced with the V60 tends to be a bit more acidic and has a slightly more complex flavor profile.
If you prefer a smoother, more balanced cup of coffee with lower acidity, the Chemex is the way to go, but if you prefer a slightly more complex and flavorful cup of coffee, the Hario V60 is the better choice.
Which One Brews Better Coffee?
Deciding which brewer brews better coffee is impossible because it will depend largely on your personal preferences.
According to the data we have collected so far, the Chemex is more flexible in terms of the grind size you can use with it. Additionally, the coffee takes a little longer to brew and it is smoother and more balanced.
The Hario V60, on the other hand, is less forgiving in terms of the grind sizes that can be used with it, takes a couple of minutes less to brew, and produces coffee with a little more flavor and acidity than the Chemex.
Winner: Tie
Filter Compatibility
Both the Chemex and the Hario V60 are compatible with generic paper filters.
Additionally, there are several third-party manufacturers that provide metal filters for these coffee makers that you can reuse over and over again without having to buy paper filters.
However, using generic filters for these coffee makers is not recommended.
To achieve the best flavor and aroma, you should use the special paper filters provided by the original manufacturers.
In the case of the Chemex, these filters are called “Chemex Bonded Filters”.
In the case of the V60, they are simply called, “Hario V60 Coffee Paper Filters”.
A quick tip: When purchasing paper filters for your V60 or Chemex, remember to choose filters that are compatible with the model and size of the coffee maker you have purchased.
One downside of both the Chemex and V60 is that the original filters can be quite difficult to find.
There are no major differences in filter compatibility other than these, so neither is better than the other in terms of filter compatibility.
Winner: Tie
Cleaning and Maintenance
When comparing the Hario V60 vs Chemex in terms of cleaning and maintenance, we found that the Hario V60 is easier to clean due to its design.
The Chemex is more difficult to clean, since it is impossible to reach the inside and clean it thoroughly with your hand using a sponge. It is necessary to use other methods to properly clean this coffee maker.
Here’s a video on what you can do to clean the Chemex:
Winner: Hario V60
Design, Dimensions, and Weight
In this section, we’re going to show you the differences in design, dimensions, and weight of the Chemex vs Hario V60.
Design
The Chemex has a very elegant design and is composed mainly of a single piece of glass. In addition, at the top, we can find a wooden collar that is secured with a leather cord.
The glass piece comes in different sizes and the collar comes in different colors, so you can choose the ones you prefer.
The material of the Chemex is of the same quality as labware, so it is quite durable. With good maintenance, the Chemex can last you a lifetime. However, keep in mind that it is still glass and has a certain degree of fragility.
The Hario V60 is much smaller than the Chemex, so it is more portable. In addition, it comes in different sizes.
This coffee maker consists of a filter holder that needs an additional container to hold the extracted coffee.
In general, this coffee maker is quite durable and comes in different materials you can choose from, such as glass, plastic, porcelain, and metal.
In our opinion, the most recommended model is the plastic one as it is very durable and it maintains a stable temperature throughout the filtering process, and does not require as much preheating as other materials.
Dimensions and Weight
Overall dimensions and weight of the Chemex (Eight Cup Classic Chemex):
- Height: 9.2″
- Width: 6”
- Depth: 5.7”
- Weight: 1.5lbs
Overall dimensions and weight of the Chemex (Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper, Size 02):
- Height: 4.9”
- Width: 4.8”
- Depth: 4.3”
- Weight: 0.24lbs
Which One Has the Best Design and Dimensions?
In terms of design and dimensions, both coffee makers have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The Chemex wins in aesthetics, it is a beautiful piece for any corner of your home or coffee shop. However, it is not very portable, and the materials available are very limited.
The Hario V60 is very portable and you can choose from a variety of materials and colors.
In the end, the winner will depend on what you value more. Portability, material, or aesthetics.
Winner: Tie
Pricing
In most cases, the various Hario V60 models are usually cheaper than the Chemex models.
This also applies to the filters, generally, the Chemex filters are more expensive than the Hario V60 filters.
So, if you want to save money in the short and long term, it is advisable to choose the Hario V60.
Winner: Hario V60
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick comparison of the pros and cons of the Hario V60 vs Chemex.
Chemex
Pros and cons of the Chemex.
Pros
- Elegant coffee maker
- Capacity for brewing several cups of coffee at once
- Made of high quality and very durable materials
- Very forgiving in terms of precision and technique
Cons
- The Chemex itself and its special filters are more expensive than the V60
- It is not portable at all because of its size and material
- Difficult to clean due to its design
Hario V60
Pros and cons of the Hario V60.
Pros
- Highly portable due to its compact design
- Comes in a wide variety of materials and colors to choose from
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable
Cons
- Can brew a very limited amount of cups of coffee at the same time
- Requires more precision and technique
Customer Reviews
Let’s see a few different reviews for the Chemex and Hario V60.
Chemex Reviews
90% of customers give the Chemex (Model: Eight Cup Classic) 5 stars.
Positive Review
“The Chemex pour-over coffeemaker is AMAZING! I love that you can make the coffee as strong or weak as you would like. The coffee has such a natural taste. I find that most coffee machines like the Ninja and devices like the Nespresso leave a chemical taste to my coffee. I am very happy with the Chemex! Just coffee no chemically taste. I highly recommend this product!”
You can read more reviews of the Chemex on Amazon.
Critical Review
“The filters are all sold out or cost 3x the cost at third party dealers. I bought a reusable filter and the coffee is not what I like. I need to try it with the filter to get the full experience. At least put a couple of filters in the box when you purchase the Chemex. So until I try it with the filter I can’t give it a higher score.”
You can read more reviews of the Chemex on Amazon.
Hario V60 Reviews
87% of customers give the Hario V60 (Model: Plastic Coffee Dripper, Size 02 model) 5 stars.
Positive Review
“Bought this to take with me on a long trip, and love it. Lightweight but sturdy, and loved that it came with a scoop, makes it easy to pack to brew your coffee anywhere. I got it in red, and love the look.”
You can read more reviews of the Hario V60 on Amazon.
Critical Review
“This process is a lot more intense than it appears on the videos.”
You can read more reviews of the Hario V60 on Amazon.
Alternatives
By this point in our Hario V60 vs Chemex comparison guide, you should already have a pretty good idea of which machine would best suit your needs. However, if you don’t like either of these machines, here are some alternatives.
Kalita Wave
- Key Feature: Three-hole design
- Brew Sizes: 1 – 3 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, glass, and ceramic
- Brand: Kalita
The Kalita Wave dripper features a flat-bottom coffee bed geometry that, combined with Kalita’s patented filter and three-hole design, ensures an even and consistent extraction, resulting in a truly enjoyable cup of coffee without too much effort.
With options in stainless steel, glass, and ceramic, there’s a style and material to suit every preference.
It’s on the smaller side, producing 1-3 cups at a time, so the Kalita Wave is a fantastic alternative to the Hario V60.
It delivers excellent results without demanding strict adherence to technique and measurements, making it an accessible and beginner-friendly coffee brewer.
Clever Dripper
- Key Feature: Automatic shutoff valve
- Brew Sizes: 1 – 3 cups
- Material: Plastic
- Brand: Clever
The Clever Coffee Dripper is a game-changer for coffee lovers. It offers the convenience of a French press without the hassle.
It has an automatic shutoff valve that gives you control over the brewing process, allowing you to enjoy your cup when you’re ready.
Additionally, it comes included with 100 special filters so you can start brewing right away.
Overall, one of the most versatile coffee drippers with several unique features. Very forgiving and great for starting out.
Bee House Dripper
- Key Feature: Doesn’t needs specialized coffee filters
- Brew Sizes: 1 – 2 cups
- Material: Ceramic
- Brand: Bee House
The Bee House Dripper is a wonderfully uncomplicated pour-over coffee maker. Crafted from delicate ceramic, it exudes elegance but requires careful handling due to its fragility.
The standout feature is its compatibility with generic coffee filters, eliminating the need for specialized ones. This accessibility ensures convenience and availability, as generic filters can be easily found.
With its simplicity and affordability, the Bee House Dripper receives our highest recommendation for those starting their coffee journey. Embrace the joy of brewing with this user-friendly gem.
Should You Buy the Hario V60 or the Chemex?
Deciding between the Hario V60 and the Chemex can be quite difficult if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, so here are some insights that might help.
Buy the Chemex If:
- You want to brew a lot of cups of coffee at once
- You want a beautiful and elegant coffee maker to decorate your counter
- You want to brew very balanced coffee
- You want a very forgiving coffee maker
- You don’t mind paying a little extra for the Chemex and its special filters
Buy the Hario V60 If:
- You want to brew just a few cups of coffee at the same time
- You want a highly portable coffee maker to bring with you anywhere
- You want a coffee maker that won’t break (if you select the plastic or metal model)
- You want a coffee maker that is extremely easy to clean
- You don’t mind paying special attention to technique and precision
The Bottom Line: Hario V60 vs Chemex
It is impossible to say that the Chemex is better than the Hario V60 and vice versa, as both coffee makers offer unique features that make them special in certain aspects.
The Chemex is ideal if you are looking for a coffee maker that does not require a lot of technique and precision to make a good cup of coffee. It is also ideal for those who prefer a coffee maker that can prepare several cups of coffee at the same time.
On the other hand, the Hario V60 is ideal for those who are looking for an affordable coffee maker that is also quite portable and that is very easy to clean. Also, it is great for sharpening your skills since it requires a lot of technique and precision.
If you want to buy the Chemex:
If you want to buy the Hario V60:
