“How do you make the perfect V60 pour over?” As an experienced barista, I get asked this a lot. And I’ve made coffee with the V60 pour over method more times than I can count. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this how-to guide.
Follow along step-by-step as I teach you how to make a delicious cup of coffee using the best V60 pour over technique I’ve learned.
By the end, you’ll have enough know-how to impress your friends and enjoy amazing V60 drip coffee whenever your heart desires.
V60 Recipe – Step by Step
- Boil the Water
- Preparing the V60
- Preparing the V60 Filter
- Weigh Your Coffee Beans
- The Blooming Phase
- Stir
- Finish Hand Pouring
- Enjoy!
Does V60 Brewing Mean More Caffeine?
When we discuss espresso, we refer to the “masculine” part of coffee extraction. But I like to consider the V60 pour over the “feminine” equivalent.
This is because filter coffee, especially the V60, has a low body and very well-defined notes. It is a light coffee on your palate, but often incredibly strong, too.
Contrary to popular belief, filter coffee can have more caffeine than espresso. The longer the coffee stays in contact with water, the more caffeine it develops.
For example, with espresso, the coffee stays in contact with water for a maximum of 30 seconds. But with filter coffee, the story changes.
Why?
Because V60 filter coffee stays in contact with water somewhere between a minimum of 1 minute 30 seconds and 3 minutes, giving it more time to develop caffeine.
Hario First Invented the Hario V60 Pour Over…
The V60 Dripper was designed by the Japanese company Hario, which was founded in Tokyo in 1921. Initially focused on producing and selling environmentally friendly glass products made from 100% natural minerals, Hario eventually ventured into the coffee industry and introduced the Hario Dripper.
But I prefer Brewista’s V60 Pour Over Coffee Dripper.
The Hario V60 and Brewista V60 ceramic coffee dripper are both awesome pour-over coffee brewers. While Hario is the method’s OG designer and arguably the most popular pour-over in the specialty coffee world, you will see I am using a Brewista V60 here.
The Brewista’s Gem Series V60 is made of high-quality porcelain from Panama. Its flatter bottom also helps the coffee flow more evenly.
This is a matter of my personal preference, but I wanted to address it in case you were wondering about the brand. 😉
The Meaning of V60 Coffee
The name “V60” may seem a bit complicated. But after I explain where the name comes from, you’ll say, “Cristian, why didn’t think of that?”
The “V” comes from the cone’s V-shaped design, and “60” refers to the 60-degree angle of the cone’s incline.
I told you it wouldn’t be as complex as it sounds! But I’m curious if you had the same reaction that many people have when I explain what the V60 name means: “Is it really that simple?”
Yep!
But enough with the stories. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about what you need to make great V60 coffee.
V60 Brew Guide: What You Need To Make Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee With A V60
- A V60 brewer – like Hario or Brewista
- A carafe like my Brewista X Series Coffee Pitcher
- Filter papers
- A kettle (mine is the Brewista Artisan Electric Gooseneck Kettle)
- Fresh coffee grounds
- Coffee scale (I’m using an Acaia Black Pearl)
- A spoon
Let’s talk about paper filters. Paper filters with a brown color contain lignin. Lignin is a polymer that strengthens the wood cells and affects the taste of the extract because it can give a woody taste.
I recommend using white paper filters because they go through a process of removing the lignin. Due to this process, they have a white color, and the woody taste is removed from the paper filter.
However, they still need to be watered before extraction. I will explain this later on.
How to Make V60 Pour Over Coffee
Step 1: Boil the Water
Begin by boiling water in the kettle from 190.4 to 203 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s up to you to experiment and adjust between these temperatures based on how you like your coffee, but your ratio of coffee to water will be important.
Step 2: Prepare Your V60 Pour Over Brewer
Place the V60 on top of your server. If you don’t have a glass server, you can use a pitcher. Just make sure its material can safely withstand the heat.
It’s essential to have the V60 ready and in place when you start making coffee because you want to be fast.
After grinding the coffee beans, they tend to release all their aroma and flavor into the air if you’re too slow.
Step 3: Prep the Filter in Your V60 Ceramic Coffee Cone
Fold your paper filter along the seam and into a cone. Put the cone in your V60 (which should be sitting on top of a cup, carafe, or jug).
And be sure to rinse the filter paper next. Rinsing the filter gets rid of any unwanted flavors and warms the V60 cone at the same time.
Warming your cone before brewing improves temperature stability and helps extract more consistently.
Finally, pre-wetting the filter also makes it adhere to the shape of the V60, which prevents air pockets or gaps that could negatively affect the flow of water through the coffee.
Step 4: Weigh Your Coffee Beans
Weight 14g of coffee beans. Then grind your 14g of coffee and place it in the filter. A medium to fine grind is the best for your pour-over coffee grounds.
Pro Tip: If the brew is too weak, try a finer grind. If the water drips through the coffee too slowly, make the grind coarser.
Now place the V60 on the mug, add the filter paper, and soak it with hot water to remove any papery taste, and to warm the V60 and the mug.
Gently tap the V60 on the bench to settle the grounds into a flatbed.
Step 5: The Blooming Phase
In the blooming phase, you are wetting the coffee bed to saturate all the dry coffee grinds.
So, gently pour in 50g (1.76 oz.) of water. It helps to pour the water in a circular pattern from the outside of the filter toward the center.
Step 6: Pour, Then Stir It
Stir to make sure all the grounds are wet, and wait 30 seconds.
Step 7: Pour the Rest of Your Water
Gently pour in more water until you’ve added a total of 250g (about 8 oz.). Pour using a circular motion, and wait for 2 to 2 ½ minutes until the coffee has finished dripping into your serving vessel.
Step 8: Enjoy
Congrats, now you can brew coffee with a V60! Enjoy your V60 pour over brew and keep practicing. The more you do, the more you’ll find exactly what small different coffee brewing technique tweaks you prefer.
Looking for another excellent coffee tutorial? Check out my guide for making an incredible latte here.
FAQs – Coffee Brewing with a V60
What is the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for V60 pour over?
The ideal brew ratio is 1:16 or 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. However, this ratio can be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences. In my tutorial, you’ll see I use about 1:17.
What’s the difference between a Hario V60 and a Brewista coffee maker?
The main difference is in the design and the method of brewing. The Hario V60, with its cone shape and spiral ribs, allows for a more precise and customizable brew. The Brewista, on the other hand, focuses on temperature control and consistency.
How do I choose the right grind size for my Hario V60 coffee?
Aim for a medium-fine grind size for your Hario V60. It should feel similar to table salt. Using a good coffee grinder, you can adjust the grind to better match your taste preferences and extraction time.
What type of coffee roast works best for a V60 pour over?
Light to medium roasts are ideal for the V60 because they tend to be more complex and flavorful. However, personal preference plays a big role, so feel free to experiment with different roasts to find what you like best.
Can I use a Chemex coffee maker instead?
Absolutely, a Chemex is another popular pour-over coffee maker. It has a thicker filter which can produce a cleaner cup, but the brewing process is quite similar to the Hario V60 coffee method.
Do I need a special coffee server for my V60 setup?
While a dedicated coffee server, like the Coffee Server 02, can be handy for maintaining temperature and serving multiple cups, you don’t have to use one. Any heatproof container will work.
What’s the best way to pour water over my V60 coffee dripper?
Pour in a steady, circular motion starting from the center and working your way out to the edges. A gooseneck kettle can help control the water flow, ensuring an even saturation of the grounds.
Do I need special V60 paper filters?
Yes, it’s best to use the 02 V60 paper filters as they are specifically designed for the Hario V60 dripper. They come in different types like white or natural, and it’s important to pre-rinse them to remove any paper taste.
How do I clean my V60 plastic coffee dripper?
It’s easy to clean. Simply remove the used filter and grounds, then rinse the dripper with warm water. For a deeper clean, you can use a little mild soap and a soft sponge.
Does the full V60 set include a coffee grinder?
The set – Hario USA usually includes the V60 dripper, paper filters, a plastic coffee scoop, and sometimes a coffee server. However, a coffee grinder is not typically included and needs to be purchased separately.
How does the coffee taste differ using V60 vs another method like Aeropress?
V60 tends to produce a cleaner, more refined cup that highlights the coffee’s nuanced flavors. Aeropress, on the other hand, provides a fuller body with more pronounced flavors. Both are great in their own right, and it can vary based on coffee level and grind size.
Can I use a V60 02 dripper for a single-cup brew?
Absolutely! The V60 02 is designed for versatility and can easily brew a single cup or up to four cups depending on the amount of coffee and water you use. It’s perfect for both everyday use and when you have friends over.
What’s the ideal grind size for the V60 method?
For the V60 method, it’s best to use a medium-fine grind. A burr grinder like the Baratza Encore can help achieve this. The grind should resemble table salt. If you find your coffee tasting either too bitter or over-extracted, try adjusting the grind size slightly finer or coarser accordingly.
Do I need to pre-wet my coffee filters?
Yes, it’s recommended to pre-wet your filters, whether you’re using natural brown or 02 white coffee filters. Pre-wetting helps remove any papery taste and warms up the dripper and mug or carafe, ensuring everything is at the right temperature for brewing.
Can I use the V60 dripper with glassware like a tumbler?
Yes, the V60 dripper works well with various glassware including a tumbler, mug, or carafe. Just make sure the dripper is stable on your chosen vessel to avoid spills during brewing.
How do I ensure even extraction with my Hario V60?
Even extraction can be achieved by using a specific pouring technique. Start by blooming the coffee (saturate the grounds) with a small amount of water and let it sit for 30 seconds. Then, pour the remaining water slowly and evenly in a circular motion, making sure to cover all the grounds uniformly.
What brewing methods can I use with my V60?
The V60 is extremely versatile and primarily used for pour overs (a brewing method in its own right), but you can experiment with different pouring techniques and water temperatures. It’s a great tool for tasting different beans and roasts from your favorite roaster.
Why is using a scale important for pour over coffee?
Using a scale helps ensure precision in both coffee and water measurements, which is crucial for consistency and quality in your cup. It removes the guesswork, allowing you to recreate the perfect brew every time.
