Chemex Vs. V60: What’s The Difference?

If you’re an unflinching fan of pour-over, read on to find out the difference between Chemex Vs V60.

Chemex Vs. V60
Chemex Vs. V60

That change was helped along thanks to the new availability of pour-over devices. Now more than ever, we have options when it comes to how we brew our coffee

The Chemex and the V60 are two of the most popular choices when it comes to making pour-over coffee at home. Let’s take a look at the Chemex vs V60 and see which one is right for you.

What Are Chemex And V60?

Both of these coffee brewing devices are great alternatives for people whose standard morning coffee routine still uses the same drip coffee machine that their parents used to use.

There are a variety of sizes, styles, and options to choose between when you look at the Chemex vs. V60. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from both of these pour-over brewing all-stars.

Chemex
V60
Variety of sizes Designed to brew one or two cups
Award-winning design Portable, efficient design
Forgiving for grind sizes Grind sizes have a strong impact on flavor
Iconic glass design Glass, plastic, copper, and other materials
Straight funnel Ridged funnel
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03/06/2024 05:25 pm GMT
Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper Pour Over Cone Coffee Maker
$25.50

Specially designed to produce an evenly brewed cup of coffee. Durable Japanese ceramic retains heat to help ensure retain temperature throughout the brewing cycle. Minimalist look to suit any kitchen design or style.

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03/07/2024 06:00 pm GMT

What Chemex And V60 Have In Common

Top view of a filter coffee
Paper filters are used in both Chemex and V60

Let’s start with what each of these has in common.

Both the Chemex and the V60 use paper filters in their funnels. Both of these brands also use proprietary paper final designs that they claim provide the best possible coffee brew. There are also reusable metal filters available for both the Chemex and the V60.

The Chemex and the V60 also brew the same kind of coffee. Both of these devices are competing for your pour-over attention. They can also serve double duty and brew loose-leaf tea in the same pour-over fashion.

While the Chemex vs. V60 debate might look a little similar from the outside, once we get down to the specifics these are two very different ways of brewing coffee.

Chemex vs. V60: The Differences

A person pouring coffee using chemex into a mug.
Chemex handles much larger brewing jobs

Once you get even a little further into the world of coffee, you’ll find that everyone has some very nuanced opinions about different ways of brewing coffee. The Chemex vs. V60 debate is all about these nuances.

The Chemex is able to handle much larger brewing jobs. Chemex offers its pour-over pot in a variety of sizes which can be great for people looking to brew a lot of coffee at once.

They are also a little more forgiving with the grounds of coffee that you use. If you’re still figuring out how ground sizes and brew times affect your coffee, Chemex can give you room to explore.

The V60 is a precision tool. It can only brew one or two cups of coffee at a time, and it’s much pickier about the size of your grounds. Wrong size ground won’t compromise flavor, but you will really feel the differences when brewing with a V60.

What’s Better About Chemex?

The Chemex pour-over pot is ideal for people who are looking to have a consistent cup of coffee regardless of water temperature, ground size, or technique. This isn’t to say that you can’t master pour-over with a Chemex, it’s just to say that it’s a bit more forgiving for beginners.

Chemex is also ideal for people who have more than one person to brew for. If you’ve got roommates, a partner, or a family that needs their morning coffee, the Chemex will be able to suit you much better than having 4 or 5 V60s.

What’s Better About V60?

A person pouring water into a filter in a v60 coffee maker
The V60 has a smaller size

The V60 can open up a whole new world of pour-over coffee brewing.

The V60 has a similar origin as the Chemex. Both were designed by companies that used to make scientific equipment. The V60 took that scientific expertise and designed something that allows you to bring out a coffee ground full expression of flavor.

In part because of its smaller size, the V60 allows you to dial in total control over the flavor of your brew. You might be find our guide on the best coffee for V60 helpful.

Who Should Get A Chemex (And Why)?

A Chemex pour-over pot is ideal for almost everyone.

You’ll be able to explore the finer details of brewing in pour-over coffee while having a pour-over pot that meets the highest artistic standards. That is if you’re comfortable with a price tag almost twice as high as the V60.

Who Should Get The V60 (And Why)?

The V60 is better for individuals who are looking to have finer control over smaller brew sizes. Consider this a step-up in skill and technique when you get the V60. The V60 might not be our pick for style, but it is certainly more affordable.

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Chemex Vs. Coffee Maker

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Chemex Vs. Drip Coffee Maker

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Chemex Square Vs. Circle Filters

Chemex Vs. Bodum Pour Over

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.