By Darren Oliver
Among fans of pour-over coffees, the debate has been going on for years: the V60 or the Chemex, which method is better, which produces tastier coffee, and why one is better than the other. I am a person who has dealt with both methods, brewing dozens of liters of coffee with each. So I’d like to throw in my two cents and tell you why, of the two methods mentioned, I lean towards the former. My thoughts are the result of reflections after years of using both methods, but they are not definitive answers.
Perhaps Chemex is the method you enjoy brewing more. If so, great! That’s what the world of coffee is all about. So don’t take the arguments below as revealed truth, but more as a certain point of view that may make you think further.
First: Taste
Taste is a thoroughly individual issue. Some people can’t touch naturally processed coffees, some drink only milk coffees, and I, on the other hand, am not fond of Chemex coffee.
My main objection is the filters – the filters for the Hario V60 are much thinner, being paper filters, while the filters for the Chemex are made of bonded paper, a much thicker material. This is reflected in the extraction process, which usually takes a bit longer in the Chemex, while through the thicker filter, the coffee is much cleaner, and brighter, but in my opinion, it also significantly loses clarity – the thicker filter retains more of the oils present in the coffee. Coffee from the V60, on the other hand, is more intense, and the flavor notes are more noticeable – but this is a matter of my own taste, perhaps you like something different!
Let’s Talk About Filters
The filters used are the main differentiating factor between the V60 and Chemex. The filters for the V60 work very simply: just unfold them and insert them inside the drip to start brewing. Filters for Chemex are a slightly more difficult matter. Why? Well, before inserting them into the Chemex, they must first be properly assembled. Making coffee in a Chemex can feel like folding origami.
The simplest way to fold filters fresh out of the package causes a situation, where on one side of the filter, we have only one layer of paper, while on the other we have three. How does this affect the brewing process? Well, one can guess that the water flow on one side is not the same as on the other side, making it easy to have over-extraction.
My next problem is the aforementioned three layers of paper filters. As you know, the filters should be poured over with hot water before brewing, thus avoiding a paper-like aftertaste in the brew. In my experience, it’s not enough to pour three layers with water – you have to do it long and thoroughly, which can be frustrating.
Chemex filters have another major disadvantage: they are square, with two corners sticking out when inserted. This does not allow you to brew coffee freely, and you have to pour the water from a considerable height, which agitates the surface of the coffee, thus causing a bitter, unpleasant aftertaste. I simply prefer the convenience that the V60 provides.
As for convenience, however, what about people who like Chemex filters? Well, the V60 is such a versatile brewer that you can easily put thicker filters in it and drink coffee the same as from a Chemex.
Resistance To Damage
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I am a huge supporter of the plastic version of the V60. It may seem less “luxurious” than a ceramic or even metal drip, but in my opinion, this is a feature that can be sacrificed for the tremendous durability that characterizes the plastic V60. Mine cost only a dozen dollars, has fallen off countless times, and has served me for several years.
The Chemex is an all-glass brewer, which is not made to be durable – working in coffee shops, I have witnessed many times situations where, when washing the Chemex, it simply… broke. Considering that this is an item from a slightly higher price range, the V60 turned out to be a better choice for me: its use was never stressful for me – something I can’t say about the Chemex.
The Hario V60 Is Simply a More Versatile Choice!
This is the feature for which I value the Hario V60 the most. I can’t think of a single thing the Chemex can do that can’t be done with the Hario. On the other hand, I can imagine situations in which the Hario will work great, while the Chemex is out of the question.
During any trip, I easily take the handy plastic V60 with me without worrying about damaging it – something that is impossible to achieve with the delicate Chemex. In the V60 I can brew coffee for one person, a couple, or several people, and if the drip would be too small, I can always choose a larger variant. With the Chemex, the only thing that comes into play is brewing larger quantities of brew each time – otherwise, it’s just inconvenient for me. The product from Hario is simply a better choice given my needs.
Does Chemex Have Its Advantages?
Of course! Although I am not a fan of this method, it is impossible to deny Chemex its advantages: first of all, the stunning design almost immediately strikes the eye. Not without reason, as it has won several prestigious awards, and the model itself can be found in exhibitions of design museums, in pop culture, and famous movies. Chemex can not be denied magic, craftsmanship, and style, which gives the entire brewing process almost a ritual character – something that can not be said about the V60. However, for me, in this case, the aesthetic experience loses out to usability.
However, I am able to imagine a situation where a Chemex could prove useful. For example, larger households where coffee is always brewed in larger quantities will appreciate the ability to brew the brew in large quantities.
It will also be a great choice for coffee lovers with extremely subtle flavors, who are overwhelmed by the complexity and intensity of drip V60 coffee.
My Thoughts
I hope that I have managed to convincingly present my argument in which I defend the superiority of the V60 drip over the Chemex brewer. However, this was my opinion, based on my own experience and needs. Is there a possibility that you will find the Chemex more to your liking? Absolutely yes! However, you won’t know this until you compare and try both methods. So I encourage you to do so and share your thoughts – enjoy your brew!