Which Hario V60 Is Best? Plastic vs Ceramic, Size 01 vs 026 min read

Which Hario V60 material is best?

When it comes to coffee pour-over drippers, though there’s the Kalita, Melitta, Chemex and the Clever Dripper, the Hario V60 holds its own. With a staggering variety of colours, materials and sizes, it can be hard to choose.

With their unique conical beehive silhouette, all versions of the V60 perform the same task – letting hot water infuse with coffee grounds before filtering through paper.

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V60 size options

Most versions of the Hario V60 come in three sizes: the 01, 02 and 03. The price difference between these is minimal, and shouldn’t be a concern for most.

For standard doses of around 12g-14g, the smallest size 01 V60 is your best bet. This is for those who consistently brew around 200mL of coffee for personal consumption, though it has a little more room for mornings when you need an extra kick.

For the risk-averse caffeine addict, go for the size 02 V60. The Goldilocks option, it works perfectly well for single servings, as well as parties of up to four.

For a party of up to six, the size 03 funnel is your best bet. For those who almost always brew individual cups, I’d advise against it unless you favour a Big Gulp-sized cuppa.

Does size affect taste & brewing method?

Though all Hario V60 drippers feature largely the same spiralled grooves and 60° conical angle, the minute differences add up to affect the taste. While these variations are undetectable for most, those who truly care about their brews will recognise them.

Let me illustrate: for a modest single-serve 12g brew in size 01, when replicated on a size 02 will encounter a taller rim, more outspread spiralled ridges, a larger drainage hole, and a greater thermal mass. Here’s how these might affect the brewing process:

Taller rim: Kettle spout farther from the grounds, less accurate pour
Outspread spirals: Affects the drawdown time, alters the taste
Larger hole: Less resistance, faster flow
Greater thermal mass: Lower brewing temperature, less extraction

V60 material options

Retaining its iconic design, you can get the Hario V60 in plastic, glass, ceramic, stainless steel and copper.

Plastic V60 heat resistance & thermal mass

Plastic V60s are generally favoured for their low thermal mass, which keeps the brewing temperature high without extensive preheating. While they’re grouped together, there are technically two versions of Hario’s plastic V60.

First, the opaque drippers that come in Red and White are constructed from polypropylene (PP) – a thermoplastic with a reputation of handling temperatures up to 130°C (266°F). A high tolerance of heat, chemical resistance to acids and alkali, and BPA-free chemistry make for a reassuring option.

Second, the Clear Hario V60 that is made from styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), a thermoplastic that can handle high temperatures – albeit slightly lower than PP. With a melting point of 115°C (239°F), SAN doesn’t inspire the same confidence as PP, despite also being BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.

Whether made from PP or SAN, the lightweight and durable plastic V60s are ideal for travel and office brewing.

Ceramic V60 vs plastic: fragility & thermal mass

Made in Arita, a historical prefecture of Japan famed for its ceramic industry, the ceramic V60 is a must if you’re looking for heft and quality.

While the ceramic drippers exude quality, they are more certainly more fragile and can absorb slightly more heat from the slurry as compared to plastic. Hario’s PP and SAN models are heat-resistant, but those still concerned about pouring boiling water into any plastic, the inert, stable ceramic options might be reassuring.

Glass

Similar to ceramic, the glass V60s are inert, stylish and have reasonable heat mass properties.

They can be with a plastic or wood base and can be detached for use with a separate stand. However, due to its function as a dripper that is regularly stacked atop other vessels, its fragile nature might lead to catastrophic mishaps for butterfingered brewers.

Metal: Stainless steel & copper V60

Commonly found in coffee shops, the metal V60 options are favoured for their longevity and craftsmanship. These are available in stainless steel and copper, some offering silicone bases that are well-suited to camping and outdoors use.

Combining the hardiness of plastic and the style of ceramic, Hario’s metal V60s have one main drawback – despite their weight, metal draws the most heat from the slurry and can affect extraction the most. Thus, proper pre-heating is vital when using them.

Which Hario V60 is the best one to get?

Depending on the material and size, your choice of Hario V60 will affect your brew in small but tangible ways. Considering your serving size and required brewing temperatures, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a dripper.

As important as it is, taste isn’t all when it comes to your coffee habit. Materials evoke visceral responses, and will be an integral part of your morning ritual.