A Blogger’s First Meeting With The Hario V60

Coffee brewing is diverse and can b done in various ways, and can sometimes be an almost high-tech phenomenon with various large and expensive machines. But it can (fortunately) also be at the very other end of the spectrum.

In this blog post, I want to tell you more about my experiences with my latest coffee maker experience: a Hario V60 pour-over set.

Many have probably had grandparents who have never used “modern” coffee machines, but have resorted to the very old virtues when it comes to coffee brewing. Namely, with a coffee pot, funnel, filter and cooking pot. The Hario V60 re-uses these old methods with the kit containing a transparent plastic funnel, glass jug with plastic handles, filters and dosing spoon.

Why old school coffee brewing?

Before I go into depth with the Hario V60, I will briefly talk about my reason for acquiring something that I initially considered old-fashioned. Every day I’ve used a semi-expensive absolutely amazing espresso machine, Sage Barista Express, and still do. I love the espresso-based coffee you can get, from an espresso shot to americano and cappuccino.

The disadvantage, in turn, arises when I receive guests. Then it can be a bit inconvenient and time-consuming to have to brew several individual espressos, while at the same time being social and taking care of the guests. And since I had no room for more kitchen appliances on the kitchen table, a traditional filter coffee machine was quickly ruled out. We got as MoccaMaster in the closet, for these situations, but still, haha

After a little research I came across the pour-over kit from Hario, which was both cheap (about $35 inc. Delivery) and got good publicity. Among other things. it was highlighted, that the coffee got better this way as you have more control over the brewing. And when it looked really nerdy at the same time, I was no longer in doubt; I had to try such a Hario pour-over.

First impression: How is the Hario V60?

Even at first glance, I was pleased with what I saw. I am a big fan of the simple and minimalist, and in this area I think the Hario set lives up to it very well. With a beautifully designed jug, simple “volume scales” on the side and a plastic handle that fits well in the hand, it was a good start. However, I immediately thought that the jug, which can hold 60 cl., Was just small enough. Without having used it for larger companies, I would think that it takes more brewing to satisfy people’s coffee thirst. Only time can tell.

Despite the plastic handle (also available in wood, among other things), I think the overall and overall quality of the kit is good for the price. However, the funnel is also made of plastic, and I’m excited to see how long it lasts. However, it seems sturdy and is constructed with vertically circulating grooves inside, which direct the water down towards the jug. These have a great influence on the quality of brewing, as the water does not accumulate and draws bitter substances out of the coffee.
If the funnel does not last as long – or you prefer. another model – there are plenty of others in different materials and colors. Eg. You can get them in glass, ceramic or metal. I could well be the type that chose a different funnel because of the appearance of the plastic funnel, which looks a bit cheap (but works brilliantly). At home I have it to stand on the shelf when I do not use it, as I think that the set is purely design-wise, really nice and simple.

I have to add this.. I really overall do NOT like the plastic feel of this kit, however it keeps cost down, soo..

On a positive note, i also have to mention, i feel nostalgic and the hario V60 feel slightly romantic. Maybe sound strange, but these old classic ways of brewing coffee can do something, a modern machine cannot. Its like if you go camping, and making food over a fire, or making a barbecue is very different from cooking in the kitchen.. It just got something special to about it 😉 

Here’s how to brew with the Hario V60

This past Christmas I have been so lucky to get a coffee Christmas calendar from my boyfriend. Every day in December, I got up to a new bag of 30g beans (about 3 cups). It has been really exciting to try so many different beans from so many different places. I’ve tried to rank them, but when you reach over halfway it may be hard to remember how the first one tasted. My ranking will certainly form the basis for which beans I buy first in the future. I usually buy them green and shake myself – this and much more you can read more about on my blog.
All “Christmas beans” have been brewed on my Hario jug, and let it be said right away; Always use freshly ground and freshly ground beans if you have the option – it offers far better flavor than the month-old ready-made supermarket coffee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI4ynXzkSQo

The brewing itself is quite simple and takes place as follows:

1. Find a kitchen weight. It is an advantage to weigh most. Of course, this is not a must, but you get the best cup of coffee at the right water-beans ratio.
2. The beans are weighed and ground. I use 30 g. Beans for approx. 3 cups. I have a small coffee grinder from Bosch, which with a single touch grinds the beans uniformly and well. I’m fine grinding them. If it feels like sand to take up between the fingers, they need to grind a little more. That way I think you get more flavor out of the beans.
3. Also, the water is weighed before boiling. For the 30 g beans I use 400 g water. Some of it I use to preheat the funnel, jug and cup, but it comes back into the jug so I still have 400g.
4. After preheating, I put my filter in the hopper, pour the beans in and then I’m ready for the brewing itself.
5. There may be different attitudes about pouring water. I always start by watering the beans (only until they are just covered in water). Then it draws for 30-40 seconds, so the gases from the beans are released (also called “blooming”).

6. Next, I pour half the water in circulating motions from the center out (do not pour on the filter). Please wait again approx. 30-40 seconds until the water level has dropped and pour the rest in the same way.

Pour approx. half the water in after the bloom and let it run almost to the bottom.

7. When all the water has run through, the filter is removed. Then I run the whole jug around in circulating movements, to mix the coffee well and distribute the flavors.

8. Pour and enjoy ☺

A difference you can taste

If you have been used to regular filter coffee, I would argue that you can easily taste the difference here. Especially if you have used fresh beans. By brewing on the pour-over method you get better use of the coffee and its flavors because you get poured coffee over all beans. Alm. filter coffee machines have to do with only pouring on one and the same area of ​​the beans. The taste may therefore become a little too bitter and unbalanced in my opinion, since, roughly speaking, these are the same beans that should continue to give off flavor. They cannot keep up with it and can give some boring flavors that can be avoided by e.g. pour-over.

Last thoughts on the Hario V60

Some would find it a little too cumbersome to brew this old-fashioned method, instead of having coffee at the touch of a button. And like everything else – even within the coffee world – it’s all a matter of taste. If you want to sacrifice your time – and we may talk for at most two minutes, you get a much better cup of coffee. And then there is also just something wildly satisfying about simultaneously getting it in a “nerdy” way, where you have put more energy and thought into getting a delicious product out of it. And I’m sure it won’t go unnoticed by your guests that you throw a (nice) jug of lovely coffee on the table – home-brewed with love.

Am i going to throw out my Barista express now, and start to use this little funnel maker ?

Never! But its fun to try. It cannot replace a sold espresso machine, and does not even come close.