How to Use Hario V60 (Coffee Brewing Guide)
Last updated on November 5th, 2024 at 03:59 pm
Ever watched a barista pour coffee so precisely it feels like art? That’s how I felt seeing the Hario V60 in action for the first time.
I was in a cozy café, watching as the barista poured water in slow circles over a cone-shaped dripper. I thought, Isn’t there an easier way? But then I tasted it—smooth, balanced, and bursting with flavor. I knew I had to try it myself.
After some trial and error, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make the most of the Hario V60. If you’re curious about using one or want some pro tips, you’re in the right place. I’ll explain the steps, equipment, how to clean it, and more.
What is Hario V60?
The Hario V60 is a popular pour-over coffee dripper, famous for giving you much control over your brew. Its cone shape and spiral ridges are designed to allow water to flow evenly through the coffee grounds. This helps extract balanced flavors.

Also, Hario’s setup is great for anyone who loves experimenting with grind size and pour rate.
Is Hario V60 Good for Beginners?
Yes, though it does come with a bit of a learning curve. I’ll be honest: my first few tries were inconsistent.
But that’s what makes the V60 so fun—it pushes you to learn about coffee while improving with each brew. The pour-over process becomes almost second nature once you get the hang of controlling the flow.
Even if you don’t nail every detail perfectly, the V60 still gives you a delicious cup. Plus, seeing your brewing skills evolve over time is exciting. I consider it more a hobby rather than a quick coffee fix.
Brief History Of Hario V60
Hario, meaning “The King of Glass” in Japan, was founded in Tokyo in 1921 by Hiromu Shibata. Originally, Hario focused on heatproof glassware, entering the coffee market in 1948 with a coffee siphon.

But it wasn’t until 2005 that Hario unveiled the V60 dripper, designed with a precise 60-degree angle and spiraled ribs to offer complete control over brewing.
This dripper truly made waves in 2010 when barista Michael Phillips used it to win the World Brewers Cup, bringing the V60 to global fame.
With six additional titles under its belt, it’s the only dripper to win so many championships. Now available in ceramic, glass, plastic, and metal. Each material offers unique benefits from heat retention to portability.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing with Hario V60
Equipment
- Hario V60 Dripper: Choose your preferred material (ceramic, glass, plastic, or metal).
- Paper Filters: Get the specific cone-shaped ones made for the V60.
- Gooseneck kettle This is a game-changer for pouring control.
- Digital scale Precision is key, and a scale helps with your coffee-to-water ratio.
- Burr Grinder: For the best flavor, grind fresh beans right before brewing.
Ingredients
- 20 grams of coffee beans: Fresh, medium-fine ground (like table salt).
- 300 grams of water: Heated to about 200°F or just off the boil.
Instructions
- Pre-wet the filter: Place the paper filter in the V60 and pour hot water over it. This removes any papery taste and warms up the V60 and your mug or carafe. Discard the rinse water.
- Add coffee grounds: Put the V60 and mug on your scale, add the coffee grounds, and gently level them. Set the scale to zero.
- Bloom the coffee: Start your timer and slowly pour 40 grams of water over the grounds, just enough to wet them evenly. Allow the coffee to "bloom" for 30 seconds, releasing COâ‚‚ and enhancing flavor.
- Continue pouring: Gradually pour the remaining water in circular motions over the grounds, adding water in small increments (about 50 grams at a time) until you reach 300 grams. Keep the pour steady and avoid disturbing the grounds too much.
- Wait and enjoy: Let the coffee drip through, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s finished, give the coffee a gentle swirl, then remove the V60, and you’re ready to savor your brew!
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Tips and Tricks with Hario V60
Using the Hario V60 can feel a bit like a science experiment, but that’s half the fun! So here are three tips I’ve picked up along the way:
1 – Perfect the Bloom and Wait Time
A good bloom is everything with the V60. To get it right, I pour just enough water to wet all the grounds (around twice the weight of the coffee), then wait about 30-45 seconds.

This time lets the CO₂ release, which opens up the coffee’s flavor. The more recently the coffee was roasted, the more bubbling you’ll see. Waiting a few extra seconds for the bloom to settle has often brought out an unexpectedly rich sweetness in the cup.
2 – Try a Gentle “Stir” to Even Out Extraction
Once I’ve poured my first round of water, I gently stir the grounds to even out extraction. I used to avoid stirring, thinking it would mess up the coffee bed, but it actually helps prevent clumping.

Just a light swirl (either with a spoon or by swirling the V60) can help get a balanced extraction. This gives a much more consistent flavor profile.
3 – Adjust the Grind Size for Tasting Notes
One tip I didn’t fully appreciate at first was how grind size changes flavor. If the coffee tastes too acidic, I try a finer grind to slow the brew and bring out more body.

When it’s too bitter, I go a bit coarser, allowing a faster flow. Playing around with grind size has allowed me to find the balance I love, especially when trying different roast profiles.
Favorite Coffee Brands For Hario V60
I’ve tried several coffee brands but these three are the ones that always taste amazing:
1 – Stumptown Coffee Roasters
I’ve been a fan of Stumptown for ages, especially their Hair Bender blend, which has a punchy brightness that somehow stays smooth.

You get to experience the range of tasting notes, from citrus to chocolate, that come alive. Stumptown sources high-quality beans, and with the V60, you can really taste the nuances in each cup.
2 – Intelligentsia Coffee
I love that this coffee brings out such a balanced mix of sweet and savory, with caramel and fruit notes that aren’t overwhelming. The Hario V60 brings out these subtle flavors exceptionally well, and it’s especially satisfying on a chilly morning.

3 – Blue Bottle Coffee
Finally, I’ve got to mention Blue Bottle’s Three Africas blend, which is a dream with the V60. This blend is bright, a little floral, and just right for those who enjoy a lightly fruity profile in their coffee. Pouring it over the V60 really lets the flavors shine, with just the right amount of acidity balanced by hints of berry and a smooth finish.

Hario V60 Cleaning and Maintenance
Usually, leftover coffee oils and grounds can build up and alter the taste, adding unwanted bitterness. However, cleaning your V60 fortunately is pretty easy.

1 – Rinse Immediately After Use
As soon as you’re done brewing, rinse your V60 with warm water. This step prevents coffee oils from settling and makes deeper cleaning easier down the road.
If your V60 is ceramic or plastic, it’ll resist stains fairly well, while glass or metal versions rinse clean more easily. I usually remove the filter, toss the grounds, and give the entire dripper a good rinse, ensuring no leftover grounds are lurking.
2 – Use Mild Soap for a Weekly Clean
Every week or so, give your V60 a deeper clean. I fill a small bowl with warm water, add a bit of mild dish soap, and let the dripper soak for about 5-10 minutes.
This softens any coffee oils clinging to the inside. Then, I use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub it, paying special attention to the spiral ridges. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward to avoid any soap residue in your next brew.
3 – Address Stubborn Stains with Baking Soda or Vinegar
Just add a bit to the dripper, scrub lightly with a damp sponge, and it’ll lift the stains without scratching.
Another option is a vinegar soak—just add equal parts vinegar and warm water, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and rinse well. This extra step isn’t always necessary but can be great for keeping your V60 looking new.
4 – Dry Completely to Avoid Mineral Buildup
After cleaning, be sure to dry your V60 thoroughly. Air drying is fine, but using a towel to speed up the process prevents any hard water spots, especially on glass and metal models.
Just a quick pat-down ensures your dripper is ready for its next brew, looking as good as it tastes.
Last Thoughts
It might take some practice to get better with Hario V60. But as they say, practice makes it perfect. I also suggest you experiment and make adjustments to suit your taste. And don’t be afraid to try new techniques or get creative with your brew.
If you’ve got any tips, tricks, or personal experiences, feel free to share them in the comments! I’d love to hear about them and with that voilĂ !
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