Hario V60 Drip Decanter Review

Not long after getting a Nespresso machine and somehow longing for more, we also got a Moka Pot and a French Press. Naturally, it was only a matter of time before we tried drip filter coffee.

In this review, we’ll explore why the V60 and drip filter coffee in general are the go-to choices for most coffee enthusiasts around the globe.

What is pour over coffee?

One of the most beautiful and iconic drip coffee brewer the Chemex

Drip coffee, also known as filter coffee, is a method of brewing coffee by allowing hot water to pass through ground coffee beans contained in a filter. The resulting brewed coffee then drips into a carafe or pot. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Grinding the Coffee Beans: Coffee beans are ground to a medium consistency, similar to table salt.

2. Placing the Filter: A paper or metal filter is placed in a coffee maker or a manual pour-over device, such as a V60 or Chemex.

3. Adding Coffee Grounds: The ground coffee is added to the filter.

4. Heating the Water: Water is heated to a temperature just below boiling, around 195-205°F (90-96°C).

5. Pouring the Water: The hot water is poured over the coffee grounds, either manually or automatically in a drip coffee machine. The water extracts the flavors from the coffee grounds as it passes through.

6. Dripping: The brewed coffee then drips through the filter into a carafe or pot.

What are the specificities of drip coffee?

Drip coffee is often chosen for its clean and balanced taste. With a typical water-to-coffee ratio of about 1:18, it results in a lighter and more transparent brew, allowing you to precisely distinguish the various flavors in the coffee.

This might be why many specialty coffee lovers prefer this brewing method over something like espresso which is more like bold concentrated flavor.

Another interesting aspect of drip coffee is that it can be a manual and lengthy process, especially when using a gooseneck kettle to pour the hot water. This can easily turn the brewing into a ritual.

The ability to control various elements such as grind size, water temperature, and pouring technique makes drip coffee one of the most beloved brewing methods among coffee aficionados.

What makes the Hario V60 so popular?

The Hario V60 is popular for several reasons:

1. Precision Control: The V60 allows for precise control over brewing variables such as water temperature, pour rate, and brewing time, enabling coffee enthusiasts to fine-tune their brew to their exact preferences.

2. Unique Design: Its cone shape and spiral ridges enhance the extraction process, promoting an even and thorough saturation of the coffee grounds. This design helps highlight the nuanced flavors of the coffee beans.

3. Versatility: The V60 works well with a variety of coffee grind sizes and can accommodate different pouring techniques, making it versatile for both beginners and experienced baristas.

4. Portability and Durability: Made from materials like glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic, the V60 is lightweight and portable, making it convenient for home use or travel.

5. Aesthetic Appeal: The sleek and minimalist design of the V60 adds a stylish touch to any kitchen or coffee setup, appealing to those who appreciate both form and function.

6. Community and Culture: The V60 has a strong following among specialty coffee enthusiasts and is widely used in coffee competitions and by professional baristas, adding to its credibility and popularity within the coffee community.

What is the Hario V60 Drip Decanter?

A decanter is typically a carafe used to separate wine from sediment by allowing it to sit for a while. In the coffee world, however, a decanter more likely refers to filtering coffee that has been immersed in hot water.

In this particular case, the Hario V60 Drip Decanter is essentially an elegant, all-in-one solution similar to the Chemex, combining a carafe and filter holder in a beautifully designed package.

The filter holder features the well-known V60 platform, so it provides the same extraction quality as any other V60 model.

The V60 is a highly popular and well-known design available in various materials, including plastic, glass, ceramic, and more.

The V60 has even introduced its own version of a clever dripper with the Hario Switch which mix both percolation and immersion technics.

What’s in the box?

The Hario V60 Drip Decanter consists of three components: the carafe, the V-shaped stand for filters, and a removable rubber belt designed to prevent burns from the hot glass.

Interestingly, they also include some V60 filters in the box, which is great because you’ll only need coffee and hot water to make your morning drink.

Since I wasn’t aware of this, I bought some extra filters, which come in boxes of 40 or 100. Purchasing them on Amazon, the price typically ranges from 7 to 12 euros per box.

How’s the build quality?

This product is designed and made in Japan, and its quality and attention to detail are evident straight out of the box. The coffee brewer exudes craftsmanship and refinement.

Furthermore, the elegance of this decanter is apparent in its glossy finish and feel, especially when compared to my Ikea French Press, which I now regret purchasing.

Even the plastic is exceptionally glossy, feels great to the touch, and has a flawless finish. It’s rare to find plastic and glass that feel this nice.

The rubber belt is also very sturdy, pleasant to touch, water-resistant as I assume, and easy to put on and remove. For me, the build quality is a perfect 10 out of 10.

What more can you ask for 20 dollars including shipping ?

How does it work?

The Hario V60 Decanter functions like any other V60 when it comes to brewing techniques. I believe James Hoffman has perfected the tutorial on making a great cup of coffee with this brewer.

There’s even a second version for those who want to brew smaller quantities of coffee, which suited my needs perfectly. He recommends using 15g of coffee to produce 200g of brew, following a 1:13 ratio.

Since pour over coffee is one of the most manual and technical processes, giving you control over nearly every aspect, this tool is excellent for allowing a high degree of adjustment and experimentation.

Our experience

The first thing to note is that I am very new to coffee, and this was actually my first experience using a V60 or any pour-over method.

I was pleasantly surprised that the whole process was actually manageable in principle although the timing and pour over technics can obviously be improved with time.

The taste

Our first batch of coffee turned out quite good despite our poor technique. Overall, the coffee tasted much cleaner and clearer compared to using a French Press or a Bialetti Venus.

I believe the filter and the higher water-to-coffee ratio help to mellow out the bold flavors, resulting in a more relaxed and transparent drink.

The coffee had almost no bitterness, with a noticeable acidity that I personally prefer, a hint of sweetness, and a distinct fruity flavor.

In exchange, the nutty and caramel flavors, as well as the body of the coffee, are noticeably subdued.

Overall, I believe this style of coffee is quite different and would pair exceptionally well with iced coffee, as opposed to iced milk coffee, which suits an espresso base better.

2nd batch

For my second attempt, I decided to experiment with a finer grind, opting for 80 clicks on the KINGrinder K6 instead of the recommended 100. The first time, the water flowed straight through to the carafe with little resistance.

I also used a different mineral water, Cristaline, which has a naturally saltier profile.

The result was quite different: the coffee had more body and less acidity, with pronounced wooden notes. I even noticed an oily coating on my palate.

Overall, the coffee was bolder and less transparent and precise but still enjoyable. This experiment highlights the versatility of filter coffee and how one coffee can taste very different with each extraction process.

Verdict

8.6 out of 10.

I’m thrilled to have had the chance to try pour-over coffee with one of the most renowned brewers in the world, the V60.

In my opinion, the Hario V60 Drip Decanter is the most beautifully designed product from Hario, a Japanese company renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and refinement.

In terms of flavor, pour-over filtered coffee is exceptionally clean and transparent. I can see why this method is favored for specialty coffee, as it really brings out the lighter, fruity notes.

Overall, I highly recommend this device to anyone new to pour-over coffee or to coffee in general. One of the great aspects of coffee is how it can become an engaging hobby without being overly expensive.

I just wish I have found out about this hobby decades ago.