There are many popular ways to brew coffee and many different tools and machines to achieve those brews. Two popular methods of brewing include the AeroPress style and the V60 drip method. While both instruments can be used to make a great cup of coffee, both have their individual characteristics, benefits, and downsides that may make one more suited for coffee drinkers over the other. We are going to look at the AeroPress VS Hario V60 and how they compare.
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What Is The Aeropress?
The AeroPress is a plunger-based infusion, or immersion, brewing system developed in 2004 and distributed in 2005. One of the most exciting things about AeroPress is its simplicity. The AeroPress only features a few easy-to-use components, making it ideal for novice coffee makers, or experienced brewers.
The AeroPress is light, small, and essentially indestructible, making it suitable for home brewing, traveling, or outdoor coffee for campers. In addition to its simplicity and durability, the AeroPress is also an incredibly versatile instrument, capable of brewing standard immersion-style coffee, espresso-style coffee, and others.
To use an AeroPress, users can use a variety of grinds depending on the desired style of coffee. The most standard method is a fine drip-style grind, leaning towards medium. However, the grind can get finer if an espresso style is desired.
Before adding the coffee, the filter cap is attached to the AeroPress. Paper filters or reusable metal filters are inserted into the cap to keep coffee from entering the cup or vessel during brewing. Then, the coffee is added into the AeroPress, using a funnel if spillage is a concern. The AeroPress features measurement lines on the side to assist with both coffee and water levels during brewing. The AeroPress is placed over a cup or another coffee vessel.
Then, hot water, ideally off-boiling, is poured into the AeroPress. The grounds are stirred inside for 10-15 seconds before the plunger is inserted. Slowly, the plunger is pressed down into the AeroPress, forcing brewed coffee into the cup and extracting additional flavor. The plunger is pressed until the grounds and end of the plunger meet towards the bottom of the AeroPress, causing resistance.
The resulting brew is a strong, robust beverage that can be enjoyed as-is, diluted with water, and/or adjusted with creamers and sweeteners.
What Is The Hario V60?
The V60 has a bit more history behind it compared to the AeroPress. Hario is a Japanese glass and ceramic company that has been around since the 1920s. While coffee equipment has been part of the Hario product portfolio for some time, the Hario V60 has only been produced since 2004.
As opposed to immersion brewing, the V60 uses drip methodology to pass the hot water through the coffee beans, aiming to create a cleaner brew. The unique shape of the V60 is meant to allow airflow during brewing.
While brewing with a Hario V60 is a generally simple process, there is a bit more technique involved compared to some other brew methods. Medium-coarse coffee grounds are best for the V60 to allow proper water flow. Grounds that are too fine may clog the brewer, while too coarse of grounds will allow the water to flow too quickly without properly contacting the coffee.
V60 brewers do require cone-shaped paper filters for brewing. The filter should be placed in the brewer and gently rinsed with hot water. Then, the coffee is placed in the brewer and allowed to bloom. The moisture from the filter may be enough to moisten the coffee, but pouring a small amount of hot water over the coffee to increase the moisture may be necessary.
After resting, the rest of the hot water is gently poured over the coffee to create the brew. While there are various techniques for pouring the water, as long as this process is done with care, the end result should be fine.
AeroPress VS Hario V60: What Are the Differences?
The biggest difference between the AeroPress and the Hario V60 is that they brew coffee in very different ways. While the plunger of the AeroPress does force the coffee through the filter and into the cup, it is essentially an immersion process that relies on the water being mixed and steeped with the coffee grounds briefly before being pressed out.
On the other hand, the V60 uses a drip or percolation method that relies on the water passing through the coffee to create the brew. Generally speaking, this drip method allows a little more control over the brewing process and the strength or clarity of the coffee.
While both the AeroPress and V60 are simple devices that offer versatility, the V60 is a little trickier to get the hang of due to the manual technique of pouring the water. The AeroPress is a slightly easier brewing method for the novice coffee drinker, although it does take some physical strength to operate the plunger.
The physical make of the AeroPress and Hario V60 are also incredibly different. The AeroPress is primarily made of BPA-free plastic and has very few components. The system is light, compact, extremely portable, and practically indestructible.
However, it only comes in one size, which limits the amount of coffee that can be made at one time. The V60 comes in various materials, including ceramic, metal, glass, and plastic, offering aesthetic choices and brew versatility.
The V60 also comes in multiple sizes, allowing for larger quantities to be made depending on the model. It is important to note that some materials, such as glass or ceramic, are fragile and may get broken easily.
There is a difference in the coffee produced between the AeroPress and V60 as well. The AeroPress brews an immersion-style coffee, as well as the capability to brew an espresso-style beverage. This coffee will be more robust in nature, and the versatility is a bonus.
However, varying grind sizes, pressure applied, steeping time, or other individual factors may impact the coffee. Depending on these factors, the brewed coffee may be a bit thicker, with more sediment, than other brew styles.
The Hario V60 creates a standard drip, percolation-style coffee. While it cannot brew other styles, the final product is consistent and of high quality. The V60 drip coffee is clear and smooth, making a light and flavorful drinking experience. As with almost any brew style or coffee type, many of the differences fall under the category of personal preference.
The Final Sip
When it comes to the AeroPress VS Hario V60, it can be difficult to compare as they are entirely different devices, brewing methods, and produce different end results. For the average coffee drinker, we would recommend the AeroPress, for those more serious about their coffee, we recommend the Hario V60.
