Hario V60 vs Chemex (2026): Which Pour-Over Brewer Should You Buy?

Choosing between the Hario V60 and the Chemex comes down to flavor profile and how much coffee you brew at once. The V60 produces bright, nuanced single cups and is endlessly tunable; the Chemex uses thick filters for a clean, smooth body and serves a carafe. Solo flavor-chasers lean V60; those brewing for several people who like clean cups lean Chemex.

Quick Verdict

Hario V60

The V60 is a cone dripper with spiral ribs and a large hole that rewards pour technique with bright, complex flavors. Pros: inexpensive, highly tunable, fast, cheap filters, great for light roasts. Cons: sensitive to grind and pour, single-serve focused, less forgiving for beginners. Who it's for: hands-on brewers chasing clarity and flavor in single cups.

Chemex Classic 8-Cup

The Chemex is an elegant glass carafe that uses thick bonded filters for an exceptionally clean, sediment-free cup at larger volumes. Pros: brews for a group, smooth low-bitterness cup, beautiful design, forgiving body. Cons: proprietary filters cost more, slower brew, the clean profile mutes some nuance. Who it's for: people serving multiple cups who prefer a smooth, clean taste.

Head-to-Head

For flavor expressiveness and cost, the V60 wins. For batch brewing, cleanliness, and presentation, the Chemex wins. Filter economy favors the V60; group serving and smoothness favor the Chemex.

Our Pick

For the most versatile, affordable, and flavor-rewarding pour-over, the Hario V60 is our overall winner — it teaches better technique and costs little. Choose the Chemex if you regularly brew for several people and prefer an ultra-clean cup with showpiece looks.

FAQ

Which is better for beginners? The Chemex is a touch more forgiving on body, but the V60 builds skill faster and is cheaper to experiment with.

Can I use regular filters? The V60 uses common cone filters; the Chemex requires its thicker proprietary filters for best results.