The Science of V60 Brewing
| Key Takeaway | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Choose the right grind size | Grind size affects extraction and brew time |
| Use a gooseneck kettle | Precise pouring is key for even extraction |
| Experiment with pouring techniques | Pouring affects how water flows through the grounds |
| Hit the right water temperature | 195-205°F is the sweet spot for proper extraction |
| Use the right coffee to water ratio | Typically 1:15 to 1:17 coffee to water by weight |
Unlocking the secrets of the V60 dripper
The Hario V60 Coffee Dripper has taken the coffee world by storm thanks to its elegant design and ability to produce a clean, sweet cup. But brewing a great V60 is both an art and a science. Let's take a look at the key factors that go into making the perfect pour over.
The importance of the right grind
One of the most critical elements in V60 brewing is using the right grind size. Too fine and you'll over-extract, leading to bitter flavors. Too coarse and your brew will be weak and sour. Aim for a medium-fine grind, about the texture of table salt.
For the most consistent results, invest in a quality burr grinder like the Wilfa Svart Coffee Grinder. Its precision grind settings will help you dial in the perfect grind for your V60. Another great option is the Fellow Ode Gen 2 Brew Grinder with its professional-grade flat burrs that ensure uniform particle size.
Master your pouring technique
How you pour your water matters just as much as your grind. A gooseneck kettle like the Hario V60 Buono Drip Kettle gives you the control to evenly saturate your grounds. Experiment with pouring techniques:
- Continuous pour in concentric circles
- Pulse pouring, allowing the slurry to draw down between pours
- Rao spin: pour in a quick circular motion to create a whirlpool
The goal is to pour steadily to maintain a consistent slurry throughout the brew and achieve an even extraction. The drip kettle's thin spout makes this easy.
Hitting the right temperature
For proper extraction, your brew water should be between 195-205°F. Too hot and you risk scorching your grounds. Too cool and you'll struggle to extract the coffee's full flavor potential.
The Buono kettle is great, but consider upgrading to the Hario V60 Buono Drip Kettle with Thermometer for precise temperature control. The built-in thermometer takes the guesswork out of hitting your target temp.
Optimizing your brew ratio
The sweet spot for a V60 is usually between a 1:15 and 1:17 coffee to water ratio by weight. In other words, for every 1 gram of coffee, use 15-17 grams of water. This allows enough water for proper extraction without over-diluting.
Grab a coffee scale like the Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scales to weigh out your coffee dose and water. The scale's built-in timer also lets you track your total brew time, which should clock in around 3 minutes. Aim for 2.5-3 minutes from first pour to final drip.
Putting it all together
Ready to put your V60 skills to the test? We recommend starting with the Hario V60 Starter Kit (Clear) which includes a Size 02 plastic dripper, a Skerton Plus hand grinder, and filters. It has everything you need to begin your pourover journey.
From there, continue to refine your technique and dial in your recipe. Browse our full collection of V60 gear for inspiration. With a little practice and a spirit of experimentation, you'll be brewing cafe-quality V60s in no time. The key is understanding the science behind the brewing process so you can harness it to extract the most from your favorite coffee.
Happy brewing!