V60 vs Chemex: Which is the best brewing method?

If you're passionate about specialty coffee, you've surely heard of the two manual brewing methods: V60 and Chemex. Both offer a clear, clean, and aromatic experience, but they differ subtly in style, taste, and usage. Find out below which one suits you better.

Design and aesthetics

• V60 is compact, lightweight, and versatile, available in multiple materials (plastic, ceramic, glass, metal). It's preferred for portability and ease of use, especially by baristas or enthusiasts who experiment frequently.
• Chemex, on the other hand, is elegant, minimalist, and has an award-winning design that combines glass with a decorative wooden piece. It's often seen as a decorative object as well, being suitable for serving multiple portions.

Brewing method

Both methods use gravity infusion, but the approaches differ:

• V60 involves a more precise technique, with circular pours in multiple stages. It's ideal for those who want total control over extraction. It requires attention to detail and is influenced by grind coarseness, water temperature, and pouring speed.
• Chemex has a simpler method, with continuous pouring. It's more forgiving for beginners, but the thick filter significantly influences extraction.

The filter

• The V60 filter is thin and allows faster extraction. The result is a clear coffee with well-defined aromas and pronounced acidity.
• The Chemex filter is exceptionally thick and retains more oils and particles. The result is clean coffee, but with reduced body and more balanced taste, often milder.

Taste in the cup

• V60 highlights the individual notes of coffee, especially in single-origin cases. You'll taste more acidity, floral or fruity notes, and a more pronounced aftertaste.
• Chemex offers a more "rounded," smooth, and balanced coffee. The taste is clean but with a more delicate structure, being perfect for those who prefer milder and easier-to-drink coffee.

Capacity

• V60 is ideal for 1-2 cups, although larger versions exist. It's perfect for individual portions or for those who want to quickly test multiple coffees.
• Chemex can brew between 3 and 8 cups at once, making it suitable for serving company or for family morning rituals.

Cleaning and maintenance

• V60 is easy to clean, compact, and can be washed quickly.
• Chemex requires more careful cleaning, especially if it has wooden elements. Usually, it's not suitable for the dishwasher.

Conclusion

Choose V60 if:

• You like to experiment and have total control
• You drink small portions and want a more vibrant taste
• You prefer compact and versatile equipment

Choose Chemex if:

• You want smoother, easy-to-savor coffee
• You usually brew multiple cups at once
• You also care about the aesthetic aspect of serving

Regardless of what you choose, both methods bring out the best in quality coffee. What's important is finding the method that fits your lifestyle and personal taste.