The difference between a Chemex and a V60 isn't just a comparison of two tools; it's a window into the world of drip coffee, with all its artistry, precision, and rich detail. Each has its own distinct personality and distinct style of expressing flavors, offering coffee lovers a unique experience that elevates their cup from a mere daily beverage to a ritual of creativity and refined taste.
Because brewing tools are the secret to uniqueness in the world of specialty coffee, Ibrik remains the premier choice in Saudi Arabia. Offering authentic, high-quality products, the store combines the latest coffee innovations with the most famous international brands, providing coffee lovers with an exceptional shopping experience that meets their every expectation.
What is the difference between chemex and v60?
Coffee grinding degree
In the Chemex, a medium to coarse grind is preferred to accommodate the thick filter and highlight the purity of the flavor. In the V60, a fine grind is preferred, as it helps slow the flow of water through the fine filter, giving the coffee a richer body and a more concentrated flavor. This difference in grind determines the extraction balance between the two methods.
Materials used
The Chemex is made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass that does not absorb odors, giving it a unique appearance and a luxurious feel. The V60 comes in multiple options, including plastic, ceramic, glass, and metal. Many coffee lovers prefer the ceramic and glass versions for their aesthetic appeal, while the plastic version remains more practical and retains heat.
Filter type
The Chemex uses special thick filters that block oils and sediments, producing a pure, light coffee. The V60, on the other hand, uses thin filters that allow more oils to pass through, delivering a rich, flavorful cup. This difference makes the Chemex ideal for smooth coffee lovers, while the V60 is suitable for those seeking a deeper, stronger taste.
Funnel shape and design
The V60 relies on a funnel with spiral grooves that allow for even water flow and better control over the filtration process. In contrast, the Chemex design features a classic, elegant flow, but relies more on a thicker filter to control extraction. This difference is clearly reflected in the brewing experience and final flavor.
The volume of coffee produced
The V60's capacity ranges from one to four cups, depending on the size of the funnel used, making it practical for individual daily use. The Chemex, on the other hand, has larger capacities of up to twelve cups, making it ideal for families or group gatherings. This flexibility makes the choice dependent on the number of cups required.
difference in taste
The V60 delivers a more intense coffee flavor with pronounced acidity and bright notes that deeply reflect the coffee's character. Meanwhile, the Chemex produces a smoother, cleaner cup with a delicately balanced flavor, ideal for those who prefer a mild yet complex coffee. The choice here is entirely up to the connoisseur.
Extraction control
The V60 offers great flexibility in controlling water flow and filtration speed thanks to its grooved design, making it an ideal choice for those who want to fine-tune their brewing details. Meanwhile, the Chemex requires more pour-over expertise due to its thicker filter, which adds a more traditional feel and a quieter experience.
Easy to clean
The V60 excels in its ease of cleaning and dishwasher safety, in addition to its open design that makes every corner easily accessible. The Chemex, with its single-piece glass design, is also easy to clean, but requires special care to maintain its shine and classic elegance.
Cost and investment
Chemex requires a higher initial investment with expensive proprietary filters and the potential for glass breakage. V60s, especially the plastic versions, are more economical, with cheaper filters and a variety of durable options.
Get the best coffee products from Ibrik
V60 Glass Funnel, Wooden Base - Size 02
The V60 glass funnel with a wooden base, 02", is designed to combine elegance and practicality. The conical funnel with spiral ribs ensures optimal flavor extraction, while the large hole allows you to control the water flow rate for balanced, aromatic coffee.
Lightweight compared to ceramic versions, the elegant wooden stand is stable and easy to use. Suitable for preparing one to four cups, it is also easily portable, making it the perfect choice for home, office, or travel for specialty coffee lovers.
Chemex Barista Kit with Harvest
The Chemex Barista Kit offers a complete coffee-making experience that combines elegance and precision. It includes a high-quality glass Chemex pot with an ideal capacity for 3-4 cups, along with a stainless steel pour-over jug for precise control of the filtration speed. This kit allows for pure, flavorful Chemex coffee extraction, fully exposing the coffee's aroma and providing exceptional flavor clarity.
The set also includes a manual coffee grinder to adjust the grind according to the type of coffee, an electronic scale to ensure precise water-to-coffee ratios, and thick Chemex paper filters. The set's design combines beauty and functionality, making it the perfect choice for coffee lovers seeking a professional and convenient experience at home or while traveling.
Luxury V60 Coffee Bag 12 Pieces
The V60 Premium Coffee Kit includes 12 essential pieces for the ultimate brewing experience for specialty coffee lovers. The design combines elegance and functionality with durable tools made from high-quality, rust-resistant materials. The kit allows you to brew V60 coffee with a rich, fresh flavor, while still having full control over every step, from grinding to pouring.
The bag includes a precision electronic scale, a manual grinder for fine-tuning the grind, a glass server with the perfect capacity, and stylish barista cups, making it ideal for travel or everyday use at home. Each piece has been carefully selected to ensure a luxurious and professional experience for drip coffee lovers.
What is Chemex?
The Chemex is an iconic hand-drip coffee maker, designed in 1941 by chemist Peter Schlumbohm. Featuring an elegant hourglass-shaped glass design, it combines the functionality of a brewing tool with the functionality of a serving carafe. A wooden collar secured with a leather strap gives it a classic touch, while some versions come with an alternative glass handle for a contemporary simplicity.
Chemex tool design features
- Made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass that does not absorb odors or any chemical residue, preserving the purity and quality of the coffee.
- The resulting coffee is smoother and less intense in taste, so you can enjoy a balanced cup rich in flavors without excessive bitterness.
- The funnel is designed with smooth sides and a single narrow channel that acts as a precise spout for pouring, allowing air to escape and ensuring balanced coffee extraction.
- The secure wooden hoop provides hand protection when pouring and gives the device a classic, elegant touch.
- A small mark on the jug indicates the half-full level, making it easier to control the quantity during preparation.
- Chemex filters are 20 to 30% heavier than conventional filters, giving coffee exceptional purity and clarity of flavor.
How to prepare coffee using Chemex
- Place the filter on top of the machine with the thicker side facing the pour spout to ensure optimal extraction.
- Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any pre-mined papery taste and adjust the machine's temperature before brewing, then discard the used water.
- Add medium to coarse ground coffee at a recommended ratio of approximately 1:15 coffee to water for the perfect balance of flavor.
- Begin the blooming stage by pouring a small amount of hot water between 90 and 96°C with a gentle circular motion, allowing the coffee to bloom and release its oils and flavors.
- Continue pouring slowly and in a consistent circular motion until you reach the desired amount of coffee, maintaining a balanced extraction.
- Discard the filter when finished and enjoy a pure, smooth, aromatic cup of coffee that sets Chemex apart.
What is the V60 tool?
The V60, a Japanese innovation by Hario, was launched in 2005 and has become one of the world's leading drip coffee tools. The spout is designed at a precise 60-degree V-shape, allowing water to flow smoothly and bringing out exceptionally rich coffee flavors. This intelligent design has made the V60 a preferred choice for coffee lovers seeking a balanced taste and depth of flavor.
V60 Tool Design Features
- The 60° conical funnel provides optimal water flow and contributes to a balanced, flavor-rich extraction.
- The design allows air to escape during pouring, promoting free flow of water and highlighting the natural flavor of the coffee.
- The spiral curves inside the funnel prevent the filter from sticking to the wall and help distribute the water evenly.
- Its lightweight size and portability make it ideal for everyday use whether at home or while traveling.
- A wide opening at the base of the funnel allows coffee to pass through easily with greater control over brewing speed.
- The V60 is available in a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, plastic, and metal, each offering a combination of durability, heat retention, and aesthetics.
How to prepare V60 coffee?
- Place the paper filter inside the funnel and rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste and ensure the funnel is warm before brewing.
- Add medium ground coffee at a rate of fifteen grams per cup to achieve a balanced extraction.
- Pour a small amount of hot water between 92 and 96°C to allow the coffee to swell and fully release the flavors for thirty seconds.
- Continue pouring slowly and in a circular motion to ensure all the grounds are covered and an even, balanced extraction is achieved.
- The entire preparation usually takes between two to three minutes to produce a drink rich in aromatic flavors with a smooth and homogeneous texture.
- The amount of coffee and water can be adjusted as desired to control the strength and degree of concentration, making the V60 flexible to meet all tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is drip coffee?
Drip coffee is prepared by pouring hot water over ground coffee in a filter, producing a pure, aromatic coffee with a delicate flavor. It is a manual method that allows complete control over flavor extraction.
What are the types of drip coffee?
Drip coffee includes brewers like the Chemex and V60 that rely on manual dripping with hot water. It differs from automatic drip machines like the MokaMaster or Bonavita, which offer a richer experience and more detailed flavor.
What does v60 mean?
V60 refers to the conical funnel used in manual distillation, where the V represents the conical shape of the filter and the number 60 represents the angle of the funnel.
What are the best types of V60 coffee?
- For beginners with the V60, it is recommended to use medium roast Colombian or Costa Rican coffee for a smooth and balanced experience.
- For lovers of distinctive flavors, try the light-roasted Ethiopian coffee, which offers unique fruity and floral notes.
- For the perfect balance between taste and strength, prefer medium roast Kenyan or Guatemalan coffee.
How is V60 different from today's coffee?
V60 is a Japanese distillation method that relies on a special funnel and paper filter to produce clear, pure coffee with a distinct flavor, whereas today's coffee is often prepared using traditional drip machines, which produces coffee with a less distinct flavor.
What is the difference between V60 and espresso?
V60 is drip coffee prepared by hand using hot water and a paper filter to achieve a delicate and balanced flavor, while espresso is concentrated coffee prepared using a press machine to produce a strong body and high density.
What is the difference between Ice Drip and V60?
Ice drip is a cold-brewed brew that takes hours, producing a less acidic and sweeter coffee, while V60 is a hot-water brew that takes just a few minutes, producing a more acidic and flavorful coffee.
How is V60 different from Americano coffee?
Manual distillation methods like the V60 and Chemex rely on extracting coffee through filtration, while Americanos are prepared by adding hot water to espresso, producing a lighter drink with a less complex, concentrated flavor.
What does the name V60 coffee mean in Arabic?
The name is inspired by the tool's conical (V) shape and 60-degree funnel angle, a design that ensures optimal water flow to extract the best coffee flavor.
Why is Chemex so popular?
Chemex is widely popular due to its sleek and practical design that ensures pure, bright coffee extraction with minimal bitterness and a clear, full flavor in every cup.
Ultimately, the difference between a Chemex and a V60 is more than just a choice of tool; it's a reflection of personal taste and a desire to experience a unique coffee experience with a distinct signature in every cup. Because excellence begins with the right tool, Ibrik offers you the keys to this world with a spirit of professionalism and quality, making it your ideal partner on your specialty coffee journey.