The Hario V60 is one of the most classic and well known drippers and when it comes down to different colours and materials we are spoilt for choice. So which V60 is right for you and what are the key differences between these materials? In this article we are going to cover all the differences and even show how these differences effect the taste of your coffee.
Hario V60 Ceramic Dripper:
The Ceramic Hario V60 is a smooth and hefty dripper, with the 02 size coming in close to 500 grams. These drippers are dense and have great heat retention and for this reason are favoured by cafes who are brewing back-to-back pour overs, these drippers will keep hot. In saying this for home users who are just brewing once a day it does take a little more hot water to bring your dripper up to temperature.
This dripper is made from a ceramics which is very beautiful however it does come with its challenges such as being prone to cracking / breaking on impact (as any ceramics, this dripper will most likely not survive falling off a shelf).
Hario V60 Metal Dripper:
The Hario V60 Metal dripper is our favourite V60, it features a lightweight and durable metal in a matte black coating (our favourite). The base is made from a food grade silicone and can be removed easily for cleaning. The silicone base is also great for protecting your glass servers or ceramic cups.
The Metal Hario V60 Dripper actually didn't take too much hot water to get up to temperature and found that surprisingly the coated metal acted more like an insulator resulting in brews that tasted similarly to the plastic V60 drippers.
Other differences in design:
While the design of the two V60's may look similar they actually have some differences between them. Besides the material the Metal V60 has slightly larger protrusions for the fins on the walls of the dripper, while ceramic V60 is softer and not as defined. This will have an effect on how the filter interacts with the dripper and in-turn will effect the taste of your coffee.
Hario V60 Taste Comparison:
So now that we went over all the differences between these two drippers, let's talk about how these differences change the taste of your coffee. Once our coffee cooled down to drinking temperature the biggest difference we picked up with was the acidity, the Metal v60 dripper had a bright vibrant acidity where as the Ceramic V60 dripper did have more muted flavours and less intense acidity.
All in all there was a difference we found in taste however the difference was relatively small and would only ever stand out when comparing the two coffees side by side.
Choosing between the Hario V60 Metal vs Ceramic Dripper ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritise heat retention and a slightly sweeter cup of coffee, the ceramic dripper may be the right choice for you.
However, if you prioritise durability, a faster brewing process, and a more full-bodied cup of coffee, the metal dripper may be the better option. Ultimately, both drippers are excellent choices for brewing coffee, and whichever one you choose, you're sure to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.