V60 vs Chemex vs AeroPress: Which Brewing Method Is Right for You?

Walk into any speciality coffee shop and you'll likely spot a V60, a Chemex or an AeroPress on the counter — sometimes all three. Each produces a genuinely different cup from the same beans, and each suits a different kind of coffee routine. Here's how they compare, so you can pick the one that fits how you actually want to brew.

Hario V60

The V60 is a cone-shaped dripper with a signature spiral ridge design and a large single hole at the bottom, which gives you more control over the pour than almost any other method. Water flows through relatively quickly, producing a clean, bright, well-defined cup that shows off a coffee's more delicate flavour notes — particularly nice for lighter roasts and fruitier single origins.

The trade-off is a slightly steeper learning curve. Because the water moves through so freely, your pour technique, pace and consistency have a bigger effect on the final cup than with other methods. It's brewed straight into a mug or a V60 range server, and it's quick — most brews take 2.5 to 3.5 minutes.

Best for: single-cup brewing, lighter roasts, and anyone who enjoys the ritual of a slow, hands-on pour.

Chemex

The Chemex looks like laboratory glassware for a reason — it was actually invented by a chemist. Its thicker filter papers remove more oils and fine sediment than a V60's, producing a noticeably cleaner, lighter-bodied, almost tea-like cup. The hourglass design also makes it easy to brew for several people at once and serve straight from the vessel, no separate carafe needed.

Because the filters are thicker, the brew tends to run a little slower and needs a slightly coarser grind than the V60 to avoid stalling. It's a lovely option if you like entertaining or want to make a full pot in one go rather than brewing cup by cup.

Best for: brewing for a group, a lighter and cleaner-tasting cup, and coffee that looks as good on the table as it tastes.

AeroPress

The AeroPress works completely differently to the other two — it steeps coffee briefly, then uses gentle air pressure to push the brew through a filter. That pressure lets it extract a fuller-bodied, more concentrated cup in under a minute, closer in character to an espresso or a strong filter coffee than a delicate pour-over. It's also the most forgiving method here — small changes in grind size or pour technique matter far less than with a V60.

It's compact, virtually unbreakable and easy to clean, which makes the AeroPress Go in particular a favourite for travelling, camping or brewing at your desk.

Best for: speed, consistency, travel, and a fuller-bodied cup with less technique required.

At a glance

Honestly, there's no wrong answer — plenty of coffee lovers end up with all three for different moods and occasions. Explore the full range in our brewing equipment collection, or pick up freshly roasted beans from our speciality coffee range to pair with your new brewer.