V60 Brewing Guides

Master the art of V60 pour over brewing with our comprehensive guides. From basic techniques to advanced tips, everything you need to brew exceptional coffee.

Quick Start Guide

New to V60? Follow these simple steps for your first great cup.

1️⃣

Heat Water

Heat water to 94°C (201°F)

2️⃣

Grind Coffee

Medium-fine grind, 1:16 ratio

3️⃣

Bloom

Pour 2x coffee weight, wait 30s

4️⃣

Pour

Slow circles, 2:30-3:30 total

Complete Brewing Guides

Deep dive into every aspect of V60 brewing for consistently excellent results.

V60 Basics

Essential knowledge for getting started with V60 pour over brewing

  • The Hario V60 is a cone-shaped dripper with spiral ridges and a large hole at the bottom
  • The 60-degree angle and spiral ridges promote even water flow and extraction
  • V60s come in different sizes: 01 (1-2 cups), 02 (1-4 cups), 03 (1-6 cups)
  • Materials include plastic, ceramic, glass, and metal - each affects heat retention
  • The key to great V60 coffee is controlling water flow, temperature, and timing
⚖️

Essential Equipment

Everything you need to brew perfect V60 coffee at home

  • Hario V60 dripper (plastic recommended for beginners)
  • V60 paper filters (white or natural, size matching your dripper)
  • Gooseneck kettle for precise pouring control
  • Digital scale accurate to 0.1g for consistent ratios
  • Burr grinder for uniform particle size
  • Timer for tracking brew time
  • Server or mug to catch the brewed coffee
⚙️

Grind Size Guide

How to dial in the perfect grind for your V60

  • Start with medium-fine grind (similar to table salt)
  • If brew time is too fast (under 2:30), grind finer
  • If brew time is too slow (over 4:30), grind coarser
  • Burr grinders provide more consistent particle size than blade grinders
  • Fresh grinding (within 15 minutes of brewing) makes a significant difference
  • Different coffee origins may require slight grind adjustments
💧

Water Quality & Temperature

The foundation of great coffee starts with great water

  • Use filtered water with 150-300 TDS (total dissolved solids)
  • Water temperature should be 92-96°C (198-205°F)
  • Let boiling water rest for 30-60 seconds to reach ideal temperature
  • Avoid distilled water - minerals are needed for proper extraction
  • Hard water can over-extract, soft water can under-extract
  • Water makes up 98% of your coffee, so quality matters immensely
📏

Coffee to Water Ratios

Finding your perfect strength and flavor balance

  • Standard ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee:water by weight)
  • 1:15 for stronger, more intense coffee
  • 1:16 for balanced, versatile brewing
  • 1:17 for lighter, more delicate flavors
  • Example: 20g coffee + 320g water = 1:16 ratio
  • Adjust ratio based on personal taste preferences
🌊

Pouring Technique

Master the art of controlled water pouring

  • Start with a bloom: pour 2x coffee weight in water (e.g., 40g water for 20g coffee)
  • Pour in slow, controlled circles from center outward
  • Keep water level consistent throughout the brew
  • Avoid pouring directly on the filter paper
  • Maintain steady, gentle flow rate
  • Total brew time should be 2:30-4:00 minutes
🔧

Troubleshooting

Common issues and how to fix them

  • Sour/acidic taste: Grind finer, increase water temperature, or extend brew time
  • Bitter taste: Grind coarser, decrease water temperature, or reduce brew time
  • Weak coffee: Use more coffee, grind finer, or increase water temperature
  • Uneven extraction: Improve pouring technique, ensure level coffee bed
  • Clogged filter: Grind coarser, pour more gently
  • Inconsistent results: Check grinder calibration, water temperature, and timing
🧽

Care & Maintenance

Keep your equipment in perfect condition

  • Rinse V60 with hot water after each use
  • Deep clean weekly with mild soap and warm water
  • Descale kettle monthly with vinegar solution
  • Clean grinder burrs regularly to prevent oil buildup
  • Store coffee beans in airtight container away from light and heat
  • Replace grinder burrs when coffee tastes dull despite fresh beans

Ready to Start Brewing?

Now that you understand the fundamentals, try these beginner-friendly recipes.

For Beginners

Start with our forgiving beginner recipe

Single Pour

Simple technique, consistent results

Expert Method

James Hoffmann's ultimate technique

Pro Tips for Better Coffee

☕ Consistency is Key

  • • Use the same ratio, grind, and technique each time
  • • Keep detailed notes of what works
  • • Make one adjustment at a time
  • • Practice makes perfect

🎯 Focus on Fundamentals

  • • Fresh, quality coffee beans
  • • Proper grind size and consistency
  • • Accurate measurements
  • • Controlled pouring technique