Coffee is undoubtedly an integral part of many people’s lives. Over time, new brewing techniques and tools have emerged, and one of these is the pour-over method. Two well-known and similar-looking pour-over devices are the V60 and Chemex. But what sets them apart?
V60 from Sakura Country
In 1921, Hiromu Shibata founded a company that produced heat-resistant glassware. The company produces a variety of devices ranging from laboratory equipment to coffee makers for household and industrial use. In 1964, Hiromu’s company launched a coffee maker called Syphon.
The launch of Syphon was the start of a new division called Hario or King of Glass. As the name implies, Hario’s glass is of the highest quality and heat-resistant. However, Hario’s most famous product is porcelain, one of which is the early V60 design. But the V60’s journey of discovery is still very long.
In the 1990s the idea of the V60 began to be developed again. Previously, in the 1980s, immersion methods dominated. In fact, a new method has been found with a parabolic-shaped device that allows brewed coffee to have a cleaner taste when compared to the immersion method.
Finally, in 2004, the pour-over brewer was refined into the V60 that is known today. The name V60 itself is taken from the shape of the tool which is pointed like the letter “V” with a slope of 60 degrees. This cone shape is used to place the filter paper.
The V60 is also equipped with a large hole at the base and a spiral thread that serves to release air in the brewing process. Currently, the V60 has been produced with various materials. Not only porcelain, many V60s are also made of glass, metal, plastic, and so on.
Chemex from Uncle Sam’s Country
Apparently Chemex was around long before the pour over method became popular. Back in 1941, a German chemist studying in America, Peter J. Schlumbohnm launched this device. Chemex is shaped like an hourglass and resembles the letter “X”.
Similar to other pour over devices, Chemex also uses filter paper. However, the filter paper used is thicker than the paper for other pour over devices. Apparently, this filter is the attraction of the Chemex tool. The Fitler on the Chemex is capable of filtering coffee grounds down to the smallest point. The resulting flavor is thus more complex.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Chemex expanded into the household sector. Not only coffee makers, Chemex also produces various tools such as blenders, food processors, and so on. In late 2014, Chemex produced the “Ottomatic” appliance which is an automatic Chemex for brewing coffee.
Differences between V60 and Chemex
After getting to know the history of the V60 and Chemex, it can be concluded that both of these devices are manual brewers using filters or pour over coffee. However, these two tools have differences not only in terms of shape.
The first difference is the material used. The V60 is made of various materials ranging from plastic, glass, porcelain, to metal. This is different from Chemex where the material is only made of high-quality glass.
In terms of design, Chemex is more varied. Chemex has two types of designs, one that uses a handle and one that uses collar wood or wood on the Chemex neck. While the V60 also has some different designs but only on the threaded part such as spiral or perpendicular to the bottom.
The next difference is the filter or filter paper used. The V60 has two types of filter paper: white filter paper and brown filter paper . The V60 filter has a lower price and a wider range of sizes.
Chemex filters also have two types, white bleached and natural. However, the size is larger than the V60 filter at a higher price.
The brewing process of these two devices is also different. The V60 can brew coffee faster due to the threaded assistance on the dripper. This causes the water to drop quickly with the help of air. The Chemex has a slower brewing process due to the multiple filters that cause the coffee to rest at one point.
In terms of taste, Chemex is able to produce a cleaner coffee flavor than V60. This is because Chemex filters are able to absorb oil in coffee compared to V60 filters. However, the V60 and Chemex are both capable of producing a rich and clean coffee flavor .
The Chemex can also produce more coffee extraction which is about 3 to 4 cups, while the V60 is only about 2 to 3 cups and depends on the size. However, the metal V60 has the advantage of being able to distribute heat more evenly, whereas the Chemex does not.
Conclusion
Both the V60 and Chemex share similar concepts and brewing methods. The V60 originates from Japan and is available in various sizes and materials, but it maintains a consistent design. Chemex hails from the United States and offers two designs, both made exclusively of glass.
Chemex and V60 exhibit several differences, including in terms of filters, flavors, and materials. Chemex filters are pricier but excel at filtering out oils for a cleaner taste. The V60’s advantage lies in its materials, especially the metal versions, which distribute heat evenly.
If you’re intrigued and want to try your hand at brewing with a V60 or Chemex, why not give it a shot?
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