New to V60? Start here
This is a step-by-step pour-over brew guide based on James Hoffmann's Ultimate V60 Technique. Pick a recipe from the table, follow the timed steps, and adjust the ratio to taste.
Before you brew
- Use a Hario V60 dripper and decanter — a V60 Drip Decanter 02 works great for 1–2 cups.
- Weigh everything on an accurate scale (0.1 g resolution, with a timer).
- Fold the paper filter along its seam and place it in the dripper.
- Rinse the filter and preheat the decanter: pour hot water through the paper until the decanter fills up a bit, then discard that water. This removes the paper taste and warms everything up.
- Grind your coffee medium-coarse and use water just off the boil (~95 °C).
Then tap a row in the recipe table below to load the brew steps and start your timer.
Brew Steps
Recipe Reference Table
Tap a row to load it into the brew steps above
| Water (g) | Coffee (g) | Bloom (g) | Pour 1 to (g) | Pour 2 to (g) | Pour 3 to (g) | Pour 4 to (g) | ♡ |
|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
Why the V60, and what are the 01 and 02 sizes?
The Hario V60 is one of the most popular pour-over drippers thanks to its simple cone design and spiral ribs that let you control extraction through pour technique. The name comes from the V-shape of the cone and its 60° angle.
The sizes refer to the dripper capacity: the 01 is designed for a single cup (up to roughly 200 g of water), while the 02 is the most common size and handles 1–2 cups comfortably (up to about 500 g). If you brew mostly for yourself, an 01 works fine — but an 02 is the safer all-rounder.
What equipment do I need?
At a minimum you need a V60 dripper, V60 paper filters, a scale (0.1 g resolution is ideal), and a kettle. A gooseneck kettle is highly recommended for its precise, controlled pour, but any kettle or tea pot with a relatively narrow spout will work in a pinch. A timer on the scale is nice to have but not strictly necessary — you can use this app on your phone instead.
A decanter or mug to brew into completes the basic setup. The Hario V60 Drip Decanter 02 bundles the dripper and a glass carafe together — a great starter option.
Which V60 model should I get?
The V60 comes in ceramic, plastic, metal, and glass. For a single cup, the ceramic dripper is a great choice — it retains heat well and is easy to clean. If you regularly brew for two or more cups, consider the V60 Drip Decanter (plastic dripper with a glass carafe) — it's practical and means less cleanup.
You don't need both to get started — pick whichever suits your typical brew size. The decanter is a convenient all-in-one option, while the standalone ceramic dripper feels more premium for single-cup brewing.
How should I prepare before brewing?
Good preparation makes a real difference. Always rinse the paper filter with hot water before adding coffee — this removes the papery taste and preheats the dripper at the same time.
If your V60 is ceramic, give it an extra preheat by filling it with hot water for a few seconds, because ceramic absorbs a lot of heat. Plastic and metal drippers heat up quickly during the rinse. Also preheat your decanter or mug so the brewed coffee doesn't cool down on contact with cold glass.
Discard all the preheat water before you start brewing.
Why would I choose a V60 over an espresso machine?
If you love espresso and cappuccino but also want a clean, flavourful filter-style coffee without spending a lot, the V60 is a great option. Bean-to-cup machines can struggle to deliver the clarity and nuance that a manual pour-over provides.
The V60 is inexpensive, takes up almost no space, and lets you experiment with grind size, ratio, and pour speed until you find your perfect cup. It's a fun and rewarding way to brew.
Do I need an expensive grinder?
Not at all — pre-ground coffee works fine to get started. But freshly ground beans do make a noticeable difference in flavour. A solid upgrade on a budget is the KINGrinder K6, a manual hand grinder that punches well above its price class. Keep an eye out for Black Friday deals to pick one up even cheaper.
Any bean recommendations?
Look for 100% Arabica beans — they're the go-to for pour-over thanks to their clean, complex flavours. Robusta beans can work too, but they're bolder and more bitter, so you may want a slightly stronger ratio (e.g. 1:14–1:15) to balance the cup.
A good starting point from the supermarket is Café Intención Organic — it's widely available, fair-trade, and works well with the V60. As you get comfortable, try ordering single-origin beans from a local roaster — the V60 really shines at highlighting those unique flavour profiles.
Once you're more familiar with your setup, experiment with lighter roasts — they can reveal fruity and floral notes that darker roasts hide. Personally, lighter roasts are great for an afternoon coffee when you want something bright and refreshing.
Who's behind this site?
Hi! I'm DevSecNinja — a coffee enthusiast who uses the V60 every single day. I built this guide because I wanted a clean, no-fuss reference for James Hoffmann's technique that I could pull up on my phone while brewing.
This isn't a random AI-generated page — it's a tool I personally rely on and keep improving. If you have feedback or ideas, feel free to open an issue on GitHub!