HARIO V60 PLASTIC
BENJAMIN SAND
The Hario V60 plastic is often the first dripper people pick up when getting into pour-over coffee. It’s cheap, light, and almost indestructible, which makes it perfect for travel or everyday use. While it may not have the same prestige as ceramic or glass versions, the plastic V60 has a charm of its own — it brews clean, controlled cups and doesn’t weigh you down. Think of it as the gateway dripper that can grow with you as your skills improve.
Who Are Hario?
Hario is a Japanese company with deep roots. Founded in 1921, they started out making heatproof glassware for labs before branching into home products. Today, they’re one of the most recognizable names in the specialty coffee world. From kettles and grinders to their famous V60, Hario has a reputation for making tools that balance function, design, and affordability. Their gear shows up everywhere — from small cafés to world coffee championships.
What is the V60?
The V60 is a cone-shaped dripper with spiral ribs along the inner walls and one large hole at the bottom. The design allows for maximum control over flow rate and extraction. The plastic version is the most affordable in the lineup, and while it lacks the heat retention of ceramic or glass, it’s far lighter and more durable. It uses V60 filters, which are widely available. What makes the V60 special is how much it reflects the skill of the brewer — your pour speed, water temperature, and grind size all directly shape the taste in the cup.
Cultural Importance
The V60 isn’t just another dripper — it’s a cultural symbol in coffee. When third-wave coffee started booming in the 2000s, the V60 was front and center. Baristas began using it in competitions to showcase how precise brewing could highlight origin flavors. Suddenly, people at home also wanted to learn pour-over, and the V60 became the go-to tool. It’s a bridge between café culture and home brewing, and for many coffee drinkers worldwide, it’s the piece of gear that introduced them to the ritual of slow, mindful coffee.
The Positives
- Travel friendly: The plastic V60 weighs almost nothing, so it’s perfect for backpacks and suitcases.
- Affordable: It’s usually the cheapest version, making it accessible to beginners.
- Durable: Drop it, throw it in a bag, use it daily — it won’t break.
- Clean cup quality: When brewed well, it delivers clarity and brightness.
- Easy maintenance: A quick rinse or wash is enough, no delicate handling needed.
- Widely available: Filters and replacements are sold everywhere.
The Negatives
- Heat retention is low: Water cools faster than in ceramic or metal, which can impact flavor.
- Learning curve: The single large hole makes it sensitive to how you pour. Beginners may struggle at first.
- Plastic feel: Some people dislike brewing in plastic, especially compared to ceramic elegance.
- Aesthetic: It looks simple and functional but lacks the design appeal of premium drippers.
- Potential smell:
Some new units can carry a faint plastic odor until used and washed a few times.
Final Thoughts
The plastic V60 isn’t glamorous, but that’s its strength. It strips brewing down to technique, giving you a straightforward tool that can produce great coffee if you learn how to use it. For travelers, it’s a no-brainer: light, tough, and cheap enough that you won’t cry if you lose it. For beginners, it’s a solid entry point into pour-over, though you’ll need to practice your pouring skills to get consistent results. For seasoned brewers, it remains a reliable backup or travel dripper. It may not be the most beautiful version of the V60, but it’s probably the most practical.
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