What Brewer is Right for Me: V60, Chemex, Aeropress, or French Press?

With so many coffee brewers on the market, it can be difficult to choose which brewer best suits your preferences. If you’re on the hunt for a coffee brewing device but don’t know where to start, this blog is for you! We offer four popular brewing devices—v60, chemex, aeropress, and french press—and this quick guide is here to help you decide.

V60 - Your Easy Going Pour Over Device
The v60 was created in 2005 by Hario, a Japanese glass and coffee equipment company. The v60 can be seen used on pour over coffee bars around the world, and is a popular choice for both baristas and home brewers alike. The heatproof glass dripper is named after the 60-degree angle created by the shape of the cone, and it has spiral ridges and a single hole on the bottom. It’s great at highlighting acidity in coffees, and the design allows one to brew either a light bodied coffee or heavy bodied coffee by adjusting one’s pouring method. It’s perfect for making a single serving of coffee, and you can set it atop a decanter or mug.

Cafe Trainer Maxine Cook can make a mean cup of coffee with a v60, but her favorite brewer is the Aeropress!

Chemex: A Beautiful Design and Made for Sharing
The chemex was invented in 1941 by chemist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, and while it became lesser known when automatic coffee makers became more prominent, the popularity of the chemex grew when specialty coffee shops started popping up in cities. The design of the carafe is both functional and elegant, and like the v60, the cone shape helps highlight the acidity in coffees. However, the double bonded filter is what really helps make chemex brews stand out: a chemex can provide a lot of clarity in a cup of coffee, even in some of the heaviest and darkest brews. The 6-cup chemex is perfect for sharing with another person, or several if you’re serving in smaller glasses. If you love having company and setting up Sunday brunch, this is the perfect brewer for you.

The 6-cup chemex is a practical but elegant coffee brewer with woodneck handle and leather tie.

Aeropress: Your Fun-Sized Travel Buddy
Invented by Aerobie designer Adam Adler, this brewing device came into the coffee scene in 2005. First met with skepticism, it is now a favorite among coffee pros for its incredible versatility. It’s an immersion brewer that can cut brewing time in half, and with a little elbow grease and some pressure, you can brew rich, espresso-like coffee or delicate coffee similar to a pour over. The original brewing recipe suggested by Adler is simple, but coffee professionals have had fun creating dozens of brewing recipes. In fact, there’s national and international aeropress brewing competitions that happen every year. Perhaps the best part of the aeropress is that it’s made of high grade plastic, making it lightweight, easy to travel with, and practically indestructible. The largest serving of coffee you can make is about 7oz, and is perfect for the someone who likes making smaller cups.

The Aeropress comes with a measuring spoon, funnel, paddle for stirring, and filters

The “Chambord” French Press by Bodum

French Press: A Classic
Looking for a no-fuss brewer that can provide a lot of bass? The French Press may be your match. The first design was by Frenchmen Mayer and Delforge, but the french press as we know it today was patented in 1928 by Italians Attilio and Calimani. While there’s debate about the origins of this brewer, there’s no contest on its ability to brew a strong cup of coffee. It’s an immersion brewing that creates some silt, but it contributes to the viscous body and mouthfeel. The french press can also double as a make-shift tea pot—just make sure you clean out residual coffee oil from the mesh filter!

Looking for more coffee equipment? Check out our webshop for filters, decanters, and more! https://www.andytownsf.com/purchase?category=Brewing+Equipment