Filter coffee methods have enjoyed a revival in recent years. The AeroPress, the Hario V60 and the Chemex are the three most popular manual brewing methods among specialty coffee lovers in 2026. Each produces a different flavour profile and requires a different learning curve.
Which is best for you? It depends on what you are after: speed, clarity of flavour, volume or ease of use. This comparison helps you decide without waffle.
AeroPress if you want to experiment and are a beginner. V60 if you want clarity of flavour and enjoy the ritual. Chemex if you make several cups and care about design.
AeroPress: The Versatile Method
The AeroPress was invented in 2005 by Alan Adler and has since become the preferred method of travellers, world barista champions and beginners alike. How it works is simple: the coffee steeps briefly in hot water and is then extracted by hand pressure through a paper or metal filter.
The result is a coffee with more body than the V60 or the Chemex, less perceived acidity and huge recipe versatility. It is the only one of the three that can make concentrate, cold coffee (quick cold brew) and espresso-style in the same device.
AeroPress Original
BPA-free plastic, includes 350 paper filters, a measuring scoop and a stirrer. Also available in the Go version (more compact for travel) and Clear (transparent).
✓ Advantages
- Very easy to learn
- Recipe versatility
- Low price (38 €)
- Ideal for travelling
- Cleaning in 30 seconds
✗ Drawbacks
- Only 1-2 cups at a time
- Less clean coffee than the V60
- Plastic build
Hario V60: The Gold Cup of Filter Brewing
The Hario V60 is the reference method in specialty coffee shops worldwide. Its conical design with spiral ridges allows a controlled water flow which, with the right technique, extracts an exceptionally clean, bright cup with well defined floral aromas.
Hario V60 Ceramic 02
Available in ceramic, glass, plastic and metal. The ceramic version (02, for 1-4 cups) is the most popular for its heat retention and durability. It needs Hario VCF-02 filters.
✓ Advantages
- Exceptional flavour clarity
- Brings out the coffee aromas better
- Affordable price
- Huge community and recipes
✗ Drawbacks
- Steep learning curve
- Needs a gooseneck kettle
- Sensitive to pouring technique
Chemex: Design and Volume
The Chemex is the most attractive of the three and the only one that doubles as a serving carafe. Its proprietary paper filter, three times thicker than standard ones, traps the oils more effectively, producing an exceptionally clean, smooth coffee.
Chemex Classic 6 cups
One-piece borosilicate glass with a wooden collar and leather tie. Available in 3, 6, 8 and 10 cup sizes. Chemex FP-2 filters are the easiest ones to find in Spain.
✓ Advantages
- Exceptionally clean, smooth coffee
- Premium design (MoMA Museum)
- Brews several cups at once
- Serve straight to the table
✗ Drawbacks
- Expensive proprietary filters
- Delicate glass
- Slower (4-6 minutes)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Criteria | AeroPress | Hario V60 | Chemex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kit price | 38 € | 26 € | 54 € |
| Cost per filter | 0,02 € | 0,04 € | 0,25 € |
| Preparation time | 1-2 min | 2-3 min | 4-6 min |
| Cups per brew | 1-2 | 1-3 | 2-6 |
| Difficulty | Low | Medium-high | Medium |
| Flavour profile | Body, sweetness | Clarity, aromas | Clean, smooth |
Which to Choose in 2026
Choose the AeroPress if you are starting out with speciality coffee, travel often or want to experiment without spending much. It is the most versatile tool and the easiest one to clean.
Choose the V60 if you already have experience with filter coffee and want the method that best expresses the origin nuances of a speciality coffee. It calls for investing in a gooseneck kettle for the best results.
Choose the Chemex if you make coffee for more than one person, care about presentation and want a beautiful object in your kitchen. Its coffee is the smoothest and cleanest of the three.
Related articles
How to Make Espresso at Home: Complete Guide → Types of Coffee Bean: Complete Guide → Best Coffee Grinders 2026 →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better to start with speciality coffee, AeroPress or V60?
For beginners, the AeroPress is easier and more forgiving. It tolerates a lot of variation in the recipe without ruining the result. The V60 demands a more precise pouring technique but delivers more clarity of flavour once mastered.
Which grinder do I need for a Chemex?
The Chemex needs a coarse grind, similar to coarse sea salt. Its thick paper filter retains more oils and calls for a slower extraction. A decent burr grinder such as the Baratza Encore or the Timemore C2 works well.
Can the AeroPress replace an espresso machine?
The AeroPress produces a concentrated coffee with body, but it is not technically espresso because it does not reach 9 bar of pressure. With the right recipe and a fine grind it makes something close to a concentrated lungo, useful as a base for americanos.
Which of the three methods is fastest?
The AeroPress is the fastest: coffee ready in 1-2 minutes. The V60 takes 2-3 minutes with a standard recipe. The Chemex is the slowest: 4-6 minutes for 2-4 cups, but it makes up for it in volume.