The Hario V60, Chemex and Melitta Filtercone all use paper filters. What changes is the shape and thickness of the paper, the design of the dripper and the way water moves through the coffee.
The Hario V60 uses a pointed cone-shaped paper, the Chemex uses its own folded bonded filters, and the Melitta uses familiar wedge-shaped 1x4 papers. These differences affect the flavour, body, brewing speed and how much control you have over the finished cup.
So, which coffee dripper should you buy? Here is a straightforward comparison, including the new Hario V60 NEO.
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V60 vs Chemex vs Melitta: the quick answer
| Dripper | Filter shape | Best for | Coffee style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hario V60 | Pointed cone | Control, choice of sizes and materials | Clear, bright and aromatic |
| Hario V60 NEO | Pointed V60 cone | Faster flow and easier consistency | Clean, balanced and sweet |
| Chemex | Folded square, circle or half-moon | Brewing and serving several cups | Very clean, light and smooth |
| Melitta Filtercone | Wedge-shaped 1x4 | Simple, affordable everyday brewing | Balanced and rounded |
Why does the shape of the filter paper matter?
All three brewers use filter papers, but the papers are not interchangeable. The shape of the filter determines the shape and depth of the coffee bed, while the paper thickness affects how quickly water passes through and how many oils and fine particles reach the cup.
- V60 filter papers form a true pointed cone. Water is directed towards one large opening at the bottom of the dripper.
- Chemex bonded filters are larger and thicker. They are folded to create a cone, with several layers sitting against one side of the brewer.
- Melitta 1x4 filters have a wedge shape with a short, flatter seam along the bottom.
Always use a filter paper made for the size and shape of your brewer. A poor fit can fold over, restrict the flow or allow water to bypass the ground coffee.
Hario V60: the widest choice
The Hario V60 is one of the best-known pour-over drippers. Its name comes from its V-shaped cone and 60-degree angle.
Inside the classic V60, spiral ribs keep the filter paper slightly away from the walls. This allows air to escape and helps water flow through the coffee. The single large opening at the bottom means the grind and the speed of your pour have a noticeable effect on extraction.
This makes the V60 very flexible. A slower pour can create a fuller cup, while a faster pour can produce a lighter result. It is particularly good for coffees with fruity, floral or delicate flavour notes.
Which Hario V60 size do you need?
The classic Hario V60 is available in three different sizes:
- Size 01: approximately one to two cups
- Size 02: approximately one to four cups
- Size 03: approximately one to six cups
Size 02 is the most versatile choice for most homes. Size 01 works well when you usually brew directly into one mug, while Size 03 is useful for larger batches. Remember to buy the matching 01, 02 or 03 V60 papers.
Which V60 material is best?
The V60 is also available in more materials than most coffee drippers. Depending on the model and size, you can choose from:
- Plastic
- Ceramic
- Heatproof glass
- Stainless steel
- Copper
Plastic V60s are light, affordable and retain heat well. Ceramic and glass versions feel more substantial and look smart in the kitchen, but it helps to warm them before brewing. Metal drippers are durable and useful for travel.
Choose the classic V60 if:
- You want a choice of three sizes and several materials.
- You enjoy adjusting the grind and pouring technique.
- You like clear coffee with distinct flavour notes.
- You want an affordable dripper for home, work or travel.
New Hario V60 NEO: faster flow with a new rib design
The new Hario V60 NEO keeps the familiar pointed cone and uses standard Hario V60 filter papers, but the inside of the brewer has been completely redesigned.
The NEO has 72 fine ribs around the upper wall, converging into nine ribs near the base. The structure helps water flow evenly across more of the filter and reduces the likelihood of clogging. It is designed for a faster extraction while retaining the clean character associated with the V60.
In the cup, the NEO aims to combine V60 clarity with more of the sweetness and body associated with a flat-bottom brewer. It is a good option for beginners who want consistent results, as well as experienced V60 users looking for something new.
The V60 NEO is currently available in:
- Size 01: one to two cups
- Size 02: one to four cups
- Black, amber and transparent finishes
Unlike the wide choice of materials available with the classic V60, the NEO is made from durable Tritan resin with a silicone base.
Choose the V60 NEO if:
- You want a faster-flowing V60.
- You are concerned about the filter clogging.
- You prefer a clean cup with balanced sweetness and body.
- You want to use standard V60 filter papers.
- You already own compatible Hario Switch & Match equipment.
Chemex: the timeless classic
The Chemex is both a coffee brewer and a serving carafe. Its hourglass-shaped borosilicate glass body, wooden collar and leather tie make it one of the most recognisable coffee makers ever produced.
Designed in 1941, the classic shape has remained almost unchanged for more than 80 years. The simplicity is a large part of its appeal: place the filter in the top, add coffee, pour the water and serve directly from the glass brewer.
The Chemex 6-Cup Classic is particularly useful when brewing for two or more people. Bear in mind that Chemex cup measurements are smaller than a typical UK mug.
Which filter shape does a Chemex use?
Chemex uses its own bonded paper filters, which are thicker than standard V60 or Melitta papers. The exact shape depends on the size of the brewer:
- The three-cup Chemex uses unfolded half-moon filter papers.
- Larger Chemex brewers can use pre-folded square filters, pre-folded circles or unfolded circular filters.
Once folded, the filter forms a cone with several layers of paper on one side. The thicker side should sit against the pouring channel of the Chemex so the spout remains open during brewing.
The thicker bonded paper retains more fine sediment and coffee oils, producing an especially clean and smooth cup. The drawback is that Chemex-specific papers are less widely available and usually cost more than standard Melitta filters.
Choose the Chemex if:
- You regularly make coffee for several people.
- You enjoy a very clean, smooth and lighter-bodied cup.
- You want a brewer and serving carafe in one.
- You appreciate its classic design.
- You do not mind buying dedicated Chemex filters.
Melitta Filtercone: the simple everyday choice
The Melitta Filtercone 1x4 is the simplest and most affordable option in this comparison.
The model comes in one practical 1x4 size and uses a wedge-shaped filter rather than the V60's pointed cone. Two outlets control the flow of coffee into a mug, server or jug.
Its biggest advantage is convenience. Melitta 1x4 filter papers are inexpensive, easy to store and widely available. They are much easier to find in supermarkets and general homeware shops than Chemex-specific papers.
Before inserting a Melitta paper, fold the two pressed seams. This helps it sit securely inside the dripper and reduces the risk of the paper folding over while you pour.
The wedge-shaped coffee bed and controlled outlet produce a balanced, rounded cup. It does not offer quite as much control as a V60 or the very light filtration of a Chemex, but it makes reliable filter coffee with little fuss.
Choose the Melitta if:
- You want the simplest introduction to pour-over coffee.
- You prefer readily available 1x4 filter papers.
- You do not want to master a detailed pouring technique.
- You need an inexpensive brewer for home, work or holidays.
- You enjoy a balanced, familiar filter-coffee style.
Which coffee dripper is best for you?
- Best overall for choice and control: Hario V60
- Best new dripper for faster, more consistent flow: Hario V60 NEO
- Best for brewing and serving several cups: Chemex
- Best for simplicity and inexpensive filters: Melitta Filtercone
For most people who want to explore pour-over coffee, the Hario V60 Size 02 remains the most flexible starting point. It is compact, affordable and available in several materials.
The Hario V60 NEO is our recommendation if you want the clarity of a V60 with faster flow and less risk of clogging. It is also the most interesting choice for anyone who already owns a classic V60.
Choose the Chemex when you regularly brew for more than one person and want a very clean cup from a classic glass brewer. Pick the Melitta Filtercone when convenience, value and easy-to-find papers matter most.
A simple starting recipe
- Use around 60g of coffee per litre of water. For a 300ml mug, start with 18g of coffee.
- Heat fresh water to approximately 92–96°C.
- Place the correct paper in the brewer and rinse it with hot water.
- Add freshly ground coffee and gently level the bed.
- Pour enough water to wet all the coffee, then wait for 30–45 seconds.
- Continue pouring slowly and evenly until you reach the required weight.
- Adjust the grind next time according to taste.
Start with a medium-fine grind for the V60, a slightly coarser grind for the Chemex and a medium filter grind for the Melitta. If the coffee tastes thin or sour, grind a little finer. If it tastes dry or bitter, try a coarser grind.
A gooseneck kettle gives you more control over the flow of water, particularly with a V60 or Chemex, but the Melitta also works well with an ordinary kettle if you pour gently.
Frequently asked questions
Do the V60, Chemex and Melitta all use paper filters?
Yes. All three use paper filters, but the shapes, sizes and paper thicknesses are different. The filters are not directly interchangeable.
Can I use Melitta filters in a V60?
It is not recommended. Melitta papers have a wedge-shaped bottom, while V60 papers form a pointed cone. Using the correct paper gives a better fit and more consistent water flow.
Does the V60 NEO use different filter papers?
No. The Hario V60 NEO uses standard V60 filter papers. Simply match the paper to the Size 01 or Size 02 NEO.
Which V60 size should I buy?
Choose Size 01 for one or two smaller cups, Size 02 for the most flexibility, and Size 03 when you regularly make a larger batch.
Why are Chemex filters thicker?
Chemex bonded filters retain more fine sediment and coffee oils. This contributes to the brewer's characteristically clean, smooth and lighter-bodied cup.
Which coffee dripper is easiest for a beginner?
The Melitta Filtercone is the most straightforward option. The V60 NEO is also a good beginner-friendly choice if you want more room to experiment as your brewing develops.
Do I need a gooseneck kettle?
No, but it gives you better control over the speed and direction of the pour. It is most helpful with a V60, V60 NEO or Chemex.
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