Always wondered how to pick the perfect Hario V60 size? Your answer’s right here.
If you’re diving into the world of manual coffee brewing, chances are you’ve come across the Hario V60 — a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for its ability to brew bright, clean cups.
But with different sizes available, choosing the right V60 can feel a bit confusing. So, which is the best Hario V60 size?
Quick Answer: Which Hario V60 size is the best?
The best Hario V60 size for most people is the 02. It’s versatile enough to brew a single cup or up to 4 cups, making it ideal for everyday use, whether you’re brewing for yourself or sharing.
Don’t worry, though — in this article, I’ll break down all of the Hario V60 sizes, help you figure out which one suits your needs, and share my top recommendations.
Let’s get started!
What Hario V60 sizes are available?
The Hario V60 comes in three main sizes: 01, 02, and 03. Each is designed for different brewing volumes and suits different lifestyles.
The V60 01 is the smallest option, perfect for brewing 1–2 cups (up to around 300 ml).
It’s ideal for solo coffee drinkers, small batches, or anyone who wants a compact dripper for travel.
Its lightweight design fits neatly over most mugs and smaller carafes, making it a favorite for minimalists and adventurers alike.
Next up is the V60 02, the most popular and versatile size in the lineup. It can handle 1–4 cups (up to about 500 ml) and is a great all-rounder for daily use.
Whether you’re making a single cup or sharing with a partner, this size strikes a balance between flexibility and ease of use.
It’s also compatible with most standard servers and carafes.
Finally, the V60 03 is the largest model, designed for brewing 1–6 cups (approximately 1 liter).
This size is perfect if you regularly make coffee for multiple people, whether at home, in an office, or when entertaining guests.
While bulkier than the other sizes, it shines when you need to brew larger amounts in one go.
What are the differences between these sizes?
While all Hario V60 drippers feature the same iconic spiral ribs and 60-degree cone angle, the size you choose will affect everything from how much coffee you can brew to how you control your pour.
Here’s all that you need to know:
Capacity and batch size
The main difference between the Hario V60 is how much coffee you can comfortably brew at once:
- V60 01: Best for 1–2 small cups, or roughly 150–300 ml. Ideal if you’re brewing for yourself or prefer small, fresh batches throughout the day. It’s a great choice for those who value precision and minimal waste
- V60 02: Handles 1–4 cups, or about 250–500 ml. This is the sweet spot for most coffee lovers — large enough to share but not so big that it feels excessive for a single cup
- V60 03: Designed for 1–6 cups, or up to 1000 ml. Ideal for brewing for guests, in an office, or for those who want to prepare a bigger pot to enjoy over time
Filter size
Each V60 size requires its own specific filter paper, and using the wrong one can lead to brewing issues like poor fit, uneven extraction, or leaking:
- V60 01 dripper
These are the smallest filters, designed to fit the compact cone of the 01 dripper snugly. They hold just enough coffee grounds for single or double servings - V60 02 dripper
The most common size, 02 filters, are easy to find and designed for medium batches. They provide enough space for both smaller and larger brews, making them the most versatile option - V60 03 dripper
These are the largest filters, intended for bigger cones and larger volumes of coffee. They give ample room for more grounds and water without risking overflow
Keep in mind that the filters are not interchangeable across sizes.
A smaller filter in a larger dripper may collapse or slip during brewing, while an oversized filter in a smaller dripper won’t sit correctly, causing channeling and uneven brewing.
Flow rate and control
The size of your V60 also affects how water flows through the coffee bed:
- V60 01: Has a smaller coffee bed, which means water passes through the grounds more quickly. This makes the pouring technique and grind size extra important — it’s a bit less forgiving and can lead to under-extraction if you rush your pour
- V60 02: Offers a thicker coffee bed compared to the 01, providing more buffer for even extraction. You have more control over your brew, and small pouring inconsistencies are less likely to ruin your cup
- V60 03: With the deepest coffee bed, this size allows the most room for flow rate control. It’s great for those who want to experiment with recipes or slow, precise pouring. Just be mindful that brewing large batches means your technique matters even more to keep the extraction balanced
Size and portability
Beyond brewing differences, the physical size of each dripper can influence where and how you use it:
- V60 01: Extremely compact and lightweight. It slips easily into a bag or suitcase, making it a favorite for travelers, campers, or anyone brewing on the go. It’s also a good pick for small kitchens or minimal setups
- V60 02: Still reasonably small but better suited for a permanent spot on your counter. It balances portability with practicality — light enough to take on trips if needed, but big enough to handle everyday home brewing
- V60 03: The bulkiest of the three. This dripper is designed more for stationary use — it pairs best with a dedicated server or carafe and is less convenient for travel or small kitchens
I’ve always traveled with the V60 02, and even though it is relatively small, I’d still suggest a 01 for everyday travel.
Which Hario V60 size is best for you?
If you’re looking for an amazing new piece of coffee equipment, you might be considering a Hario V60.
You can check out the overview below to see which fits you the best:
| V60 size | Ideal for | Capacity |
| 01 | Single-cup brewers/small batches | 1–2 cups (300 ml) |
| 02 | Most home brewers/flexible use | 1–4 cups (500 ml) |
| 03 | Large batches/entertaining | 1–6 cups (1000 ml) |
If you’re in doubt, I recommend going for the V60 02. It strikes the perfect balance between flexibility and size, making it suitable for almost any situation.
I’ve had this small coffee brewer for ages, and it still brews that perfect cup every time.
You can check out some of my recommended picks below!
My recommended picks
With so many options out there, I know it can feel overwhelming to choose the right V60.
So here are my top 3 personal recommendations — based on brewing flexibility, ease of use, and practicality:
1. Best all-rounder: Hario V60 02 ceramic dripper
If you want a dripper that can handle just about any brewing situation, the V60 02 ceramic model is hard to beat.
The ceramic material retains heat well, which helps with consistent extraction and flavor.
Plus, it looks great on the counter and feels sturdy in daily use.
Whether you’re brewing a single cup or sharing with a friend, this size and material combo gives you maximum versatility without fuss.
Classic Ceramic Dripper: Specially designed to produce an evenly brewed cup of coffee.
2. Best for travel: Hario V60 01 plastic dripper
If you’re often brewing on the go — camping, traveling, or just need something lightweight and durable — the V60 01 plastic dripper is a fantastic pick.
It’s nearly unbreakable, super affordable, and won’t weigh down your bag. It’s also great for small kitchens or offices where space is tight!
Sturdy, lightweight pour-over coffeemaker, perfect for travel
3. Best for big batches: Hario V60 03 glass dripper
When you need to brew coffee for several people at once, the V60 03 glass model is your friend.
It’s elegant, easy to pair with large servers, and lets you brew up to a liter of coffee without needing multiple rounds.
Great for hosting brunch, sharing coffee with colleagues, or fueling your household on busy mornings.
Coffee dripper designed to make it easy to see the amount of coffee in an opaque, insulated mug or server
Tip: Regardless of the size or material you choose, be sure to grab the matching filters and a server or carafe that fits your selected V60!
Conclusion
No matter which Hario V60 size you choose, you’re in for a fantastic coffee experience.
The key is picking a size that matches your brewing habits — whether you’re making a single cup in the morning or sharing a fresh pot with friends.
For most, the Hario V60 02 is the best option, and you can pick the material depending on your budget and your personal preference!
