Hario V60 vs French Press (Bodum Chambord)
Both are simple ways to make excellent coffee by hand at a ratio of about 1:16. They produce very different cups and suit different routines.
Quick answer
Choose the Hario V60 for a clean, bright cup and hands-on control; it needs paper filters and, ideally, a gooseneck kettle. Choose the Bodum Chambord French press for a rich, full-bodied cup with almost no technique; it needs no paper filters and works with any kettle.
Choose the V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper Size 02 if…
- You like a clean, bright cup with clear flavours
- You enjoy a hands-on ritual
- You don't mind buying paper filters
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Choose the Chambord French Press 17 oz if…
- You like a rich, full-bodied cup
- You want the simplest possible method
- You don't want to buy paper filters
- You want any kettle to work
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Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute |
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Hario
V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper Size 02
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Bodum
Chambord French Press 17 oz
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|---|---|---|
| Filter | Paper (Hario V60 size 02 filters) | Built-in metal mesh |
| Taste | Clean, bright, little sediment | Rich, full-bodied, some fine sediment |
| Grind size | Medium-fine | Coarse |
| Starting recipe | 15 g coffee to 250 g water | 30 g coffee to 500 ml water |
| Brew time | About 3 minutes | About 4 minutes, then press |
| Technique | Pour speed changes the cup | Very forgiving |
| Extra gear | Gooseneck kettle recommended | Any kettle |
| Makes | Filter coffee | Filter coffee |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Learning curve | Beginner | Beginner |
| Best for | Filter coffee drinkers who enjoy a hands-on ritual and want control over every cup. | Small kitchens and simple routines, with no paper filters to buy. |
| Where to buy | Check availability on Amazon Price as of – DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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$41.91 on Amazon Price as of – DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Check the current price on the retailer's site. Affiliate link. |
Which should you choose?
There is no wrong answer: it comes down to the cup you like. The Hario V60 rewards attention with a clean, bright cup; pair it with a gooseneck kettle. The Bodum Chambord makes a rich cup with almost no effort.
Either way, a burr grinder like the Baratza Encore matters more than the brewer. Learn the methods: how to make pour-over and how to use a French press.
Frequently asked questions
Which tastes better, pour-over or French press?
Neither is better; they're different. Pour-over (V60) gives a clean, bright cup; French press gives a richer, heavier cup with some sediment, because its metal mesh lets the coffee's oils through.
Which is easier for beginners?
The French press. You add coffee and water, wait about 4 minutes and press. The V60 needs a steady pour, which takes a little practice.
Do I need a gooseneck kettle for a V60?
It isn't essential, but it makes a slow, even pour much easier, which gives more consistent results.
What grind do I need for each?
Medium-fine for the V60 and coarse (like sea salt) for the French press.
What coffee-to-water ratio do the V60 and French press use?
About 1:16 for both: 15 g of coffee to 250 g of water in a V60, and about 30 g to 500 ml in a 17 oz French press.
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