Filter Cup Selection Dilemma: Which One Suits You?
When I first started running an online store or first got into hand-brewed coffee, I often encountered a question: With so many different types of filter cups on the market, which one should I choose?
Currently, the mainstream filter cups on the market include the cone-shaped Hario V60 01/02, the flat-bottomed Kalita 155/185, and the trapezoidal Kalita 101/102. Although there are other styles of filter cups on the market, the above three have been the most popular choices for many years. For many beginners, these filter cups are often their first choice when they start exploring hand-brewed coffee. Therefore, today I want to share with you the experiences of using these filter cups, the differences between them, and how to choose the most suitable filter cup for yourself.
Hario V60 Cone-shaped Filter Cup
Fast Flow, Great Flavor Variation
Hario V60 is a round cone-shaped filter cup, with a relatively wide opening at the top and a slightly narrow bottom. The inner spiral rib design allows water to flow smoothly to the bottom, reducing blockages formed during the contact period between coffee liquid and coffee grounds. Therefore, as long as the grind size is correct,V60 has a faster flow rate and can offer more flavor variations. Due to its flexible design,V60 provides considerable plasticity in hand-brewed methods, making it a very mainstream filter cup choice in the market.
V60's flexibility lies in its suitability for various brewing methods, whether it's circular pouring, straight line pouring, or segmented pouring, all can be adjusted according to personal preference. This allows for more room for flavor variations between acidity and sweetness, bitterness, and sweetness. For some users who want to explore more coffee flavors,V60 allows you to freely unleash creativity during brewing and create richly layered coffee.
Additionally,V60's design also makes it very convenient to clean. Its smooth interior wall and single spout design make coffee grounds less likely to clog, making cleaning very easy. This is also one of the reasons why many people chooseV60 as their daily hand-brewing tool.
Kalita 155/185 Cake Dripper
High Stability, Balanced Flavor
Kalita 155/185 is a flat-bottom dripper, lacking the ribs design on the outside, replaced by a cake-like wave design. The dripper is cylindrical, gradually narrowing at the bottom, with three small holes for coffee to flow out. Without the aid of ribs, the flow speed of coffee is more stable when the grind size is correct. The cake dripper can brew coffee with concentrated and balanced flavor, making it a very worthy choice for beginners.
Kalita 155/185's three-hole design makes the water flow more stable, less likely to be affected by variations in pouring technique, thus impacting coffee extraction. This design is very suitable for coffee enthusiasts who want to brew coffee with stable flavor. For beginners,Kalita dripper's stability can help you reduce mistakes during hand brewing, making it easier for you to grasp the basic skills of hand brewing coffee.
Furthermore, because Kalita has a flat-bottom design, the distribution of coffee grounds inside the dripper is more even, which helps in even extraction of coffee, making the brewed coffee taste more balanced, with a warmer and longer-lasting flavor. This stable flavor is very suitable for those who love medium to dark roast flavors, especially friends who enjoy rich coffee body.
Kalita 101/102 Cone Dripper
Suitable for Medium to Dark Roasts, Unique Flavor
Kalita 101/102 cone dripper is relatively rare in Hong Kong. This dripper is round at the top and conical at the bottom. Due to its unique shape design, it performs better in extracting medium to dark roasted coffee, but it also brings a higher difficulty in hand brewing. If you are not yet skilled in hand brewing coffee techniques, it is not recommended for beginners to start with this type of dripper.
The rib design of the cone dripper can help reduce the possibility of clogging during coffee grounds blooming, which is especially important for medium to dark roasted coffee beans, as these beans tend to produce a lot of carbon dioxide during brewing. The design of the cone dripper allows for better release of carbon dioxide, thus avoiding extraction issues caused by clogging.
However, the operation difficulty of the cone dripper is relatively higher, requiring better control of pouring strength and flow rate. Therefore, this dripper is more suitable for coffee lovers with some experience in hand brewing techniques, especially those who want to challenge extraction of medium to dark roast beans.
How should beginners choose?
Hario V60: Suitable for exploring diverse flavors
If you are interested in hand-brewed coffee and want to delve deeper into different brewing methods,Hario V60 is definitely a good choice for you. Its faster flow rate allows you to more easily experience the flavors of different coffee beans, especially lightly roasted beans, which have bright flavors and strong layers. For coffee enthusiasts who want to experiment with flavor variations,V60 offers more brewing method options.
V60's flexibility also makes it a great tool for advanced practice. By adjusting grind size, water temperature, and pouring method, you can discover the infinite possibilities of coffee flavors. For those who enjoy exploring and experimenting,V60 is a great entry-level dripper, allowing you to find your favorite flavors through continuous experimentation.
Kalita 155/185: A stable entry-level choice
If you are just starting to get into hand-brewed coffee and don't want to immediately explore various brewing techniques, then Kalita 155/185 will be a more stable choice. Its brewing process is relatively simple, with flavors that are more focused and layered, suitable for those who love medium or dark roast flavors. Due to its design reducing the possibility of clogging, beginners can more easily grasp the brewing techniques.
Kalita 155/185's flat-bottom design allows for more even distribution of coffee grounds, meaning you don't have to worry too much about the evenness of the pour. This design makes it easier for beginners to get started, enabling you to brew stable-flavored coffee in a short time, gradually building your confidence in hand brewing.
Other Considerations When Choosing a Dripper
Whether choosing V60 or Kalita, I recommend not choosing plastic drippers. Although plastic drippers are cheaper, ceramic drippers offer a stronger sense of ritual during brewing, enhancing the daily brewing experience. In addition, ceramic materials are also more reassuring in terms of food safety. As an entry-level tool, the price difference of ceramic drippers is not significant, yet they can bring a better brewing experience.
If you have a higher budget, glass or stainless steel drippers are also good choices. Glass drippers allow you to observe the extraction process more directly, while stainless steel drippers are durable and not easily damaged, suitable for frequent travelers or those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Conclusion: Choosing the Dripper That Suits You Best
There is no absolute right or wrong in choosing a coffee dripper; the most important thing is to decide based on your personal preferences, flavor requirements, and brewing habits. For beginners, you can try alternating between using V60 and Kalita 155/185, practicing with each dripper for a period of time to experience the differences between them. As you gain a deeper understanding of hand-brewed coffee, you will gradually find the style that suits you best.
Additionally, choosing a dripper is not just a choice of tool but also the beginning of personal flavor exploration. As you understand different coffee beans and improve your brewing skills, you will discover that each dripper has its unique charm. Don't be afraid to try, because only through continuous practice can you find the dripper that best represents your personal taste.
I hope the above content can help you have a clearer direction in choosing a dripper. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a message on our website or contact us via WhatsApp.
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