Gear

Pour-over: V60, Chemex, Switch or Clever

The plastic V60 is the cheapest way to start. If you want something more forgiving, the Hario Switch or the Clever, which let the coffee steep before filtering.

Reviewed on 8 November 2026 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The quick pick

  1. To startHario V60 02 plasticSee price on Amazon
  2. The most forgivingHario SwitchSee price on Amazon
  3. For several cupsChemex Classic 6-cupSee price on Amazon
Several pour-over cones and a Chemex jug on a wooden table
Illustrative image generated with AI.

They all make paper-filtered coffee, but they’re not used the same way. In the V60 and the Chemex the water flows through while you pour; in the Switch and the Clever you can close the outlet, let the coffee steep and then open it. That makes them easier: the pour matters less.

What to check before buying

  • One cup or several. V60 02, Switch and Clever for one or two; Chemex for more.
  • Filters. Each uses its own: V60 02 for the V60, Chemex for the Chemex; for the others, check the size in the listing.
  • Material. Plastic holds heat better and doesn’t break; ceramic is heavy and needs preheating.

Hario V60 02 plastic

To start

For learning filter coffee for very little money.

Cups1-4
MaterialPlastic
FiltersV60 02
  • The cheapest
  • Doesn’t break
  • Needs pouring technique

Hario V60 02 ceramic

For anyone who wants a V60 “for life” on the worktop.

Cups1-4
MaterialCeramic
FiltersV60 02
  • More stable and nicer looking
  • Needs warming first
  • Can break

Hario Switch

The most forgiving

For anyone who wants a V60 without depending so much on the pour.

How it worksDrip or immersion, with a valve
Made inJapan, according to the listing
  • Two methods in one
  • Hario recipes for each mode
  • More expensive than a V60

Clever Dripper

For one or two cups with almost no technique.

Capacity510 ml (large version)
MaterialBPA-free plastic
FitsMugs with a 3.8 to 9.5 cm rim
  • Very easy: add, wait and set it on the mug
  • Plastic

Chemex Classic 6-cup

For several cups

For making coffee for two or more, in a jug that also serves.

CupsUp to 6 of 5 oz (≈150 ml)
MaterialBorosilicate glass and wooden collar
FiltersChemex FP-1, FC-100 or FS-100
  • Very clean cup
  • Brewer and jug in one
  • Its own, pricier filters

My pick

My order: plastic V60 to learn; Switch if the pour frustrates you; Chemex if you brew for several. The recipes are in V60 and Chemex.

Sources

I haven't tried all of these products in person. The data come from the manufacturer's website or, when I don't cite one, from the amazon.co.uk listing (each source says which). I write with the help of AI and check every figure against those sources. I don't publish prices because they change daily: the one that counts is the price you see on Amazon when you buy.

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