Hario V60 01 Vs 02 Vs 03

The Hario V60 is a popular pour-over coffeemaker. It allows almost anyone to brew smooth, delicious coffee.

The design is elegant, simple, and available in a variety of options. You can choose from five different materials and three sizes.

So, what’s the best size for the Hario V60 coffeemaker?

In this post, I’ll cover the differences in the Hario V60 size (capacity and dimensions).

By the end of the article, you should know which Hario V60 size is best for your needs.

You can use this guide to compare Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03.

But before I cover that, let’s take a quick look at the Hario V60. Let’s get brewing!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Is the Hario V60?

The Hario V60 is a type of pour-over coffeemaker. This means that you manually pour hot water over the coffee grounds.

As mentioned earlier, it’s available in different materials and sizes. But all Hario V60 drippers include the same basic design.

The Hario V60 is cone-shaped and includes a base for resting it on a coffee cup or pouring vessel.

You insert a special paper filter into the bottom of the cone. Then pour the grounds inside the filter.

 

Most pour-over coffeemakers have small holes in the bottom of the cone. This allows the coffee to drip into the cup below.

The Hario V60 has a single, larger hole in the bottom. You pour hot water to start the brewing process.

Hario recommend pouring the water lightly in circles, working from the center to the edge.

After waiting about 30 seconds, you continue pouring hot water until the coffee is brewed.

The process takes several minutes, depending on the size of the dripper and the amount of coffee you brew.

 

What Are the Hario v60 Sizes?

The Hario V60 comes in three sizes:

  • Size 01 – One- to two-cup capacity
  • Size 02 – One- to four-cup capacity
  • Size 03 – One- to six-cup capacity

Hario recommend using 10 to 12 grams of coffee per four ounces (1/2 a cup) of water.

The manufacturer’s recommendations are a little stronger compared to the typical recommendations.

The typical coffee-to-water ratio is 1:18 for regular coffee and 1:15 for strong coffee.

Based on the typical ratio, you should use about 13 grams of coffee grounds per cup of coffee.

Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03 - A red ceramic Hario V60 sitting on top of a coffee server.

The company also suggests using medium-fine coffee grounds.

Fine ground coffee may clog the filter. This slows the extraction process and produces bitter coffee.

Coarse coffee grounds result in less flavor, as the water passes too fast.

Why Should You Worry About the Size of the Hario V60?

The size of the dripper influences the flavor of the coffee.

Using a dripper that is too small or too large may keep you from brewing a perfect cup of coffee.

A large coffeemaker isn’t efficient when brewing one or two cups of coffee.

You can’t get as close to the coffee grounds with the spout of the kettle.

You need to pour from a higher distance, which could cause the water to splash and agitate the grounds.

Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03 - a ceramic v60 sitting on a keep cup with water slowly pouring from a gooseneck kettle.

The taller rim is less convenient and may result in less accurate pouring.

The larger sizes also have more outspread spirals. This may slow the extraction process when brewing one or two cups.

The larger Hario drippers also have a larger hole. The larger hole allows the water to drain faster, impacting your pouring speed.

Using a smaller dripper allows you to pour from less of a distance.

You can get closer to the grounds and carefully pour the water to suit your tastes.

Here’s a closer look at each of the Hario sizes to help you determine the best option.

Hario V60 01 Dimensions and Capacity

The Hario V60 01 dripper is compact and easy to store. It measures 4.33 x 3.86 x 4.21 inches and weighs about 0.66 pounds.

But, the size also varies slightly depending on the material.

The ceramic dripper may be a few fractions of an inch wider or taller compared to the plastic dripper.

The Hario V60 can brew up to two cups (16 ounces) of coffee.

 

For regular-strength coffee, you should use about 26 grams of medium-fine grounds.

You also need to measure and heat the water. Keep in mind that you lose some water during the brewing process.

The coffee grounds hold some of the water. You also lose some water due to steam. You lose about 0.5 ounces per cup.

So, if you want to brew 16 ounces of coffee, you should heat about 17 ounces of water (16 ounces + 0.5 ounces per cup).

Hario V60 02 Dimensions and Capacity

The Hario V60 02 dripper is slightly larger. It measures about 4.7 x 5.5 x 4 inches.

It also has a larger capacity of four cups (32 ounces) instead of two cups.

The size 02 dripper is best suited for brewing three to four cups of coffee. Yet it’s not as large as the size 03 dripper.

 

You can still brew one or two cups of coffee, but you should pour cautiously.

Remember that the larger size creates more mass and comes with wider spirals.

You may need to pour a little more slowly to avoid extracting coffee too fast.

The larger size may result in weaker coffee if you pour too quickly.

The coffee grounds don’t sit in water as long, which limits the extraction of caffeine and flavors.

Hario V60 03 Dimensions and Capacity

You can brew up to six cups (48 ounces) of coffee in the Hario V60 03.

For comparison, the typical drip coffeemaker has a 10-cup or 12-cup capacity.

The Hario V60 size 03 dripper measures 5.71 x 5.12 x 5.79 inches. It’s the largest of the three sizes.

 

Due to the larger size, it has wider spirals and a taller rim.

The Hario V60 size 03 coffeemaker is perfect for brewing four to six cups of coffee.

Trying to pour hot water over the taller rim may decrease the accuracy of your pouring when brewing less.

Which Hario V60 Size Is Best?

When comparing the Hario V60 size 01 vs 02 vs 03, think about how much coffee you typically brew.

The best option is the one that matches your coffee routine.

Hario V60 03

If you typically brew a pot of coffee, you may prefer the Hario V60 03. It’s the largest, with a six-cup capacity.

Yet, the larger dripper isn’t ideal for brewing smaller servings.

If you only need a few cups of coffee in the morning, you can narrow your selection to the Hario V60 size 1 or 2.

Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03 - A plastic Hario V60 sitting on top of a Hario glass coffee server.

Hario V60 01

The Hario V60 01 has a capacity of two cups.

If you rarely drink more than a cup or two of coffee at a time, V60 01 is a convenient option.

The smaller pour-overs allow you to get closer to the coffee grounds with your kettle.

The size 01 dripper is also easier to clean and takes up less space in your kitchen.

Unfortunately, the size 01 dripper is the least versatile. If you want more than two cups, you need to repeat the brewing process.

Hario V60 02

The Hario V60 02 offers the best balance between the different sizes. You can brew up to 32 ounces of coffee at a time.

While the size 02 dripper is taller compared to the size 01 dripper, you can still brew a single cup of coffee.

It’s shorter compared to the size 03 dripper, which should help prevent splashing.

What Is the Best Hario V60 Material?

Along with comparing Hario sizes, you need to compare the materials.

The Hario V60 coffeemaker is available in five different materials:

Most of the options are comparable in price. Yet the wood option tends to cost a little more.

The ceramic dripper is one of the most popular options.

Compared to the others, ceramic has higher heat retention and absorbs more heat. It’s easier to maintain a high temperature.

Hario V60 01 vs 02 vs 03 - a black ceramic Hario V60 with a gooseneck kettle pouring in water.

Metal is the most durable option. But it absorbs more heat compared to ceramic, which may need hotter water.

Plastic may save you a dollar or two. It also absorbs less heat, which keeps the brewing temperature higher.

Glass is comparable to ceramic when it comes to heat retention. But it’s also the most delicate option.

The wood version is technically a glass dripper with a wood base.

It’s an elegant coffee dripper for those who prefer stylish kitchen accessories.

Related article – Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic

What Are the Best Hario V60 Coffee Filters?

Hario V60 coffee filters come in three different sizes. This is to suit the three different sizes of coffeemakers.

All Hario filters include the same V-shaped design to fit inside the cones.

The filters are interchangeable to a degree. For example, you can use a size 03 filter in any of the Hario coffeemakers.

The taller filter may keep you from splashing water as you pour.

Yet, if you use a size 01 filter in a size 03 dripper, you’re likely to get grounds in your coffee.

Hario V60 01 Vs 02 Vs 03 – Conclusion

The Hario V60 comes in three sizes. Remember to choose a size that matches your needs – the 01, 02, or 03.

A large dripper increases the risk of splashing hot water. Whereas a small dripper limits the amount of coffee you can brew.

If you can’t decide between the three sizes, consider going with the Hario V60 02.

The mid-sized option offers a good compromise.

You can brew up to four cups at a time or a single cup without too much difficulty.

Do you have a size preference for the Hario V60 that you’d like to share?

Do you agree/disagree with anything I’ve said in this article?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic

Whether you’re a barista or a coffee connoisseur, the Hario V60 may change the way you brew coffee.

This manual coffee brewer allows anyone to brew better-tasting coffee with no hassle.

You can use the Hario V60 with the pour-over or drip brewing method. It also fits over almost any carafe or mug.

The one issue is choosing the material. The Hario V60 comes in plastic, ceramic, and metal.

The metal Hario V60 dripper is made using stainless steel. It’s durable, but some people think it leaves a metallic taste in their coffee.

In this article, I’ll focus on the Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic options.

I’ll compare the different models so you can choose your next manual coffee dripper.

But first, let’s take a quick look at what the Hario V60 is. It’s brew time!

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Is the Hario V60?

Japanese Origins

Hario V60 plastic Vs ceramic - a ceramic v60 sitting on a keep cup with water slowly pouring from a gooseneck kettle.

V60 is a coffee dripper from Japanese company Hario. The company is based in Japan and has made heatproof glass products for over 100 years.

Hario has experimented with coffee drippers in the past. But the current version of the V60 was released in 2004.

The name of the coffee dripper comes from the 60-degree angle of the conical shape.

 

V60 Shape

This conical shape allows you to add a deeper layer of coffee grounds.

Spiral ridges inside the V60 dripper help the flow of water. The water quickly saturates the grounds and starts extracting more flavor.

Improving the flow of water allows you to pour at a speed to suit your preferences. Pour slowly for a fuller flavor or pour quickly for a subtler taste.

V60 Sizes

The plastic and ceramic brewers from Hario come in three sizes. You can brew up to two, four, or six cups.

The six-cup coffee dripper is great for those who drink lots of coffee or brew for many people.

If you only drink a cup or two each day, the smaller sizes are convenient and take up less space. They also cost a little less.

How Does the Hario V60 Work?

The brewing process is the same, no matter the size or material.

The V60 sits on top of a carafe, decanter, or large coffee mug. It has a wide base to fit almost any serving vessel.

You add a paper cone filter into the Hario V60. Then add coffee grounds to the filter while you heat water in a kettle.

After the water heats, start pouring it over the coffee grounds.

You can use the slow pour-over method for a heavy, robust cup of coffee.

You can also pour quickly and allow the coffee to drip for a lighter brew.

Hario V60 plastic Vs ceramic - a plastic v60 sitting on top of a Hario coffee server with coffee inside.

How to Compare the Hario V60 Ceramic vs Plastic Brewers

While the Hario V60 is easy to use, the quality of your coffee depends on a variety of other factors.

The total brew time, water temperature, and type of coffee all impact the final flavor.

The material is also important when choosing a new brewer.

Some materials are good at retaining heat, while others are more durable.

Here are the factors to consider when comparing a plastic to a ceramic pour-over coffee maker:

  • Durability
  • Heat retention
  • Appearance
  • Cost

Let’s take a look at each of these factors in detail.

Durability

Plastic

The plastic dripper is less prone to breakage but more prone to gradual wear and tear.

The Hario V60 plastic dripper is unlikely to break when dropped on the floor.

Plastic is a more resilient material. It can bend slightly without breaking.

If you have pets or children and worry about the dripper dropping, choose the plastic option.

It can bounce off the floor instead of shattering into hundreds of pieces.

With the plastic options, the acids from the coffee grounds may stain the plastic.

Along with stains, daily use can slowly wear the plastic. The plastic dripper may look less appealing after several months of frequent use.

The stains become harder to remove and scratches from daily cleaning may appear.

Ceramic

Hario V60 plastic vs ceramic - A red ceramic Hario V60 sitting on top of a coffee server.

Yet, a ceramic coffee brewer provides greater resistance to daily wear.

The Hario V60 ceramic coffee dripper has a nonporous surface.

It doesn’t stain easily and any stains that appear are often easy to remove.

With careful use, ceramic holds up better compared to plastic.

Over time, you may notice a ring of stains around the hole where the coffee drips.

Soaking or scrubbing with vinegar or baking soda and hot water should remove most of the stains.

Heat Retention

Ceramic

Heat retention and resistance are the main differences between plastic and ceramic materials.

These factors influence the results of your brewing method.

Ceramic has more thermal mass, which means that it takes longer to become hot.

Ceramic heats slowly, which can also transfer more heat from the water to the dripper.

As ceramic holds more heat, it can also maintain a stable temperature longer.

You can preheat it to ensure that your brew reaches the optimal brewing temperature.

Ceramic is a more stable, reliable material when dealing with hot temperatures.

Plastic

Hario V60 plastic Vs ceramic - a plastic v60 sitting on top of a Kalita server with brewed coffee inside.

Plastic has less thermal mass compared to ceramic, which means it holds less heat. Plastic heats quickly and cools quickly.

If you’re serious about brew temperatures and perfecting your coffee, go for ceramic.

For those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee but aren’t worried about the small details, plastic is still a great choice.

Appearance

Ceramic

The Hario ceramic coffee drippers are more visually appealing. This is especially true after a few months of use.

The ceramic coffee dripper is unlikely to have any stains or signs of wear if you clean it often.

Most people would agree that ceramic is a more attractive material. This is thanks to its shiny, non-porous surface.

It should look right at home on your kitchen counter. It’s also available in white or red to suit your tastes.

Plastic

The plastic dripper may appear a little worn out after three or four months of daily brewing.

The Hario V60 plastic coffee brewer comes in translucent plastic, red, or white.

All three options resemble an inexpensive plastic pitcher. But they can still brew a great cup of coffee.

Cost

The Hario plastic coffee dripper is the less expensive option. It costs a fraction of the price of the ceramic coffee brewer.

But keep in mind that the price depends on the size.

The largest ceramic coffee dripper is about twice the price of the largest plastic dripper. And three times the price of the smallest.

Yet, both options are still affordable.

You are likely to spend more on a package of quality coffee beans compared to either of these drippers.

Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic Coffee Dripper – What Else Do You Need?

No matter which option you choose, you will need a few other items to brew coffee:

  • Filters
  • Kettle
  • Server (mug, carafe, or decanter)

Both options need paper coffee filters. Hario sells three sizes of cone-shaped coffee filters for each of the three sizes of drippers.

You also need a kettle to heat water and a serving vessel of some kind, such as a carafe or a large ceramic coffee mug.

Hario sells a glass range coffee server designed for use with the V60 coffee brewer.

The brewer fits on top of the server, which includes a handle for easy pouring.

If you use a mug or carafe, make sure that the interior measures between 2.5 and 4.25 inches.

The bottom of the dripper has a ring that fits in the mouth of the coffee cup or serving vessel that you choose.

A base plate extends to the sides and rests on top of the cup or serving vessel.

The bottom part that sits inside the cup measures 2.5 inches in diameter. The base plate has a diameter of about 4.25 inches.

If the interior of the mug is less than 2.5 inches, the dripper cannot fit over it.

If the interior is more than 4.25 inches, the dripper may fall inside.

Hario V60 Plastic Vs Ceramic – Conclusion

Hario V60 plastic Vs ceramic - a black ceramic Hario V60 with a gooseneck kettle pouring in water.

The Hario ceramic coffee dripper offers a few advantages over the plastic version.

It holds heat better, which allows you to preheat the dripper.

The increased heat resistance also keeps it from absorbing too much heat from the water.

It’s easier to maintain a stable temperature with ceramic.

Ceramic also has a higher melting point. This keeps the dripper from wearing out quickly due to frequent use.

Compared to plastic, ceramic is also less prone to staining. It holds up better when cleaned regularly.

Yet, plastic is less fragile. The Hario V60 ceramic dripper is likely to shatter if dropped on the floor.

Plastic also costs less. You can buy three Hario V60 plastic coffee drippers for the price of a ceramic one. Even if it wears quickly, plastic is affordable to replace.

So, which should you choose?

When it comes to the Hario V60 plastic versus ceramic debate, the answer depends on your preferences.

If you want more control over your brewing methods, go with the ceramic option. It holds temperatures better.

If you want the least expensive, most durable option, go with the Hario V60 plastic coffee dripper.

Have you tried either the Hario V60 plastic or ceramic models? Have another coffee dripper you want to recommend?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

Best Coffee Makers For Camping – My Memorable Top 5

There’s no reason to skip your morning cup of coffee when camping. In fact, the smell of coffee brewing out in the wild is one of the best parts of a morning in nature.

But what’s the best way to make coffee at your campsite? There are so many options for making coffee when camping.

Let’s look at some of the best coffee makers for camping available right now.

I’ll break down some of the pros and cons of five of the top options and finish off with my recommendation.

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

What Are The Best Coffee Makers For Camping?

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

 

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a favorite among campers for many reasons. It’s very small, compact, and lightweight, weighing less than a pound.

This makes it a perfect option for backpacking, as well. It’s easy to use and makes delicious coffee.

So you don’t have to be an expert on how to make coffee when camping to get your morning (or afternoon or evening!) caffeine fix.

The grounds don’t sit in the water for long (as they do with a French press), so the coffee generally tastes less bitter.

Users also rave about the flavor of AeroPress coffee.

The AeroPress makes coffee by the cup, so you don’t have to worry about making too much.

And everyone can make their own custom brew to their taste and strength preferences.

It’s versatile, too, since you can also use it to make espresso-style coffee besides regular coffee.

While made out of plastic, it’s BPA free, and very durable. It stands up to dents and does not break easily, perfect for a long hike or a lot of use.

It’s easy to clean: the used grounds are compacted into a disk that you can usually discard at your site. And just need to rinse the AeroPress.

The AeroPress comes with paper filters. But there are also reusable metal filters available that are better for camping. This is because you don’t have to worry about producing waste.

You’ll need something to boil water in to use the AeroPress. But in some ways this makes it even more versatile.

This is because you can use any cooking vessel that you’re already bringing with you. And don’t have to worry about carrying heavy or bulky equipment.

Pros:

  • Lightweight, durable and compact
  • Easy to clean
  • Can use a reusable metal filter

Cons:

  • Not most suitable for large groups
  • Need to boil water separately

Hario V60

The Hario V60 is a consistent favorite camping coffee maker for many reasons.

First is the taste of the coffee it makes—many campers love the smooth flavor.

And the manufacturer describes it as “umami,”. This is that elusive element of flavor best described in English as savory.

It’s also easy to customize your cup of coffee. You can pour the water over the grounds quickly for a lighter taste, or more slowly for a deeper, stronger brew.

That way, everyone in your party can have a customized cup of coffee.

It’s also one of the most inexpensive options on this list. And it’s very lightweight, weighing less than a pound.

It’s small, although its shape is a bit awkward for carrying. Like the AeroPress, the Hario V60 requires a filter. And some users note that they have to be specially ordered.

That said, you can buy a reusable cloth filter, though that won’t be the easiest item to clean while camping.

Like the AeroPress, you need a separate contraption in which to heat the water. It’ll also need to be something that is easy to pour from.

This is because the rate at which you add water to the Hario V60 has a great deal to do with the flavor of the coffee. This makes it a bit less easy to use compared to the AeroPress.

Pros:

  • More control over the brewing process
  • One of the cheapest options
  • Small and lightweight

Cons:

  • Need to carry filters
  • Need to boil water separately
  • Need some knowledge of correct technique

Bialetti Moka Pot

Newer isn’t always better, and the Bialetti Moka Pot is testament to that fact, on and off the trail.

The Bialetti Moka Pot is a great option for campers. And it’s an especially versatile item, since you can use it every day, at home and at the campsite.

It’s available in a variety of sizes, from one cup all the way up to 12 cups, perfect if you have to supply a crowd. But the smaller model is usually better for camping since it’s easy to carry.

This is especially important if you’re camping somewhere that isn’t accessible by vehicle.

As a camping coffee maker, the ease of use is especially important. It doesn’t need any measuring, and it’s fast.

If taste is important to you, the Bialetti might be your best option. It’s great for preserving the flavor notes of the coffee beans you use.

Its simple cleaning process also makes it good for camping.

All byproducts are completely biodegradable and earth-friendly. This is something the Bialetti company prides itself on.

What’s more, it only requires water to clean. In fact, you’re not supposed to clean your Bialetti with soap.

The more you use it, the better it tastes, and that makes it a simple camp coffee maker.

You’ll need some kind of heat source for the Bialetti. But it’ll work on whatever stove or cooktop you use for anything else while camping.

While it makes espresso, you can use fewer grounds for regular coffee.

Pros:

  • Good option for small or large groups
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Larger models aren’t compact
  • Takes longer compared to other options

GSI Percolator

Want a classic camping coffee percolator? The GSI is a great option.

One of the best things about this product is actually the way it looks.

It’s blue with white speckles. And you might recognize it from countless movies and classic shots of campers.

It isn’t only the look that makes this a great option for campers. The GSI is hardy.

It’s made of steel and the enamel finish is kiln-fired, making it resistant to chips and scratches.

At the same time, it’s lightweight, weighing only about a pound. Although it’s much less compact than other models on this list.

How’s the coffee? Pretty darn good, actually. One of the best things about the GSI is the even heating, for a consistent, delicious cup of coffee.

Because of the even heating, you can use the GSI on many heating sources, from camp stoves to a grate on an open flame.

It’s also fast, so you can get your day started quickly.

Pros:

  • Iconic style and appearance
  • Chip and scratch resistant
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Bulky and not very compact
  • Takes longer compared to other options

Wacaco Nanopresso

The Wacaco Nanopresso is a unique little gadget used to make espresso on the go.

Don’t let its size deceive you. This camp coffee maker produces divine espresso, complete with perfect crema. Every single time.

If taste matters more to you than anything else, the Wacaco Nanopresso might be your best bet.

It’s so delicious that you may even replace your home espresso maker.

One of the best features of this product is its size and shape. It’s tiny, only about six inches long; it fits into the palm of your hand.

Unlike some of the other options on this list, its compact shape makes it easy to stick in your backpack. It weighs less than a pound, too.

One of the neat things about this model is that it’s hand-operated, so you don’t need batteries or a power source.

It does need a little muscle, although newer models are easier to use than in the past.

One of the downsides of the Wacaco Nanopresso, though, is that it has a lot of little parts that you have to clean.

Needless to say, this is less than ideal at camping grounds, and they can be easily lost.

It’s also one of the most expensive options on this list. So you’ll want to do your research and make sure it meets your needs before purchasing.

Pros:

  • Claims to create enough pressure to make genuine espresso
  • Very compact and lightweight
  • No electricity needed

Cons:

  • Need to clean many little parts
  • Expensive compared to other options
  • Needs strength for creating pressure

What About A Coffee Grinder For Camping?

The easiest solution here is to travel with coffee that’s already ground, either in the store or at home.

But for those of us that need fresh-ground coffee, there are portable options.

There’s several on the market. But for the best hand coffee grinder for camping, look for something lightweight and durable.

You don’t want anything with a lot of little parts or that’s too bulky or large. You also may want to consider whether you have control over the grind itself.

Take a look at my post on the best hand coffee grinder for camping here.

Conclusion

So, which is the best coffee maker for camping?

In large part, that depends on your needs. Consider how often you camp, how many people you’re brewing for, and other personal factors.

All in all, though, the AeroPress is one of the most popular and is the favorite on this list.

A man in the wilderness pressing an AeroPress, one of the best coffee makers for camping.
It checks so many boxes, since it’s lightweight, compact, durable, and travels well.

You can use it to make coffee for a crowd or only for one. Most importantly, it makes a mean cup of coffee.

Whichever camp coffee maker or camping coffee percolator you choose, don’t forget the most important thing.

Enjoy your time in the great outdoors!

As always, use extreme care and caution whenever you use fire or a heat source.

Have you tried any of these camp coffee makers when you’ve gone camping? Do you have a different suggestion for the best coffee maker for camping?

Let me know in the comments below. Stay caffeinated!

How To Make Coffee When Camping – Simple And Painless

There’s nothing like a warm cup of coffee in the morning. It doesn’t matter where you are; if you’re a coffee drinker, you have to have it.

That includes when you’re on a camping trip, of course.

Coffee may even be more essential in this setting, as sleeping on the ground isn’t too comfortable.

Person lying down on the ground with mountains in the background.

So in this post, I’m going to look at how to make coffee when camping. I’ll cover:

  • how to boil water while camping,
  • how to make coffee on a camp stove,
  • how to make coffee without a campfire,
  • cowboy coffee, and
  • some products to help you make coffee while camping.

Even when roughing it in the wilderness, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or even ease when it comes to your coffee.

There are many methods and tools to use to make a delicious cup of coffee, no matter where you’re waking up.

The most rugged, back-to-nature method of making camping coffee is cowboy coffee.

And I describe how to go about that process in this post (keep reading).

But I’ve have also included some more practical methods for the modern camper.

And recommend some tried-and-true camping tools for the perfect cup.

Who knows, you may even end up adopting your camping coffee practices at home.

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

How To Boil Water While Camping

One essential element to coffee is hot water: there’s no way around it. Luckily, there are lots of ways to boil water while camping.

The most obvious method is the old-fashioned way. Light a good, classic campfire and boil your water over that.

A campfire burning surrounded by stones.

It’s how humans have done it for millennia. So it’s great for connecting to your distant ancestors, if that’s something you’re seeking.

Also, it reduces the amount of stuff that you need to carry to your campsite.

Almost everything you need for a good campfire can be found along the trail.

What Do You Need?

The one item you need to make sure that you bring is some kind of receptacle for your water, some kind of pot or pan.

If you have to walk to your campsite, you can use the same pot or pan that you use to cook your food. This will cut your packing list.

Before you light your fire, make sure that you have something that your pot can rest upon. You can find a few larger rocks to create a stable base.

Make sure that you have also collected plenty of fuel and kindling to keep the fire going.

Also, review important fire safety advisories before lighting a fire at your campsite. Have a method to put the fire out quickly, should the need arise.

You can even gather your water from a lake or river. You’ll need to filter it through something to remove the large sediments.

And make sure that you bring it to a rolling boil for at least three minutes. Talk about getting back to nature!

There are other methods to boil water while out in nature that don’t involve a fire, as well.

I discuss those below in the section, “How To Make Coffee Without A Campfire,” so keep reading!

How To Make Coffee When Camping – On A Camp Stove

A camp stove is a great alternative to a fire. It might even be essential.

Black and white image of a gooseneck kettle on a portable gas camping stove, which is one way how to make coffee when camping.

Sometimes, when it is very dry or windy in your region, park officials will ban campfires.

This is because of the risk that the fire will catch and become a forest fire.

Or, sometimes campers don’t want to go to the trouble of building a fire every time they need some heat.

Many regular campers swear by their camp stoves as an essential tool.

What Do You Need?

To make coffee on a camping stove, you’ll need some kind of kettle or other receptacle in which to boil your water.

Once the water is boiling, you add it to the grounds. You can use a French press to do this or try making cowboy coffee (described below).

You can also use a camping percolator, which is a specific tool for making coffee.

You could also use a percolator over an open flame, as long as it’s designed for it.

A bonus to using a percolator, you can still buy the classic blue with white speckles model that’s so iconic.

A coffee percolator that's blue with white speckles sitting on a portable camping stove.

There are many propane-powered camping stoves and cooking systems available. And some of them are quite lightweight.

Check out product reviews and talk to fellow camping enthusiasts to find the right one for you.

How To Make Coffee Without A Campfire

Any experienced camper will tell you that a campfire is no simple undertaking.

  1. It takes careful management.
  2. It’s one of the most important things you’ll do to be a good steward of the environment where you’re camping.
  3. It also takes time to build the kind of heat needed to boil water or cook food.

Taking all that into consideration, you mightn’t want to light a fire first thing when you wake up.

Especially if you don’t need it to cook and are planning to be away from your site for most of the morning.

One other simple method for how to make coffee when camping is to use a kettle on a camping stove. This was touched on above.

If you’re not planning on using the stove for anything but coffee, you can also get a propane-powered kettle.

These are smaller and more compact, making it much easier to bring to your campsite.

The Ghillie Camping Kettle

Another popular option is the Ghillie Camping Kettle. This is especially great if you don’t want to carry propane with you.

All you need to do is:

  1. add some water to the kettle,
  2. add some kindling to the base of the kettle,
  3. light a fire inside the kettle itself, and
  4. use anything you can find (leaves, twigs, paper, and other similar items) to fuel the flame.

To see exactly how the Ghillie Camping Kettle works, watch this video (it’s also got some of the best commentary heard in a YouTube video ever):

Finally, if your car can go with you to your site, you can use your car’s power. Some kettles are designed to plug into your car’s outlet.

Some people might consider this cheating. But necessity is the mother of invention, after all.

If none of the options I’ve covered so far interest you, there’s always cowboy coffee.

What Is Cowboy Coffee?

Many aspects of the rugged cowboy have become the stuff of legend. This includes their morning drink of choice.

A cowboy holding a cup of coffee.

As all coffee is made by distilling coffee beans into a liquid, what makes cowboy coffee unique?

It boils down to the method of preparation.

Cowboy coffee is made over an open flame without:

  • fancy equipment,
  • electricity, or
  • a filter.

You can also add either salt or eggshells, but these ingredients aren’t necessary.

Eggshells In Coffee?

Hang on a sec… eggshells?! Yes, you read right. Eggshells!

A close-up of several cracked and empty eggshells.

I can hear you asking right now “What on earth would adding eggshells to coffee achieve”?

Well according to cowboys, it helps neutralize the acid in coffee. This improves the taste and helps get rid of the bitterness.

Them cowboys are pretty smart fellas!

How To Make Cowboy Coffee

To make it, boil your water over your campfire. Once boiled, pour it over your coffee grounds and add either a little bit of salt or crushed eggshells.

For the best extraction, the grounds should be coarse.

You can use whatever (reasonable) water-to-grounds ratio you want. Of course, this depends on the desired strength of your coffee.

Let it sit for a couple minutes, then give it a stir. Then, let it sit for a couple more.

If the grounds aren’t settling to the bottom, pour a little cold water over them.

Then pour out the liquid slowly to cut the amount of grounds in your cup. Enjoy!

To see exactly how cowboy Kent Rollins makes cowboy coffee, watch this:

Some Helpful Tools And Products For Camping Coffee

Okay, it’s time to admit that very few of us are actual cowboys.

And as rugged as cowboy coffee may make you feel, there are also easier ways to go about getting your brew in the wild.

I discussed a couple of options above. But let’s take a look next at some of the other products available for camping coffee.

The Aeropress:

Black and white image of person showing how to make coffee when cmaping with an AeroPress coffee maker.

The Aeropress coffee maker is a great option for how to make coffee when camping.

It’s very highly rated and recommended by experienced campers and camping organizations.

It’s easy to use at all steps of the process, from preparation to clean-up.

It’s even easy to discard the coffee grounds, which can be a process while camping.

The Aeropress is very lightweight, so it’s very convenient if you have to walk to your campsite.

It’s also durable, something that all campers have to keep in mind. It’s also very affordable.

Moka Pot:

A Bialetti moka pot sitting on a portable gas burner.

The Aeropress can make espresso-style coffee. But moka pots are designed for this purpose.

Moka pots are popular products in Europe, but have become more common in other parts of the world, too.

Their small, portable nature makes them great for camping.

Many well-known and well-trusted brands, such as Bialetti, make moka pots. The GSI is made for campers, as is EuroLux.

Hario V60:

Pouring hot water from a Hario Buono kettle into a Hario V60, sitting on a coffee mug. This is another way how to make coffee when camping.

The Hario V60 is the last model that I’ll talk about in this section.

The V60 is one of the least expensive options. But nonetheless users report that the coffee is high quality and tastes great.

It’s a coffee dripper. A filter is placed over a receptacle (often the cup itself) with grounds in it, and hot water is slowly poured over it.

As the water makes its way through the grounds, it’s flavored by the coffee bean grounds.

This results in a delicious cup of coffee. While delicious, the slow pour and setup need a bit more work than other options on this list.

Conclusion

In this post, I’ve covered various ways that show you how to make coffee when camping. I hope that you’ve learnt a thing or two.

Make sure you tell your friends about the eggshells.

If you have a different way you like to make coffee or something that I could improve with my suggested methods, let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!

AeroPress Vs V60 – A Surprising And Legendary Showdown

Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links, and at no additional cost, I earn a commission if you buy which helps to maintain this website.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a delicious cup of coffee. It warms the body and gives me energy to tackle the day.

Recently, I’ve been trying to liven up my coffee drinking experience. I experimented with different flavored syrups, different roasts of coffee. They were all fine.

I still felt kind of stuck in my ways, though. Next, I decided to completely change the way I brew my coffee to see if that could jazz up my morning routine.

In this post, I’ll be comparing the AeroPress to the Hario V60. It’s a legendary showdown: AeroPress Vs V60!

infographic of aeropress vs v60 - explaining some of the differences between to two brewing methods.

All the Ways to Brew

It feels like there are a million different incredible ways to brew coffee.

In my younger years, I used a simple old coffee maker left to our family by my grandmother. You load up the back of the pot with water, put some ground coffee beans in the filter, and turn it on.

I felt so fancy and established when I purchased a single cup brewer. Now, I could have a delicious single cup of whatever flavor coffee I wanted without brewing an entire pot.

Recently, I’ve been thinking I need to go back to my roots and use a more traditional form of brewing coffee.

A Hario Buono gooseneck kettle pouring water into an AeroPress, sitting on top of a coffee cup, with the text "AeroPress Vs V60" and "See more tips, tricks and reviews on our website!"

 

So many options

French press coffee makers have been around since the 1800’s. I was amazed to learn that! While the technology is so simple, it feels far too sophisticated to not be a recent invention.

In an AeroPress coffee maker, you insert a filter and your desired coffee grounds. Pour in hot water, and press the plunger down.

The force of the air in the vessel makes the water pass through the coffee grounds. This takes all its delightful flavor and much needed caffeine with it.

The pour-over method feels much more traditional than the scientific French press. But it was actually invented after the press came into the world.

In the pour-over method, you pour hot water over grounds situated in a filter. Gravity drags the water down as it passes through the coffee grounds. This makes a delightful and warm cup of coffee.

For either method, you should definitely buy a gooseneck kettle. It makes pouring much easier and is ideal for the slow pour needed for pour over coffee.

I couldn’t decide which to turn to, so I bought both an AeroPress and Hario V60.

AeroPress

It isn’t hard at all to find an AeroPress. Many stores that sell cookware have them on their shelves.

And online retailers make it so easy to buy a new way to brew your coffee without ever leaving your couch.

They’re inexpensive as well, costing around $30. With a price tag that low, I didn’t have to wait until a major sale or clearance event to buy one.

Not like with a single serve brewer.

 

AeroPress Functionality

The AeroPress doesn’t need a particular brand of coffee or shape of K-cup to function. That was a huge plus for me.

There’s one major difference between the AeroPress and a traditional French press. An AeroPress isn’t designed for full immersion.

Full immersion means every single coffee ground gets wet. This allows for an even brew and no wasted coffee grounds.

You can of course use the inverted method or an attachment like the Fellow Prismo. You can learn more about the Fellow Prismo here.

Using the AeroPress

I was a bit worried that the AeroPress would be complicated to use. I’d never pressed my own coffee.

Forget about completing a difficult task before getting your daily dose of caffeine. The results would be disastrous.

I was shocked at how stupid-simple it was to use the AeroPress.

  1. Add a metal or paper filter and screw the filter cap onto the body.
  2. Add your ground coffee into the extraction chamber.
  3. Pour in hot water that you’ve prepared in your kettle.
  4. Give the water and grounds a good stir to make sure all your coffee grounds are taking a nice hot bath.
  5. Insert the plunger and press.

With my AeroPress resting on top of my favorite mug, I applied an even pressure to the plunger. Rather quickly, coffee came trickling into my cup.

AeroPress Results

The smell was heavenly. I felt like I was at a fancy little coffee shop but in my pajamas.

The amount of coffee produced didn’t fill up my whole mug. I decided to have a taste of what I created.

The strength of that brewed cup was out of this world. I should’ve been sitting down, because it almost knocked me over. As strong as it was, there was no bitterness to the drink.

I was tempted to sip on this black gold, but I figured I didn’t need to be bouncing off the walls at 7 am.

I poured in some of the hot water that was left in my kettle, and I had my very own pressed cup of coffee.

aeropress and all accessories laid out on bench

 

Cleaning an AeroPress

After I’d finished sipping on my delightful cup of coffee, I figured a clean-up was in order.

I was preparing myself for some ghastly ritual. Something like taking the appliance apart and scrubbing each tiny part of it.

You cannot imagine the shock I felt when I read the user manual. I realized all I had to do was take the plunger out and rinse the press.

I paid extra attention to the bottom of the machine where the coffee came out. But the aftercare couldn’t be any less complicated.

Even though I was excited about the new brewing method I’d found, I still felt like there was more to discover.

V60

Pour-over coffee feels so traditional to me. I’m sure many people would agree it’s a lost art. It’s not completely lost, though.

A recent resurgence in coffee has made many people shy away from their single serve cup brewers. They’re returning to older methods of brewing their brew.

When I researched pour over coffee methods, I was a little intimidated.

So many articles described so many variations and things that can go wrong with your coffee. I’m sure you’ve found the same thing.

 

V60 Functionality

I was completely discouraged until I found the Hario V60. This wonderful piece of ceramic resembles a teacup sitting on a saucer.

Looking at it from an aerial view, you can see it’s definitely not suited for sipping tea out of.

The sides of the vessel have swirling ridges that empty out into a hole in the bottom of the cup.

The swirly bits help the coffee travel down the sides, ensuring an even brew. The coffee drains out of the ceramic body and into your coffee server pot.

The saucer-like edges at the bottom help the brewer remain stable while resting on top of your coffee pot.

Hario V60 Ceramic, Glass or Copper

The Hario V60 ceramic brewer is cheap on its own. If you’re looking for a bargain, here it is.

This brewer does need special filters. But with the money you saved on the apparatus, you can fit the filters into your budget.

I went with the Hario filters to keep things on an even playing field.

If you enjoy watching the magic of coffee brewing, the V60 also comes in glass form. Glass manufacturing is what Hario is known for, but I like the look of ceramic myself.

A glass Hario V60 sitting on a glass Hario coffee server with coffee inside.

 

It gives a cozy, inviting feeling to the process. It reminds me of holidays where family members all brought a variety of ceramic cookware.

There’s also the option of a copper Hario V60. It’s a bit pricier, but it looks quite glamorous.

It has improved thermal conductivity compared to the other options, so you can expect a warmer coffee. Also, its less likely to break compared to the glass or ceramic options.

Using The V60

The set up for this brewing process was more than easy.

  1. Switch on your kettle to boil your water.
  2. Put the V60 brewer on top of your coffee pot.
  3. Place your filter inside the V60.
  4. When your water gets boiling hot, lightly pour the water around the filter. This makes sure it sticks to the inside of the brewer.
  5. Add your medium-fine coffee grounds. A few tablespoons will do the trick.
  6. Slowly pour the hot water over your coffee grounds in circles, making sure to get every single ground wet.
  7. Stop when you’ve reached the desired amount of coffee in your pot.

For a more detailed brew guide for the Hario V60, watch this video:

This brewing process wasn’t as simple as the AeroPress or turning the coffee pot on. But it was far from difficult. In about three minutes, I had a nice, hot cup of coffee ready for me.

This brewing process yielded a cup that was mild, but beyond delicious. I could detect subtle notes of other flavors in the coffee that I hadn’t noticed before.

A Hario V60 sitting on a coffee pourer with a Fellow Stagg gooseneck kettle pouring in water, with the text "AeroPress Vs V60" and "See more tips, tricks and reviews on our website!"

AeroPress Vs V60 – How Do They Compare?

In a cage match of AeroPress vs V60, there’s no clear winner. At least not in my opinion. The biggest difference between the two was the coffee produced.

If you need a cup of coffee that will put some hair on your chest in the morning, you should go with the AeroPress.

The press is also a great option if you enjoy lattes and Americanos over a traditional cup of coffee.

You can make espresso-style coffee with the press. Yet without investing thousands of dollars in an espresso machine.

The Hario V60 produces coffee that people who truly enjoy coffee will like.

Much like tea, a nice mild cup allows you to enjoy and savor the flavors of your coffee. While strong brews tend to annihilate your taste buds.

The slower extraction time of the V60 also allows more flavor to be extracted from the ground coffee. This is different compared to the speedy process of the press.

Both methods of brewing are travel friendly, even the V60 with its glass model. You can place it in your weekend bag and take it wherever. The same for the press.

Conclusion

The method you choose to go with is up to you, your tastes and your preferences.

If you think of coffee as your fuel, go with the AeroPress. You’ll be able to produce robust cups in less time.

If you think of coffee as a delightful beverage to savor, go with the Hario V60. You won’t be disappointed.

How have you found the AeroPress to compare with the V60? Have you had a different experience? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay caffeinated!