Hario V60-02W vs Chemex CM-8A

The Hario V60-02W and the Chemex CM-8A represent two distinct takes on manual pour-over coffee. The V60 is a compact ceramic dripper that brews directly into any vessel you own, priced at $29. The Chemex CM-8A is an all-in-one glass brewer and server in one piece, priced at $48.95. Both carry a 4.8-star rating, though the V60 has pulled in over 11,800 reviews compared to the Chemex's 8,600. The right pick depends almost entirely on how you brew and how you like to serve.

Quick winner

The Hario V60-02W wins on price and flexibility; the Chemex CM-8A wins as a countertop showpiece that doubles as a serving carafe.

Key differences, measured

  • The Hario V60-02W is 41% cheaper ($29.00 vs $48.95).

The two contenders

Hario V60-02W Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Hario V60-02W pour-over coffee maker, White

The Hario V60-02W is a 4-cup ceramic dripper with a glossy white finish and a compact footprint of 4.7 x 5.5 x 4 inches, weighing just 1.1 lb. It takes standard paper filters and sits on top of whatever mug or carafe you choose, which keeps startup costs low. At $29 it is one of the most affordable ways to brew serious pour-over coffee, and its ceramic construction retains heat better than plastic alternatives. It is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup straightforward.

Buy this if: Buy the Hario V60-02W if you want an entry point into precision pour-over without spending much, or if you already own a carafe or travel mug you want to brew directly into. It is also the better fit for single-cup brewing on a tight counter.

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Read the full Hario review →

Chemex CM-8A Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Chemex CM-8A pour-over coffee maker

The Chemex CM-8A is an 8-cup all-in-one pour-over brewer and glass carafe, priced at $48.95. Its iconic hourglass shape uses thick borosilicate glass and proprietary Chemex filters that remove more oils than standard paper filters, producing a notably clean, bright cup. Because the brewer and server are one piece, there is nothing to balance or transfer once brewing is done. It has earned 8,600 ratings at 4.8 stars, indicating consistent satisfaction across a large buyer base.

Buy this if: Buy the Chemex CM-8A if you regularly brew for two to four people and want one vessel that brews and serves. It suits anyone who values a cleaner, less oily cup profile and does not mind spending a bit more for an elegant countertop piece.

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Read the full Chemex review →

Frequently asked questions

Do the Hario V60 and Chemex use the same filters?

No. The Hario V60-02W uses standard cone-shaped paper filters sized for a size-02 dripper, which are widely available and inexpensive. The Chemex CM-8A requires thicker proprietary Chemex filters, which are also easy to find but cost a bit more and filter out more oils for a lighter-bodied cup.

Which brewer is easier to clean?

The Hario V60-02W is dishwasher safe, so cleanup is simple. The Chemex CM-8A's narrow waist makes it harder to clean by hand, and it is generally not recommended for the dishwasher, so most owners rinse it with a bottle brush.

Is the Chemex worth the higher price?

If you want a brewer that also serves as a carafe and regularly make multiple cups at once, the Chemex CM-8A's $48.95 price is reasonable. If you are brewing a single cup or already have a carafe, the Hario V60-02W at $29 does the same brewing job for less.

Which one is better for beginners?

Both are manual brewers that reward attention to grind size, water temperature, and pour technique. The Hario V60-02W's lower price makes it a lower-stakes starting point, but neither brewer is especially forgiving of a sloppy pour.

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