--- title: "Chemex, V60 and others: manual techniques for making coffee" description: Discover various manual coffee brewing techniques, including Chemex, V60, AeroPress, and French Press, and learn how to enhance your coffee experience. image: https://illyworld.illy.com/hubfs/V60-Chemex%20e%20altri%20metodi%20filtro_Featured_1200x630_1.webp --- [![illy\_world](https://illyworld.illy.com/hubfs/IllyWorld/illy_world.svg "illy_world")](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/) [![illy\_world](https://illyworld.illy.com/hubfs/IllyWorld/illy_world.svg "illy_world")](https://illyworld.illy.com/it-it/) - [Coffee basics](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/coffee-basics) - [The vocabulary of coffee](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/the-vocabulary-of-coffee) - [Traditions](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/traditions) - [Icons](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/icons) - [Coffee Preparation](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/coffee-preparation) - [Preparations](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/preparations) - [Rituals](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/rituals) - [Coffee Lifestyle](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/coffee-lifestyle) - [Habits & Wellness](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/habits-wellness) - [Occasions](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/occasions) - [The places of coffee](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/the-places-of-coffee) - [Coffee Planet](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/coffee-planet) - [Origins & Supply Chain](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/origins-supply-chain) More results UK - UK - [IT](https://illyworld.illy.com/it-it/magazine/v60-chemex-altri-metodi-caffe-filtro-differenze-strumenti) [Shop](https://www.illy.com/en-gb?from=illyworld) [Shop](https://www.illy.com/en-gb?from=illyworld) - [Coffee basics](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/coffee-basics) - [The vocabulary of coffee](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/the-vocabulary-of-coffee) - [Traditions](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/traditions) - [Icons](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/icons) - [Coffee Preparation](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/coffee-preparation) - [Preparations](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/preparations) - [Rituals](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/rituals) - [Coffee Lifestyle](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/coffee-lifestyle) - [Habits & Wellness](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/habits-wellness) - [Occasions](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/occasions) - [The places of coffee](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/the-places-of-coffee) - [Coffee Planet](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/coffee-planet) - [Origins & Supply Chain](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/origins-supply-chain) [Shop](https://www.illy.com/it-it/?from=illyworld) [Preparations](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/preparations)[The Vocabulary of Coffee](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/tag/the-vocabulary-of-coffee) # Chemex, V60 and others: manual techniques for making coffee by [illycaffè Editorial Team](https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/author/illycaffe) 6 min 26 October 2026 Chemex, V60 and others: manual techniques for making coffee 8:21 *These require fundamental intervention by the human hand and produce different beverages with distinctive aromatic notes. A short guide to the main manual brewing methods.* In cities around the world, it is increasingly common to come across trendy bars and cafés that offer coffee brewed using different techniques and tools: new yet already popular preparation methods, such as the V60, as well as those familiar and more traditional, such as the French Press. It is the so-called “manual brewing”, i.e. the set of coffee brewing techniques that involve direct and decisive intervention by the human hand, appreciated for their artisanal approach and the ability to produce long drinks, to be savoured slowly, taking your time, in an experience totally different from that offered by an espresso. Using equipment that is fairly accessible to everyone, these preparations can easily be made at home. ## How manual brewing works As with any other method of coffee preparation, the ingredients are always the same: water and powder obtained by grinding the coffee bean. The parameters change from one technique to another: the coffee to water ratio, the grind size and the timing. But the difference lies in the adopted brewing principle. There are essentially two: infusion, where the coffee particles are put directly in contact with the water for them to release their substances; percolation, where the water passes through a bed of coffee driven by gravity or a certain amount of pressure to extract its aromatic principles. ### Chemex - Brewing principle: gravity percolation - Grinding: medium to coarse (refer to Classico illy blend, filter coffee grind) - Coffee to water ratio: 1:15 (15 grams of water is required for every gram of coffee) - Equipment: the Chemex, the dedicated hourglass carafe with filter - Time required: approximately 5 minutes - Characteristics of the drink: notable clarity, aromatic profile similar to that of filter coffee, with a prevalence of roast and dried fruit notes. ### Process 1. Bring the water to a temperature between 92°C and 96°C in a kettle (a swan neck kettle that facilitates pouring is ideal). 2. Insert the filter into the carafe (the thickest part of the filter should be positioned towards the spout so that the paper does not collapse when wetted). 3. Pour some of the hot water onto the filter. 4. Swirl the carafe to warm it up. 5. Remove water without removing the filter. 6. Place the carafe on the kitchen scales to dose the ingredients correctly. 7. Place the coffee dose in the centre of the paper filter. 8. With slow, circular movements pour hot water onto the coffee (the water should be about double the amount of coffee). Direct the water flow onto the coffee and not the filter. 9. Wait 30-45 seconds (this is called blooming). 10. Resume pouring in slow, circular motions. 11. When all water has passed through the filter, brewing is complete. 12. Remove the filter. 13. Serve. ### Facts about Chemex This manual method of making filter coffee was invented in 1941 by German scientist Peter J. Schlumbohm. The distinctive hourglass carafe with its wooden collar is a design piece, and is on display at the MoMA in New York City. To fully appreciate the aromatic properties of the drink, it is advisable to stir it and inhale the aroma before pouring it, preferably into a mug. ## V60 - Brewing principle: gravity percolation - Grinding: medium to coarse (refer to Classico illy blend, filter coffee grind) - Coffee to water ratio: 1:15 (15 grams of water is required for every gram of coffee) - Equipment: V60, special carafe consisting of 2 parts: dripper top, carafe bottom. - Time required: approximately 3 minutes. - Characteristics of the drink: particular aromatic intensity, with a marked sweetness and prevalence of fruity notes ### Process 1. Bring the water to a temperature between 92°C and 96°C in a kettle (a swan neck kettle that facilitates pouring is ideal). 2. Place the filter on the upper part of the carafe (dripper). 3. Pour some of the hot water onto the filter. 4. Swirl the carafe to warm it up. 5. Remove water without removing the filter. 6. Place the carafe on the kitchen scales to dose the ingredients correctly. 7. Place the coffee dose in the centre of the paper filter. 8. With slow, circular movements pour hot water onto the coffee (the water should be about double the amount of coffee). Direct the water flow onto the coffee and not the filter. 9. Wait 30-45 seconds (this is called blooming). 10. Resume pouring in slow, circular motions. 11. When all water has passed through the filter, brewing is complete. 12. Remove the dripper containing the filter from the top of the carafe. 13. Serve from the lower part of the carafe. ### Facts about V60 The V60 is a simplified version of a filter coffee machine. Invented in Japan in the early 2000s, it owes its name to the characteristic 60° tilt of the conical dripper. The preparation process is very similar to that of Chemex, with two differences: - The preparation tool consists of 2 parts: the top dripper and the bottom carafe, which is also used to serve; - The filter is already shaped and has a different porosity and strength. Once the dripper is removed with the filter, the carafe can be closed with a lid to maintain the temperature of the drink. ## AeroPress - Brewing principle: Pressure-driven percolation - Grinding: medium to coarse (refer to Classico illy blend, filter coffee grind) - Coffee to water ratio: 1:15 (15 grams of water is required for every gram of coffee) - Equipment: special cylindrical plastic tool that sits directly on the cup - Time required: approximately 3 minutes - Characteristics of the drink: intense in terms of aromatic profile and has a harmonious balance between acidic and bitter tastes. Compared to other preparations, it is distinguished by a more accentuated acidity and pleasant notes of fresh fruit ### Process 1. Bring the water to a temperature between 92°C and 96°C in a kettle (a swan neck kettle that facilitates pouring is ideal). 2. Place the paper filter in the black filter holder. 3. Screw the filter holder into the clear cylinder and place it on the cup. 4. Distribute the recommended coffee dose inside the cylinder 5. Pour in hot water and close cylinder with plunger 6. Wait 30 seconds 7. Press the plunger slowly and steadily as far as it will go. 8. Remove from the cup. 9. Serve the coffee. ### What you need to know about AeroPress: The tool was developed by engineer and inventor Alan Adler. It utilises manually generated pressure. This is a suitable preparation for consumption at home or on the go because it takes place directly on the service cup. ## French Press - Brewing principle: infusion - Grinding: medium to coarse (refer to Classico illy blend, filter coffee grind) - Coffee to water ratio: 1:20 (20 grams of water is required for every gram of coffee) - Equipment: French Press - Time required: infusion 2 to 4 minutes - Features of the drink: its stand-out aromatic notes are smoke, toast and dried fruit. ### Process 1. Bring the water to a temperature between 92°C and 96°C in a kettle (a swan neck kettle that facilitates pouring is ideal). 2. Pour some water into the French Press to warm it up, then discard the water. 3. Add the ground coffee into the French Press. 4. Pour the water over the coffee in a slow, circular motion to wet it evenly. 5. Mix with a teaspoon. 6. Cover with lid and plunger raised. 7. Wait 2 to 4 minutes. 8. Push the plunger down with slow, steady pressure until it stops. 9. Serve coffee straight away. ### Facts about the French Press: The French Press was born in France in the 19th century and has spread around the world under different names: cafetière à piston, Melior, plunger coffee. The infusion time affects the characteristics of the drink and the amount of caffeine it contains: the longer the time, the more bitter and full-bodied the coffee and the more caffeine it will contain Once the infusion phase is complete, the coffee must be served immediately or placed in another container to halt brewing. ## FAQ What are the main methods of manual coffee preparation? Common methods include Chemex, V60, AeroPress and French Press. Each uses a different brewing system, requiring a specific preparation technique with the resulting drinks having different aromatic and body characteristics. What tools do I need to make coffee using the manual brewing techniques? In addition to the chosen brewing tool, you usually need an adequate filter, a kettle, preferably with a swan neck for controlled pouring, weighing scales to correctly dose water and coffee, and a cup for serving the drink. What is the difference between V60 and Chemex? Both are manual preparation methods that use gravity percolation and involve a very similar process. The main difference is the equipment used: the Chemex consists of an hourglass carafe with filter, while the V60 consists of two distinct elements, a top dripper and a bottom carafe also used for serving. 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[Accessibility attestation](https://www.illy.com/content/dam/channels/website/consumer/italy/pdf/ACR_Report_EN.pdf) © 2026 illycaffè S.p.A. | P.IVA 00055180327- Via Flavia 110, 34147 Trieste - Italy - Tutti i Diritti Riservati | All rights reserved Review your cookies [![facebook](https://illyworld.illy.com/hubfs/magazine-2026/footer/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/illy) [![x-twitter](https://illyworld.illy.com/hubfs/magazine-2026/footer/x-twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/illyesp) [![linkedin](https://illyworld.illy.com/hubfs/magazine-2026/footer/linkedin.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/illycaffe/) [![instagram](https://illyworld.illy.com/hubfs/magazine-2026/footer/instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/illy_coffee/) ``` (SizeLimitingPyMap: {it-it=V60, Chemex e altri metodi caffè filtro: differenze e strumenti it-it, id: 445890748613, slug: it-it/magazine/v60-chemex-altri-metodi-caffe-filtro-differenze-strumenti}) ``` ``` (SizeLimitingPyMap: {en-us=481276988619, language: en-us, masterId: 366630559982, it-it=366630559982, language: it-it, masterId: null}) ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "IT", "addressLocality" : "Trieste", "addressRegion" : "TS", "postalCode" : "34147", "streetAddress" : "Via Flavia 110" }, "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "IT", "availableLanguage" : [ "Italian", "English" ], "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+39 040 3890111" }, "description" : "illycaffè is an Italian family business founded in Trieste in 1933 by Francesco Illy, known worldwide for high-quality coffee and a blend made of nine varieties of pure Arabica.", "founder" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Francesco Illy" }, "foundingDate" : "1933", "legalName" : "illycaffè S.p.A.", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/hubfs/Logo/Logo%20illy.svg" }, "name" : "illy", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/illycaffe/", "https://www.facebook.com/illyitalia/?brand_redir=93846062975", "https://twitter.com/illyIT", "https://www.instagram.com/illy_coffee/" ], "url" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/chemex-v60-and-others-manual-techniques-for-making-coffee#breadcrumb", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/", "name" : "en gb", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/", "name" : "magazine", "position" : 3 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/chemex-v60-and-others-manual-techniques-for-making-coffee/", "name" : "Chemex, V60 and others: manual techniques for making coffee", "position" : 4 } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleSection" : "Preparations, The Vocabulary of Coffee", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "illycaffè Editorial Team", "url" : "illyworld.illy.com/blog/author/illycaffe" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-26T22:25:09+0000", "datePublished" : "2026-10-26T16:50:13+0000", "description" : "Discover various manual coffee brewing techniques, including Chemex, V60, AeroPress, and French Press, and learn how to enhance your coffee experience.", "headline" : "Chemex, V60 and others: manual techniques for making coffee", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://143450854.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/143450854/V60-Chemex%20e%20altri%20metodi%20filtro_Featured_1200x630_1.webp" }, "inLanguage" : "en-gb", "isAccessibleForFree" : true, "keywords" : "Preparations, The Vocabulary of Coffee", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/chemex-v60-and-others-manual-techniques-for-making-coffee", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "illy", "url" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/hubfs/Logo/Logo%20illy.svg" }, "url" : "https://illyworld.illy.com/en-gb/magazine/chemex-v60-and-others-manual-techniques-for-making-coffee" } ```