Why plastic V60 is better than ceramic
We’ve all seen the wide range of V60s on the shelf and have either wondered which one would look better in the kitchen, or which would be better to use backed up by research and comparison, and we’re here to help you make that decision:
Plastic V60s are often preferred due to their low thermal mass, which keeps the brewing temperature high without extensive preheating.
The different types of plastic V60s are usually made from polypropylene (PP) - a thermoplastic that can handle temperatures up to 130°C (266°F)- or from styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN), a thermoplastic that can also handle higher temperatures, but lower than PP, while still being BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
A high tolerance of heat, chemical resistance to acids and alkali, and BPA-free chemistry, of course make a more reassuring option when it comes to brewing your coffee. Both of these make for a very lightweight and durable product which is a bonus for travelling or office brewing.
Ceramic, on the other hand, is a beautiful, yet fragile material that was originally made in Arita, Japan, which quickly became renowned for its ceramic industry. Even though these drippers are high on the scale of quality, they are heavier and more susceptible to breakage and also absorb more heat from the slurry compared to the plastic V60. They are also, and most importantly, not as good with heat retention and absorb more heat, which then ultimately warms the coffee bed, affecting the brew temperature, which is something that we want to avoid when brewing the perfect cup.
It is, of course, the more expensive of the two. So if you’re taking price into consideration, then plastic, in this case, is going to be the better option, and we believe this across the board, so don’t hesitate.
Keep it light, easy to move, and happy brewing!