How to Brew Immersion-Style Coffee with the V60 SWITCH Dripper
By Hario USA | Published: 2026-10-14
Category: How-to Guides
Learn step by step how to use the V60 SWITCH for immersion brewing. Get the right ratio, steep time, and switch flip for a full-bodied, sweet cup.
Quick answer
To brew immersion-style coffee with the V60 SWITCH, add a standard 02 V60 filter, dose 20 g of medium-fine coffee, pour 300 g of hot water (about 200°F), stir gently, and let it steep for 2–3 minutes with the switch closed. Then flip the switch to open and let the coffee draw down. This hybrid pour over method gives you the clarity of a V60 with the body of a French press.
Why immersion brewing with the SWITCH changes your cup
The V60 SWITCH is a modified V60 dripper that works as both a standard pour over and an immersion brewer. When the switch is closed, the dripper holds water and coffee together, allowing full extraction without the continuous flow of a traditional pour over. This means you can steep the grounds as long as you like, then release the coffee all at once. The result is a fuller body, more sweetness, and less bitterness because you control exactly when the drawdown starts. The hybrid pour over method also forgives small pouring mistakes, making it a great choice for anyone who wants consistent results without perfect technique.
What you need before you start
You need a V60 SWITCH dripper, a standard 02 V60 filter (the SWITCH set comes with a 40-pack of tabbed white 02 filters), a server or mug, a scale, a timer, and hot water. A gooseneck kettle helps with precision, but it is not required for immersion brewing because you are not relying on a steady pour. For the coffee, use a medium-fine grind—slightly finer than table salt. If your grinder produces a lot of fines, expect a slower drawdown; you can adjust by going slightly coarser. The SWITCH dripper set includes a glass server with a practical capacity of 300 ml, so your total brew volume should stay within that range for a single serving.
Understanding the V60 SWITCH coffee ratio
A reliable starting ratio for immersion brewing with the SWITCH is 1:15 coffee to water. For a 300 ml brew, use 20 g of coffee and 300 g of water. If you prefer a stronger cup, tighten the ratio to 1:14; for a lighter, tea-like cup, loosen to 1:16. Because immersion brewing extracts more evenly, you can often use slightly less coffee than you would for a pour over and still get a satisfying cup. Adjust one variable at a time—grind size first, then ratio—to dial in your preference.
Step-by-step: immersion brewing with the V60 SWITCH
- Rinse the filter and preheat: Place a standard 02 V60 filter in the SWITCH dripper and set it on your server or mug. Pour hot water through the filter to rinse away paper taste and warm the server. Discard the rinse water. Close the switch before brewing. Checkpoint: The switch should be in the closed position—if it is open, water will run straight through and you will not get immersion.
- Add coffee and level the bed: Weigh 20 g of medium-fine coffee and add it to the dripper. Gently shake the dripper to level the grounds. This helps water saturate evenly when you pour. Common mistake: Using coffee that is too fine can clog the filter and stall the drawdown. Aim for a consistency like table salt.
- Pour and start the steep: Start your timer and pour 300 g of hot water (about 200°F) in a steady stream, making sure all grounds are saturated. Give the slurry a gentle stir with a spoon to break up any dry clumps. Then let it steep undisturbed with the switch closed. Checkpoint: The water level should be above the coffee bed. If you see dry patches, stir again briefly.
- Time the immersion: Let the coffee steep for 2–3 minutes. For a brighter cup, steep for 2 minutes; for more body and sweetness, go closer to 3 minutes. Do not exceed 4 minutes or you may extract bitterness. Common mistake: Steeping too long can make the cup harsh. Set a timer and stick to it.
- Flip the switch to draw down: After the steep, flip the switch to open. The coffee will begin to drain through the filter into the server. This should take about 1–2 minutes. If it drains much faster, your grind may be too coarse; if it stalls, it is too fine. Checkpoint: The total brew time from pour to finish should be around 3–5 minutes. Adjust grind next time if needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the drawdown is complete, remove the dripper and discard the filter and grounds. Swirl the server gently to mix the coffee, then pour into your cup. Taste and note the flavor—if it is too weak, use a slightly finer grind or a tighter ratio next time. Next step: Try the same recipe with a different coffee to explore how immersion brewing highlights sweetness and body.
The V60 SWITCH dripper at a glance
- V60 SWITCH Glass Dripper and Server Set 02: This modified V60 dripper is a hybrid method that allows you to brew like a standard V60 pour over, or as an immersion brewer. Simply add ground coffee, a standard 02 V60 filter and hot water. Let the coffee steep and flip the switch to start the drawdown process. The dripper set comes with a 40 pack of tabbed 02 white filters and a glass server with a practical capacity of 300ml. The included filters and 300ml server mean you can start brewing immediately, and the hybrid design lets you switch between immersion and pour over without buying a second dripper.
- V60 SWITCH Ceramic Dripper 02 - Sunrise: The Switch Dripper, now in a gorgeous gradient of a terracotta orange, white and navy blue. This modified V60 dripper is a hybrid method that allows you to brew like a standard V60 pourover or immersion brewer. Simply add ground coffee, a standard 02 V60 filter and hot water. Let the coffee steep and flip the switch to start the draw down process. The dripper comes with a 40 pack of tabbed white 02 filters. If you already own a server or prefer ceramic, this version offers the same immersion brewing capability with a distinctive finish.
