How to Switch Between Immersion and Pour Over with the V60 Switch
By Hario USA | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use the Hario V60 Switch for both immersion and pour over brewing, with step-by-step instructions and practical tips for each method.
Quick Answer
Use the V60 Switch's valve to control brew time: open for pour over, closed for immersion. Start with the closed position for a full-immersion brew, then open to drain.
Why the V60 Switch Works for Both Methods
The V60 Switch dripper features a removable base that lets you switch between a standard V60 and an immersion brewer. The included silicone base has a valve that you can open or close to control the flow of water. This design gives you the flexibility to brew with either method using the same dripper.
Each method produces a different cup profile. Pour over tends to highlight bright, delicate flavors, while immersion brewing often results in a fuller body and more balanced extraction. Having both options in one dripper lets you choose the style that suits your mood or the coffee you're brewing.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before you begin, make sure you have the V60 Switch dripper, a compatible server or mug, filters, freshly ground coffee, and a kettle. The Switch works with standard V60 filters (01 or 02 sizes), and you'll need a scale to measure coffee and water for consistent results.
The valve on the Switch base is simple: turn it to open or close. When closed, water stays in the dripper for immersion. When open, water flows through as in a standard pour over. Practice opening and closing the valve a few times to get a feel for it before brewing.
Step-by-Step: Brewing with the V60 Switch
- Set Up Your Dripper: Place a filter in the V60 Switch and rinse it with hot water to remove paper taste and preheat the dripper. Discard the rinse water. Always rinse the filter; skipping this can add a papery flavor to your coffee.
- Add Coffee and Water (Immersion Mode): With the valve closed, add your ground coffee (a good starting ratio is 1:15 coffee to water). Pour hot water (around 200°F) over the grounds, ensuring all are saturated. Stir gently to ensure even extraction. Make sure the valve is fully closed before pouring; a partially open valve will let water drain too early.
- Steep and Release: Let the coffee steep for 2-3 minutes. Then, open the valve to let the coffee drain into your server or mug. Give it a gentle swirl before opening to ensure even extraction. Don't over-steep; longer steeping can lead to bitterness. Set a timer to stay consistent.
- Switch to Pour Over Mode: For pour over, open the valve and place the dripper on your server. Add coffee and pour water in a slow, circular motion, just as you would with a standard V60. The water will flow through immediately, so control your pour rate to maintain the right brew time. In pour over mode, the valve must be open; otherwise, water will pool and over-extract the coffee.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste your coffee and adjust the grind size, water temperature, or steep time for your preferred strength and flavor. Finer grinds extract faster; coarser grinds need more time. Keep a brewing log to note what works best for each coffee you try.
Gear That Helps
- V60 SWITCH & MATCH Ceramic Dripper 03: The V60 SWITCH & MATCH Ceramic Dripper 03 comes with a removable plastic base, letting you use it as a standard V60 or pair it with a compatible silicone base to create a custom Switch Dripper. This versatility means you can start with the classic pour over setup and upgrade to immersion brewing without buying a separate dripper.
V60 SWITCH & MATCH Ceramic Dripper 03 - SWITCH & MATCH Dripper Base: The SWITCH & MATCH Dripper Base lets you swap the removable plastic base on your V60 Glass Cone or Mugen Dripper for the Switch base, enabling immersion brewing with gear you already own. If you already have a V60 dripper, this base is a cost-effective way to add the Switch functionality without purchasing a whole new dripper.
SWITCH & MATCH Dripper Base
With a little practice, you'll be able to switch between immersion and pour over brewing effortlessly, expanding your coffee repertoire with just one dripper.
