Hario Switch – immersion and V60 in the same coffee brewer
The Hario Switch is a manual coffee brewer that combines Hario’s well-known V60 shape with immersion brewing.
Unlike a traditional Hario V60, the water does not have to run directly through the coffee bed while you pour. With the Hario Switch, the outlet can be closed, allowing the coffee and water to steep together. Once the steeping time is over, you activate the switch, and the coffee runs through the paper filter and into your cup or server.
This makes the Hario Switch interesting if you want the clean cup produced by a paper filter but also desire a simpler and more reproducible brewing method than classic pour over.
What is the Hario Switch?
The Hario Switch is officially called the Hario V60 Immersion Dripper Switch.
The brewer is based on the V60 concept but features a closure system at the bottom.
A stainless steel ball seals the outlet when the Switch system is closed. Consequently, the water remains in the dripper along with the coffee.
When you activate the switch, the ball moves, and the coffee can drain through the filter.
This means you decide exactly when the filtration process begins.
How does the Hario Switch work?
The principle is simple:
- Place the paper filter in the Hario Switch.
- Add ground coffee.
- Ensure the switch is closed.
- Pour hot water over the coffee.
- Let the coffee and water steep together.
- Activate the switch.
- The coffee runs through the filter and into the cup.
That is the immersion part.
You can also use the Switch with more advanced recipes, where you combine periods of open and closed outlets.
This provides far more possibilities than just one standard recipe.
Simple Hario Switch recipe
If you have never used a Hario Switch before, we recommend starting simple.
Try:
15 grams of coffee
250 grams of water
Medium to medium-coarse grind size
Water around 92–96 °C
Instructions
- Place the filter in the Hario Switch.
- Optionally, rinse the filter with hot water.
- Close the Switch mechanism.
- Add 15 grams of ground coffee to the filter.
- Pour 250 grams of hot water over the coffee.
- Ensure the entire coffee bed is saturated.
- Let the coffee steep for approximately 2 minutes.
- Activate the switch.
- Let the coffee drain completely.
- Taste and adjust the recipe next time.
60 grams of coffee per liter of water is a good neutral starting point:
15 g coffee → 250 g water
18 g coffee → 300 g water
30 g coffee → 500 g water
However, you do not have to stick exactly to this ratio.
How long should the Hario Switch steep?
Around 2 minutes is a good place to start.
This is also the basic steeping time Hario uses to illustrate the brewing principle.
But a longer steeping time is not necessarily wrong.
You can, for example, experiment with:
1:30 minutes
2:00 minutes
2:30 minutes
3:00 minutes
and compare the results.
Generally, the longer the coffee and water are in contact, the more opportunity there is for extraction.
However, grind size, temperature, and coffee type also play a role.
What grind size for the Hario Switch?
Medium to medium-coarse is a good starting point for a simple immersion recipe.
But the Switch is very flexible.
You can use a finer grind size with a shorter steeping time or a coarser grind size with a longer steeping time.
If the coffee tastes thin, sharp, or lacks sweetness, try to:
• Grind finer
• Use hotter water
• Increase the steeping time
If the coffee becomes very bitter, heavy, or dry, try to:
• Grind coarser
• Use a slightly lower temperature
• Reduce the steeping time
Preferably, only change one variable at a time.
Hario Switch vs. Hario V60
The Hario Switch and the classic V60 have many features in common, but the actual brewing process differs.
Hario V60
With a traditional V60, the water runs through the coffee bed while you pour.
Pouring speed, water distribution, and technique therefore have a major impact on the brewing.
Hario Switch
The Switch can close the outlet.
Coffee and water can therefore steep together before the coffee is released.
This makes the brewing less dependent on precise pouring technique.
The Switch is therefore interesting if you like the V60 format and paper filtration, but want a more forgiving brewing method.
Can the Hario Switch be used as a regular V60?
Yes.
One of the interesting features of the Hario Switch is precisely that the mechanism can be kept open.
Then the water can run through the dripper, and the brewer can be used more like a traditional V60.
You can therefore work with:
Pure immersion
Traditional percolation brewing
or
A combination of the two
This is one of the reasons why the Hario Switch has become popular among coffee enthusiasts.
What is hybrid brewing with the Hario Switch?
Hybrid brewing means that you use both percolation and immersion in the same recipe.
For example, you can start with the switch open so that the first part of the water runs through as in a pour over.
Then, you close the Switch and let the next part of the water steep with the coffee.
Finally, the brewer is opened again.
There are many different hybrid recipes.
There is no one correct recipe.
The advantage is that the Switch gives you another variable to work with: when the water is allowed to run through the coffee.
Hario Switch vs. Clever Dripper
The Hario Switch and the Clever Dripper are very similar.
Both can be used for immersion brewing with a paper filter.
However, there are differences in construction and operation.
Hario Switch
You control the valve yourself using the switch on the side.
This makes it easy to open and close the brewer multiple times during the same brew.
Clever Dripper
The Clever Dripper has a valve at the bottom that normally opens automatically when the brewer is placed on a cup or server.
Clever is therefore extremely simple for classic immersion.
The Switch, on the other hand, offers more freedom to experiment with hybrid recipes.
Hario Switch vs. AeroPress
Both are very flexible immersion brewers, but they function differently.
AeroPress
After the steeping time, the coffee is actively pressed through the filter with a plunger.
Hario Switch
The coffee runs through the filter via gravity when the valve is opened.
The Hario Switch therefore resembles filter coffee more in the final part of the brewing process.
The AeroPress, on the other hand, allows for very concentrated recipes and has a more compact format.
Both are good choices if you want to experiment with brewing recipes.
Hario Switch vs. French Press
Both use immersion.
But the filtration is significantly different.
French Press
Usually uses a metal filter.
This means that more fine coffee particles and oils end up in the cup.
The result is typically fuller-bodied.
Hario Switch
Uses a V60 paper filter.
The paper retains more fine particles and oils.
The result is therefore typically cleaner and clearer in the cup.
If you like the simplicity of a French press, but want less sediment, the Hario Switch can be an interesting alternative.
Why use a paper filter?
The paper filter has a major impact on the result.
It retains many of the fine coffee particles that might otherwise end up in the cup.
This typically means:
• Less sediment
• Cleaner mouthfeel
• Clearer taste experience
This makes the Switch well-suited for coffees where you want to experience different flavor nuances clearly.
Which filters fit the Hario Switch?
The Hario Switch is developed around the V60 filter format.
The specific filter size must match the size of the dripper.
The Hario Switch is available in, among others, 02 and 03, and Hario sells corresponding V60 filters for these sizes.
Therefore, check the size of your Switch when purchasing extra paper filters.
Hario Switch 02 or 03?
The Hario Switch comes in different sizes.
Hario Switch 02
02 is the compact model and is particularly suitable for smaller brews.
Hario specifies a finished capacity of 200 ml for the classic Switch 02.
This does not mean that you can necessarily only work with exactly one recipe, but the capacity naturally sets a limit on how much water you can have sitting in the brewer at the same time.
Hario Switch 03
03 is larger and provides more room for larger portions and recipes.
It is therefore interesting if you often want more coffee at a time or work with recipes involving a larger total water volume.
Choose the size based on the portion size you normally brew.
Glass Hario Switch
The classic Hario Switch uses a V60 dripper made of heat-resistant glass.
The base is made of silicone rubber, the switch of plastic material, and the ball of stainless steel. Hario states production in Japan.
The glass also makes the brewing visible while the coffee is steeping.
Is the Hario Switch available in ceramic?
Yes.
Hario also produces ceramic Switch variants.
The brewing principle is the same: the valve holds the water back during immersion and releases the coffee when the switch is activated.
Hario currently offers both the classic glass version and ceramic Switch models.
The choice between glass and ceramic is therefore largely a matter of design and personal preference.
Should the Hario Switch be preheated?
It can be a good idea.
When you rinse the paper filter with hot water, you are simultaneously heating up the dripper.
It can help make the temperature during brewing more stable.
This is especially relevant with glass and ceramic, which can absorb some heat at the beginning.
However, you do not need to make brewing complicated.
If you want an easy morning routine, you can easily start with a simple recipe and work from there.
Which water temperature for the Hario Switch?
Around 92–96 °C is a good starting point for many medium and light-roasted coffees.
For darker roasts, a slightly lower temperature may work well.
For example:
Light roast: approximately 94–98 °C
Medium roast: approximately 92–96 °C
Dark roast: approximately 88–94 °C
These are not fixed rules.
The taste is more important.
If the coffee becomes very thin or sharp, a higher temperature or finer grind might be worth trying.
If it becomes very bitter or heavy, a slightly lower temperature or coarser grind might be relevant.
Which coffee is best for the Hario Switch?
The Hario Switch can be used with virtually all roast levels.
Light-roasted coffee beans
The Switch is very interesting for light-roasted coffee.
The paper filter provides a clean cup, while immersion makes the brewing relatively simple.
It can be a good combination for fruity and aromatic single origin coffees.
Medium-roasted coffee beans
Medium-roasted coffee is a good all-round choice and can provide a fine balance between sweetness, body, and acidity.
Dark-roasted coffee beans
Dark-roasted coffee can also be used.
Try using a slightly lower temperature or coarser grind if the coffee becomes too bitter or roasted.
Hario Switch for beginners
In our assessment, the Hario Switch is a very good brewer for beginners.
This is especially due to the immersion principle.
With classic pour over, the pouring technique can affect the result quite significantly.
With a simple Switch recipe, however, you can:
- Weigh the coffee.
- Add water.
- Wait.
- Open the valve.
This makes it easier to reproduce the same recipe.
Later, you can start experimenting with more advanced hybrid methods.
Do I need a gooseneck kettle?
Not necessarily.
For traditional V60, a kettle with a narrow spout is very useful because pouring speed and placement mean a lot.
With pure immersion in the Hario Switch, the pouring technique is less critical.
Therefore, you can easily start with a standard electric kettle.
If you later want to use the Switch as a V60 or work with hybrid recipes, a gooseneck kettle becomes more interesting.
Do I need a coffee scale?
It is not necessary, but we recommend it.
A coffee scale makes it easier to keep the ratio between coffee and water constant.
If, for example, you know that you used:
15 g coffee
250 g water
2 minutes steeping time
you can repeat the recipe precisely.
If the coffee then tastes different, you can change one variable and see what happens.
A scale with a built-in timer is particularly practical.
Which coffee grinder for the Hario Switch?
You don't need an espresso grinder.
A good hand coffee grinder or electric coffee grinder that performs well in the filter range is sufficient.
Consistent grinding makes it easier to obtain a reproducible result.
Since the Switch is relatively forgiving, it is also a good brewer if you do not yet have the most advanced coffee equipment.
Why is my Hario Switch running slowly?
If the coffee takes a very long time to drain after opening the valve, the coffee may be ground too finely.
Many very fine coffee particles can clog the paper filter.
Therefore, try:
• A slightly coarser grind
• Less vigorous stirring
• A different coffee grinder if your current one produces many fines
It is not necessarily a problem that the drainage takes a little time.
The crucial thing is how the coffee tastes.
Why is the Hario Switch not running?
First, check that the switch has actually released the ball at the bottom.
If the mechanism is working but the flow is still almost stopped, the paper filter may be clogged by very finely ground coffee.
Try a coarser grind size next time.
Also, ensure that the parts are seated correctly after cleaning.
How to clean the Hario Switch?
After brewing, the filter and coffee grounds can be removed.
Rinse the dripper and base as needed.
It is especially important to keep the area around the ball and valve mechanism clean, as coffee grounds can otherwise affect the movement.
Hario specifies heat-resistant glass, silicone rubber, PCT resin, and stainless steel as materials in the classic Switch.
Always follow the manufacturer's specific cleaning instructions for your model.
Can parts for the Hario Switch be replaced?
Yes, Hario sells, among other things, the Switch button itself and steel balls as spare parts. Hario states that these parts fit the Switch models.
This is an advantage for a product that is intended to be used over and over again.
Is the Hario Switch better than the V60?
Not generally.
The two brewing methods are good for different things.
The V60 provides very direct control over the pour over process and rewards a good pouring technique.
The Switch makes it easier to work with immersion and repeatable recipes.
If you love fine-tuning your pour, the classic V60 may be most interesting.
If you want an easy and flexible brewer with the option for both immersion and pour over, the Switch has a clear advantage.
Is the Hario Switch worth the money?
That depends on what you are looking for.
The Switch is particularly interesting if you want one brewer that can be used in several ways.
You get the possibility of:
• Classic immersion
• V60-like percolation brewing
• Hybrid recipes
• Paper-filtered coffee
• Simple brewing without advanced pouring technique
If, on the other hand, you are already satisfied with a regular V60 and only want traditional pour over, you do not necessarily need a Switch.
Frequently asked questions about the Hario Switch
What is the Hario Switch?
The Hario Switch is a V60-shaped immersion coffee brewer with a valve at the bottom. The valve can hold back the water during brewing and release the coffee through the paper filter when the switch is activated.
How do you use the Hario Switch?
Add a filter and coffee, close the valve, add hot water, and let the coffee steep. After, for example, about 2 minutes, open the valve and the coffee will drain through the filter.
How much coffee should I use?
15 grams of coffee to 250 grams of water is a good starting point. This corresponds to approximately 60 grams of coffee per liter of water.
What grind size is used for the Hario Switch?
Medium to medium-coarse is a good starting point for classic immersion. Then adjust according to steeping time and taste.
What temperature should the water be?
Around 92–96 °C is a good starting point for many coffees. Lighter roasts can often handle higher temperatures, while darker coffee may work well a little cooler.
Is the Hario Switch the same as a V60?
No. The shape is based on the V60, but the Switch adds a valve so that coffee and water can steep together. However, the Switch can also be used with the valve open, functioning more like a standard V60.
What is the difference between the Hario Switch and the Clever Dripper?
Both use immersion and a paper filter. The Clever usually opens automatically when placed on a cup, while the Hario Switch has a switch that the user can open and close themselves.
Can I use the Hario Switch for pour over?
Yes. With the valve open, the Switch can be used for percolation brewing, and it can also be used for hybrid recipes where immersion and pour over are combined.
What filters does the Hario Switch use?
The Switch uses V60 paper filters in a size that matches the specific dripper.
Does the Hario Switch come in several sizes?
Yes. Hario produces the Switch in sizes 02 and 03, among others.
Is the Hario Switch good for beginners?
Yes. The simple immersion method requires less precise pouring technique than a classic V60 and is therefore relatively easy to get consistent results with.
Do you need a gooseneck kettle?
Not for a simple immersion recipe. A kettle with a narrow spout becomes particularly relevant if you use the Switch for classic pour over or more advanced hybrid recipes.
