The "switch" I had ordered arrived yesterday. I spent a considerable amount of time searching/watching videos and hoping to see if the thing came apart easily along with how to best prepare the coffee. All videos were mediocre UNTIL I found you this morning and just made the BEST coffee ever! Thank you!!! - LJ 👍
I just got a switch and was using it this morning to try James Hoffmanns new v60 (pulsing) recipe. I tried 2 different grind sized to compare taste, on the last one I forgot to open tot switch during the bloom, I opened it around 1:10 and continued as per the pulsing method, it actually turned out better than the regular receipe. The switch definitely opens up a lot of potential for being creative and trying some hybrid stuff…. I like it!
You can actually get a larger cup of coffee using it purely as an immersion brewer. The glass on the switch and the glass v60 03 are interchangeable. I also have been doing a half and half method where I use it as immersion and after 2 minutes I hit the switch and pour another 150-250 G in as it is draining depending on the amount of coffee. This works really well as well if you don't want a pure pour over.
@Filipe Borges Actually I haven't yet - Mostly making coffee for one these days. If you will be brewing for 2 or more quite often, I'd imagine its a good idea.
@Filipe Borges Hi, I have both. The good things about #3 is that you can brew more in one go. And there are two negative things with #3. One being that #3 filter paper is huge, so if you are good at tasting, you need to wash the filter paper more carefully before you start the brew. Another downside for #3 is that you can't use it to do pour over anymore, because you are pouring so far away from the coffee bed.
Clever Dripper has a nice handle so it’s not exactly difficult to lift it on and off the carafe. Also it uses standard Melitta No. 4 filters which can be found in any supermarket for as little as 1 cent each.
The Hario Switch is similar to the Aeropress in developing a flavorful cup of coffee except for the pressure capability of the Aeropress. An espresso machine can be used for both espresso and coffee grounds. An espresso machine develops a tasteful cup of coffeee by using a specific temperature range and pressure of water driven through the grinds.. The Hario Switch is a simpler than the Aeropress - too many parts and function. However, they both allow the coffee blended water to steep, time to withdraw the flavor. Two minutes or more is sufficient for steeping, utterly simple to obtain and clean up is as simple as removing the paper filter with grounds to the garbage pail or for mulching and rinsing the Hario.
Good review, really liked the video. I would've liked to see your brewing technique for the later mentioned method of using it as a percolation brewer.
Excellent review!!! I just received the Switch in 02 and 03 sizes. My goal is to single brew 12oz into a mug. I think the 03 size is large enough to do the job. I don't have any pour over experience, having only used automatic drip brewers. I plan to experiment with the Switch as immersion brewer and also strictly open as a normal V60 to see if I can get a better cup for my taste preferences than my drip brewer. Thanks
If you want several cups of coffee, buy a large French press and follow the James Hoffmann French press brewing technique. Then, pour it through an AeroPress to remove any fines in the final batch. If you follow Hoffmann's technique, this can't fail to deliver delicious coffee.
I have a Switch. I use my v60 more frequently, mainly as I prefer making 500ml at a time. I do like the Switch, though. I am experimenting with recipes for it, and haven't yet settled on one.
some markets sell an 03 size switch, so you can use for 500ml. Or, you can buy the glass 03 size V60, and it fits the rubber from the 02 switch. No compromises!
If by sharp you mean astringent or bitter, I'd say look to really speeding up the draw down. At this point, I use lily drip or mesh filter pretty much every time.
great review, I'm a clever devotee (use it immersion only), but considering the switch to switch. like the glass. looking at the bottom of it, looks like it may not work well to brew directly into one's chosen mug. Mine is 100 percent the ember 16 ounce overpriced self heating. don't want the extra step of a "pot" Hmmmm
This has helped me to decide to take a pass on the Switch. I need to make more coffee than what the Switch seems to be able to pull off. Will stick with my V60, french press, and moka pot. Are you planning on doing any reviews of drip coffee machines? I'm in the market for one.
I do want to review Krups vs Saeco Superautomatics, but I dont plan to compare regular drip machines. I'd suggest checking out James Hoffman's vid about the Breville Precision Brewer.
Did the water first method work for the Hario Switch like it did for the Clever Dripper? I don't know if you said it sped up the draw down like it does with the Clever. I think you just showed yourself stirring it in the Hario Switch.
Water first did pour through a bit faster. I was stirring to make sure all of the grinds get wet instead of floating. I hardly bother with that method anymore - I got something called the lilydrip, which alters the shape of the cone and changes the drawdown.
@@_imhco mine finally came in, and my best brew came when based on the 2018 WBC champion recipe which was done with the Gina dripper. The Hario Switch works similarly.
@@RealBonk I found: 17gr Coarse, 50gr @ 80'C (45s) Immersion + 100gr @ 95'C (60s) Drip + 70gr @ 80'C (45s) Immersion, stop the drop at 2.55- Will try it next time I can get 2 temp controlled kettles!
@@_imhco yep that's the one! I personally use one standard gooseneck kettle with a digital thermometer stuck in it for the 95C pour (dropping to ~95C doesn't take terribly long) and a temp control one for the 80C pours. You could absolutely use a small analog meat thermometer for the 95C kettle too! I use the Thermoworks RT301WA pocket thermometer because they fit the vent holes in Hario kettles.
@@_imhco I have the Lilydrip, but haven't used it yet. I also have the Switch. Which ceramic style are you using? Maybe you could do a video on the Lilydrip sometime.
Is it not possible to buy the base on it's own ? I have both the 02 and 03 glass cones as well as the copper dripper and I really don't need another dripper.
@@_imhco Thank you so much. Do you know if I can fit older glass V60 onto the base. Then I could buy the smaller size and fit the larger size on it when I want to brew more or do a complete immersion and release for myselt.
Aeropress is definitely more flexible, but if you want to explore the world of pour overs, the switch is a good option! James Hoffman put out a new video comparing 6 different pour over brewers, worth checking that out as well!
@@f1ctionsd If you use the switch as an immersion brewer, you wont really get anything NEW compared to Aeropress - it might save you some time, and open up the world of pour over flavours for you when you use it that way - but both aeropress and switch will tend to give you the immersion flavour - rich, fully extracted, dominant notes of the bean.
Thanks for the video! Curious how does Knock Aergrind grinder work for this brew method? What’s your grind setting on the dial? I know it depends on coffee, etc .. but curious what the ballpark is? Thanks
To get a reasonable draw down, I think you have to do 3 full turns (ie, assuming at 12 it is closed, do 3 turns to be at 12) - and from there, i play between 2 and 5. Overall the Knock is OK but i find if you're not occasionally resetting to 12=closed, your grind will drift without even changing the setting
If you are paying for good specialty coffee don't listen to this guy. Preheat your Switch the best you can and then use boiling water. If you don't believe me just go ahead and test if for yourself.
Can only watch so much of the Hoff. The point gets lost on me. Had one of the best cups at Hatch and asked for the recipe. Was told it was done with a Switch. Of course because of the Hoffs vid there are none to be had in North America so ordered one from Japan. Should be here this week. I use a V60 and an Origami, always looking for the bright, fruity, acidity type flavors. Will see what the switch can do for me.
Yes I waited quite some time for "authorized distributors" to get it back in stock but ultimately it was eBay FTW. Next time I'm at Hatch I hope to get their opinion on sealing the bloom during a pour over.
i dont understand this.... complex expensive device for what? so lets say you probably have a normal drip coffee maker so... put your grounds in the coffee pot.pour in your kettle water to soak the grounds then wait how ever long and then pour that through your v60 or just any other filter?
I made the mistake of taking it apart to clean it after I made some coffee. Upon reassembling it the water goes straight through it no matter what position the switch is in. Is there a video showing how to re-assemble it?
sometimes when i take it apart the steel ball get stuck in the rubber, part way down from the top. Knock it fully in, so that the ball is free to roll around. The seal comes from the ball seating itself in the small opening in the rubber.
The "switch" I had ordered arrived yesterday. I spent a considerable amount of time searching/watching videos and hoping to see if the thing came apart easily along with how to best prepare the coffee. All videos were mediocre UNTIL I found you this morning and just made the BEST coffee ever! Thank you!!! - LJ 👍
I just got a switch and was using it this morning to try James Hoffmanns new v60 (pulsing) recipe. I tried 2 different grind sized to compare taste, on the last one I forgot to open tot switch during the bloom, I opened it around 1:10 and continued as per the pulsing method, it actually turned out better than the regular receipe. The switch definitely opens up a lot of potential for being creative and trying some hybrid stuff…. I like it!
You can actually get a larger cup of coffee using it purely as an immersion brewer. The glass on the switch and the glass v60 03 are interchangeable. I also have been doing a half and half method where I use it as immersion and after 2 minutes I hit the switch and pour another 150-250 G in as it is draining depending on the amount of coffee. This works really well as well if you don't want a pure pour over.
Very interesting! Definitely trying this.
@Filipe Borges Actually I haven't yet - Mostly making coffee for one these days. If you will be brewing for 2 or more quite often, I'd imagine its a good idea.
@Filipe Borges Hi, I have both. The good things about #3 is that you can brew more in one go. And there are two negative things with #3. One being that #3 filter paper is huge, so if you are good at tasting, you need to wash the filter paper more carefully before you start the brew. Another downside for #3 is that you can't use it to do pour over anymore, because you are pouring so far away from the coffee bed.
just purchased the switch about 10 minutes ago. been waiting for it to be back in stock for over 1 month, excited to start brewing great coffee!
That's great - it's so versatile, you'll be pleased with it. I picked up the "lily drip" - that's my next area for experimentation.
The best way to make coffee for me!🙌🏾
Interesting review, especially about temperature.
James is amazing just ordered my switch from Hario 😻
Clever Dripper has a nice handle so it’s not exactly difficult to lift it on and off the carafe. Also it uses standard Melitta No. 4 filters which can be found in any supermarket for as little as 1 cent each.
The Hario Switch is similar to the Aeropress in developing a flavorful cup of coffee except for the pressure capability of the Aeropress. An espresso machine can be used for both espresso and coffee grounds. An espresso machine develops a tasteful cup of coffeee by using a specific temperature range and pressure of water driven through the grinds.. The Hario Switch is a simpler than the Aeropress - too many parts and function. However, they both allow the coffee blended water to steep, time to withdraw the flavor. Two minutes or more is sufficient for steeping, utterly simple to obtain and clean up is as simple as removing the paper filter with grounds to the garbage pail or for mulching and rinsing the Hario.
Good review, really liked the video.
I would've liked to see your brewing technique for the later mentioned method of using it as a percolation brewer.
Thank you! I hope to get back to filming this summer!
Excellent review!!! I just received the Switch in 02 and 03 sizes. My goal is to single brew 12oz into a mug. I think the 03 size is large enough to do the job. I don't have any pour over experience, having only used automatic drip brewers. I plan to experiment with the Switch as immersion brewer and also strictly open as a normal V60 to see if I can get a better cup for my taste preferences than my drip brewer. Thanks
Hi there, do you know what's the max water capacity for 03?
If you want several cups of coffee, buy a large French press and follow the James Hoffmann French press brewing technique. Then, pour it through an AeroPress to remove any fines in the final batch. If you follow Hoffmann's technique, this can't fail to deliver delicious coffee.
Would you look at that…a Hario spin on the clever dripper!
Had I only known before since I prefer v60 style filters compared to Melitta ones…
I have a Switch. I use my v60 more frequently, mainly as I prefer making 500ml at a time. I do like the Switch, though. I am experimenting with recipes for it, and haven't yet settled on one.
some markets sell an 03 size switch, so you can use for 500ml. Or, you can buy the glass 03 size V60, and it fits the rubber from the 02 switch. No compromises!
@@thefuturetom Then you should just buy the size 03 Switch.
@@TheBradleyd1146 the size 03 switch didn't exist in my country at the time of my comment
Great review…probably the most informative take on the Switch I’ve read and that includes Hoffman’s (blasphemy I know) 😂
Thank you!
Yeah this hario switch tend to make sharper taste. Lower temp water seems kinda help
If by sharp you mean astringent or bitter, I'd say look to really speeding up the draw down. At this point, I use lily drip or mesh filter pretty much every time.
great review, I'm a clever devotee (use it immersion only), but considering the switch to switch. like the glass. looking at the bottom of it, looks like it may not work well to brew directly into one's chosen mug. Mine is 100 percent the ember 16 ounce overpriced self heating. don't want the extra step of a "pot" Hmmmm
Yup I almost always go directly into the mug and just give it a stir afterwards, but not all of my usual mugs can accomodate
This has helped me to decide to take a pass on the Switch. I need to make more coffee than what the Switch seems to be able to pull off. Will stick with my V60, french press, and moka pot. Are you planning on doing any reviews of drip coffee machines? I'm in the market for one.
I do want to review Krups vs Saeco Superautomatics, but I dont plan to compare regular drip machines. I'd suggest checking out James Hoffman's vid about the Breville Precision Brewer.
@@_imhco Already watched it. Unfortunately, I live in SE Asia and the Breville/Sage Precision Brewer is ridiculously overpriced here.
Did the water first method work for the Hario Switch like it did for the Clever Dripper? I don't know if you said it sped up the draw down like it does with the Clever. I think you just showed yourself stirring it in the Hario Switch.
Water first did pour through a bit faster. I was stirring to make sure all of the grinds get wet instead of floating. I hardly bother with that method anymore - I got something called the lilydrip, which alters the shape of the cone and changes the drawdown.
@@_imhco mine finally came in, and my best brew came when based on the 2018 WBC champion recipe which was done with the Gina dripper. The Hario Switch works similarly.
@@RealBonk I found: 17gr Coarse, 50gr @ 80'C (45s) Immersion + 100gr @ 95'C (60s) Drip + 70gr @ 80'C (45s) Immersion, stop the drop at 2.55- Will try it next time I can get 2 temp controlled kettles!
@@_imhco yep that's the one! I personally use one standard gooseneck kettle with a digital thermometer stuck in it for the 95C pour (dropping to ~95C doesn't take terribly long) and a temp control one for the 80C pours.
You could absolutely use a small analog meat thermometer for the 95C kettle too! I use the Thermoworks RT301WA pocket thermometer because they fit the vent holes in Hario kettles.
@@_imhco I have the Lilydrip, but haven't used it yet. I also have the Switch. Which ceramic style are you using? Maybe you could do a video on the Lilydrip sometime.
Is it not possible to buy the base on it's own ? I have both the 02 and 03 glass cones as well as the copper dripper and I really don't need another dripper.
I can't find it on its own anywhere!
@@_imhco Thank you so much. Do you know if I can fit older glass V60 onto the base. Then I could buy the smaller size and fit the larger size on it when I want to brew more or do a complete immersion and release for myselt.
@@klarinetta On a similar question, somebody shared this video: th-cam.com/video/u8mk4hSLxx0/w-d-xo.html - In short, it looks like you can.
If I have aeropress should I get hario switch?
Aeropress is definitely more flexible, but if you want to explore the world of pour overs, the switch is a good option! James Hoffman put out a new video comparing 6 different pour over brewers, worth checking that out as well!
@@_imhco thank you! I'm not a coffee geek, so with the Switch I will get more flavours that I can't get with aeropress? Pour over is worth buying?
@@f1ctionsd If you use the switch as an immersion brewer, you wont really get anything NEW compared to Aeropress - it might save you some time, and open up the world of pour over flavours for you when you use it that way - but both aeropress and switch will tend to give you the immersion flavour - rich, fully extracted, dominant notes of the bean.
Thanks for the video! Curious how does Knock Aergrind grinder work for this brew method? What’s your grind setting on the dial? I know it depends on coffee, etc .. but curious what the ballpark is? Thanks
To get a reasonable draw down, I think you have to do 3 full turns (ie, assuming at 12 it is closed, do 3 turns to be at 12) - and from there, i play between 2 and 5. Overall the Knock is OK but i find if you're not occasionally resetting to 12=closed, your grind will drift without even changing the setting
@@_imhco thanks so much!
If you are paying for good specialty coffee don't listen to this guy. Preheat your Switch the best you can and then use boiling water. If you don't believe me just go ahead and test if for yourself.
Can only watch so much of the Hoff. The point gets lost on me. Had one of the best cups at Hatch and asked for the recipe. Was told it was done with a Switch. Of course because of the Hoffs vid there are none to be had in North America so ordered one from Japan. Should be here this week. I use a V60 and an Origami, always looking for the bright, fruity, acidity type flavors. Will see what the switch can do for me.
Yes I waited quite some time for "authorized distributors" to get it back in stock but ultimately it was eBay FTW. Next time I'm at Hatch I hope to get their opinion on sealing the bloom during a pour over.
Just ordered off of Hario USA site last week, will be here tomorrow. Can't wait to try!
i dont understand this.... complex expensive device for what? so lets say you probably have a normal drip coffee maker so... put your grounds in the coffee pot.pour in your kettle water to soak the grounds then wait how ever long and then pour that through your v60 or just any other filter?
I made the mistake of taking it apart to clean it after I made some coffee. Upon reassembling it the water goes straight through it no matter what position the switch is in. Is there a video showing how to re-assemble it?
sometimes when i take it apart the steel ball get stuck in the rubber, part way down from the top. Knock it fully in, so that the ball is free to roll around. The seal comes from the ball seating itself in the small opening in the rubber.