Ceramic, glass, plastic or metal: which V60 to buy

The V60 comes in four materials, and the shape is the same in every one: the same 60-degree cone, the same spiral rib, the same single large hole.

The difference is exactly one thing - how the material holds heat. During the brew the cone takes warmth out of the water, and how much it takes changes the extraction.

Plastic

Holds temperature best, because it barely takes any. You can skip preheating and still get a consistent result.

Cheap, light and unbreakable, which makes it the best one to travel with. The downside: it scratches over time and stains with coffee.

For: beginners, travel, and anyone who wants a predictable cup at home without a ritual.

Ceramic

Heavy, handsome, and once warmed it holds temperature very steadily. But you must preheat it: a cold ceramic cone pulls heat out of the water and the coffee comes out sour.

The downside: heavy, and it breaks if you drop it.

For: people brewing at home every day who are already in the habit of preheating.

Glass

Close to ceramic, but you can see what is happening inside - genuinely useful while you are learning. It needs preheating too.

The downside: the most fragile of the four.

For: people who like watching the brew, and for a bar where it is on show.

Metal

Durable and good-looking, but it sheds heat quickly. In a cool room that is a real difference, so preheat it properly.

For: anyone tired of breaking things.

01 or 02?

The 01 makes one cup. The 02 makes one and a half to two, and it also brews a single cup perfectly well - so if you are buying one, buy the 02.

What we use

On the bar, plastic: it stays consistent all day and survives being knocked off the counter. At home most of us have ceramic, because it is nicer to look at and we are boiling the kettle first anyway.

All four make good coffee. Just remember to preheat everything except the plastic one.