French press vs. V60
Full-immersion versus percolation: how French press and V60 differ in body, clarity and hands-on control.
| Aspect | French press | V60 (pour-over) |
|---|---|---|
| Method family | Immersion | Percolation |
| Filtration | Metal mesh — retains oils and some fine sediment | Paper filter — removes oils and fine particles for a cleaner cup |
| Typical body | Fuller, heavier body | Lighter, cleaner body |
| Hands-on involvement | Low — steep and plunge | Higher — pour technique affects the result |
| Skill level | Beginner | Intermediate |
Which should you choose?
Neither is objectively better: French press suits a fuller-bodied, low-effort cup, while V60 rewards technique with a cleaner, brighter result. The choice depends on the texture you prefer and how much hands-on control you want, not on one method being more advanced.