Brewing the Perfect Cup with the Hario Switch

The Hario Immersion Dripper Switch is a remarkable tool for any coffee aficionado looking to elevate their home brewing experience. Crafted with precision in Japan, this device combines the best of immersion and pour-over brewing methods to give you control over the extraction process and, consequently, over the flavor profile of your coffee.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you brew the perfect cup every time.

What you’ll need

• Hario Switch
• Jug/recipient/server
• Paper filter
• Freshly ground coffee
• Hot water

I use Cafec paper filters for the V60 and Switch. They produce better results than Hario’s filters. But if they’re not available in your area, then Hario’s V60 filters (size 02 is the most commonly used) will work fine as well. They sell two variants, natural and bleached. Most people prefer the bleached ones as they have a more neutral and less papery taste. But it’s worth trying both and seeing what you like best.

As for grinding the coffee, I use a 1Zpresso K-Max grinder which makes child’s play out of grinding beans for 1 or 2 cups. The grind size I use for the Hario Switch is 6.5, with slight variations up or down depending on experiments with each batch of coffee I’m trying out.

If you’re regularly grinding beans for the whole family then you might want to invest in a quality electric grinder like the Niche Zero or the Fellow Ode. If you want a budget pick I’d recommend the Baratza Encore which does a good job, especially if you won’t need to grind beans for an espresso machine, in which case I’d strongly recommend the other picks.

An essential trick is to spray the beans with water before putting them through the grinder (whether it’s manual or electric doesn’t matter here). It will almost completely eliminate any static and thus prevent the ground coffee beans from sticking to the insides of the grinder or the recipient. Seriously, if you’re having that problem, try this hack, it’s a game-changer. I am using a Muji 50ml spray bottle for this purpose.

Ok, Ensure all parts are clean and ready to use. Let’s get cracking.

Step 1: Prepare Your Dripper

Place a paper filter into the dripper. Pre-fold the crimped edge and fit it snugly against the walls. Make sure the switch is in the open position. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and warm the server. Dispose of the rinsing water before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Add Coffee, Bloom and Brew

1. First Pour (50% of Water):
   • Add your ground coffee to the brewer and tare the scale.
   • Start the timer and pour 50% of your total water amount (160ml of water).
   • Keep the switch open during this pour.
   • Start pouring in the center and circle towards the outer edge before circling back to the center. This pour extracts brightness and fruitiness.
2. Second Pour (Remaining 50% of Water):
   • At 45 seconds, close the switch to stop the flow.
   • Pour the remaining 50% of water, following the same circular motion to ensure all grounds are agitated and fully involved in the brewing process.
   • Allow the coffee to steep for a total of 2 minutes.
3. Open the Valve and Draw Down:
   • After the steep time, press the switch again to open the valve, allowing the coffee to draw down. The drawdown should take 30 seconds to a minute, depending on the batch size. Observe the coffee stream; it should be steady and even. If the coffee drips too quickly, consider a finer grind next time. If it drips too slow, go coarser.

Notes on Ratio and Adjustments:

• A 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio is a good starting point, especially for entry-level grinders.
• Adjust the ratio based on your grinder quality: 1:16 or 1:17 if you have a more advanced grinder.
• The recipe is flexible; adjust the grind size and ratios to fit your taste and bean type.

Final Cup Profile:

• This method results in a cup that combines the acidity and sparkling flavors typical of pour-over, with the fuller body that comes from immersion brewing, making it an excellent everyday brew.

Alternative Method:

Pour 240ml of hot water (ideally at about 93°C/200°F) over the coffee grounds to fully saturate them. Start your timer. After pouring, give the coffee a gentle stir to ensure all grounds are wet. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds. This step is crucial as it allows the coffee to de-gas, leading to a better extraction. After the bloom, pour in the remaining water and place the switch in the closed position. Let the coffee steep for an additional 1.5 to 2 minutes, depending on your taste preference.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Brew:

• Always use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing.
• Adjust the brewing time to suit your taste. Longer brews extract more, leading to a stronger flavor, while shorter brews yield a lighter cup.
• Maintain consistent water temperature throughout the brewing process.
• Experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios to find your ideal strength.
• Remember, making coffee is an art form. Each step in the process can be tweaked to create a cup that’s perfect for you. The Hario Immersion Dripper Switch is your canvas, and with practice, you’ll be painting flavor masterpieces in no time.

A Note on Cleaning

All parts of the Switch can be removed for cleaning. They are heat resistant (Switch 100ºC, Server 120ºC, Silicone base 180ºC and Bowl 120ºC).