Hario Mugen vs Original V60: Shocking Results

It Smells Better Than It Tastes — a quiet coffee newsletter where I share what I'm learning about coffee, curiosity, and daily rituals. This channel is an extension of that space: https://www.itsmellsbetterthanittaste.com/ Everyday Beans is about finding joy in coffee: one cup at a time. I’m an engineer turned roaster, a self-proclaimed mad scientist behind the brewer, and someone endlessly curious about coffee: and life. I share my wins, misses, and discoveries so you can explore your own journey through coffee. After two months with the Hario V60 Mugen, I'm giving you the honest truth: you probably don't need this brewer. I put the Mugen head-to-head against the original V60 and Origami dripper, testing extraction rates, flow rates, and different brewing techniques. The results? Your regular V60 can do everything the Mugen does. I tested one-pour methods, multiple-pour techniques, and experimented with grind sizes across all three brewers. While the Mugen did push me creatively and helped me explore brewing differently, the reality is it doesn't offer enough advantage to justify the purchase if you already own a V60. The biggest lesson here isn't about the gear—it's about trusting yourself, experimenting with what you already have, and finding your own brewing style. Key Insights: Side-by-side extraction comparison: Mugen vs V60 vs Origami with identical variables Why the ridgeless design doesn't create the revolutionary difference Hario claims How to achieve similar results with your existing V60 using grind adjustments The one-pour method technique that works on any V60 Why coffee gear minimalism matters more than the latest equipment hype Ready to level up your brewing? Drop a comment sharing what dripper you're currently using and whether you've been tempted by the Mugen. Let's talk about trusting our palates over following gear trends—because that's where the real coffee journey begins. Your Turn: What brewing experiment are you going to try this week with the equipment you already own? Timestamps: