Introduction:When using a small coffee dose (13 to 15 grams) for pour over, many often face issues such as overly fast water drainage and flat flavors. Japan’s V30 conical dripper, specifically designed for smaller doses, features a 30-degree cone angle and a unique internal channel structure that effectively improves extraction uniformity and enhances body. This article delves into the design principles of the V30, the correct way to fold the filter paper, the ideal roast levels for beans, and through comparative testing with the V60, helps you master the golden extraction parameters and flavor adjustment techniques for small coffee doses.

In everyday pour over brewing, many encounter situations where only a small amount of coffee is available, such as just 13 or 15 grams of beans. In such cases, using standard large-capacity drippers like the V60 can lead to overly thin coffee beds, causing rapid water drainage, under-extraction, and ultimately, a flat and one-dimensional cup. To address this need, Japanese brand Tarachine Conical has introduced the V30 conical pour over dripper, specially crafted for small doses. With its 30-degree cone angle and refined internal structure, it has become an ideal choice for many pour over enthusiasts when brewing smaller amounts.

When it comes to pour over drippers, the Hario V60 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known models, especially in its 01 and 02 sizes. The 02 size, due to its larger capacity, is suitable for brewing 4 to 5 servings, while the 01 is typically recommended for 15 to 20 grams of coffee grounds. However, when using a smaller dose—such as just 13 grams—with the V60 01, the overly thin coffee bed can negatively impact extraction. To solve this issue, the V30 dripper, designed specifically for small doses, was created. Its fine 30-degree cone angle and compact 6 cm diameter, paired with an 11 cm height, provide a more optimal coffee bed thickness and better control over water flow.

The V30 dripper is generally made from transparent resin material, featuring a compact shape reminiscent of a miniature drill bit, which makes it easy to observe the blooming and drainage of the coffee grounds. Compared to the classic V60, the biggest difference of the V30 lies in its 30-degree cone angle and the much smaller bottom filtration hole, which is only about 1.5 cm in diameter (the V60 01 has a 2 cm hole). Internally, it also has two clockwise spiral channels. This design prolongs the path water takes through the coffee bed, thereby improving extraction uniformity and enhancing the body of the final cup.

Regarding filter paper, besides the official dedicated filter papers, you can also use commercially available Hario large-size filters as a substitute. However, if using large-size filters directly, folding them in half may result in uneven thickness—such as one side being single-layered and the other triple-layered—which can affect extraction consistency. To improve this, you can follow this practical filter paper folding method: first align the two radii of the filter paper and fold it in half; then fold the unconnected radius on one side toward the centerline and pinch it lightly to secure, and do the same for the other side; finally, open along the fold lines and place the filter paper aligned with the V30’s 30-degree cone angle into the dripper.

For the actual test, the team first selected a Kenyan AA Sasia coffee bean with prominent acidity. The dose was set at 13 grams, with a brew ratio of 1:15, water temperature at 92°C, and a three-pour method (25g → 75g → 95g). The grind size was set to EK43s setting 10 (approximately 80% extraction through a #20 sieve). During brewing, due to the thicker coffee bed in the V30, the initial water flow was relatively slow, and even showed slight blockage towards the end, resulting in a total brew time of 2 minutes and 23 seconds. In terms of flavor, the acidity was pronounced, with notes of berries and black tea, but the overall aroma was somewhat muted, and the body felt average. This was likely due to excessive soaking towards the end.

Next, they used a medium-dark roasted Jamaican Blue Mountain No.1 coffee bean, again using a 13-gram dose, with a brew ratio of 1:15 and the water temperature slightly reduced to 88°C. The grind size was adjusted to EK43s setting 10.5 (approximately 75% extraction through a #20 sieve). This brew process went noticeably smoother, completing in about 2 minutes in total, with an even distribution of the coffee bed. In terms of flavor, compared to the commonly used KONO dripper, the V30 produced a smoother and gentler cup, although slightly less rich in body, with distinct dark chocolate notes, a clear sweet aftertaste, and a full expression of the characteristics expected from a medium-dark roast.

To further validate the results, the team also selected three medium-roasted beans, including Colombian Gesha, Guatemalan New Oriental Geisha, and Honduran Lishan. Again using a 13-gram dose, they compared the V30 with the small-sized V60. The results showed that the total brew times for the three V30 brews ranged between 2 minutes and 2 minutes 10 seconds, while the V60 completed in about 1 minute 50 seconds. Observing the bottom of the drippers, the coffee bed indentation formed in the V30 was noticeably deeper. Overall, the V30 demonstrated greater flavor complexity and a richer mouthfeel than the V60, showing that under small-dose conditions, the V30 can deliver a more nuanced extraction.

Based on multiple tests, it can be concluded that with the same coffee dose, the V30 forms a thicker coffee bed and has a slower water drainage rate. When the pouring flow is too strong, the coffee bed can quickly rise, increasing immersion extraction. Additionally, its internal spiral channel design aids in releasing gases from the coffee bed and extends contact time between water and grounds, effectively enhancing flavor concentration and overall mouthfeel richness. Therefore, the V30 is particularly suitable for medium to darker roasted beans in the 13 to 15 gram range, highlighting rounded acidity, caramel sweetness, dried fruits, apricot notes, and subtle fermented wine-like aromas.

When using the V30 for small-dose pour over, it is recommended to keep the dose between 8 and 15 grams—too little may cause an unstable coffee bed, while too much may affect flow rate and extraction balance. At the same time, it is advisable to use a small stream of water and pour in slow, circular motions in sections. This helps maintain a stable extraction rhythm, avoids splashing due to high liquid levels, and better brings out the delicate flavors of the coffee.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.