What’s HARIO All About?
Let me start by telling you about HARIO. Founded in 1921, this Japanese glassmaker has been crafting beautiful, functional pieces for over a century. If you’re into specialty coffee, you’ve probably heard of their iconic V60 dripper – it’s used in coffee shops worldwide and has basically become the gold standard for pour-over brewing.
In 2019, HARIO dropped something pretty revolutionary: the HARIO Switch dripper. And let me tell you, coffee enthusiasts around the globe are absolutely obsessed with it!
What Makes the HARIO Switch So Special?
The Magic Switch Function
Here’s where it gets cool. The HARIO Switch literally has a switch at the bottom (hence the name), and depending on whether you engage it or not, you can brew coffee in two completely different ways:
- Immersion brewing: Your coffee grounds steep in hot water like a French press
- Pour-over brewing: Works just like a regular dripper with water flowing through
One dripper, two brewing methods. Pretty genius, right?
Beginner-Friendly Like Crazy
Let’s be honest – pour-over coffee can be intimidating. Getting the pouring technique right takes practice, and one bad pour can ruin your morning cup. But with the HARIO Switch? Just add hot water, wait, and press the switch. That’s it. You’ll get consistently great coffee every single time.
If you’ve ever thought “I’m terrible at making coffee,” the HARIO Switch will change your mind.
How Does It Actually Perform?
The Good Stuff
Ridiculously Easy to Use Seriously, anyone can master this thing. As long as you can time your brew, you’ll get the same delicious results every morning. No more hit-or-miss coffee days!
Cleaning is a Breeze Made from glass and silicone with minimal parts, this thing practically cleans itself. A quick rinse and you’re done – no fussy mechanisms to scrub.
Brings Out Amazing Flavors The immersion brewing really lets the coffee grounds do their thing, extracting all those beautiful flavors. But since you’re still using a paper filter, you get clarity without any muddy sediment.
Looks Absolutely Stunning Classic Japanese design at its finest. It’s so elegant, you’ll want to leave it out on your counter just because it looks good.
The Not-So-Great Parts
Size Limitations The standard version makes about 200ml (roughly 7oz), which is perfect for one person but might leave you wanting more. There’s a larger 360ml version available though!
Handle with Care It’s glass, so don’t drop it. Pretty obvious, but worth mentioning.
Price Point It’s definitely pricier than your basic dripper, but considering what you’re getting, it’s actually reasonable.
How It Became a Global Sensation
Here’s the crazy part: In November 2020, James Hoffmann – the 2007 World Barista Champion and probably the most influential coffee YouTuber on the planet – featured the Switch on his channel. This guy has millions of followers who hang on his every word about coffee.
When he said “this is brilliant,” the international coffee community went absolutely wild. Suddenly, everyone wanted to get their hands on this Japanese innovation. Coffee shops from London to Melbourne started stocking the HARIO Switch, and home brewers everywhere were adding them to their wish lists.
What People Are Saying
The reviews speak for themselves:
- “Why didn’t I discover this sooner?!”
- “Japanese engineering at its finest!”
- “My morning coffee routine just got so much better”
- “Bought one for my coffee-loving friend – they were over the moon”
The enthusiasm is real, and it’s global.
How Does It Stack Up Against Other Immersion Brewers?
The Clever Dripper has been the go-to immersion brewer for years, but here’s how the HARIO Switch compares:
- Ease of cleaning: HARIO Switch wins hands down
- Versatility: HARIO Switch does both immersion and pour-over
- Aesthetics: HARIO Switch looks way more sophisticated
- Build quality: Both are solid, but the HARIO Switch feels more premium
Who Should Get One?
Absolutely Perfect For:
- Coffee beginners who want consistent results
- Anyone who values convenience without sacrificing quality
- People who like experimenting with different brewing methods
- Fans of minimalist, well-designed kitchen tools
- Anyone curious about Japanese craftsmanship
Maybe Think Twice If:
- You need to brew large quantities regularly (unless you get the 360ml version)
- You’re on a tight budget
- You’re rough with glassware
Bottom Line: A Modern Classic
I’ll be honest – when I first heard about a “switch dripper,” I was skeptical. How much difference could a little switch really make? But after using it, I’m totally converted. This thing delivers cafe-quality coffee with foolproof consistency.
It represents everything great about Japanese design: elegant simplicity, thoughtful functionality, and meticulous attention to detail. No wonder coffee lovers worldwide are falling head over heels for it.
Yes, it costs more than a basic dripper, but think of it as an investment in better mornings. If you drink coffee regularly, the HARIO Switch will pay for itself in improved taste and brewing satisfaction.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
The HARIO Switch isn’t just a coffee dripper – it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can transform something as simple as making coffee into something genuinely delightful. If you’re serious about your coffee (or want to be), the HARIO Switch deserves a spot on your counter.
Ready to upgrade your coffee game? Get the HARIO Switch here and taste the difference for yourself!
