Tiamo 101 Ceramic Filter: Why It Makes Heavier Brews

If your pour-over tastes thin or over-extracted, or you’re not sure why some methods feel faster than others, the shape and hole design of your filter play a big role. Many coffee drinkers wonder why their Kalita Wave or Tiamo 101 brew feels heavier or slower than a V60—and whether that’s good or bad.

The Tiamo 101 ceramic three-hole filter is designed for slower water flow and longer extraction times. Its flat-bottom, three-hole design results in a brew that’s typically thicker and more extracted than a V60, making it better suited for medium-to-dark roasts or coffees with inherent boldness.

What Is the Tiamo 101 Filter?

The Tiamo 101 is a 101ml ceramic pour-over filter with a trapezoidal (flat-bottomed) shape and three small holes arranged in a straight line. Manufactured by Tiamo, a well-known Taiwan-based coffee equipment maker, the filter is made of thick, durable ceramic. It’s marketed as a 1-2 cup size and is officially labeled model HG5490 in red.

This filter belongs to the “small-hole trapezoid” category, distinguishing it from common cone-shaped single-hole filters like the Hario V60 or Tiamo V01. The 101’s straight base and multiple small holes create a fundamentally different flow dynamic compared to cone filters.

How Filter Shape Affects Flow and Extraction

There are two main types of pour-over filters on the market:

• Cone-shaped single-hole filters (e.g., Hario V60, Tiamo V01): These have a triangular filter paper fit and one large hole at the bottom. Water flows through quickly—about three times faster than a Tiamo 101.
• Trapezoidal multi-hole filters (e.g., Kalita 101, Tiamo 101): These use trapezoidal paper and have a flat base with 1–5 small holes. The Tiamo 101 has three holes aligned in a line.

The flow speed difference changes how coffee brews. Under the same conditions (same dose, grind size, water volume, temperature, and pour rate), cone filters produce a faster, lighter-bodied cup with more pronounced acidity and clarity. In contrast, the Tiamo 101’s slower flow leads to longer contact time between water and coffee grounds, resulting in a fuller, more extracted, and often sweeter or thicker cup.

Why Choose a Tiamo 101 Over a V60?

Your choice depends on the coffee you’re brewing and the flavor profile you want:

• Cone filters (like V60) are ideal for bright, acidic coffees such as Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Panamanian Geisha. These beans often have vibrant fruit or floral notes that benefit from a cleaner, quicker extraction.
• Trapezoid filters (like Tiamo 101 or Kalita 101) suit medium-to-dark roasts or naturally low-acid coffees such as Indonesian Mandheling or Guatemalan beans. These profiles often feature deeper sweetness, chocolate, or caramel notes that thrive with extended extraction and a heavier mouthfeel.

The Tiamo 101 encourages a more immersion-like extraction due to its slower drainage. That means you should use a slightly coarser grind than you would for a V60 to avoid over-extraction. The thicker body it produces can complement earthy, spicy, or nutty characteristics in your coffee.

How to Use the Tiamo 101 Properly

To get the best out of your Tiamo 101:

• Grind size: Slightly coarser than V60 (aim for a grind that would work for Kalita Wave or similar flat-bottom brewers).
• Brew ratio: Typical pour-over range (e.g., 1:15 to 1:16), adjusted to taste.
• Water temperature: Around 92–96°C (197–205°F), depending on coffee roast level.
• Pour technique: Use steady, even pours to avoid channeling. The slower drawdown is normal—don’t rush it.
• Dose: Suitable for 8–25g of coffee, ideal for 1–2 cups.

Because of the extended brew time, the Tiamo 101 isn’t ideal if you prefer light, tea-like cups. But if you enjoy a richer, more substantial extraction with a heavier body, it’s a great tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Tiamo 101 different from a V60?

The Tiamo 101 is a flat-bottomed, trapezoidal filter with three small holes, producing slower water flow and longer extraction. The Hario V60 is a cone-shaped filter with one large hole, resulting in faster drainage, brighter flavors, and a lighter body.

Do I need a coarser grind for the Tiamo 101?

Yes. Because the Tiamo 101 extracts more slowly than a V60, you should use a slightly coarser grind size to avoid over-extraction and bitterness. Aim for a grind similar to what you’d use in a Kalita Wave.

What kind of coffee tastes best in a Tiamo 101?

The Tiamo 101 is ideal for medium-to-dark roasts or naturally low-acid coffees, such as Indonesian Mandheling, Brazilian naturals, or Guatemalan beans. These profiles benefit from the fuller body and extended extraction.

How much coffee can I brew with the Tiamo 101?

The Tiamo 101 is designed for 1–2 cups and works best with a coffee dose between 8–25 grams. It’s not suitable for larger batches.

Why does my Tiamo 101 brew take longer than my V60?

The Tiamo 101’s three small holes and flat-bottom design slow down water flow, resulting in a longer brew time. This is normal and contributes to its heavier, more extracted cup profile.

Can I use V60 filters in a Tiamo 101?

No. The Tiamo 101 requires trapezoidal-shaped filters that match its flat-bottom design. V60 filters are cone-shaped and won’t sit properly or function correctly in a Tiamo 101.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Tiamo 101

For the Tiamo 101’s fuller extraction style, try FrontStreet Coffee’s PWN Golden Mandheling, a deep-roasted Indonesian bean with herbal, dark chocolate, and earthy notes. Also consider the Kenya Little Tomato for its bold fruitiness balanced by a heavier body, or the Brazil Queen Manor for its smooth nuttiness and sweet crema. All three suit the Tiamo 101’s slower brew dynamics. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.