Hario V60 vs Kalita: Which is a Good Pour-Over?

Looks like we are diving into a deep analysis of pour-over coffee makers today. Both Hario V60 and Kalita Wave have huge fandoms in the world of specialty coffee. The Hario V60 is popular for its aesthetic appeal and features a ribbed spiral pattern.

On the other hand, the Kalita Wave hardly has any competition when it comes to home brewing. Something that we’ll focus on is how they perform and what you will get for your money.

Both produce excellent results, but there are a few factors that will help you decide which is best for you.

What is Hario V60?

The Hario V60 coffee maker is a manual pour-over brewing device that is making its way into the coffee enthusiast’s heart given its simplicity and ability to produce a clean and flavorful cup of coffee.

The design of the Hario V60 incorporates a conical, V-shaped dripper made of ceramic, glass, or plastic which rests on top of a coffee mug or carafe. There are spiral ridges on the inside and a large opening at the bottom of this dripper.

The origin of this elegant coffee maker goes back to the Japanese company Hario, which was founded in 1921. For decades, Hario has been a leading manufacturer of heat-resistant glassware. The name "Hario" derives from the Japanese phrase ‘King of Glass’.

The V60 coffee maker was introduced by Hario in 2005. The "V" in V60 stands for its unique V-shape and 60-degree angle of the cone. This design aimed to optimize the coffee extraction process, ensuring a consistently good cup of coffee.

Now, the V60 did gain popularity among coffee enthusiasts and professionals worldwide, but is it the coffee maker that you need? Let’s find out.

Pros

One of the key strengths of Hario V60 is precision brewing, granting you full control over the entire process. By fine-tuning factors like water temperature, grind size, and pouring technique, you can craft a cup of coffee perfectly suited to your taste buds.

Moreover, the V60's ingenious design, featuring spiral ridges and a large opening, facilitates optimal water flow for a thorough and even extraction of coffee grounds. The result? A clean, flavorful coffee with exceptional clarity and minimal bitterness.

Aside from its remarkable brewing capabilities, the Hario V60 also offers practical advantages. If you have a busy lifestyle or limited kitchen space, the V60's compact and lightweight design is a blessing.

It effortlessly fits into your travel gear, allowing you to indulge in your favorite brews wherever you go. And the best part? Despite its impressive performance, the Hario V60 comes at an affordable price point.

Cons

While the Hario V60 coffee maker offers many benefits, it's essential to be aware of some potential drawbacks before diving in.

Firstly, its manual brewing process might not suit everyone's lifestyle. While some enjoy the meditative and hands-on experience, others may find it time-consuming or inconvenient, especially during busy mornings.

If you prefer a more automated coffee-making experience, an electric coffee maker might be a better fit for your daily routine.

Additionally, mastering the art of pour-over brewing with the Hario V60 may require a bit of patience and practice. Don't be disheartened if your initial attempts don't yield the desired results.

There's a learning curve involved, and adjusting your technique over time will lead to that perfect cup you're craving. Another consideration is that the Hario V60 is typically designed for single-cup brewing. If you often make coffee for multiple people, this single-serve nature may not be the most convenient option.

What is Kalita Wave?

It’s time to take a look at the Kalita Wave coffee maker, a brewing device that'll add some drama to your coffee-making experience. The Kalita Wave made its debut in the specialty coffee scene during the early 2010s and is known for its sleek and stylish design. However, it's not just about looks; it brews a good cup of joe too!  

It's a pour-over coffee maker, and what sets it apart is the flat-bottomed dripper and the unique three-hole design. This combination promotes an even and consistent extraction of flavors from your coffee grounds, resulting in a smooth cup.

The design of the Kalita Wave was inspired by the flat-bottomed brewing devices used by Melitta Bentz, the inventor of the first paper coffee filter.

To brew some delicious coffee in the Kalita Wave, place a paper or metal filter in the dripper, give it a quick rinse to remove any paper taste, and preheat your brewing vessel.

Then, grind your fresh coffee beans to a medium consistency. Pop the coffee grounds into the dripper, and you're all set to brew. Pour hot water over the grounds in a slow, steady, and circular motion.

The three holes in the dripper ensure even water distribution, allowing all the coffee grounds to soak. This beautifully brings out the desired flavors, making this coffee maker a favorite among both coffee newbies and seasoned enthusiasts.

Pros

The Kalita Wave's flat-bottomed dripper and three-hole design work hand in hand to create a smooth extraction. This means that you get a perfectly-flavored cup of coffee every single time. Another great perk is its user-friendliness.

Even if you’re new to pour-over brewing, you can get great coffee as the brewing process is a breeze. Just put in a paper or metal filter, add your freshly ground coffee, and pour hot water with a steady hand. The three holes in the dripper ensure the water flows evenly and that’s all we want.

Cons

The filters. Yes, you read that right. Wave-shaped filters are used in the Kalita Wave, which is why the dripper has the name Kalita Wave. Designed to prevent brew beds from touching dripper sides, these filters are designed to help retain heat.

Now, it is not that easy to find these filters as fewer brands manufacture them. Also, these filters are expensive and increase your coffee-making budget.

Another consideration is its capacity. The Kalita Wave is primarily designed for single-cup brewing, which might not be suitable for households or gatherings where multiple servings are needed.

Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave

The main difference between the Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave is that the V60 has one big hole that all the water has to go through, whereas the Kalita Wave has three smaller holes that restrict the flow rate.

Also, the Hario V60 has a cone-shaped design which is better for faster extraction and produces a clean cup with bright flavors. On the other hand, the Kalita Wave has a flat-bottomed design that offers more consistent extraction and yields a well-balanced cup.

Additionally, the V60 is used with cone-shaped paper while the Kalita Wave uses cupcake-style brew papers.

1) Ease of using

Hario V60 demands careful control of the pour rate and water flow to achieve an even extraction. This might make it a bit challenging for beginners or those who prefer a more straightforward brewing method.

On the other hand, the Kalita Wave is generally considered more user-friendly, especially for newcomers to pour-over brewing. It's flat-bottomed dripper and three-hole design allow for a more forgiving brewing process, making it easier to achieve consistent results even with less experience.

2) Flavor profile

When it comes to the flavor profile, the Hario V60 is known for producing a cleaner and more delicate cup of coffee. Its design promotes a faster flow rate, resulting in a lighter-bodied brew with more pronounced acidity and floral or fruity notes.

On the contrary, the Kalita Wave is designed to provide a more balanced and nuanced flavor profile.

3) Brewing process

If we talk about the brewing process, it takes practice to master the Hario V60's pouring process, whereas the Kalita Wave has a three-hole design and flat-bottomed dripper that makes pouring easier.

4) Flexibility of experimentations

The Hario V60 offers more room for coffee enthusiasts to experiment with brewing variables like water temperature, grind size, and pouring technique. It allows for customization as per taste, but it requires more attention to detail.

The Kalita Wave is a great option for those seeking a more consistent and approachable brewing method with conventional-tasting coffee.

5) Design and material

The V60 has a conical shape with a single large hole at the bottom and spiral ridges along the inner walls. It is usually made of glass, ceramic, plastic, or metal.

The Kalita Wave has a flat-bottom design with three small holes at the bottom and a unique wave-shaped filter. It is often made of stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.

6) Durability and portability

V60 coffee makers are made up of glass or ceramic which makes them delicate. So they may not be the best option for travel or outdoor use due to their fragility.

On the other hand, Kalita Wave is made up of stainless steel, is more durable, and is suitable for travel or outdoor brewing adventures.

Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave: Which is a good pour-over coffee maker?

When it comes to choosing between the Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave coffee makers, both have their unique strengths, catering to different scenarios and preferences:

For coffee enthusiasts who love delving into the world of manual brewing and enjoy experimenting, the Hario V60 is an ideal choice. Its versatility allows you to adjust brewing variables such as water temperature, grind size, and pouring technique.

This level of customization is perfect for those seeking the perfect cup and exploring various flavor profiles. If you prefer a lighter-bodied coffee with pronounced acidity and distinct floral or fruity notes, the Hario V60's faster flow rate and unique design can help you achieve precisely that.

On the other hand, if you're new to pour-over brewing or prefer a more straightforward and user-friendly experience, the Kalita Wave is a fantastic option. Its three-hole design and flat-bottomed dripper make it easier for beginners to achieve consistent results without the need for a precise pouring technique.

If you appreciate a well-rounded and smoother cup of coffee with milder acidity, the Kalita Wave's controlled water flow will provide a balanced flavor profile that's sure to please your taste buds.

Wrapping up

That’s all we got and now, it’s time to weigh your options. We hope the differences mentioned above will help you get clarity on the benefits and drawbacks of each pour-over coffee maker and lead you to a suitable purchase decision.

The choice between the two ultimately depends on your brewing preferences and experience level. Both the Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave are fantastic tools for exploring the delightful world of pour-over coffee brewing.

FAQs

1) Why is Hario V60 so popular?

Its precision brewing capabilities are what make this pour-over coffee maker popular. It allows users to control factors like water temperature and pouring technique, resulting in a clean and customized cup of coffee.

2) Can you use a regular filter with a Kalita wave?

You can use a regular paper filter with the Kalita Wave. However, it's recommended to use the specifically designed Kalita Wave filters for optimal brewing.

3) Which V60 is best for beginners?

The plastic or ceramic Hario V60 is often considered best for beginners due to its affordability, ease of use, and dependable brewing results.

4) Should you rinse Kalita filters?

It is advisable to rinse Kalita filters with hot water before brewing. This helps remove any papery taste and preheats the brewing vessel for better extraction.

5) Is espresso stronger than V60 coffee?

Yes, espresso is typically stronger than V60 coffee in terms of concentration and flavor intensity. Espresso is a concentrated shot made under high pressure, while V60 coffee is a filtered brew with a milder taste.