Hario V60 Electric Kettle: A Simple Guide

The Hario V60 Buono kettle is a classic in the coffee world. It's known for its unique beehive shape and long, thin spout. But if you search for the Hario electric kettle, you'll find there are actually a few different models.

This guide will break down the different Buono kettles for you. We'll look at each model and what people think about them. We will also see how they compare to other modern kettles.

The Different Types of Hario Kettles

First, "Hario V60 Buono" refers to the kettle's design, not just one product. This design includes the special body shape and its excellent gooseneck spout. Even though it's called "V60," you can use it for any pour-over coffee maker, like a Chemex or Kalita Wave.

There are three main models that often cause confusion:

1. The Stovetop Original (VKB-120HSV): This is the classic, non-electric version that is made in Japan. It holds 800ml of water. Some people say it feels sturdier than the electric models.
2. The Basic Electric (EVKB-80U-HSV): This is the most common electric model you'll find in North America. It's just the classic kettle on an electric base. It boils water with one button and turns off by itself, but you cannot set a specific temperature.
3. The Temperature Control Electric (EVKT-80HSV): This is the advanced model that lets you pick the exact water temperature. Coffee lovers really want this one. But it's very hard to find and buy in North America.

Putting the stovetop kettle on an electric base has good and bad sides. It comes with one of the best gooseneck spouts ever made. But some people find the handle feels a bit awkward since it was first designed for a stovetop.

To make it simple, here is a quick look at the Hario Buono family:

The Hario "Buono" Family at a Glance

What People Are Saying

People are divided on the Hario electric kettle. They love how it looks and pours. But they don't like its lack of features.

What Experts Think

Reviews from experts point out the same good and bad things.

• The Good: Everyone agrees the pour control is amazing. It's satisfying and easy to use for pour-over coffee. People also love the classic cafe look, and it boils water fast.
• The Bad: The biggest problem is the lack of temperature control. This is a major issue when other kettles offer it. It's also not great for other kitchen tasks because of the special spout.

What Coffee Fans on Reddit Say

Discussions on sites like Reddit add more detail.

• Pour Control: People confirm the spout is great. One user said the Hario gives a very steady pour without dribbling. They felt it was much better than a competing kettle from Bonavita.
• Hario vs. Bonavita: This is a common debate for buyers. The Hario kettle looks much better. But the Bonavita offers full temperature control for a similar price.
• Hario vs. Fellow: When people talk about the best kettles, they often compare the temperature-control Hario to the Fellow Stagg EKG. The Hario can pour faster, which is good for things like a French Press. The Fellow Stagg has a more modern look that people like.

The main feeling online is frustration. The kettle that most people want is the Hario Buono with Temperature Control. But this model is almost impossible to find in the United States.

This forces people to compare the basic Hario kettle with advanced kettles from other brands. It is not a fair comparison. Hario has failed to sell its best model in the US, so even loyal fans buy from other companies.

Main Features

Let's look at the features of the most common model, the basic electric Hario V60 Buono.

The Gooseneck Spout

The spout is the most important part of this kettle. It is a slim gooseneck spout that is mounted low on the kettle's body. This design gives you great control over the water flow.

You can direct the water exactly where you want it. You can also change the flow from a slow drip to a faster stream. The spout is made to pour cleanly without any dribbling.

Build, Capacity, and Speed

• Materials: The kettle's body is made of stainless steel. The handle and base are made of heat-resistant plastic.
• Capacity: The kettle holds a maximum of 800ml (27 oz). The official minimum amount is 150ml (5 oz). This makes it a great choice for brewing a single small cup of coffee.
• Boil Time: The US model has a 1000W heating element. It can boil a full 800ml kettle in about 5 to 6 minutes.

Safety and Convenience

The kettle has modern safety features you'd expect.

• Cordless Design: The kettle lifts off a 360-degree power base.
• Safety Features: It includes two key safety functions.
  1. Auto-off: The kettle turns off automatically after the water boils.
  2. Boil-dry Protection: It turns off if you accidentally turn it on with no water inside.
• Cord Storage: The power cord can be wrapped up inside the base for storage.

The Big Issue: Temperature Control

The right water temperature is very important for making good coffee. The Buono family has three different ways to handle this.

1. The "Boil and Wait" Method (Basic Electric)

This is what you have to do with the common "boil-only" model.

• The Problem: Brewing with boiling water is often too hot. It can make coffee taste burnt and bitter.
• The "Hack": You have to guess the temperature. People suggest letting it boil, then waiting 30 to 60 seconds for it to cool down a bit.
• The Verdict: This method is not precise or consistent. It goes against the idea of precision that pour-over coffee is all about.

2. The "DIY" Method (Stovetop)

This is a good option if you like a more hands-on approach.

• The Hack: The stovetop kettle's lid has small vent holes. Many users modify the lid by drilling a hole a little bigger to fit a thermometer.
• The Verdict: This is a cheap and reliable solution for those who don't mind a little DIY. Hario even made other kettles with a built-in spot for a thermometer.

3. The "Precision" Method (Variable Temp)

This is the best, but hardest to find, solution.

• The Features:
  • Precision Range: 60°C to 96°C (140°F to 205°F).
  • Precise Control: You can adjust the temperature one degree at a time.
  • Keep-Warm: This mode holds the water at your set temperature for 15 minutes.
  • Interface: A simple display shows the target and current temperature.
• The Verdict: This model has all the features a coffee lover would want. Its only real problem is that it is not officially sold in the US and is expensive to import.

To understand why this feature matters, the table below shows how temperature affects your coffee's taste.

Why Temperature Precision Matters

Price and Value

Because the Hario Buono is so well-known, it costs more than you might expect. This creates a problem when you compare it to other kettles that have more features.

• Stovetop: Sells for about $45 - $60.
• Basic Electric: Sells for about $86 - $93.
• Variable Temp: Can cost $160 or more if you import it.

The basic electric model is in a tough spot. It costs more than some temperature-control kettles from brands like Bonavita. It's also only a little cheaper than the popular OXO Variable Temp Kettle, which costs about $105.

This means buying a basic Hario electric kettle is a choice of style over features. You could pay about $20 more for an OXO kettle and get the temperature control that Hario is missing. The main reason to buy the basic Buono is for its classic look and perfect pour.

Hario Buono vs. The Competition

Newer Hario Kettles

If you're frustrated by the Buono's problems, Hario has made newer kettles. But they have the same issue of being hard to find.

The Hario Alpha Kettle

This is a smaller, 650ml kettle designed for very precise pouring. It has temperature control and a special spout for a slow, controlled flow. Early feedback says the base looks nice but feels a bit plasticky and slow to heat up.

The Hario Lyra: A True Competitor

The Hario Lyra is the company's answer to the popular Fellow Stagg EKG. It seems to fix every complaint people have about the Buono. On paper, it looks like an amazing kettle.

• Better Temp Range: It has a wider temperature range than both the Buono and the Stagg.
• Temp Presets: You can save up to five of your favorite temperature settings.
• Built-in Timer: It has a timer built right in, so you don't need a separate clock.
• Modern Features: It has a mute button, a glass control panel, and a super lightweight design.

This kettle seems to have Hario's great pouring ability and all the best features from its competitors. But, just like Hario's other advanced kettles, it's not available in the US yet.

Should You Buy One?

The Hario V60 Buono is a classic, but it's not for everyone. Here's a simple breakdown to help you decide.

• For the Minimalist: The Stovetop Buono is a great choice. It's affordable, it will last forever, and you can use it with a simple thermometer for precision.
• For the Style-Conscious: The Basic Electric Buono is for you if you care most about looks and the feel of the pour. But you have to be okay with not having temperature control.
• For the Practical Person: The basic Hario is not a practical choice. Kettles like the OXO Variable Temp offer much more for your money.
• For the Hario Fan: The kettle you probably want, the Variable Temp Buono, is nearly impossible to find in the US. The real upgrade, the Hario Lyra, seems perfect but isn't sold here yet.