The Coffee Kits

The Ultimate Comparison: Kalita Wave vs Hario V60

When it comes to making coffee at home, choosing the right brewing method can make a huge difference in the taste and aroma of your coffee. Two popular pour-over methods are the Kalita Wave and Hario V60. In this article, we will compare these two methods and help you decide which one is best for you.

What is the Kalita Wave?

The Kalita Wave is a pour-over coffee brewing method that was first introduced in Japan in 2011. It is a flat-bottomed dripper with three small holes at the bottom, designed to allow for a more even extraction of coffee grounds. The Kalita Wave is known for producing a clean and consistent cup of coffee, with a balanced taste and acidity.

What is the Hario V60?

The Hario V60 is another popular pour-over coffee brewing method, first introduced in 2005. It is a cone-shaped dripper with a single large hole at the bottom, designed to allow for a faster flow of water through the grounds. The Hario V60 is known for producing a bright and flavorful cup of coffee, with a strong aroma and acidity.

Design and Material

The Kalita Wave is made of stainless steel, ceramic, or glass, with a flat-bottomed design and three small holes at the bottom. It has a handle that makes it easy to hold and control the brewing process. The Hario V60, on the other hand, is made of ceramic, glass, or plastic, with a cone-shaped design and a single large hole at the bottom. It has a ridged design that helps to prevent the filter from sticking to the sides of the dripper.

Brewing Process

The Kalita Wave requires a slow and steady pour, with a medium to fine grind size, and a brewing time of around 3-4 minutes. The three small holes at the bottom of the dripper allow for a more even extraction of coffee grounds, resulting in a balanced and consistent cup of coffee.

The Hario V60, on the other hand, requires a faster pour, with a slightly coarser grind size, and a brewing time of around 2-3 minutes. The single large hole at the bottom of the dripper allows for a faster flow of water through the grounds, resulting in a brighter and more flavorful cup of coffee.

Coffee Taste

The Kalita Wave produces a clean and balanced cup of coffee, with a smooth and mellow taste, and a medium acidity. It is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional and consistent cup of coffee, without any surprises or variations.

The Hario V60, on the other hand, produces a bright and flavorful cup of coffee, with a strong aroma and acidity. It is perfect for those who prefer a more complex and nuanced cup of coffee, with different flavors and notes to discover.

Price and Availability

The Kalita Wave is generally more expensive than the Hario V60, with prices ranging from $20 to $40, depending on the material and size. It is also less widely available than the Hario V60, which can be found in most coffee shops and online stores.

The Hario V60, on the other hand, is more affordable, with prices ranging from $10 to $20, depending on the material and size. It is also more widely available than the Kalita Wave, which can be found in most coffee shops and online stores.

Conclusion

Both the Kalita Wave and Hario V60 are excellent pour-over coffee brewing methods, each with its own unique design, brewing process, and taste profile. The Kalita Wave is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional and consistent cup of coffee, while the Hario V60 is perfect for those who prefer a more complex and nuanced cup of coffee. Ultimately, the choice between these two methods comes down to personal preference, budget, and availability.