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Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave: 2024 Comparison Guide

pour over coffee makers

The Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave are both small Japanese pour-overs that produce complex cups of coffee. But they’re not the same, from the overall design and paper filters to the brewing technique.

How do you choose between two brewers that seem so similar? We’re taking a close look at both of these excellent pour-over coffee makers! By the end of this guide, you’ll probably have a good idea of whether to choose the Hario V60 or the Kalita Wave.

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All About the Hario V60

Hario V60 brewing

The V60 is a small cone-shaped pour-over coffee maker made by the Japanese company Hario. One unique element of the V60 design is a single large hole at the bottom of the cone. The cone itself has a swirling series of lines designed to direct brewed coffee down into your cup.

The hardest part of brewing with a V60 is getting the water flow right. For the best results, you’ll likely need a gooseneck kettle — a kettle with a long, narrow spout — that allows you to control the water flow.

Hario V60 glass and olive wood dripper

The Hario V60 comes in a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and stainless steel. It’s highly portable and uses specially designed brown or white paper filters. Overall, the V60 is a stylish brewer perfect for anyone ready to perfect their pour-over brewing kills.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Available in several materials
  • Great for improving pour-over technique
  • Delicious, rich cups of coffee
  • Stylish, elegant design
  • Unusual large hole at the bottom
Cons
  • Slightly harder to use
  • A little bulkier
  • Needs special paper filters

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All About the Kalita Wave

Kalita Wave coffee brewing recipe

The Kalita Wave is also a cone-shaped pour-over coffee maker, though this brewer has a flat bottom perforated with a few holes. It has a distinctive wave-like rippling down the sides — hence the name — and a small handle for easy removal. Like the V60, the Wave uses specially designed paper filters.

This brewer, which is made of lightweight but sturdy stainless steel, is highly portable and great for travel or camping. It makes small cups of coffee, so it probably won’t be for you if you like to brew for a crowd.

Kalita Wave

The Kalita Wave is well designed and easy to use, though you’ll still get the best results with a gooseneck kettle. It’s a little more utilitarian than stylish, but the Wave would be our pick for a brewer you can throw in a suitcase.

Pros
  • Very portable and lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Rippled sides for better water flow
  • Flat bottom with small holes
  • Tasty, complex coffee
Cons
  • Very small
  • No choice of materials
  • Needs special filters
  • Less stylish

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Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave: Final Thoughts

These brewers have quite a bit in common, like their general shape, country of origin, and use of paper filters. But there are a few distinguishing features that can help you choose! If you want a range of material options and a more elegant design, you’ll probably prefer the Hario V60. On the other hand, you may like the lightweight convenience of the Kalita Wave, which is made of sturdy, incredibly portable stainless steel. The V60 is better suited for homebrewers who want to experiment with grind size and water flow, whereas the Wave is easy to use right out of the box.

Whichever brewer you choose, we hope you love your delicious cups of coffee!

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Kate MacDonnell

Kate is a lifelong coffee enthusiast and homebrewer who enjoys writing for coffee websites and sampling every kind of coffee known to man. She’s tried unusual coffees from all over the world and owns an unhealthy amount of coffee gear.

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