Pour-over coffee drippers are a staple of gourmet coffee shops around the world.
However, the trend for home use has only recently been building up as more people are taking the time to enjoy this form of coffee making.
For those who are just starting out, two of the more prominent coffee drippers are the Kalita Wave and the V60.
Understanding their capabilities, advantages, disadvantages, and differences will help you make the best-informed decision about which one to purchase.
Table of Contents
Kalita Wave
A relatively new entry on the market has made quite a splash with coffee lovers.
The Kalita Wave offers a unique way of mixing hot water and coffee grounds to produce an excellent cup.
The different versions make for greater choices for consumers who love pour-over coffee.
Specs
- 4.8” x 4.5” x 2.5”
- Single Piece
- Three Holes on Bottom
- Available in Stainless Steel, Ceramic, and Glass
- Designed for 3 to 4 servings
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Stable
Cons
- Longer Brew Time
- Okay Taste
This is not to say that the Kalita Wave creates a poor taste for the coffee, because of the way the water is mixed and released with the grounds, it may not reach its full potential despite the longer brewing time.
V60
The signature cone-shape of the V60 has made it quite recognizable in the coffee world.
The classic ceramic version is quite popular, although the one made from stainless steel is also recognized for its benefits in holding heat.
Specs
- 2” x 4.25” x 2.25”
- Comes in Stainless Steel, Glass, Plastic, and Ceramic
- Single Piece
- Single Hole
- Spiral Ribs on Interior
- Comes in Three Sizes
Pros
- Produces Excellent Taste
- Simple to Set Up
- Shorter Brew Time
Cons
- Learning Curve
It’s probably going to take a few cups before you get the technique down.
The single hole in the bottom allows for little variance in the final brew.
However, once you know what to do, the results are impressive.
Kalita Wave vs. V60
On the surface, there seems to be little difference between the two brands, at least in terms of the bloom time, dose, and the finish time for the pour.
However, the Kalita Wave does take longer to brew by an average of 20 seconds.
The Kalita Wave is also a little more versatile in terms of what grind size it can effectively brew.
The biggest difference is arguably the taste, and this is where the V60 seems to shine.
For most people, the V60 produces a sweeter cup of coffee compared to the Kalita Wave.
However, and this may be a significant caveat, the Kalita Wave is easier to use especially for beginners.
The V60 does require some work and practice in perfecting the art of the perfect brew.
The Kalita Wave is more forgiving in that regard and may be preferable for many.
Which one you choose will depend on your preferences, but many choose the Kalita Wave first if they want the ease of use.
While the V60 produces a better-tasting cup of coffee once you perfect the right pouring technique.
Thanks for reading our review, and be sure to check out other coffee maker comparison articles.
Coffee coffee coffee! Nothing quite like a nice hot cup of joe in the morning 🙂 my name’s Nicole but on here I like to go by Java Jane. I am an avid coffee drinker and writer about all things Java related (and I’m not talking about programming for the millionth time!). Thanks for checking out my blog and always remember to stay grounded!