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V60 vs Kalita Coffee Maker – What’s The Difference?

Ryan Marshall
Last Updated: August 18th, 2023

Pour Over coffee has seen a major boost in popularity over the past decade, as many people have found that it offers supreme simplicity coupled with high-quality coffee.

When it comes to pour-over designs, there are dozens of different models to choose from, and finding the best option for your needs comes down to weighing the most important factors of each.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave to help you determine if either option is the right fit for your household.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Pour-Over Coffee Device

things before buying a pour over coffee device

While choosing the right style of pour-over coffee maker may seem like a simple task at first, there are many different designs and factors that differentiate some models from others.

We have hand-selected four of the most important purchase factors when it comes to pour-over coffee makers to help simplify the shopping process.

Cost and Value

Many people love pour-over coffee makers due to the fact that they are affordable and easy to use. The majority of pour-over devices on the market cost less than $50, and the most expensive part of owning them is actually the disposable filters needed for use.

The combination of low price and high durability make pour-over coffee makers some of the best values in the coffee industry, and they range from “entry-level” to “high end.” The fact that these devices are fairly simple in design makes it possible to take home some of the best models on the market without breaking the bank.

One of the biggest disadvantages when it comes to both Kalita and Hario pour-over devices is the fact that they require the use of special filters that need to be purchased on a regular basis. This hidden cost surprises some new pour-over owners at first and is an expense that needs to be budgeted for.

Design and Durability

The Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave are both unique pour-over coffee devices that feature distinct designs and shapes. The Hario V60 looks like a tapered coffee cup at first glance, and it is available in both glass and ceramic finishes.

The Kalita Wave derives its name from the unique design profile that the designer employed. It features sharper, “stepped,” edges that the producer claims allow water to flow through the device more naturally. It used metallic materials, making it one of the most durable pour-over options on the market.

When it comes to durability, there are some concerts when it comes to the ceramic and glass finishes of the Hario V60. While both will last for many years under normal circumstances, they are not the best options for traveling or packing away while moving.

Style and Aesthetics

Both the Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave are considered by most people to be very visually appealing designs, and many coffee shops choose to display both of these options prominently. Choosing the best option for your kitchen comes down to a mixture of personal preference and the design theme of your particular kitchen.

The metallic finish associated with the Kalita Wave blends in well with many modern kitchens, as many new appliances come stock with shiny chrome finishes.

The Hario V60 is available in both white ceramic and clear glass finishes, making it possible to choose the option that fits best with your kitchen’s aesthetic.

Brand Reputation

Many people choose their pour-over coffee makers based on brand reputation, as there are certain brands that have established a very strong reputation for high quality and good value. Different brands are known for delivering on different aspects of coffee making, and the Hario and Kalita companies are both very well known in the coffee industry.

Kalita is a highly respected Japanese company that has been around since the 1950s. They produce a wide variety of different coffee-making items, though their pour-over device known as “The Wave” is their most popular design.

The Hario company also hails from Japan, and it predates the Kalita company by a few decades. They also produce a wide variety of coffee-related items, and the V60 is what the company is best known for.

Presenting The Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave

The Hario V60

The Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave are two of the most recognizable and top-selling options on the market when it comes to pour-over coffee devices.

Each has its own unique features and benefits, and many pour-over enthusiasts are very opinionated when it comes to which they prefer.

The Hario V60 is a very popular and durable pour-over coffee-making device that many people find to be very beautiful. It is available in multiple finishes, and the core design of the device has changed very little over the past several decades.

While the core principles of the Hario V60 are fairly simple, some people find that there is a bit of a learning curve involved with perfecting the perfect cup of coffee with this device.

A certain style of kettle called a gooseneck works best with the V60, as it allows you to be more precise with the hot water while pouring.

Pros:

  • Available in different materials and finishes
  • Classic design that many people find to be aesthetically pleasing
  • Makes high-quality pour-over coffee once the proper technique is perfected

Cons:

  • Requires the recurring purchase of specially designed filters
  • Works best with gooseneck kettles and not well with others
  • Both ceramic and glass finishes can easily be damaged if dropped

The Kalita Wave

The Kalita Wave immediately sticks out when placed in a lineup with other pour-over coffee devices on the market, as it features a unique “stepped” design that is far from traditional.
The producers claim that the steps help to properly disperse both hot water and steam, and many people swear by its unique style.While the Katila Wave also requires the purchase of specially designed coffee filters, it features a unique three-hole design that makes it easier to operate.This makes the Katila Wave a fantastic option for pour-over enthusiasts who do not own a gooseneck kettle and prefer a device with easier operation each morning.

Pros:

  • Metallic design is very durable and great for traveling with
  • Special filters suspend the coffee grounds from the bottom
  • Easy to use and perfect without the use of a gooseneck kettle

Cons:

  • Specialty filters can become expensive over time
  • Some people do not like the stepped aesthetic of the design
  • The small handle can be difficult to grasp for those with larger hands

Alternatives to Pour Over Coffee

alternatives to pour over coffee

While pour-over coffee is one of the most popular examples of simple and straightforward coffee making, there are plenty of other options on the market.

We have highlighted three other popular coffee-making alternatives to help you get a feel for what else is on the market today.

1. The French Press

The French Press is a classic coffee-making device that is a favorite among households with more than one coffee enthusiast living under the same roof. It is simple to use, easy to clean, and produces far more coffee per serving compared to pour-over coffee devices.

The Bodum Chambord is one of the most popular and iconic French Press designs in the world, and it costs just under $50 at most retailers. Bodum is one of the top producers of glass kitchenware in the world, and the Chambord design has stood the test of time.

2. AeroPress

The AeroPress has become very popular over the past few years, due in no small part to the high number of social media posts sharing its benefits. Many people love their AeroPress coffee makers, and they are particularly popular among campers and people who travel often.

While there are a handful of different AeroPress designs, the AeroPress Original is by far the top seller and the model that the majority of users are familiar with. It features a hard and durable plastic design that makes it a favorite among backpackers.

3. Pod Based Coffee Makers

When it comes to convenience and simplicity, it is hard to top the design of pod-based coffee systems. Simply load a pre-filled disposable coffee pod into your machine, press one button, and you have a piping hot cup of coffee ready in a matter of seconds.

Keurig is by far the industry leader when it comes to pod-based coffee systems, and their K Cups are available at the majority of the top retailers and grocers.

The Keurig K Mini is one of the company’s top sellers, and many people enjoy that it is sleek and fits well into tight spaces.

Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave – Conclusion

With so many different pour-over coffee makers on the market to choose from today, some people have a tough time narrowing down the best options.

Both the Kalita Wave and the Hario V60 offer simple operation, high durability, and a high-quality cup of pour-over coffee each morning.

Choosing the right option for your kitchen comes down to a combination of personal preference and aesthetics, and both options have very good reputations within the coffee industry.

About The Author

Ryan Marshall

Ryan is a full time freelance writer who can most often be found on the disc golf course or local coffee shop when not behind a keyboard. He is an avid traveler and lover of all things sports and outdoors. Ryan is also a certified level one sommelier, and is endlessly curious about the world of high end beverages. Writing about wine, coffee, and other specialty beverages has given him a chance to take a deeper dive into his research, and he loves helping people find the perfect drink for their palates and preferences!

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