If you’re like me, you probably bought a Baratza Encore because everyone said it was the best entry‑level burr grinder.Yet when you first try a pour‑over, the results...
I've been brewing pour-over coffee for over a decade, and the V60 vs Kalita debate still comes up in every coffee conversation I have. Both are excellent pour-over methods, but after years of side-by-side brewing, I consistently reach for my V60. Here's why, and what you need to know about both.
The V60: Built for Control
The Hario V60's conical design and spiral ridges create a unique brewing environment. The single large hole at the bottom gives you complete control over flow rate, while the ridges prevent the filter from sticking to the walls, ensuring even extraction.
What I love most about the V60 is its forgiveness with technique variations. Want a brighter cup? Pour faster. Prefer more body? Slow it down. The V60 responds to your input in real-time.
The Kalita Wave: Consistency First
The Kalita Wave takes a different approach with its flat-bottom design and three small holes. This setup promotes even extraction by creating a more uniform water contact time across the coffee bed.
The Wave's strength is consistency. Once you dial in your technique, it produces remarkably similar cups every time. The flat bottom and restricted flow rate make it more forgiving for beginners who haven't mastered pouring technique yet.
Why I Choose the V60
After brewing thousands of cups with both methods, I prefer the V60 for three key reasons. First, the control it offers lets me highlight different characteristics in each coffee. Second, the faster flow rate works better with my morning routine. Third, I enjoy the active involvement the V60 requires during brewing.
The V60 rewards good technique with exceptional cups, but it also teaches you about coffee extraction in ways the Kalita doesn't. Every pour matters, every timing decision affects the final cup.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the V60 if you want to actively engage with your brewing process and don't mind a learning curve. It's perfect for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different pouring techniques and want maximum control over their extraction.
Choose the Kalita Wave if you prioritize consistency and want a more hands-off brewing experience. It's ideal for busy mornings when you want excellent coffee without thinking too hard about technique.
The Final Cup
Both the V60 and Kalita Wave can produce exceptional coffee when used properly. The V60 offers more control and engagement, while the Kalita provides consistency and forgiveness. My preference for the V60 comes down to the active brewing experience and the control it gives me over each cup.
Regardless of which method you choose, you need the right station to support it. I have written deep-dive guides on how I organize my own counters for both workflows:
- For the Drip Lovers: My Work From Home Guide to the Best Coffee Setup
- For the Espresso Heads: My Work From Home Guide to the Best Espresso Setup
And remember, the best brewer in the world can't save bad beans. I use Trade Coffee to ensure I always have fresh, single-origin bags ready to grind.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps fuel the coffee, the testing, and the writing. Thanks for supporting the work.
