Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave: Which Pour-Over Dripper is Best for Beginners?

The Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave debate is the first hurdle every beginner faces when building a brew bar. It is fundamentally a question of physics: Cone vs. Flat Bottom. If you are new to manual brewing, you have likely been told to “just buy a V60.” But is that actually good advice?

Walk into any coffee shop, and you will likely see two iconic brewers on the shelf: the Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave. Both are legendary in the coffee world, but they behave very differently. One offers limitless freedom, while the other offers reliable consistency.

At BrewSpecs, we put coffee in focus. In this showdown, we are breaking down the specs of these two brewers to help you decide which one belongs on your counter.

The Contenders at a Glance

Before we dive into the brewing mechanics, let’s introduce the two heavyweights.

1. The Hario V60 (The Cone)

The V60 is the most famous pour-over dripper in the world. Its name comes from its design: a “V” shape with a 60-degree angle. It features spiral ribs on the inside and a single, large hole at the bottom.

• • Best for: Highlighting acidity, floral notes, and bright flavors.

• • The Vibe: Freedom and precision.

2. The Kalita Wave (The Flat Bottom)

The Kalita Wave looks different. It has a flat bottom with three small holes and uses a unique “wave” shape filter. This geometry creates a flat bed of coffee grounds, promoting an even extraction.

• • Best for: Sweetness, body, and balance.

• • The Vibe: Consistency and reliability.

Head-to-Head: The Specs

For a beginner, the technical differences matter because they change how easy it is to brew a good cup.

1. Flow Rate and Drainage

• • Hario V60: The large single hole means the water flows through as fast as you pour it. If you pour too fast, the coffee will be weak (underextracted). If you pour too slow, it might be bitter. You control the flow.

• • Kalita Wave: The three small holes restrict the water flow. Even if your pouring technique isn’t perfect, the flat bottom regulates the speed for you. The brewer controls the flow.

2. The Filter Paper

• • V60 Filters: Conical paper. They are cheap, easy to find, and produce a very clean cup with a light body.

• • Wave Filters: These look like cupcake liners with 20 distinct waves. The waves reduce contact between the filter and the dripper, keeping the temperature stable. However, they are slightly more expensive and harder to find in generic supermarkets.

3. Flavor Profile

• • V60: known for Clarity. It makes coffee taste crisp, tea-like, and vibrant. If you love light-roast Ethiopian coffees with fruity notes, the V60 is king.

• • Kalita: known for Sweetness. Because the water hangs out with the coffee grounds longer (immersion effect), it tends to boost the body and sweetness. It makes a “comforting” cup of coffee.

The Verdict: Which is Better for Beginners?

This is the most important question. Here is the honest truth.

Why you might choose the Hario V60:

You want to learn the craft. The V60 is like a manual transmission car. It is harder to drive at first, but once you master it, you have total control.

• • Pros: Cheap (plastic version is under $10), teaches you great pouring technique, widely available.

• Cons: Unforgiving. If your technique is bad, your coffee will taste bad. Requires a Gooseneck Kettle.

Why you might choose the Kalita Wave  :

You want delicious coffee immediately. The Kalita Wave is like an automatic car. It smooths out your mistakes and gets you from A to B comfortably.

• • Pros: Very forgiving, consistent results, doesn’t strictly require a fancy kettle.

• • Cons: Slightly more expensive filters, harder to clean (metal version).

BrewSpecs Recommendation:

If you are an absolute beginner looking for your first dripper: Get the Kalita Wave.

Why? Because early wins are important. The Kalita Wave will give you a tasty cup of coffee on your first try, which encourages you to keep brewing. The V60 can be frustrating until you master your pouring steady hand.

However, if you are a “geek” who wants to experiment with specific brewing specs and parameters—get the Hario V60.

Quick Brewing Specs (Recipe)

No matter which one you choose, start with these baseline parameters:

• • Ratio: 1:15 (e.g., 20g coffee to 300g water)

• • Water Temp: 93°C (200°F) for light roasts, 90°C (194°F) for medium.

• • Grind Size: Medium (like sea salt).
    
    • • For V60: Go slightly finer.
    • • For Kalita: Go slightly coarser.

Ready to start brewing? Grab your beans, heat your water, and explore the pour.