Reviews
Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave – Which Pour Over Brewer is Better?
March 18, 2026 · 8 min read
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Every pour-over conversation eventually lands here: Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave. They're the two most popular manual coffee makers on the planet, they cost roughly the same, and they produce noticeably different cups. Which one should you buy first?
We've brewed thousands of cups with both. Here's the honest, side-by-side breakdown.
The quick answer
If you're a beginner, want consistency, and don't want to obsess over technique: buy the Kalita Wave. If you want maximum control, the cleanest flavors possible, and don't mind practicing: buy the Hario V60. Both are excellent.
| Feature | Hario V60 02 | Kalita Wave 185 |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | 60° cone | Flat bottom |
| Drainage | Single large hole | 3 small holes |
| Filter cost | ~$0.03/brew | ~$0.10/brew |
| Ideal capacity | 1–3 cups | 2–4 cups |
| Learning curve | Steeper | Gentle |
| Flavor profile | Bright, articulate | Balanced, sweet |
| Price | $25 ceramic | $42 stainless |
Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave at a glance.
Design differences
The V60's steep cone
The Hario V60 is a 60° conical dripper with a single large drainage hole at the bottom. Water flows quickly, so brew time depends heavily on how fine you grind and how slowly you pour. It's built to give the brewer maximum control — which is a feature if you want it, and a chore if you don't.
The Wave's flat bed
The Kalita Wave has a flat bottom with three small drainage holes. The flat bed creates an even coffee layer, and the small holes restrict flow, so extraction time is much more consistent regardless of pour technique. The signature 'wave' filter creates a small air gap between the paper and the metal wall for even drainage.
Cup profile: what each brewer tastes like
The V60
The V60 gives you the most articulate cup — every note in the bean is separated and clearly defined. With a light-roasted Ethiopian, you can taste lemon zest, jasmine, and honey as distinct flavors. It's the brewer of choice for anyone chasing 'clarity' in a coffee.
The Wave
The Wave produces a more balanced, sweeter cup. Notes are integrated rather than separated. Same Ethiopian brewed in a Wave tastes like 'sweet floral coffee' rather than 'lemon + jasmine + honey.' Neither is objectively better — it's a matter of preference.
Ease of use: which is more forgiving?
The Kalita Wave, by a mile. The flat bed and small drainage holes forgive a sloppy pour, an uneven bloom, and small grind-size errors. You can pour water directly into the center in a single continuous stream and still get a great cup.
The V60 punishes technique errors. Pour too fast and you'll under-extract. Pour unevenly and you'll create channels through the bed. Grind too fine and water will pool and stall. Get everything right, though, and it's magical.
Filters and ongoing cost
V60 filters are a commodity — you can buy 100 for $5 at any coffee shop or grocery store worldwide. Kalita Wave filters are specialty items, cost 3× more per brew, and can be hard to find in a pinch. Amazon Prime carries both, but if you like to shop in person, this matters.
V60 recommended setup
Hario V60 02 Ceramic
Pros
- Cheapest premium dripper
- Best flavor clarity of any pour-over
- Filters are cheap and universal
Cons
- Rewards technique
- Needs a gooseneck kettle
Kalita Wave recommended setup
Kalita Wave 185 Stainless Steel
Pros
- Extremely forgiving of technique
- Stainless steel is nearly indestructible
- Consistent every brew
Cons
- Wave filters cost more and are harder to find
Get both — Dual Dripper Starter Bundle
V60 + Wave + Timemore hand grinder + gooseneck kettle. Try both and pick your favorite.
Which pour over should you buy?
If you're brand new to pour-over: get the Kalita Wave. It rewards you with a great cup while you're still learning to pour evenly. Once you're comfortable, add a V60 (they're only $25) and switch between them depending on the bean.
If you already brew good coffee and want maximum flavor: skip the Wave and get the V60 with a gooseneck kettle and a good burr grinder. That's the setup that gets you to competition-level cups at home.
See our full best pour-over roundup for 2026ShopThe verdict
Both drippers earn their spot on our top pour-overs list. The Kalita Wave is the best beginner pour over coffee maker on the market; the Hario V60 is the best pour over coffee maker overall. There's no wrong answer — just the right one for your kitchen.
Ready to upgrade your setup? Check our full reviews.Shop