When it comes to brewing coffee, the type of brewing method you choose can make a big difference in the taste of your cup. Two popular methods for pour-over coffee are the Kalita Wave and the V60. In this blog post, we will compare the Kalita Wave and the V60 and discuss the differences between the two.
Design and Construction
The Kalita Wave and the V60 are both pour-over coffee makers, but they have different designs. The Kalita Wave has a flat bottom and three small holes at the bottom. The V60 has a cone shape with a large opening at the bottom and a single large hole at the bottom.
The Kalita Wave is made of stainless steel, ceramic, or glass, and has a ridged design that helps to keep the filter from sticking to the sides of the dripper. The V60 is also made of ceramic, glass, or plastic, and has a ribbed design that helps to create a gap between the filter and the dripper, allowing for better extraction.
Brewing Method
The brewing method for the Kalita Wave and the V60 is slightly different. With the Kalita Wave, you start by pre-wetting the filter and then adding the coffee grounds. You then pour water over the grounds in a slow and steady stream, making sure to saturate all of the grounds evenly.
With the V60, you also start by pre-wetting the filter, but then you add the coffee grounds and create a small well in the center. You then pour water over the grounds in a circular motion, starting in the center and working your way out to the edges.
The Kalita Wave tends to produce a more consistent cup of coffee, as the flat bottom and three small holes at the bottom of the dripper allow for a more even extraction. The V60, on the other hand, requires a bit more skill to use, as the cone shape and single hole at the bottom can result in an uneven extraction if you’re not careful.
Coffee Flavor
The flavor of the coffee produced by the Kalita Wave and the V60 can also be different. The Kalita Wave tends to produce a coffee with a more full-bodied flavor and a slightly lower acidity. The V60, on the other hand, tends to produce a coffee with a brighter, more acidic flavor.
This difference in flavor is due to the way the coffee is extracted. With the Kalita Wave, the flat bottom and three small holes allow for a slower extraction, which results in a more full-bodied flavor. With the V60, the cone shape and single large hole allow for a faster extraction, which results in a brighter, more acidic flavor.
Ease of Use
Both the Kalita Wave and the V60 require a bit of skill to use, but the Kalita Wave is generally considered to be easier for beginners. The flat bottom and three small holes make it easier to achieve an even extraction, and the slower extraction time allows for more margin of error.
The V60, on the other hand, requires a bit more skill to use. The cone shape and single large hole can make it more difficult to achieve an even extraction, and the faster extraction time can result in over-extraction if you’re not careful.
Price and Availability
When it comes to price and availability, both the Kalita Wave and the V60 are fairly comparable. Both drippers are available in a range of materials and sizes, with prices ranging from around $20 to $50, depending on the material and size.
Both the Kalita Wave and the V60 are also widely available, and can be purchased from a variety of online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kalita Wave and the V60 are both excellent pour-over coffee makers, but they do have some differences that may make one a better choice for you depending on your personal preferences and brewing style.
The Kalita Wave is generally considered to be easier to use and produces a more consistent cup of coffee with a full-bodied flavor. It is a great choice for beginners or those who prefer a richer, less acidic coffee.
The V60 requires a bit more skill to use, but can produce a brighter, more acidic cup of coffee. It is a great choice for those who enjoy a more complex and nuanced flavor profile in their coffee.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kalita Wave and the V60 comes down to personal preference. Both drippers are widely available and relatively affordable, so it may be worth trying both and seeing which one you prefer.
If you’re new to pour-over coffee, the Kalita Wave may be a good place to start, as it is generally considered to be more forgiving and easier to use. However, if you’re looking for a more complex and nuanced flavor profile, the V60 may be the way to go.
In the end, the most important thing is to experiment and find the brewing method and dripper that works best for you and your taste preferences. Happy brewing!
