Hario v60 and Kalita Wave are two popular methods for brewing pour over coffee. While both methods involve manually pouring hot water over coffee grounds to extract the flavors, they have some key differences that can affect the taste and quality of the final cup.
One of the main differences between the Hario v60 and Kalita Wave is the shape of the brewer. The Hario v60 has a cone-shaped brewer with a large opening at the top and a narrow spout at the bottom. This design allows for a more precise pour and a higher level of control over the brewing process. The Kalita Wave, on the other hand, has a flat bottom with three holes at the bottom, which helps to evenly distribute the hot water over the coffee grounds.
Another difference between the two methods is the type of filter used. The Hario v60 uses a thin, paper filter that is designed to allow more oils and flavors to pass through into the final cup. The Kalita Wave, on the other hand, uses a thicker, stainless steel filter that is less porous and allows fewer oils and flavors to pass through. This results in a cleaner, brighter cup of coffee with less body and mouthfeel.
The brewing process for the two methods is also slightly different. When using the Hario v60, it is recommended to start by wetting the filter and warming up the brewer with hot water. Then, a small amount of coffee is added to the brewer and a small amount of water is poured over it in a circular motion to allow the coffee to "bloom" and release its gases. The remaining water is then slowly poured over the coffee in a circular motion until the desired amount of coffee has been brewed.
The Kalita Wave brewing process is similar, but the pour over technique is slightly different. Instead of pouring the hot water in a circular motion, it is recommended to pour in a straight line across the top of the coffee grounds. This helps to evenly extract the flavors and prevent over-extraction in any one area.
In conclusion, both the Hario v60 and Kalita Wave are excellent methods for brewing pour over coffee, but they have some key differences that can affect the final taste and quality of the cup. The Hario v60 is ideal for those who want a more precise and controlled brewing process, while the Kalita Wave is better suited for those who want a cleaner and brighter cup of coffee.