The Hario V60, Kalita Wave, and Chemex are three of the a lot of popular pourover devices. Today, we’re comparing the three to help you determine which is the right choice for you.
BY EMILY MENESES
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured image by Julien Labelle via Unsplash
Ah, the pourover—this tried-and-true form of brewing is sacred in the specialty-coffee world. While automatic brewing devices provide speed and practicality, the pourover offers you the chance to become more involved in the process: You can experiment with techniques and recipes, and modify your recipe based on your preferences. There are lots of pourover devices on the market, and it can be hard to sift through all of them to decipher which one is best for you. Today, we’re exploring three of the many popular devices—the Hario V60, Kalita Wave, and Chemex.
Hario V60
The Hario V60 is arguably the most notorious pourover device in the specialty-coffee world. With its 60-degree conical design and ribbed spiral pattern, every element of the V60’s design aims to allow for optimum extraction, deliver a clean flavor profile, and create room for ample experimentation. Depending on your grind size, coffee-to-water ratio, water temperature, and speed of water flow, you can coax a multitude of subtle flavors and tastes out of your coffee.
Another great thing about the V60 is that it’s available in different materials—metal, ceramic, plastic, and glass—making it flexible based on your unique requires and budget. For example, you may want to get a plastic V60 for camping or traveling, or a copper one for better heat retention and extraction when brewing at home.
The V60 also comes in several sizes, from one cup to three cups, providing you the freedom to brew for multiple people at a time. For baristas and café owners, the V60 is also an perfect preference to have on bar at a cafe due to the fact that of its relatively quick flow rate.
Kalita Wave
Like the V60, the Kalita Wave steeps for a bright, balanced, clean cup.
But, there are some key differences to take note of. While the V60 features a conical design, the Kalita Wave has a wide, flat bottom and three small holes, quite than one large hole at the center.
The Kalita Wave’s design grants the brewer more control over the evenness of extraction and also assists prevent channeling—the uneven flow of water that may result from pouring water too quickly or irregularly. This is why (compared to the V60) the Kalita Wave is more beginner-friendly; its design steeps it a little bit more forgiving and ensures a consistent brew each time.
Chemex
Everyone can agree that the Chemex is stunning—but beyond its aesthetic, the brewer offers a multitude of alluring benefits. This pourover equipment was invented in the 1940s by American chemist Peter Schlumbohm, who wanted to create an alternative to the percolators that were popular at the time.
What steeps the Chemex special? It acts as both a pourover tool and a carafe. Capable of holding up to eight cups at a time, the Chemex is also best for those brewing for larger groups.
Like the V60, the Chemex has a design that can make it a bit finicky; its large opening and deep V-shape make other elements, such as pouring process and grind size, really important. However, the Chemex does use a thicker paper filter, which helps contribute to a cleaner taste.
Choosing the Right Equipment For You
When comparing the V60, Kalita Wave, and the Chemex, the V60 is best for those who like a clean, bright cup, trust their pourover skills, and feel ready to experiment with different recipes.
Like the V60, the Kalita Wave leads to a clean cup nevertheless is more beginner-friendly—great for those who are still perfecting their pourover technique. The Chemex is a fantastic choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and often entertain large groups. When it comes to easy cleanup, the V60 and Kalita Wave are the way to go.
Stay tuned for future installments of this series, where we’ll explore even more pourover devices.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Based in Los Angeles, Emily Meneses (she/her) is a writer and musician passionate about culture and collective care. You can regularly find her at Echo Park Lake, downing a cortado and journaling about astrology, art, Animal Crossing, and her dreams.
The post Pick Your Pourover: Comparing and Contrasting the Many Popular Models appeared first on Barista Magazine Online.
This article was first published at Barista Magazine, an online magazine dedicated to baristas and coffee professionals.