Kalita and Hario are coffee brands that are both well known for producing high-quality speciality coffee devices, that allow baristas of all kinds to make coffee easily and with style. The most famous products the two companies make are the Hario V60 and the Kalita Wave, both iconic in their own right and much beloved by coffee enthusiasts.
The Kalita Wave and the Hario V60 are a good place to compare the two brands as they are the flagship devices that both companies sell. Hario products are easy for beginners to use and come in a wide variety of styles whereas Kalita devices produce a more uniform brew and suit a more experienced coffee maker.
This article will go into detail about these two famous coffee companies and what you need to know when you’re shopping around, in particular when it comes to the V60 and the Wave series, so that you are able to make the best choice for your home brew.
Where Are Kalita and Hario From?
Both companies were founded in Japan, where most of their offices, factories and operations are run from. Both Kalita and Hario started life in Tokyo but now Kalita also sells Italian, French, American and Swiss brands (Bezzera, Reneka, Fetco, Curtis and HGZ) while Hario has kept all of their production under the Hario name.
How Long Have Kalita and Hario Existed?
Out of the two, Hario is the older company, starting the manufacturing of glassware for laboratories in October 1921 although it would be a few years before they started making coffee products. Kalita, on the other hand, was established in July 1958, in a town called Nihonbashi in Tokyo, but have always been working within the coffee industry.
How Long Have Kalita and Hario Been Making Coffee Products?
Though Hario has been around as a company longer, they didn’t get involved in the manufacturing of coffee-related products until 1948, a few short years before Kalita would get their start in the game. Neither company has a notably greater pedigree, although Hario has a long history in glassware more generally and Kalita have always been dedicated to coffee.
Which Company is Better Renowned?
One of the difficulties with comparing the two institutions is that they are both highly respected within the field, and are favourite choices for coffee experts in any environment. While some people have a distinct personal preference, everyone agrees that both companies can be highly trusted as they are equally dedicated and passionate about what they do.
What Are the Values of Kalita as a Company?
Kalita is a company that is devoted to bringing the art of speciality coffee-making into households around the world. The idea behind the company was that the average person should be able to make their own coffee to the standard that, at the time, you would only have expected from a professional in a café.
What Are the Values of Hario as a Company?
Hario wants their company to reflect the values of truth, beauty, ethics and ease of use which means that they are constantly looking to improve their products to make them more attractive and joyful to use. Sustainability is very important to Hario and they aspire to make their glass manufacturing as ethical and environmentally friendly as possible.
Do Hario or Kalita Products Look Better?
The main product lines for both companies exhibit simple, sophisticated styling that will look good in your kitchen as much as they would at the bar of a café. Kalita offer variations for their drippers in bright colours whereas Hario now have the Artists Edition of the V60 with unique, limited edition designs that are highly artistic.
Where Did the Cone-Shaped Dripper Come From?
Although the Hario V60 is in many ways seen as the grandfather of the cone-shaped dripper design, it was actually invented by a company named Kono in the 1970s. The V60, however, popularised the design around the world, really taking off around 2010, before the flat-bottomed Kalita Wave arose to compete for its spot at the top.
How is the Kalita Wave Different from the Hario V60?
The two main physical differences between the Kalita Wave and the Hario V60 are the overall shape and the type of drainage. The V60 is a cone angled at 60-degrees, which give it its name, with a single, larger drainage hole whereas the Kalita Wave has a flat bottom and three smaller drainage holes for a slower flow.
Does the Kalita Wave or the Hario V60 Have Better Drainage?
Theoretically, the Kalita Wave is more forgiving because of its slower drip rate, so if you are adding water in different ways the coffee should come out more consistent at the bottom. It is also debated whether the cone or flat shape allows for better extraction overall, though it seems that the end result is too similar to tell.
How Are the V60 and Wave Filters Different?
The Hario V60 uses cone-shaped filters, although some argue that the quality of their own branded filters has reduced since they changed factories. The Wave actually gets its name from the wave-shaped filters that it uses, which help to push the coffee away from the sides and keep your brew hot, though these filters are harder to find.
Are All Kalita Waves and Hario V60s the Same?
The Hario V60 tends to be more consistent regardless of whether you choose the ceramic, plastic or metal options, whereas the most popular Wave, the stainless-steel model, is often reported to have trouble with clogging and have the least predictable flow rate. You know what you’re getting with a V60, but some Waves are better than others.
Which Tastes Better, the Hario V60 or the Kalita Wave?
The V60 gives a longer aftertaste that highlights the nuances of the beans that you are using so with cheaper beans, particularly pre-ground, it is easier to get an excellent cup from a V60. The Wave is known for producing uniform cups that are clear and elegant so more experienced coffee makers, with higher quality coffee, might prefer it.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.