Brewing coffee is not just a process — it’s an experience. The tools and techniques you choose influence the flavor, body, and aroma of your cup. For coffee enthusiasts and aspiring baristas alike, understanding the differences between popular pour-over methods like V60, Kalita Wave, Chemex, and others is essential to mastering the art of coffee brewing.
In this article, we’ll explore how these brewing methods differ in design, technique, and resulting flavor profiles. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home brewer, this guide will help you choose the method that best suits your taste and routine.
What Is Pour-Over Coffee?
Pour-over is a manual coffee brewing method that involves pouring hot water over ground coffee in a filter. The water passes through the coffee and filter, then drips into a carafe or mug. This method allows a high level of control over brewing variables such as water temperature, pouring technique, grind size, and extraction time — making it a favorite for coffee lovers seeking clarity and complexity in flavor.
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular pour-over methods and what makes each one unique.
V60: Precision and Clarity
Design
The Hario V60 is a cone-shaped dripper with a large single hole at the bottom and spiral ridges along its inner wall. It’s usually made of ceramic, glass, plastic, or metal. The “60” in its name refers to the 60-degree angle of the cone.
Brewing Technique
The V60 requires a steady, circular pour technique, typically using a gooseneck kettle. Because of the large hole at the bottom, the flow rate of the water is largely controlled by the user. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to fine-tune their brewing skills.
- Grind size: Medium-fine
- Brew time: Around 2.5–3.5 minutes
- Filter: Thin paper filter
Flavor Profile
The V60 is known for producing a clean, bright cup with a complex flavor profile. The clarity is ideal for highlighting the subtleties of single-origin coffees, especially lighter roasts.
Ideal For
Those who want full control over the brewing process and enjoy experimenting with pour techniques.
Kalita Wave: Consistency and Balance
Design
The Kalita Wave has a flat-bottomed design with three small drainage holes and wave-shaped paper filters. It comes in stainless steel, glass, or ceramic versions.
Brewing Technique
Thanks to the flat bottom and smaller holes, the Kalita offers a more forgiving brew. It helps regulate the flow of water, resulting in a more even extraction — even for beginners.
- Grind size: Medium
- Brew time: Around 3–4 minutes
- Filter: Wave-shaped paper filter
Flavor Profile
The Kalita Wave produces a balanced cup with medium body and clarity. It tends to emphasize sweetness and smoothness, making it a popular choice for daily drinkers.
Ideal For
Brewers who prefer ease and consistency without sacrificing flavor quality.
Chemex: Elegance and Clarity
Design
The Chemex is both a brewer and a serving vessel. It has a beautiful hourglass shape made from glass, often with a wooden collar for handling. Chemex filters are thicker than standard ones, which slows down the flow rate.
Brewing Technique
The thicker filters require a coarser grind and a longer brew time. The pour is usually continuous and steady, and because of the design, it’s often used to brew larger quantities.
- Grind size: Medium-coarse
- Brew time: 4–5 minutes
- Filter: Thick bonded paper filter
Flavor Profile
Chemex delivers an exceptionally clean and crisp cup with bright acidity and delicate flavors. The heavy filtering removes much of the coffee oils and sediment, which some people love — and others don’t.
Ideal For
Those who want a refined, elegant cup and often brew for multiple people.
Other Pour-Over Methods Worth Knowing
Melitta
- Design: Cone-shaped with small bottom hole
- Flavor: Balanced and smooth
- Ease of Use: Very beginner-friendly
- Notable: One of the earliest modern pour-over designs
Melitta’s filters are thinner than Chemex’s but thicker than Hario’s, making it a good middle ground.
Origami Dripper
- Design: Cone shape with multiple vertical ridges
- Unique Feature: Compatible with both V60 and Kalita filters
- Flavor: Offers flexibility — can produce either clean or full-bodied cups depending on filters and pouring style
This newer dripper gives baristas artistic freedom and is becoming increasingly popular among specialty coffee enthusiasts.
Clever Dripper
Technically a hybrid between pour-over and immersion brewing, the Clever Dripper uses a valve system that allows coffee to steep before releasing it into the cup.
- Flavor: Rich and fuller-bodied compared to standard pour-overs
- Ease: Very forgiving and beginner-friendly
- Ideal For: Anyone who wants the ease of French press with the clarity of pour-over
Comparing Key Aspects of Each Method
| Method | Ease of Use | Control Level | Flavor Profile | Brew Time |
| V60 | Moderate | High | Bright, clean, complex | 2.5–3.5 min |
| Kalita Wave | Easy | Moderate | Balanced, sweet, smooth | 3–4 min |
| Chemex | Moderate | Moderate | Crisp, refined, delicate | 4–5 min |
| Melitta | Very Easy | Low | Mild, approachable | ~3 min |
| Origami | Advanced | High | Versatile | Varies |
| Clever Dripper | Very Easy | Low | Full-bodied, rich | 3–4 min |
Which Brewing Method Should You Choose?
Your ideal brewing method depends on what you value most:
- For maximum control and flavor clarity: V60
- For consistency and ease: Kalita Wave
- For brewing for guests with elegance: Chemex
- For quick and easy daily coffee: Melitta or Clever
- For flexibility and creativity: Origami Dripper
Also consider the coffee beans you’re using. Light roasts tend to shine with V60 and Chemex, while medium and darker roasts often taste great with Kalita or Clever.
Final Thoughts: Brewing as a Personal Ritual
Each brewing method has its charm, and the best one for you is the one that fits your lifestyle, taste preferences, and willingness to experiment. Brewing coffee manually is not just about the result — it’s about enjoying the process, connecting with the bean’s origin, and customizing each cup to your liking.
Try different methods, adjust your grind, tweak your pour, and most importantly — have fun with it. Over time, you’ll find that even small changes can produce noticeable differences in your coffee, helping you develop both your technique and palate.
Happy brewing!