Compared with the conceptually similar Hario V60, the Wave has a flat (rather than conical) bottom, wavy (rather than straight-sided) paper filters, and three small holes (rather than a single large one) at its base. In my experience, these differences mean the Wave brews slower than the V60 and produces a richer, fuller cup. Your mileage may vary, of course, and like all pour-over coffee makers, this one does require some experimentation, tweaking, and attention to get a result you really love.
Our pick
The Kalita Wave’s flat bottom ensures the most even extraction—and the best-tasting coffee—of all the pour-over drippers we’ve tested.
I brew with the Wave every day, generally using single-origin light roasts and often switching between regular hot pour-overs and Japanese-style iced coffee. The Wave works equally well for both methods. Although its small volume necessitates a long, constant, spiral pour, I personally find this ritual to be a welcome, meditative way to ease into mornings at work.
I have the white Hanami porcelain Wave, but it also comes in glass and stainless steel versions, to suit your personal preferences. Regardless of which material you get, the design is simple and elegant (some might call it utilitarian). And, unlike the Chemex and Woodneck, the Wave allows you to brew coffee into any kind of vessel you want. For instance, you can do your pour-over directly into an insulated travel mug, so you don’t have to transfer it and lose heat in the process—something I’ve done often when leaving for road trips early in the morning.
