A Comparison of Pour Over Brewing Kettles

Written by Matt Galyon on Dec 8th, 2011
Bonavita Kettle, Hario Buono Kettle, Kalita Thin Spout Kettle, and Kalita Wave Pot Kettle

Every trade has its tools, and that of manual coffee-making is no exception. One of the most important tools — especially for pour-over brewing — is the kettle. As the appreciation for culinary coffee continues to grow, so does the demand for a kettle that meets the needs and demands of the at-home and professional barista. We've made an effort to offer a limited, accessible offering of kettles that fit various budgets and preferences, each kettle bringing different strengths to the table.

Bonavita Kettle

Bonavita's Kettle is the most affordable high-quality pouring kettle on the market. This affordability, combined with a flow rate comparable to the Buono's, makes for an impressive kettle at an accessible price. In addition to the nice price-point, the vents on the lid are large enough to accommodate any of our thermometers. And for extra convenience and temperature control, Bonavita offers an electric pouring kettle and a variable temperature electric pouring kettle. The incredible benefits of an electric kettle with a gooseneck spout include faster heating and improved temperature stability.

Hario Buono Kettle

Hario's Buono has reigned as the king of pour over kettles for several years, performing strongly in both coffee bars and homes. The Buono features high-quality stainless steel construction and a comfortable ergonomic design to aid in precision and control. Holding up to 1.2 liters, the Buono boasts the largest capacity of all of our kettles, and the unique beehive design complements the look of the V60 lineup. This year, the Buono got even better with the option for an electric version or a smaller, 1-liter size.

Kalita Thin Spout Kettle

Kalita's Thin Spout features a compact design and, with a smaller capacity (700 mL / 23 oz), this kettle is ideal for those that only brew one or two cups at a time. It's also an attractive choice for shops that offer multiple by-the-cup options and are looking for a kettle that will provide better control and take up less space. The Thin Spout is our lightest kettle, which optimizes comfort and precision for the entire brewing process.

Kalita Wave Pot Kettle

Kalita's Wave Pot kettle is one of the classiest around. The flow rate on the Wave Pot is among the slowest and steadiest that we've tested (rivaled only by the Takahiro). In addition to its impressive flow rate, the Wave Kettle is the heaviest kettle that we have, weighing in at just over a pound (472 g). Its dense stainless steel composition improves heat retention so that water temperature doesn't drop as fast as in kettles. The last obvious advantage that the Kalita Wave Kettle is gorgeous. The beautiful polished steel finish, elegant spout, and wooden handle make this one handsome kettle.

  • Bonavita Bonavita Kettle
  • Hario Buono Hario Buono V60 Kettle
  • Kalita Wave Pot Kalita Wave Pot Kettle
  • Kalita Thin Spout Kalita Thin Spout Kettle
  • Kalita Thin Spout Takahiro Kettle

Price

Capacity

  • 1 Liter
  • 1.2 Liters
  • 1 Liter
  • 700mL

Weight

  • non-electric: N/A
    electric: 551g
  • 418g
  • 472g
  • 345g

Slowest
Flow Rate

  • ~150mL/minute
  • ~150mL/minute

SKU

  • BV3825ST (non-electric)
    BV3825B (electric)
  • VKB-120HSV
  • 52073
  • 52055

Advantage

  • Cost
  • Capacity
  • Control
  • Comfort

Disqus - noscript

Submitted by Lance Roper on Sun, 01/15/2012 - 15:56.

Which kettle would you pick as your favorite?

Submitted by Kirk on Mon, 01/16/2012 - 14:44.

My personal all-around favorite is the electric Bonavita.  It is at such a low price, heats up super fast, has a great pour-rate.  I also throw a thermometer in the top and give it a couple of minutes after boiling to go down to 200 range.

Submitted by Prima Coffee Equipment on Mon, 01/16/2012 - 14:49.

We think the temperature stability, slower possible flow rate, and style give the Wave Pot our vote as the favorite, but these each have their place. The Kalita Thin Spout has the second slowest flow rate and is a tad easier to control because of its lighter weight. We'd recommend the Thin Spout over the Wave Pot if you're only brewing smaller, one to two person, batches and don't care about the style differences. The Hario Buono has the largest capacity out of all of the kettles (1.2 L / 45oz.) and it has an easy to control flow and is considerably light for its capacity. The Bonavita is quickly becoming one of our favorites because of the price, electric option, and the fact that you can fit one of our milk thermometers in through the whole in the top to get an easy temperature reading. Hope this helped!

Submitted by Lee on Mon, 01/16/2012 - 16:58.

What do you think primarily will be your uses?

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