Below is a clear, instructional decision tree designed to help a brewer quickly answer:
“Which pour-over should I use?”
This structure works well for teaching, course material, posters, or quick reference cards.
WHICH POUR-OVER SHOULD I USE?¶
Start at the top and follow the answers that best match your goal.
1. What do you value most in the cup?¶
A. Clarity & clean flavours¶
→ Go to 2
B. Balance & sweetness¶
→ Go to 3
C. Bright acidity & expression¶
→ Go to 4
2. Do you want the cleanest possible cup with minimal oils?¶
Yes
→ Chemex
No, some body is okay
→ V60
3. Do you want consistency and forgiveness?¶
Yes, repeatable and reliable
→ Kalita Wave
No, I like to fine-tune technique
→ V60
4. How comfortable are you with technique and pouring control?¶
Very comfortable / want maximum control
→ V60
Moderate / prefer stability
→ Kalita Wave
5. What roast level are you brewing?¶
Light roast¶
-
Want florals & acidity → V60
-
Want clean & delicate → Chemex
-
Want sweetness & balance → Kalita Wave
Medium roast¶
-
Balanced everyday cup → Kalita Wave
-
Expressive clarity → V60
-
Light-bodied & smooth → Chemex
Medium–dark roast¶
-
Sweet, round cup → Kalita Wave
-
Very clean, low bitterness → Chemex
-
(V60 less common here)
6. How much effort do you want to invest?¶
| Effort Level | Recommended Brewer |
|---|---|
| Low | Kalita Wave |
| Medium | Chemex |
| High / precision | V60 |
QUICK DECISION SUMMARY¶
-
Choose Kalita Wave if you want:
Consistency, sweetness, balance, forgiveness -
Choose V60 if you want:
Maximum flavour articulation and control -
Choose Chemex if you want:
Ultra-clean, light-bodied, tea-like coffee
TEACHING TAKEAWAY¶
All pour-over brewers use gravity and paper filtration.
The difference lies in how much control vs protection the brewer provides:
-
Kalita Wave protects you from uneven extraction
-
V60 exposes technique and rewards precision
-
Chemex filters aggressively for clarity