Kalita Wave 155 or Fellow Stagg X: My Favorite Pour-Over
Join me as I explore why one of these pour-over champions might just transform your morning brew forever!
Have you ever wondered if the coffee gods smile upon your morning brew? After diving into the delightful realm of pour-over coffee, I’m excited to compare two STEELED contenders: the Kalita Wave 155 and the Fellow Stagg X. Let’s find out which one truly enhances the flavor of my beloved cup of joe!
Best Single
Overall, this dripper excels in providing an exceptional single cup of coffee with a rich flavor profile. Its elegant design and precise construction make it a delight to use, though it may not meet the needs of those brewing for multiple cups.
Best Brew Kit
![Fellow Stagg [X] Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pSk04+X0L._SS520_.jpg)
This kit is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate precision and an easy brewing process. It delivers well-extracted coffee with a polished style, though its materials and additional costs may require a bit of caution.
Kalita Wave 155
Fellow Stagg X
Kalita Wave 155
Fellow Stagg X
Kalita Wave 155
Fellow Stagg X
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of pour-over coffee makers can greatly influence the brewing experience. In this section, I’ll discuss the aesthetics, materials used, and overall durability of both the Kalita Wave 155 and Fellow Stagg X, highlighting what makes each unique.
Kalita Wave 155
The Kalita Wave 155 is a standout with its high-quality stainless steel construction that not only looks sleek but promises durability. Its compact size, with a flange diameter of about 105mm, makes it ideal for single servings. This dripper features a flat-bottomed brew bed, which is designed to ensure even extraction—perfect for those who appreciate meticulous brewing. Weighing in at just about 82 grams, it feels robust without being too heavy, making it easy to handle.
Fellow Stagg X
On the other hand, the Fellow Stagg X pour-over set is a modern marvel, featuring a minimalist and ergonomic design. This kit comes with a double-wall glass carafe, providing not only aesthetics but also enhanced insulation for temperature retention. Its stainless-steel dripper boasts a steep slope for effective extraction, making it both functional and visually appealing. However, it’s slightly more substantial, weighing around 1.43 pounds, which gives it a solid feel but may not be as travel-friendly.
![Fellow Stagg [X] Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dkcYoVroS.jpg)
![Fellow Stagg [X] Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41OwnEkoO0S.jpg)
In summary, the Kalita Wave 155 excels in portability and a classic aesthetic, while the Fellow Stagg X impresses with its modern design and professional-grade features. Each offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences, whether you prioritize simplicity or style in your pour-over experience.
Brewing Performance
In the heart of this comparison lies how well each dripper performs in making coffee. Here, I’ll cover factors such as extraction, brew time, and consistency while brewing a cup. How do the Kalita Wave 155 and Fellow Stagg X compete in delivering an exceptional coffee?
Extraction
The Kalita Wave 155 excels in creating an evenly extracted cup. Its flat-bottomed design encourages a uniform saturation of coffee grounds, leading to a wonderfully balanced flavor profile. I appreciate how the design minimizes channeling, allowing me to savor every nuance in my brew. Since it brews single servings, I find it’s perfect for my morning ritual.
On the flip side, the Fellow Stagg X offers a seamless pour-over experience, leveraging its steep slope to enhance extraction efficiency. This dripper’s design seems geared toward producing a clean cup with vibrant flavors. For my multi-serving needs, the Stagg X is a perfect fit, although I have to be more mindful of my pouring technique.
Brew Time
When it comes to brew time, both units shine. The Kalita Wave 155 allows me to brew a delicious cup in roughly 3 to 4 minutes, making it an efficient choice for busy mornings. In comparison, the Fellow Stagg X can often get me my cup faster, thanks to its optimized steep slope, brewing my coffee in about 2 to 3 minutes—great when I need my caffeine fix sooner.
Consistency
Both drippers deliver remarkable consistency once I’ve nailed my technique. However, I must admit that the Fellow Stagg X‘s built-in ratio aid helps me maintain that consistency more easily, especially on groggier mornings when my precision might falter.
In summary, both the Kalita Wave 155 and Fellow Stagg X have their strengths in extraction, brew time, and consistency, making the ultimate decision hinge on personal preferences and brewing habits.
Feature Comparison
Ease of Use and Cleaning
A great coffee maker should also be user-friendly and easy to maintain. Here are my thoughts on the setup, brewing process, and cleaning experience of both the Kalita Wave 155 and Fellow Stagg X. Which one wins for hassle-free brewing?
Setup and Brewing Process
The Kalita Wave 155 is straightforward right out of the box. Just place the dripper over my mug, insert a filter, and add coffee grounds. The flat-bottom design makes it easy to saturate the coffee evenly, and I appreciate how quickly I can brew a cup. It’s perfect when I’m short on time!
In contrast, the Fellow Stagg X may require a bit more initial setup due to its included components like the double-wall glass carafe. However, once I get the hang of its built-in ratio aid, brewing becomes almost automatic. The design promotes a clean pour with its steep slope, which encourages quick extraction.
Cleaning Experience
After enjoying a delicious cup, clean-up is crucial. With the Kalita Wave 155, cleaning is a breeze. The stainless-steel construction allows for easy rinsing, and I can simply toss the used filter and grounds.
Cleaning the Fellow Stagg X involves a bit more care. The glass carafe, while beautiful, requires gentle handling and thorough washing to maintain its clarity. Fortunately, the dripper itself is easy to clean, thanks to its stainless steel material.
Summary
Overall, both devices offer a user-friendly experience, but the Kalita Wave 155 leans slightly toward simplicity, making it ideal for quick sessions. The Fellow Stagg X, with a bit more setup and delicate care, rewards me with consistency and precision in return. Ultimately, it depends on how much effort I’m willing to invest for my perfect cup!
Value for Money
Finally, we need to consider the cost versus the features provided by each product. This section will evaluate whether the Kalita Wave 155 and the Fellow Stagg X are worth their price tags based on the quality, included accessories, and overall performance.
Pricing Overview
Features and Accessories
Performance vs. Price
When comparing performance, both options deliver great coffee, but they cater to different needs.
Summary
Both products hold strong value within their price range, but the choice ultimately depends on what I prioritize. If I lean towards simplicity and affordability, the Kalita Wave 155 is a solid choice. For those eager to invest more for additional features and premium components, the Fellow Stagg X is undoubtedly worth it.
Final Verdict: Which Dripper Reigns Supreme?
After weighing the pros and cons of both the Kalita Wave 155 and the Fellow Stagg X, the clear winner for me is the Fellow Stagg X. Its complete brewing kit offers unmatched convenience and consistency, making it an ideal choice for any coffee enthusiast. Ready to elevate your brew routine?
The Kalita drip coffee tastes so good but is kinda tricky to master! Any tips for a newbie? ☕️🙈 I really want to nail it!
Absolutely! Also, water temp matters too! Aim for around 200°F!
Start with the right grind size! A consistent medium grind works wonders.
I’ve been eyeing the Kalita Wave 155 for ages! ☕️ Anyone know if it really makes that much of a difference compared to the Fellow Stagg X? Like, is it worth the dough?
Yeah, the Kalita does provide a unique brew method that many swear by! It’s all about personal preference though.
Totally worth it! The consistency in flavor is amazing with the Kalita. I’ve had mine for over a year, no regrets! 🙌
Just got my Fellow Stagg X, and wow, I’m in love! Can’t believe how good my coffee is now. Best decision! ❤️
Awesome to hear! That’s what we like to call a coffee upgrade!
Welcome to the club! Hopes you enjoy brewing every day.
I’ve mostly heard good things about the Fellow but the Kalita has amazing reviews too. How in the world am I supposed to choose? 😂
It really boils down to what you’re looking for in a coffee experience! Maybe try one first!
That’s the coffee lover’s dilemma! But they’re both great in their own ways!
I’ve been using the Kalita 155 and I think it’s great, but I’ve been tempted to try the Stagg just for the carafe. Is it easy to clean?
It is super easy. I clean mine daily, it takes less than 5 minutes!
Cleaning is pretty straightforward. The glass carafe is a breeze to rinse and has a great design for pouring.
I got both and while I love the Stagg’s aesthetic, the Kalita is my go-to for taste. Wish I could blend them! 😋
Wow, lucky you! You can always experiment with both to find a hybrid brewing method!
So I noticed the Fellow Stagg comes with those filters. Are they special or just normal pour-over filters?
They’re specifically designed for that brewer, but you can usually find similar ones in stores!
I don’t know if I should keep using my old dripper or just dive into the Fellow Stagg. What do you all think?
Sometimes a little change can make all the difference in your routine!
If you’re enjoying brewing, maybe give the Stagg a try and see if it enhances your experience!
I prefer manual pour-over but there are days I wish I had an automatic. How easy is it to switch between styles? 🤔
I agree! It depends on your schedule too! Can’t beat the convenience sometimes.
Switching between manual and automatic might take some practice, but it’s totally doable!