The Hario Buono has been a staple of pour-over brewing for years. The original is a simple stovetop kettle — no display, no Bluetooth — that gives you precise, controlled pours and makes your V60 and Chemex noticeably better. Today it comes in three versions, and the right one depends on how you brew.
Quick answer
Brew pour-over most days and want it easy? Get the electric V60 Power Kettle BuonoN with temperature control (EVT-80). On a budget, or happy to use your hob? The stovetop Buono 1.0 L (VKB-100) or 1.2 L (VKB-120) is excellent value and works on induction. Only pick the basic electric Power Kettle (EVKB-80E) if you want a cordless electric gooseneck and never need a specific temperature.
The three Hario V60 Buono kettles
| Model | Heats on | Usable capacity | Temperature control | Typical price in Norway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drip Kettle Buono (VKB-70 / 100 / 120) | Any hob, incl. induction | 500 / 600 / 800 ml | No — use a thermometer | ≈ 550–750 kr |
| V60 Power Kettle Buono (EVKB-80E) | Electric base | 800 ml | No — boils, then switches off | ≈ 1 100–1 400 kr |
| V60 Power Kettle BuonoN with temperature control (EVT-80; older EVKT-80) | Electric base | 800 ml | Yes — 50–96 °C in 1 °C steps, keeps warm 15 min | ≈ 2 000–2 700 kr |
Prices are typical Norwegian retail prices and vary between shops and sales. The older EVKT-80 temperature-control model goes down to 60 °C; the newer BuonoN (EVT-80) goes down to 50 °C.
How to choose the right Buono for your home
How much do you brew?
For one V60 cup (250 g water) the 600 ml VKB-100 is plenty. For two cups, a Chemex or rinsing filters as well, choose 800 ml — the VKB-120 or either electric model.
Do you need a set temperature?
Light roasts brew best at 94–96 °C, darker roasts around 88–92 °C, and green tea much lower. If you switch between them, temperature control saves guesswork. If you only brew one coffee, boiling and waiting 30 seconds works fine.
What hob do you have?
All stovetop Buono sizes work on induction, gas, ceramic and electric hobs. In an office, a cabin with limited hob space, or if you just want to press a button, go electric.
Budget
The stovetop Buono plus a cheap probe thermometer gives you 90% of the result for about a quarter of the price of the BuonoN.
Stovetop Buono: design & build
The Buono is a beautifully simple piece of equipment. The rippled stainless steel body has a classic Japanese aesthetic — functional and elegant without being fussy. The gooseneck spout is narrow enough for precise pour control but not so restrictive that filling a French Press becomes tedious. The ergonomic handle stays cool on the stovetop and provides excellent balance, even when the kettle is full. At 1L capacity (0.6L recommended max), it's sized perfectly for single or double pour-overs.
Stovetop Buono: pour performance
This is where the Buono earns its reputation. The thin, controlled stream hits exactly where you aim it. Starting and stopping the flow is effortless — just a slight tilt of the wrist. For V60 spiral pours, it's almost unfairly good. The kettle feels well-balanced and light even when full of water. It boils quickly and quietly on any stovetop (gas, electric, induction-compatible models available). The only thing missing is a built-in thermometer, but a quick digital probe solves that.
Stovetop Buono: pros & cons
Precision pour control
The gooseneck spout delivers a thin, steady stream that's ideal for pour-over methods. You'll notice the difference in your V60 immediately.
Works on any stovetop
Gas, electric, ceramic — the Buono handles them all. No need for a power outlet or charging cable.
Excellent value
For the price of a few bags of specialty coffee, you get a tool that will last years and genuinely improve every pour-over you make.
No temperature control
Unlike electric gooseneck kettles, there's no built-in thermometer or temperature hold. You'll need a separate thermometer.
Requires care to stay shiny
The stainless steel can discolor if exposed to high heat. Hand-wash only and avoid the dishwasher.
Is the Hario Buono a good buy?
Yes — for pour-over it's one of the best-value kettles you can buy. The stovetop Buono gives the same pour control as kettles costing several times more, and it lasts for years. If you brew every day, the electric BuonoN with temperature control is worth the extra money for the convenience and repeatable temperature. The basic electric Power Kettle is the weakest value of the three: you pay for electric heating but still can't set the temperature.
Hario Buono FAQ
Is the electric Hario Buono worth it?
The BuonoN with temperature control is, if you brew daily or switch between light and dark roasts. The basic electric Power Kettle without temperature control is harder to justify over the stovetop version.
Does the Hario Buono work on induction?
Yes. The stovetop V60 Drip Kettle Buono works on induction, gas, electric, radiant and halogen hobs.
How much water does the Buono hold?
Don't fill to the brim — the gooseneck spout will spill. Usable capacity is about 500 ml (VKB-70), 600 ml (VKB-100), and 800 ml for the VKB-120 and both electric models.
Hario Buono or Fellow Stagg EKG?
Both pour beautifully. The Stagg EKG has a sleeker design and a longer keep-warm hold, and usually costs more than the BuonoN. The Buono's long, thin spout is a little easier to control at very slow flow rates. Pick on budget and looks.
Can I use the Buono for tea?
Yes — and the temperature-control model is great for it: around 70–80 °C for green tea and just off the boil for black tea.