What Is the Kalita Wave?
The Kalita Wave is a flat-bottomed pour-over dripper made in Japan. Unlike cone-shaped drippers such as the V60, which funnel water toward a single central hole, the Wave has three small holes arranged across a flat base. This spreads the flow more evenly and reduces the influence of pour technique on extraction, making it more consistent across different brewing styles and experience levels.
The Wave filter papers have a crimped, wavy edge that holds the paper away from the dripper walls. This prevents the filter from sealing against the sides, keeps the water temperature more stable during the brew, and contributes to an even extraction across the full coffee bed.
The result is a clean, balanced cup with good clarity. The Wave suits light to medium roasts particularly well, though it handles most roast levels reliably.
Basic Recipe
Coffee: 25g, medium filter grind
Brewer: Kalita Wave 185
Water: 400g at 93°C
Total brew time: approx. 3:00
Brewing Instructions
- Rinse the filter and warm your vessel. Place a Wave filter paper into the Kalita 185 and rinse thoroughly with hot water. This removes any paper taste and warms both the dripper and your mug or server. Discard the rinse water.
- Add coffee. Place the Wave on your scale over a pre-warmed mug or server and tare. Add 25g of medium filter grind coffee and level the bed so it is flat and even.
- Bloom. Start your timer. Pour 50g of water gently and evenly over the grounds. Leave to bloom for 30 seconds. This allows CO2 to release and prepares the grounds for an even extraction.
- First pour. At 0:30, pour 110g of water slowly using three concentric circles, starting from the centre and moving outwards. Keep the pour steady and controlled.
- Second pour. At 0:45, add 60g of water using the same circular pour motion.
- Third pour. At 1:00, add another 60g of water.
- Fourth pour. At 1:15, add another 60g of water.
- Final pour. At 1:45, add the remaining 60g of water.
- Draw down. Leave the coffee to drain fully. The total brew time should be around 3:00. Your coffee is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Kalita Wave 155 and 185?
The 155 is the smaller dripper, designed for single cups — typically up to around 250ml of brewed coffee. The 185 brews larger batches, making it better suited to 300–500ml or brewing for two people. The recipe above is written for the 185. If you're using the 155, scale the recipe down proportionally: around 15g coffee to 240g water works well as a starting point.
What grind size should I use?
Medium filter grind — similar to what you'd use for a Clever Dripper, and slightly coarser than a V60. If your brew is finishing significantly under 3 minutes and the coffee tastes thin or sour, try grinding finer. If it's running long and tasting bitter or heavy, go coarser. See our grind size guide for reference.
Do I need to use Kalita Wave filter papers?
Yes. The Wave's flat-bottomed design requires its specific crimped filter papers — standard cone or basket filters won't fit correctly. We stock Kalita Wave filter papers in both 155 and 185 sizes.
How does the Kalita Wave compare to a V60?
The V60 has a single large central drainage hole and a conical shape, which makes it more sensitive to pour speed and technique — small variations have a noticeable effect on the cup. The Kalita Wave's three-hole flat base and the insulating effect of its crimped filter make it more forgiving. Both produce a clean, filter-style cup, but the Wave is generally more consistent for brewers still developing their technique.
Which Kalita Wave dripper should I buy?
For most home brewers, the stainless steel Wave 185 is the most practical choice — it's durable, retains heat well, and handles the recipe above directly. The glass dripper is a lighter option at a lower price point. If you mostly brew single cups, the 155 in either material works well.
What coffee works best in a Kalita Wave?
Light to medium roasts with distinct origin character tend to work well — the flat bed and even extraction give clarity to fruity or floral notes. Medium-dark roasts also brew cleanly in the Wave. Browse our full coffee range for options to try.
