The Best Kalita Wave Brewers A Comprehensive Guide
The Kalita Wave is a favorite among coffee professionals and home brewers alike for its ability to produce an exceptionally consistent and flavorful cup. With its patented flat-bottom design, it’s a more forgiving brewer than many conical drippers, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to master the art of pour-over. We’ve broken down the key differences between three of the most popular models to help you find the perfect one for your brewing ritual.
Kalita Wave 185 Drippers (Stainless Steel)
Professional-Grade Construction: This pour-over dripper is a top choice in specialty cafés and professional competitions. Made in Japan from polished stainless steel, it is more durable than ceramic or glass alternatives.
Superior Heat Retention: The stainless steel material heats up faster and stays hot throughout the entire brewing process, helping to maintain a stable temperature for a balanced extraction.
Patented Wave Design: The unique wave design minimizes contact between the brewing space and the filter, promoting a more even extraction and a full-bodied, flavorful cup of coffee every time.
Universal Fit: The flat-bottomed coffee bed and 4-inch diameter ensure this dripper fits securely on almost all cups and carafes, so you don’t have to worry about drips or spills.
Kalita Wave Pour Over Coffee Dripper, Size 185 (Glass)
Perfect for All Skill Levels: The flat-bottomed design and three small holes at the base of this coffee dripper make it incredibly forgiving. It’s a favorite for pour-over beginners who want to prevent over-extraction, but it’s also a staple for professionals who appreciate its consistent results.
Heat-Resistant Glass: Made from heat-resistant glass, this dripper offers a classic aesthetic while maintaining a stable brewing temperature. The clear glass also allows you to watch the brewing process, which can be a satisfying experience.
Balanced Extraction: The unique design of the dripper and its matching filter work together to control agitation, creating a pool of water on the coffee bed that ensures a uniform extraction without too much turbulence.
Carita Kalita Stainless Steel Coffee Dripper (185S)
Premium Craftsmanship: This stainless steel coffee dripper from Japan features a premium construction with a phenolic resin handle and a brass frame. Its attention to detail and high-quality materials make it a durable and beautiful addition to any coffee station.
Designed for Consistency: As part of the Wave series, this dripper utilizes the same flat-bottomed design and works with Kalita Wave 185 filters to ensure an even and consistent extraction every time.
Durability & Style: The combination of polished stainless steel and a sturdy handle gives this dripper a robust feel. Its classic look and premium materials ensure it will last for a long time while looking great.
The Patented Wave Design
The core of the Kalita Wave’s success is its patented design. The flat-bottomed filter bed and the three small holes at the base work together to promote a more even and consistent extraction than traditional conical drippers. This unique design minimizes the risk of channeling and over-extraction, making it an incredibly forgiving tool for both experienced baristas and those just starting their pour-over journey. The result is a flavorful, full-bodied cup with a clean finish.
Material Matters: Stainless Steel vs. Glass
The choice between a stainless steel or glass Kalita Wave dripper comes down to personal preference for durability and thermal properties. The stainless steel version is virtually unbreakable, making it a great choice for travelers, campers, or anyone who values a durable product. Its ability to heat up quickly and retain heat throughout the brew is also a major advantage for maintaining temperature stability. The heat-resistant glass version, on the other hand, offers a more classic aesthetic and a visual element to the brewing process.
For Every Brewer
The Kalita Wave is a testament to the idea that great coffee doesn’t have to be complicated. Its design is intuitive enough for beginners to produce excellent results without a lot of technical skill, while also providing the level of consistency and control that coffee professionals demand. Whether you are using it in a top-tier café or your own kitchen, the pour-over dripper consistently delivers a high-quality, delicious cup.
Final Thoughts
The Wave Kalita series provides an exceptional pour-over experience for those seeking consistency and extraordinary flavor. The choice between the stainless steel and glass models is a personal one, but both are built on the same foundation of quality Japanese craftsmanship and a unique, patented design. By choosing a Kalita Wave, you are equipping yourself with a powerful and forgiving tool that will help you brew the perfect cup, time after time.
Own a Kalita Wave but don’t have a decent coffee grinder? A poor grinder can really mess up your brew, which is why we suggest checking out the Best Coffee Grinders.
FAQs
What makes the Kalita Wave different from a V60 or other conical drippers?
The main difference is the design. The Kalita Wave has a flat bottom with three small holes, which promotes an even and consistent extraction. In contrast, a V60 has a conical shape with one large hole, which requires a more precise pouring technique to avoid under- or over-extraction
Are there different sizes of Kalita Wave drippers?
Yes, the Kalita Wave comes in two common sizes: the 185 (for 2-4 cups) and the 155 (for 1-2 cups). The models featured in this guide are all the 185 size, which is a versatile choice for brewing for yourself or a small group
What does a "balanced extraction" mean?
A balanced extraction means that water has passed through all of the coffee grounds evenly, without some areas being under-extracted (sour and thin) or over-extracted (bitter and harsh). The flat-bottomed design of the Kalita Wave helps to ensure this even extraction, leading to a consistently delicious cup
