The Kalita Wave is known for its consistency, simplicity, and forgiving nature. Its flat-bottom design with three small drainage holes makes it easier to brew a balanced cup without worrying about pour speed or pattern. It is a favorite among both beginners and professionals who appreciate clarity, sweetness, and repeatable results.
If you landed on this page first, you may want to start with our Complete Guide to Pour-Over Coffee to understand how pour-over brewing differs from other methods and why it highlights the flavor of great coffee so well.
What Makes the Kalita Wave Different
While most pour-over brewers use a cone shape that allows water to flow quickly through the center, the Kalita Wave’s flat-bottom bed and wavy paper filter slow the process slightly and promote even extraction. The unique wave-shaped filter also creates a small air gap between the filter and the brewer wall, helping retain heat throughout the brew.
The result is a smoother, more consistent cup that maintains its ideal temperature from start to finish and is less sensitive to pouring technique.
Because of this design, the Kalita Wave is a perfect choice for anyone who wants great results without needing barista-level precision.
What You’ll Need
• Kalita Wave 185 brewer (metal, glass, ceramic, or copper versions all work similarly)
• Kalita Wave 185 paper filters
• Freshly roasted whole-bean coffee
• Burr grinder (for consistent particle size)
• Gram scale
• Gooseneck kettle (for controlled pouring)
• Timer
• Filtered water heated to about 200 °F (93 °C)
Recommended Recipe
This recipe produces about 11 ounces of coffee and is tuned for the Kalita Wave 185 size. Adjust up or down depending on your preferred strength or serving size.
Coffee to Water Ratio: 1:17
Coffee: 20 grams (medium-light roast recommended)
Water: 340 grams total
Water Temperature: 200 °F (93 °C)
Brew Time: About 3 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare your filter and brewer
Place the Kalita Wave filter into the brewer and set it on top of your cup or carafe. Rinse the paper filter with hot water before brewing—this may help remove any traces of paper taste while simultaneously helping to preheat your equipment. It also helps the filter stay in place during brewing. Discard the rinse water before adding your ground coffee.
2. Measure and grind
Weigh 20 grams of coffee and grind it to a medium-coarse texture, similar to coarse sea salt.
3. Add coffee and start your bloom
Add the ground coffee to the filter and gently shake or tap to level the bed.
Start your timer and pour 60 grams of water evenly over the grounds to saturate them. This is the bloom phase, where CO₂ escapes and allows for more even extraction. Let the coffee bloom for 45 seconds.
4. Continue pouring in stages
After the bloom, pour 55 grams of water every 15 seconds until you reach a total of 340 grams. Try to keep the water level steady and avoid pouring aggressively. Small, gentle circles help maintain even saturation.
5. Let it finish brewing
Your total brew time should be around 3 minutes. Once the water has drained completely, remove the brewer.
6. Swirl, serve, and enjoy
Stir the coffee in your cup or swirl the carafe to mix the layers evenly before sipping.
Temperature Adjustments by Roast Level
The ideal brewing temperature changes with roast level. Use this quick guide to get the most from your beans:
| Roast Level | Water Temperature | Flavor Result |
|---|---|---|
| Light Roast | 200–205 °F (93–96 °C) | Enhances brightness and clarity |
| Medium Roast | 195–200 °F (90–93 °C) | Balances acidity and sweetness |
| Dark Roast | 185–190 °F (85–88 °C) | Reduces bitterness, increases smoothness |
If your coffee is extremely fresh (within three days of roasting), extend the bloom by an additional 20 to 30 seconds to allow the beans to de-gas fully before continuing your pour.
Fine-Tuning Your Brew
Every coffee behaves a little differently. Here are a few simple ways to adjust:
• If the brew tastes weak or watery: Use a slightly finer grind or a bit more coffee.
• If the brew tastes bitter or harsh: Coarsen the grind or lower the water temperature slightly.
• If the brew tastes sour: Grind a bit finer or use slightly hotter water.
Roaster’s Insight
At I Have a Bean, we roast and ship every bag the same day you order. Coffee that fresh releases more gas during brewing, which can create a higher bloom and temporarily slow extraction. For best results with our Just Roasted coffees, allow an extended bloom time or pour a little more gently during the first half of the brew. This helps you capture the full clarity and sweetness our beans are known for.
Common Questions about the Kalita Wave
Why use the metal Kalita Wave instead of glass or ceramic?
The metal version retains heat well, is durable, and cools down quickly between brews. The differences in cup quality between materials are minimal, so choose what you prefer aesthetically.
Why is the bottom flat instead of conical like other brewers?
The flat bottom helps create a uniform coffee bed depth and reduces channeling. Combined with the wavy filter, it improves temperature stability and promotes even extraction.
Can I brew more than one cup at a time?
Yes. The 185 model is ideal for one large or two small cups. For larger batches, repeat the process rather than doubling the recipe to maintain control over timing and extraction.
Final Thoughts
The Kalita Wave makes exceptional pour-over coffee approachable for everyone. Its design simplifies the process and consistently delivers a clean, sweet, and balanced cup.
If you want to explore more about pour-over brewing in general, head over to our Complete Guide to Pour-Over Coffee.
Ready to put your Kalita Wave to work?