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 than cone-shaped brewers like the Hario V60.
Because of this design, the Kalita Wave is a perfect choice for anyone who wants great results without needing barista-level precision. If you prefer an even more forgiving approach, the French Press or AeroPress are worth exploring as well.
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; see our guide on why your grinder matters)
- Gram scale
- Gooseneck kettle (for controlled pouring)
- Timer
- Filtered water heated to the appropriate temperature for your roast (see below)
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: 1:16
- Coffee: 20 grams (medium-light roast recommended)
- Water: 320 grams total
- Water Temperature: see roast-based temperature guide below
- Brew Time: about 3 minutes
Step-by-Step Kalita Wave Brewing 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 removes any traces of paper taste, preheats your equipment, and helps the filter stay in place. 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. For more detail on grind size across brew methods, see our Coffee Grinding Guide.
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. If your beans are within three days of roasting, extend the bloom by an additional 20 to 30 seconds to allow the extra CO2 to fully escape before continuing your pour.
4. Continue Pouring in Stages
After the bloom, pour 65 grams of water every 15 seconds until you reach a total of 320 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. Serve immediately for the best flavor and aroma.
Brew Temperature by Roast Level
The ideal brewing temperature changes with roast level. Use this 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 |
Fine-Tuning Your Brew
- Brew tastes weak or watery: use a slightly finer grind or a bit more coffee
- Brew tastes bitter or harsh: coarsen the grind or lower the water temperature slightly
- Brew tastes sour: grind a bit finer or use slightly hotter water
A Note on Coffee Freshness
At I Have a Bean, we roast and ship every bag the same day you order. Coffee that fresh releases more CO2 during brewing, which creates a higher bloom and can temporarily slow extraction. For best results with very fresh coffee, allow an extended bloom time or pour a little more gently during the first half of the brew. This helps capture the full clarity and sweetness the coffee has to offer.
For everything you need to know about keeping coffee at its best between brews, see our guide on how to keep coffee fresh.
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, head over to our Complete Guide to Pour-Over Coffee, or compare notes with our Hario V60 Brew Guide and Chemex Brew Guide.
To understand why these adjustments work the way they do, and what else shifts when you change grind or temperature, see our guide to coffee brewing variables.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalita Wave Brewing
What grind size is best for the Kalita Wave?
Medium, slightly coarser than a V60 grind. The Kalita Wave's flat bottom and three small drainage holes regulate flow rate more than a conical brewer does, which makes it more forgiving of small grind inconsistencies.
What is the coffee-to-water ratio for a Kalita Wave 185?
1:16 by weight. The standard recipe uses 20 grams of coffee to 320 grams of water, producing about 11 ounces. A medium-light roast is recommended as a starting point for this brewer.
What water temperature should I use for the Kalita Wave?
Light roasts do best at 200 to 205°F, which enhances brightness and clarity. Medium roasts work at 195 to 200°F to balance acidity and sweetness. Dark roasts are best at 185 to 190°F, which reduces bitterness and increases smoothness.
How is the Kalita Wave different from a V60?
The Kalita Wave has a flat bottom and three small drainage holes, while the V60 has a cone shape and one large hole. The Wave's design regulates flow rate more consistently, which makes it more forgiving of pour technique and produces more repeatable results brew to brew.
Why does my Kalita Wave coffee taste weak or watery?
Weak coffee from a Kalita Wave usually means under-extraction. Try grinding finer, raising your water temperature, or pouring more slowly so the water spends more time in contact with the grounds. Change one variable at a time.
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