Kalita Wave Review – Full Flavor Pour-Over Brew You’ll Love

What Is the Kalita Wave

If you want to prepare your coffee using the perfect pour-over method, then you may want to check out the Kalita wave, a pour-over coffee-making machine that has gained popularity over the past few years. It is a great coffee maker to invest in, especially if you are interested in making the world’s best instant coffee.

Coming from a renowned Japanese brand, Kalita, this device has a distinctive feature in its 3-hold and flat bottom, which effectively restricts water flow. This simplifies the whole process of making a cup of strong black coffee or any other coffee variation you intend to make from it.

Benefits of Using the Kalita Wave

Unique Yet Nice Design

The Kalita Wave is uniquely designed, making it totally different from other pour-over machines. The overall unique design of this pour-over is one reason why it can guarantee users of even extraction.

Portable and Lightweight

You will also fall in love with the lightness and portability of the Kalita Wave. It is, therefore, an incredible choice if you wish to invest in a pour-over coffee maker that you can bring anywhere – whether it is traveling, backpacking, camping, or just at home.

User-Friendly

It is so easy to use that even beginners of using coffee makers will not have problems brewing their coffee beverages with it. It also assures a more even brewed coffee and predictable extraction. This is mainly because of its flat bottom design and the three tiny holes that guarantee good flow control.

How Does Kalita Wave Work

The Kalita Wave works by implementing the pour-over technique of making coffee. Basically, this method requires you to pour hot water into a coffee filter where the grind is in. You can then expect the water to flow through the coffee placed in the filter then run through a carafe or mug.

The ridged filters integrated into the Kalita Wave also make it effective in holding out the slurry from the walls of the dripper. With that, it aids the air in balancing the water flow and serving as an insulator designed to maintain the warmth of the brew.

Pros and Cons of Using Kalita Wave

Pros

• Classic and unique design, making it an incredibly beautiful addition to your kitchen.
• Easy to use with its predictable features and controls.
• Portable and lightweight.
• Capable of producing a bit stronger coffee compared to other pour-over brewers.
• Less expensive than other coffee makers.

Cons

• The filters are too delicate, making them prone to damage easily.

Types of Kalita Wave

Kalita 155

This is the smaller one, which is perfect for just one cup only.

Kalita 185

If you want a coffee maker that is a bit bigger, then the Kalita 185 is ideal for you. It allows you to make two to four cups of coffee at once.

The only difference between the two is the size, which means that all the other features are the same. That said, make your choice between the two based on your preferred and needed capacity.

How to Choose the Best Kalita Wave

Size

The Kalita Wave provides a couple of options regarding the size – the 155 and the 185 models we talked about earlier. As the smaller version of the coffee maker, the Kalita 155 can hold around 300 ml of water and 17 to 18 grams of ground coffee. This is often enough for one coffee or travel mug. If you prefer a bigger one, then go for the 185 models as it can brewing 29 to 30 grams of ground coffee together with 500 ml water.

Material

You can also make your choice based on the materials used in making the dripper. Using a French press, you can improve the flavor of your coffee. You can expect the same when you are using the Kalita wave. Just ensure that you pick the most suitable dripper material for you – among your choices are those made of glass, stainless steel, and ceramic. Many prefer stainless steel, though, as it is considered the most durable material.

Usage

The ease of using the Kalita Wave pour-over coffee-making machine is also one incredible reason to pick it. It is perfect for beginners as it is capable of brewing coffee evenly while promoting a predictable extraction. It has tiny holes capable of controlling the flow rate when you use it for brewing, resulting in more consistent flavors.

Filters

It is also important to learn about the different types of coffee filters to know which one fits the Kalita Wave the most. It would be best to go for the filter specifically made for this machine, though. The filter made for the Kalita Wave actually looks similar to a cupcake cup that features a few vertical ridges.

This design looks nice while minimizing the contact between the dripper wall and filter, thereby boosting the water temperature’s stability. It is also crucial to pick the right size of filter – the 155 and the 185 – based on the model or variation of machine you have.

Taste

The distinctive brewing design of the Kalita Wave is one reason why it can produce a more robust taste compared to coffees made using other pour-over machines. It allows you to enjoy a delicious cold-brewed coffee. The taste also has more delicate notes compared to those prepared using a French press. It is also possible for you to use a coarser coffee grind, which may release brighter flavors and more acidity to the drink. A quality frothed milk is also a nice addition to your final beverage.

Portability

The portability of this machine should also contribute to your final choice. Luckily, it is truly portable and compact. It is perfect if you are someone who travels a lot. It is portable because you can easily produce a delicious brew even when you are on a trip or camping.

Price

What is great about the Kalita Wave is that it is reasonably priced. The cost is just within the price range of other pour-over coffee-making devices and premium siphon coffee maker models.

Things to Consider Before Buying Kalita Wave

Despite the reasonable price of the Kalita Wave, it is still important for you to determine whether it is indeed the right fit for your needs before actually deciding to buy it. In that case, here are some things that you may want to consider if you want to be one hundred percent sure that it is indeed a good investment for you:

Brewing Skills

Assess your brewing skills if you intend to buy the Kalita Wave. You should have a bit of knowledge about brewing before you should invest in this machine. What’s great about the Kalita Wave is that it has a bottom design capable of creating better flow control when making coffee. This results in a consistent cup of coffee with just minor details. With that said, even if your brewing skills can’t be categorized as an expert yet, this machine is still a hassle-free one that you can use anytime.

Personal Preferences

Think about your personal preferences when it comes to making and brewing coffee, too. That way, you can better decide if the Kalita Wave is indeed the most appropriate choice for you. This machine may not be ideal for you if what you prefer is a pour-over coffee that you can get quickly without learning and understanding the extraction technique.

However, if you prefer more are absolute results, then the Kalita Wave pour-over is an incredible option. Just make sure that you are willing to practice and exercise patience when trying to master it initially.

Time

Find out whether the time that it takes for the Kalita Wave to brew coffee is acceptable for you. Note that when selecting a brewer, you need to know the exact time needed when making your coffee. If you prefer pour-overs, it usually takes around three to five minutes to grind, measure, and boil water.

It will then need three to five minutes more to brew coffee. In total, you may need to wait ten minutes for your coffee to come out. This may also be the amount of time that the Kalita Wave needs to give you your favorite coffee beverage.

Technique

One thing you should note about the Kalita Wave is that it utilizes a manual technique.

With that in mind, remember that the entire process also requires you to consider several variables – among which are the actual weight of the ground coffee you use, water temperature, the pour’s aggressiveness, and the brewing time. You must handle the mentioned variables carefully to ensure that you will enjoy the best-tasting coffee anytime you use the machine.

Accessories

Find out whether you are willing to invest in the other accessories you may need to make the Kalita Wave work to its best advantage. Among the extra accessories, you may need to gather when mastering the manual brew are a burr grinder, serving vessel, appropriate filters, and gooseneck kettle.

Tools You Need to Brew Coffee With Kalita Wave

Kalita Wave Filters

To be one hundred percent sure that the Kalita Wave will perform its intended function, it would be best for you to use the right filters for this specific machine. The filters designed for it actually feature a unique style consisting of huge vertical and wavy ridges.

Aside from resembling a cupcake in the way it looks, the ridges also have a crucial role when brewing. What they do is hold the coffee grounds in a way that they steer clear from the Wave. With that, the air gets the chance to pass between them, thereby insulating the coffee and ensuring that the cone does not suck out the heat from the liquid.

Glass Server

You may also want to get the glass server from Kalita. It is heat-resistant that is available in two sizes – the 300 ml and the 500 ml size. Both these sizes perfectly fit the dripper of Kalita Wave.

Kitchen Scale

Of course, you will need a kitchen scale to measure everything that you will be adding to this pour-over coffee maker. Note that there is no room for guesswork if you want your brewed coffee to come out as perfect.

Electric Kettle

It would be a lot better if you invest in a gooseneck kettle. This specific electric kettle can assure you that hot water will fall at the right spot of ground coffee, which is vital for even saturation. The gooseneck kettle is also beneficial as it can give you more control, thereby ensuring that you will be pouring the right amounts.

Timer

You will also need a timer to complete all the necessary processes and steps at the appropriate time.

How to Brew Coffee With a Kalita Wave

Step 1 – Set water at the ideal temperature

This is usually around 94 degrees Celsius or 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2 – Insert the filter into the Wave dripper

Rinse the filter using hot water to get rid of its papery taste. After that, you can heat the cup and brewer. Exercise caution when doing so to avoid damaging the filter, which is delicate.

Step 3 – Put coffee and set to a medium-coarse grind

Pour water, around 50 grams, over the coffee ground in the first fifteen seconds. After that, allow the coffee to bloom for fifteen seconds more. This should provide enough time for the coffee to release its flavor and oils.

Step 4 – Pour more water in the next fifteen seconds

Do the pouring (around 130 grams) in a circular motion. Wait for fifteen more seconds. After that, you can pour the last batch of water (around 100 grams) over the coffee grounds.

Step 6 – Wait for coffee to be completely dripped

You can then dispose of the filter you have used. Do not forget to clean the Kalita Wave after using it.

 

How to Clean a Kalita Wave Coffee Dripper

Step 1 – Prepare a soft dishcloth or sponge

Ensure that it is suitable for use on the Kalita Wave. Add a bit of dishwashing detergent to the dishcloth or sponge and use it to scrub its external and internal parts. Wipe down the remaining surfaces with warm water to clean the entire machine more thoroughly.

Step 2 – Tackle the dripper

All you have to do is rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. This should help in getting rid of all the detergent there.

Step 3 – Air dry on a rack

You may also do the drying manually with the help of a clean towel. This alternative drying method can help in preventing water spots from accumulating on the surface. Just make sure to exercise caution when doing so, especially if the Kalita you use is constructed from glass.

Kalita Wave vs Similar Coffee Brewers

Kalita Wave vs Hario V60

One pour-over coffee maker that is comparable to the Kalita Wave is Hario V60. The two actually look similar but note that they also have significant differences, especially when you look at their features and the brewing systems they use. The Kalita Wave is different because it caters to anyone who prefers a manual pour-over technique when brewing coffee. It can, therefore, provide more control over your cup of coffee while ensuring that the brew you produce is consistent and robust.

The Hario V60 is kind of different in the sense that it is a pour-over coffee with an open-source design. It also has a more delicate brewing process, which means that you need to be more focused and attentive to prevent the resulting coffee from tasting differently. Hario V60 also requires more practice and experimentation when you use the dripper compared to the Kalita Wave.

Kalita Wave vs Chemex

The Chemex is also another incredible coffee maker that you can easily compare with the Kalita Wave. Built using borosilicate glass, this coffee maker is capable of brewing clean and rich coffee. It is different from the Kalita Wave, though, as it is more fragile. It also comes in three to ten sizes with proprietary filters that you may have difficulty finding. In addition, it is not the same as Kalita Wave as it can’t retain the warmth of your coffee.

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

One impressive benefit of the Kalita Wave is that it is not that expensive. It has a reasonable price while still ensuring that its overall construction and the functionality of its features are top-notch. With that said, it is safe to say that you really do not have to spend too much to get a hold of a beautifully made and high-quality pour-over coffee maker.

Do’s and Don’ts With Kalita Wave

Do’s

• Preheat the machine. Note that the key to keeping the coffee warm for a longer period is to make sure that the mug or carafe is also warm.
• Use filtered water all the time.
• Ensure that the kettle is filled with water up to the brim. That way, you can heat enough water for every step requiring it. This will prevent you from running out of water during the brewing process.
• Use a scale. You need to promote ease in brewing while ensuring that you meet the defined ratio without any guesswork.

Don’ts

• Do not let the coffee become dry during the brewing process. In that case, it is advisable to pour additional water before making the old one run out.
• Do not pour water on the sides when brewing. Do it at the center.

Quick Kalita Wave Brewing Tips

Get It Hot

Do not worry when trying to make the kettle hot, as it is actually stove-friendly. By doing this simple tip, you have an assurance that the water you use will remain warm, which is different when pouring boiled water. By keeping it hot, getting energy with a thermal coffee maker may no longer be necessary.

Keep It Polished

This means you should clean and polish the machine regularly to continue serving its intended function. In that case, you can use a microfiber cloth and some water for a nice polish. It would be enough to make the kettle and dripper look new.

Fill the Kettle to the Top

With that, you will have sufficient water for all the required steps of the brewing process, including wetting the filter, warming the serving, and preheating the cup.

FAQ About Kalita Wave

How many grams of coffee are in a Kalita Wave?

This will depend on the size of the Kalita Wave you have chosen to invest in. If you go for Kalita 185, it will brew around 29 to 30 grams of coffee. Meanwhile, the Kalita 155 can hold 17 to 18 grams of coffee when brewing.

How many cups does Kalita Wave make?

Again, this will depend on your chosen size of Kalita. If you picked the Kalita 155 model, expect it to give you around one to two cups of brewed coffee. The Kalita 185 is intended for around three to four cups.

How do I make Kalita 102?

To make a Kalita 102, you will need the Kalita 102 dripper, decanter, and filter. You have to put the dripper over the decanter then insert the filter into the dripper. Once the water is hot enough, you can pour 250 g of water through your filter and water then into your cup. Ensure that the entire filter is wet. It is necessary to heat all the parts and devices, wash off the filter’s papery flavor, and prepare its fiber for the filtration process. Once done, you can discard the used water.

Do you need a gooseneck kettle for Kalita Wave?

Yes, it would be much better if you use a gooseneck kettle for your Kalita Wave. The reason is that this type of kettle can offer more control when you are pouring, making it vital if you prefer brewing your coffee using the pour-over method.

Is the Kalita Wave dishwasher safe?

Yes, it is. This means you can wash your Kalita Wave in your dishwasher. It is also quick to wash it with soap and warm water. With its simple design, wiping any coffee buildup is also easy.

How do I store my Kalita Wave filters?

You should know about the Kalita Wave filters because they are kind of delicate and flimsy. This means you have to store them properly, instead of throwing them without caution in the cupboard. Inappropriate storage may only cause them to break or get damaged. If possible, invest in a container or bag where you can store the filters without any problem. It is also crucial to make sure that the specific place where you store them will not cause them to lose their shape.

Conclusion

Kalita Wave is indeed a fantastic investment if you are someone who loves coffee. With this pour-over coffee maker around, you will have a better chance of enjoying an evenly brewed cup of coffee. This can also result in its balanced extraction and full flavor.