Overview
There are dozens of specialty pour-over coffee makers on the market, so deciding which one is best for you can be difficult. The Kalita Wave Dripper is a simple and lightweight model designed to make great pour-over coffee simple to brew.
Is it a success? To find out, we thoroughly tested the Kalita Wave. What were the outcomes? This pour-over with a flat bottom is small and simple to use. It makes complex, richly flavoured coffee while providing all of the health benefits of paper filters. It’s also inexpensive and portable!
The Wave requires special paper filters and is not intended to brew multiple cups. We found it a little difficult to hold, and the design is more utilitarian than stylish. However, this is a well-thought-out coffee maker that will appeal to a wide range of homebrewers.
Kalita Wave Dripper Quick Look:
Pros
- Lightweight and small
- Reasonably priced
- Straightforward to use
- Simple, smart design
- Very easy to clean
- Fast brewing
Cons
- Must buy specialty paper filters
- Can’t brew multiple cups
- Small handle
Specifications
Brand: Kalita
Models: 185 and 155
Product Type: Specialty pour-over dripper
Serving size: 1-2 cups (155) or 2-4 cups (185)
Materials: Glass, copper, ceramic, or stainless steel
Dishwasher-safe parts: Yes
Filters: Kalita Wave paper filters
About Kalita
Kalita is a Japanese coffee company that was founded in 1958. The company is best known for its Wave line, which includes the coffee maker we’re looking at today! If you’re looking for additional coffee accessories, Kalita also sells gooseneck kettles, coffee pots, and a variety of manual coffee grinders.
Appearance & Durability
The Kalita Wave is a pour-over with a unique shape. It has waves (hence the name) down the side that are intended to move brewed coffee more efficiently. Although the bottom is flat, the company’s specially designed paper filters do not touch it, preventing flavor-ruining coffee stagnation. The bottom has three holes to allow the coffee to drip into your cup.
This device isn’t as elegant as, say, the Chemex, but it’s a clever design that would look at home in a high-end coffee shop or kitchen. The brewer is made of one piece, making it simple to clean and transport in a suitcase or backpack.
The handle was the only aspect of the Kalita Wave’s design that we didn’t like. It’s a little cramped and not particularly ergonomic. If you have large hands, you may find it difficult to pick up this brewer.
In terms of durability, this brewer is lightweight but far from flimsy. The stainless steel model is well-made and appears to be durable enough for everyday use.
The Coffee
Time for the big test: how does the Kalita Wave brew?
Ease of Use
We used freshly ground coffee beans and Kalita’s specially designed paper filters for our experiment. These filters are designed to reduce contact between the dripper walls and the filter itself, resulting in more even water distribution and overall better flavour.
Simply place the filter in the Kalita Wave, add medium-ground coffee, and pour in hot water to brew. The dripper does the rest, funnelling the coffee down through the filter and into your cup through three small holes in the bottom.
Flavour Profile
What did our Kalita coffee taste like? It was flavorful and smooth, with a light body and a lot of aroma. Because it allows the beans to shine through, this brewer is ideal for complex coffees such as floral light roasts and rich medium roasts. Best of all, even when using very dark beans, we didn’t detect any bitterness!
Maintenance
The Kalita Wave, like many other pour-overs, is dishwasher safe. You can also quickly hand-wash it with warm water and soap. Because of the simple design, any coffee buildup is easily removed. You should allow the Kalita to completely dry before storing it. Allow it to dry on a dish towel or wipe it down before storing it for a happy, clean brewer!
The Verdict
What’s the bottom line? The Kalita Wave pour-over was a hit with us. It’s a straightforward and compact brewer that won’t break the bank. The Kalita Wave does not include brewing or cleaning instructions, which surprised us. However, it is simple to operate and clean.
What are the disadvantages? To use this brewer, you must purchase Kalita’s special paper filters. It’s not intended to brew for a large group, and the handle may be too small for you. If you prefer full-bodied coffee with natural oils, you might prefer Kalita’s clear coffee less.
Overall, this coffee maker could be an excellent choice for a wide range of coffee enthusiasts. We believe this dripper will impress you whether you are a coffee expert or a novice. Try it out and let us know what you think!
Check Out More Buying Guides