How To Brew Coffee With a Kalita Wave (Step-By-Step Guide)
Ever wonder what makes the Kalita Wave so unique? I did, too, and it all started when I stumbled across a blog post that mentioned Kalita’s fascinating origin story.
Well, this Japanese company began back in 1958, crafting high-quality coffee equipment, all built on the belief that brewing coffee should be easy yet exceptional.
After reading about their commitment to quality and their precision-focused design, I couldn’t resist—I just had to try one for myself. A quick visit to their website, and there I was, checking out with my very own Kalita Wave dripper on the way.
Now that I’ve spent time with the Kalita Wave, I’ve learned a thing or two (okay, a lot more than that). In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I wish I’d known from the start: how to brew with the Kalita Wave, what makes it different, and a few insider tips that’ll help you get the best out of every cup. So let’s brew!
What’s a Kalita Wave?
The Kalita Wave is a pour-over coffee dripper with a unique, flat-bottomed design that sets it apart from other brewers.
Contrary to the V60, which has a single opening, the Kalita Wave has three small holes in its base. This gives you a bit more control over the flow rate and results in a balanced and even extraction.

Also paired with its wavy filter, which creates space between the filter and dripper, the Kalita Wave helps keep the temperature steady and prevents over-extraction.

Step-by-Step Guide: Brewing Coffee with the Kalita Wave
Equipment
- Kalita Wave Dripper: Size 185 or 155, depending on your cup size preference
- Kalita Wave Filters: Specifically designed for this dripper. They make a difference.
- Gooseneck kettle Precise control for an even pour
- Coffee Scale: Accuracy matters, especially with pour-overs
- Grinder: A good burr grinder will ensure a consistent grind
- Timer: Optional but helpful for timing your pour
Ingredients
- Freshly roasted coffee beans: I love using Verve Coffee's Sermon blend with the Kalita Wave; its fruity, rich notes really shine through
- Filtered water: Around 205°F (just below boiling)
- The right coffee-to-water ratio: Typically 1:16 for pour-over; about 25 grams of coffee for 400 grams of water
Instructions
- Prep the Kalita Wave and Filter: Place the Kalita Wave on your mug or server, add a filter, and rinse it with hot water. This warms up your gear and removes any paper taste from the filter.
- Weigh and Grind the Coffee: Measure out about 25 grams of coffee. Grind it to a medium-coarse consistency, somewhere between table salt and sand. You want a grind fine enough for full extraction but not so fine that it clogs the filter.
- Bloom the Grounds: Add your coffee grounds to the filter, giving them a little shake to level the bed. Start pouring with about 50 grams of water, just enough to cover all the grounds. Let it sit for 30-45 seconds. This “bloom” phase lets gases escape and prepares the grounds for even extraction.
- First Pour: After the bloom, slowly pour water in a spiral motion until you reach 200 grams. This steady pour helps saturate all the grounds evenly, unlocking the rich flavors Verve’s Sermon blend has to offer.
- Second Pour: Once the first pour has mostly filtered through, pour another 200 grams, bringing the total to 400 grams. Keep your spiral controlled and steady—Kalita’s flat bottom makes this easy and gives you that well-rounded taste.
- Wait and Enjoy: Allow all the water to filter through, which should take around 3-4 minutes total. Remove the Kalita Wave, give your coffee a little swirl, and take in the aroma before that first sip.
Video
Notes
Brief History About A Kalita Wave
The Kalita Wave is deeply rooted in Japan’s coffee culture. Founded in 1958, Kalita quickly became a pioneer in Japanese coffee gear. Well known for designing tools that make quality brewing available to everyone.

Back then, coffee at home was rare in Japan—it was more of a treat reserved for cafes. But with Kalita’s commitment to precision and functional beauty, their products, especially the Wave series, allowed people to bring the cafe experience home.
Over the years, the Kalita Wave gained a reputation for being incredibly reliable because of its flat-bottom design. This helps even beginners produce consistent and balanced cups.
Comparing Coffee Makers: Kalita Wave vs. V60 vs. Chemex
Often people wonder what’s the difference between each pour over method. Well, each one has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s the table to help you decide:
Feature | Kalita Wave | Hario V60 | Chemex |
---|---|---|---|
Design | Flat-bottom with three small holes, promoting even extraction | Cone shape with one large hole, for fast water flow | Hourglass design with thick paper filters |
Filter Style | Wave-shaped filters that sit away from walls | Cone-shaped filters that hug the dripper walls | Thick, cone-shaped paper filters for clarity |
Brew Style | Balanced and forgiving, easy to control for consistent results | More control over flow rate, allows more precise brews | Clean, bright flavor; best for larger brews |
Brewing Difficulty | Beginner-friendly, consistent without much technique | Slight learning curve, requires technique to control flow | Easier to learn, but takes longer to brew |
Ideal for | Beginners and consistent, balanced cups | Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on control | Those who enjoy clean, smooth coffee, especially in larger amounts |
Portability | Compact and easy to pack, good for travel | Lightweight and compact | Bulky, glass design, best for home use |
Brew Size | 1-2 cups (size options available) | 1-4 cups (size options available) | 3-10 cups depending on size |
Favorite Coffee Brands For Kalita Wave
I want to talk about my top suggestions. Of course, this comes from my personal taste. You can always go for other brands. However, these ones have worked fabulously.
1 – Caffe Vita Guatemalan
One of my top picks for the Kalita Wave is Caffe Vita’s Guatemalan coffee. This one has a smooth balance of chocolatey notes with just a hint of citrus, which the Kalita Wave captures beautifully.

The flat-bottom design helps bring out that clean, even taste without any harshness. It’s honestly the perfect choice when I’m after a classic and well-rounded cup.
2 – Stumptown Hair Bender
When I’m in the mood for something a bit more complex, Stumptown’s Hair Bender never disappoints.

This blend has flavors from Latin America, Africa, and Indonesia. So it’s got this bold, slightly fruity taste with a bit of dark chocolate mixed in. With the Kalita, each of those layers really shines through. Giving you a cup that feels enjoyable and a bit adventurous.
3 – Counter Culture Big Trouble
For something mellow but rich, Counter Culture’s Big Trouble is my go-to. It’s got a creamy, nutty flavor that the Kalita Wave brings out really well.

I love it for those early mornings when I just want a smooth and comforting brew. It’s dependable and flavorful without too much fuss, which I love on a busy day.
Tips for the Kalita Wave
You can get incredible pour-overs with a few small adjustments. So here are three tips that have improved my Kalita’s coffee quality:

1 – Use the Right Grind Size
You want a medium-coarse grind—kind of like kosher salt. Too fine, and your coffee ends up over-extracted and a bit bitter; too coarse, and it’s watery and weak.
For this reason, adjusting the grind may take a few tries. But once you find the sweet spot, it’s like magic. A quick test? If your brew time is between 3-4 minutes, you’re in the right range.
2 – Pre-Wet the Filter Properly
This trick rinses out any papery taste and warms up the dripper at the same time. I suggest pouring a bit of hot water through the filter, letting it drain completely, and dumping the water out.
When I skip this, I notice a slightly off flavor in the cup—it’s subtle, but it’s there. And really, for the few seconds it takes, the payoff is huge!
3 – Pour in Pulses Instead of a Continuous Pour
One of the best things I learned was to pour in pulses, rather than a single steady stream. Start with a small bloom pour (about 50g of water) and let it sit for 30-45 seconds.
Then, pour in small, circular motions every 30 seconds or so. This method helps extract those rich flavors evenly and prevents any grounds from sticking to the filter. Plus, it gives you control over the flow rate, making each cup taste a little more balanced.
Maintenance and Care: Keeping Your Kalita Wave in Top Shape
A few small habits make a difference in keeping your Kalita brewing like a champ. Also, you can make sure it will last for years, so here’s what I recommend:
1 – Rinse Thoroughly After Each Brew
It’s tempting to just toss the grounds and call it a day. However, I always give my Kalita a quick rinse right after brewing. I remove the filter, discard the grounds, and then rinse with hot water to wash away any coffee oils that cling to the metal or ceramic.
These oils can build up and alter the flavor over time, so a thorough rinse keeps things fresh.
2 – Give It a Deep Clean Weekly
Once a week, I go a step further and give the Kalita Wave a deeper clean. I fill a bowl with warm, soapy water (just a mild dish soap) and soak the dripper for a few minutes.
This loosens any stubborn coffee residue that rinsing might miss. After the soak, I use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub the surfaces, especially around the ridges and the three holes at the bottom. A good rinse to wash away any soapy taste, and it’s as good as new!
3 – Descale Occasionally
If you’re in an area with hard water, mineral deposits can start building up on the dripper, especially if it’s stainless steel.
To combat this, I descale my Kalita Wave every couple of months by soaking it in a vinegar solution (a mix of one part vinegar to two parts water) for about 15 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly.
This keeps it shiny and prevents unwanted flavors from creeping into the coffee.
4 – Store It Carefully
This may sound obvious, but I’ve found that storing the Kalita Wave somewhere safe and dry helps maintain its quality.
I avoid stacking anything heavy on it to prevent dents or chips. If you’re storing a ceramic version, this is especially important, as the material is more delicate than stainless steel.
5 – Check and Replace Filters Regularly
Finally, I keep an eye on my stock of filters and replace them regularly to avoid running out. Kalita filters are designed to work with the Wave’s flat-bottomed shape. For this reason, they make a big difference in brewing quality.
I always make sure I have a stash on hand because nothing’s worse than being ready to brew only to realize you’re out of filters!
Last Thoughts
And there you have it—everything you need to know to get the most out of your Kalita Wave! Brewing coffee isn’t just about caffeine; it’s about those small, mindful moments that make each day a little better.
I hope these tips help you enjoy this pour-over method as much as I do.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Do you have any tips or tricks for brewing with the Kalita Wave?
Or maybe you’ve tried a coffee blend that’s just too good to keep to yourself? Just go below and drop a comment, questions or advice and with that voilà !
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