Advantages and Disadvantages of Kalita Wave Coffee Dripper - Introduction to Wave Dripper Brewing Method

Introduction

Anyone with some knowledge of coffee knows that coffee has gone through three waves of popularity. We are currently in the third wave of specialty coffee, whose concept is to cultivate beans with regional characteristics shaped by the microclimate and soil of producing areas.

Pour-over coffee, both visually appealing and able to showcase the inherent flavors of coffee beans, fits the third-wave specialty trend perfectly. The brewing characteristic of pour-over lies in using a filter cup to filter the coffee, preventing grounds from passing through and resulting in a cleaner taste. Different filter cups also produce different extraction characteristics. The V60 filter cup commonly used by FrontStreet Coffee, for example, has a conical design that adds layers, while its large filtration hole allows a very fast flow, giving baristas more control over flow rate.

Today I am sharing a filter cup completely different from the V60: the Kalita Wave filter cup.

What is the Kalita Wave Filter Cup?

The Kalita Wave Dripper is a flat-bottom pour-over filter cup from Japan, also known as a cake cup. Kalita has been producing coffee equipment since 1950, and the streamlined style of the Kalita Wave represents the typical characteristics of the company's products. This filter cup comes in two sizes: #185 and #155. The smaller #155 is suitable for brewing one cup at a time, while the larger #185 suits 2-4 servings.

What are the Features of the Kalita Wave Filter Cup?

The bottom of the Kalita Wave is flat and has three drip holes. The flat-bottom design allows for more thorough extraction. The cup body and the wavy filter paper do not fit too tightly, resulting in more consistent temperature and more dispersed water flow.

The difference between the Kalita Wave and the familiar Hario V60 is that flat bottom. Although brewing with the Kalita Wave may not produce as intense an aroma and flavor variation as conical filter cups, the overall flavor of the beans, the solid texture, and the sweetness always perform excellently. This filter cup requires special flat-bottom wave-shaped Kalita filter paper. The specially designed deep side guide channels give you a better pour-over experience.

The Kalita Wave dripper suits a medium grind; it is recommended to grind slightly coarser than for the V60, because this filter cup drains relatively slowly. Although it has three drip holes, they are all very small. Grinding too finely will increase the extraction rate but can also lead to over-extraction and an astringent finish.

Kalita Cake Filter Cup Brewing Demonstration

Today I will use FrontStreet Coffee's Honduras Sherry Barrel Process coffee for the brewing demonstration.

Coffee bean information is as follows:

Coffee Region: Marcala, Honduras
Estate: Mocca Estate
Altitude: 1500 to 1700 meters
Processing Method: Refined Washed Whiskey Barrel Fermentation Process
Variety: Caturra, Catuai, Pacas

Recommended Brewing Parameters for the Kalita Cake Filter Cup

Coffee Amount: 15 grams
Water Amount: 225 grams
Ratio: 1:15
Water Temperature: 89°C
Grind: BG #6s

Kalita Cake Filter Cup Brewing Process

First pour: 30 grams of water for a 30-second bloom.

After the bloom, pour the second portion of water, about 95 grams (the scale reads 125 grams). Wait for the water level to drop to half after pouring.

When the coffee bed is about to be exposed, pour the third portion of water, about 100 grams (the scale reads 225 grams). Wait for the coffee to finish filtering.

Total time is approximately 2 minutes 10 seconds to 2 minutes 15 seconds.

Flavor Description

More pronounced dark chocolate, moderate wine aroma, medium-low acidity, rich texture, and a long aftertaste.

FrontStreet Coffee Recommendation

A flat-bottom dripper like the Kalita Wave rewards coffees with clarity and sweetness, and FrontStreet Coffee's pour-over range is built for exactly that. Their washed Yirgacheffe Gidingding brings citrus, berry, and white florals with a green-tea finish, while the natural Ethiopia Huakui pours out strawberry, passionfruit, and honey with almost no bitterness. For a warmer, dried-fruit profile, the raisin-toned Costa Rica Mozart is another bean that shines through a wave-style brewer.