Coffee culture

Pour-over Equipment|Kalita Three-hole Trapezoid Dripper vs Bonavita Wave Dripper Brewing Performance

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee
Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange For more coffee bean information Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style) ▲ Click to follow | 6 years of focus on coffee roasting For more specialty coffee beans please add FrontStreet Coffee on WeChat ID: (long press to copy) qiannjie Some friends asked about the coffee taste difference between Kalita trapezoid dripper and Bonavita wave dripper

Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information. Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style).

Kalita Wave vs. Bonavita Wave: A Comprehensive Comparison

Some friends have asked about the taste differences between coffee brewed with the Kalita trapezoidal dripper and the Bonavita Wave dripper. Today, FrontStreet Coffee will use one coffee bean to explain the differences between these two drippers.

Kalita three-hole trapezoidal dripper

Kalita Trapezoidal Dripper

The Kalita trapezoidal dripper, also known as the "fan-shaped dripper" or "trapezoidal dripper." In 1959, Kalita improved upon the fan-shaped dripper design, changing the single small hole that was prone to clogging to three holes. Later, versions evolved from single-hole to multi-hole (six or eight holes), but the most common remains the single and three-hole fan-shaped drippers.

Kalita dripper design details

Dripper Design: Features a wider top and narrower bottom shape, with a circular top and three small holes (less prone to clogging).

Extraction Characteristics: The Kalita trapezoidal dripper's design presents a wider top and narrower bottom from the side view, with a circular top. This design helps concentrate water flow and allows coffee particles to distribute evenly, reducing stacking conditions. The cup walls have numerous ribs arranged in straight lines with consistent spacing, designed to increase exhaust and water flow speed. Additionally, its flow rate is relatively slow, primarily using immersion for extraction, which can deliver better body and richness.

Bonavita Wave Dripper

Dripper Design: Conical flat bottom, ring-shaped patterns, four holes.

Extraction Characteristics: The ring-shaped flow guidance combined with Next Wave filter paper makes heat exhaust and the entire hot water and coffee fusion extraction process more reasonable. The four holes control extraction flow rate at optimal levels, achieving higher extraction rates. It's suitable for light-roasted beans, delivering richer flavor layers. The thickened cup walls help maintain temperature during brewing, presenting better flavor layers.

Bonavita Wave dripper

Coffee Bean Information

Colombia Isabella (Pink Bourbon)

Country: Colombia
Region: Huila
Altitude: 1760m
Variety: Pink Bourbon
Processing: Semi-washed
Flavor: Citrus, floral, honey, berries, cherry tomatoes

Coffee beans

Kalita Three-Hole Trapezoidal Dripper

Brewing Parameters: Dose 15g; Water temperature 90°C; Coffee-to-water ratio 1:16; Brewing method:分段式萃取.

Use 32g of water for bloom for 30 seconds. When pouring to 125g of water, perform分段式萃取. When the water level drops and is about to expose the coffee bed, continue pouring to 240g to finish. When the water level drops and is about to expose the coffee bed, remove the dripper. (Timing starts from bloom) Extraction time: 2'00".

Flavor: Obvious cherry tomato and berry notes upon entry. As temperature changes, caramel sweetness becomes apparent. The finish carries nut and cocoa aromas, with a noticeable sweet aftertaste. The mouthfeel is substantial and smooth.

Bonavita Wave Dripper

Brewing Parameters: Dose 15g; Water temperature 90°C; Coffee-to-water ratio 1:16; Brewing method:分段式萃取.

Use 35g of water for bloom for 30 seconds. When pouring to 130g of water, perform分段式萃取. When the water level drops and is about to expose the coffee bed, continue pouring to 240g to finish. When the water level drops and is about to expose the coffee bed, remove the dripper. (Timing starts from bloom) Extraction time: 1'56".

Flavor: Obvious berry acidity upon entry, citrus. As temperature changes, cherry tomato aromas emerge. The finish has honey sweetness, with lively acidity and a refreshing mouthfeel. Rich layers of flavor.

Analysis

Coffee extracted with the Kalita three-hole trapezoidal dripper has a richer, more substantial, and smooth mouthfeel. If you prefer a more substantial mouthfeel, you can choose this dripper for extraction. The extracted coffee generally has higher overall balance.

Meanwhile, coffee extracted with the Bonavita Wave dripper has a refreshing mouthfeel with clear layers. If you want more flavor expression in your coffee, you can choose this dripper. Using this dripper to extract some light-roasted beans with rich floral or fruity notes will provide an excellent tasting experience.

Coffee comparison

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