The Kalita is a filter holder. When it comes to brewing coffee with a pour over, many prefer the Kalita for its convenience. The flat-bottom filter and even extraction add to its appeal. However, to get the most out of the Kalita Wave, it is important to master the slow, spiral pour-over technique.
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Kalita Wave at a glance
- Kalita was founded in Tokyo, Japan in the late 1950s.
- The company specializes in devices for preparing filter coffee, such as coffee grinders, teapots and pour-over devices.
- The Kalita Wave hit US coffee shops in 2012 and took the coffee world by storm.
At first glance, the Kalita Wave may look like an ordinary coffee maker. In fact, it goes much further. With its 3-hole flat bottom, the Kalita Wave strategically restricts water flow, simplifying the entire brewing process.
Kalita ‘s unique design, a more concentrated coffee is produced. Kalita’s rigid filters ensure a balanced flow of air in the water. Also, they act as insulators, keeping the brew warm. The walls of the Kalita have horizontal grooves instead of ribs.
It’s hard to say if the Kalita Wave is any better than the Chemex and Hario models. It’s more a matter of taste and habit. Maybe it suits you better than others if you can make the best coffee in it.
Kalita Wave 155 vs 185
There are two different sizes of the Kalita coffee machine:
- The smaller Kalita Wave 155 and
- The larger Kalita Wave 185.
In general, the Kalita Wave 155 is designed to brew a single cup. It has a maximum capacity of around 300ml, while the Kalita Wave 185 is designed to brew 2-3 cups or up to 500ml.
The Kalita Wave 185 can easily be used for a single cup of coffee, but it can also brew larger cups. Because of this, the Kalita 185 is probably the most popular model. However, there are also supporters of the Kalita 155, as it is “specifically designed for smaller volumes”.
How to make coffee with the Kalita Wave
Utensils needed
- Kalita Wave coffee maker
- Kalita Wave Filter
- Coffee grinder
- 21 grams of coffee
- Almost boiling water
- Spoon
- Coffee scale
- Clock
- Cup
- Optional: carafe
Preparation with Kalita Wave
Rinse the filter
Insert and rinse the Kalita Wave Filter. This will remove the papery taste from the filter.
Measure and grind
Put the coffee in the filter and make sure the bed is completely flat. Place the Kalita Wave on top of the carafe or cup. Set the scale to zero.
Saturate the coffee
Completely saturate the coffee with 60ml of hot water and let it bloom. The coffee bed should rise and bubble a little. Stir the coffee with a spoon.
Second infusion
After 1:45 minutes, pour in another 200 ml of water in a swirling motion. The spiral movement contributes to an even extraction.
Press and wait
Infuse small amounts (25-50ml of water) at regular intervals until you reach 375ml after 2:00 minutes. Douse the dark areas with water and leave out the light areas, slowly bring the water level up to achieve an even extraction.
Serve and enjoy
The infusion volume should reach approximately 300mL or the top of a 10-ounce cup between 2:45 and 3:00 minutes. Take the Wave out of the carafe or cup and place it in the sink to drain the remaining water.
Tips for making better coffee with your Kalita Wave
- It takes practice to perfect this method.
- Water quality is the be-all and end-all. Use filtered water whenever possible.
- Use a recipe. Like preparing food, preparing coffee requires a recipe, and that’s especially true with the Kalita Wave, which requires precision.
- Grind fresh beans just before brewing to bring out their full flavor and aroma.
- Experiment with different brands of coffee beans and different grinds to find the one that works best for you.
- Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container that is protected from direct sunlight and moisture.
How is the Kalita Wave cleaned?
To clean the Kalita Wave, first rinse with hot water to remove coffee residue and then wipe with a dry cloth.
What other products does Kalita make?
Although the company has launched many different products, they all have one goal: the best way to make filter coffee.
Kalita’s products include in particular:
- Drip coffee machines
- Paper filter
- Coffee carafes
- Coffee grinders
Conclusion
Kalita Wave is a great coffee brewing system if you are looking for a device that is easy to use and doesn’t take up too much space.
