Pour Over (Kalita Wave Method)

Pour Over (Kalita Wave Method)

The Kalita Wave is a flat-bottom dripper that offers a unique take on pour-over brewing. Its design, featuring three small holes at the base, helps control the flow of water for a more even extraction. This results in a balanced, clean, and nuanced cup that highlights the subtle flavors of your favorite coffee.

☕ Who's it for?

The Kalita Wave is ideal for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with pour-over methods but want a more forgiving brew than the Hario V60. Its flat-bottom design helps create a more even extraction, making it easier to achieve consistency. It's perfect for those who love single-origin coffees and appreciate a balanced cup with good body and clarity.

The Kalita Wave works particularly well with light to medium roasts, which allows the nuanced flavors of the coffee to shine. Try it with our single-origin coffees for a clean, bright cup.

📋 What You'll Need

📖 Step-by-Step Recipe

  1. Heat Water: Bring ~0.5L of filtered water to 200°F (just below boiling).
  2. Prep Your Filter: Place the Kalita Wave filter in the dripper and set the dripper on top of your serving vessel or mug. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper residue and preheat your vessel. Discard the rinse water.
  3. Grind Coffee: Grind 22g of coffee at a medium-coarse setting (similar to sea salt). No scale? Use about 3 tablespoons of coffee.
  4. Bloom: Place the dripper with coffee grounds on a scale, tare it to zero, and start your timer. Slowly pour 50g of water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion, ensuring all the grounds are evenly saturated. Let the coffee bloom for 30-45 seconds, releasing trapped gases for better extraction.
  5. First Pour: At 0:45, gently pour water in a spiral motion, adding 100g to reach 150g total. Stir the slurry gently with a spoon or stir stick and allow the coffee to drain slightly.
  6. Second Pour: At 1:30, pour another 100g of water in a slow, circular motion, bringing the total to 250g. Stir again to ensure even extraction, and let the coffee drain.
  7. Final Pour: At 2:30, pour the remaining water (102g) to reach 352g total. Allow the coffee to drain completely through the filter (around 3:30 to 4:00), then remove the dripper.
  8. Serve: Swirl the brewed coffee gently to mix, and enjoy a perfectly brewed Kalita Wave pour-over!

🔑 Key Notes

  • Water-to-Coffee Ratio: This recipe uses a 16:1 ratio (16g water for every 1g of coffee). Feel free to experiment to find your ideal balance—some coffees may shine with a different ratio.
  • Total Brew Time: Aim for a total brew time of around 3:30 to 4 minutes. If it’s too fast, use a finer grind; if it’s too slow, use a coarser grind.
  • Grind Fresh: Freshly ground coffee makes all the difference. We recommend using a burr grinder for the most consistent results.
  • Use a Scale: For precision and consistency, using a scale ensures you get the perfect water-to-coffee ratio every time.
  • Filtered Water: Using filtered water helps prevent unwanted flavors and ensures the best extraction.

⚠️ Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Brew Too Fast? Try using a finer grind to slow down the extraction.
  • Brew Too Slow? Coarse up your grind to speed up the brew time.
  • Tasting Bitter? It might be over-extraction—use a slightly coarser grind or shorten the brew time.
  • Tasting Sour? This could be under-extraction—use a finer grind or brew a bit longer.

👍 Happy Brewing!

The Kalita Wave is an excellent tool for crafting a balanced, smooth cup of coffee. With a little practice, this flat-bottom dripper will reveal the best flavors in your favorite beans.

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