Kalita Wave – paper filters 155 and 185 for pour over
The Kalita Wave is a Japanese pour over system that distinguishes itself from many other manual coffee brewers through its combination of a flat-bottomed dripper and wavy paper filters.
At Brændeholm Risteri, you will currently find Kalita Wave paper filters in sizes 155 and 185. The two sizes fit different Kalita Wave drippers, so it is important to choose the filter that matches your brewer.
If you already own a Kalita Wave, you can find the original paper filters you need for your daily brewing here.
If you would like to see other manual brewing methods, you can find our entire selection of coffee brewers.
What is the Kalita Wave?
The Kalita Wave is a pour over system from the Japanese company Kalita.
The coffee is placed in a wave-shaped paper filter in the dripper, after which hot water is poured over the coffee and passes through the filter.
The Wave system is particularly characterized by:
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wavy paper filters
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a flat bottom in the brewing area
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three outlet holes in the classic Wave drippers
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different sizes for smaller and larger brews
The wavy filters reduce the contact surface between the paper filter itself and the sides of the dripper.
The flat bottom also means that the coffee grounds are distributed differently than in, for example, a cone-shaped Hario V60.
Kalita Wave 155 or 185 – which size should I choose?
The most important thing is to choose the filter according to your Kalita Wave dripper.
155 and 185 are not just two pack sizes; they are different filter dimensions.
Kalita Wave 155
Kalita Wave 155 paper filters are intended for Kalita Wave drippers in size 155.
The Wave 155 system is the smaller size and is typically used for smaller brews.
Kalita specifies 155 drippers for about 1–2 people.
If you have a Wave 155 dripper, you should therefore choose Wave 155 filters.
Kalita Wave 185
Kalita Wave 185 paper filters fit Kalita Wave drippers in size 185.
185 is the larger size and is used for larger brews than the 155.
Kalita specifies the Wave 185 for about 2–4 people.
If you have a Wave 185 dripper, you should therefore use Wave 185 filters.
Kalita Wave 155 vs. 185
The difference is primarily about the size of the brewer and the filter.
Kalita Wave 155
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smaller dripper and filter
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suitable for smaller brews
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typically 1–2 people
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uses Wave 155 filters
Kalita Wave 185
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larger dripper and filter
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allows space for larger brews
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typically 2–4 people
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uses Wave 185 filters
If you already own a Kalita Wave, you do not need to choose based on taste. You simply need to buy the filter size that matches your dripper.
Why are the Kalita Wave filters wavy?
The characteristic folds are a central part of the Wave system.
The folds mean that the paper filter does not lie completely flat against the sides of the dripper over the entire surface.
This creates space between the filter and the dripper and is part of the design that Kalita has developed around the flow of the Wave system.
Therefore, you should use filters intended for the Kalita Wave rather than trying to replace them with an ordinary cone or trapezoid filter.
Kalita Wave or Hario V60?
Both the Kalita Wave and Hario V60 are used for manual pour over, but their construction is very different.
Kalita Wave
The Wave system uses:
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flat-bottomed dripper
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wavy filters
multiple outlet holes in the classic design
The coffee bed thus takes on a relatively flat shape.
Hario V60
The V60 uses:
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cone-shaped dripper
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cone-shaped V60 filters
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one large opening at the bottom
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spiral-shaped ribs
The V60 offers great opportunities to influence the flow through grind size and pouring technique.
Neither system is necessarily better; they simply provide different ways of working with manual filter coffee.
Kalita Wave or Hario Pegasus?
Hario Pegasus is yet another alternative for manual filter coffee.
Pegasus uses trapezoid paper filters and is designed with a more controlled flow.
The Kalita Wave, on the other hand, uses its characteristic wave-shaped filters and a flat-bottomed brewing principle.
If you already own one of the systems, it usually makes the most sense to continue with the filters the brewer is designed for.
If you are about to choose your first pour over brewer, the differences in construction and work method may be worth considering.
Kalita Wave or Hario Switch?
Hario Switch differs even more from the Kalita Wave.
The Kalita Wave is fundamentally a classic pour over brewer with a continuous flow.
The Switch, by contrast, has a valve that can hold back the water, thereby making immersion brewing possible.
If you want to work classically with manual pouring and flow, the Wave is a traditional pour over system.
If you want to be able to combine pour over and immersion, the Switch offers other possibilities.
Should Kalita Wave filters be rinsed before brewing?
It is a good idea to rinse the paper filter with hot water before brewing.
This has several practical advantages:
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the filter gets moistened and sits correctly in the dripper
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the dripper can be preheated at the same time
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the cup or serving carafe can be preheated
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you avoid the rinse water ending up in the final coffee
Pour out the rinse water before you add the ground coffee.
How should the Kalita Wave filter be placed?
Place the filter carefully in the dripper without pressing the wavy sides flat.
The folds are part of the filter's design and should therefore be preserved.
Then rinse the filter gently with hot water.
When the coffee is added, you can give the dripper a slight movement so that the coffee bed is reasonably level before brewing.
What grind size for the Kalita Wave?
A medium grind is a reasonable starting point for many Kalita Wave recipes.
The precise grind size, however, depends on:
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the coffee bean
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the dosage
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the filter size
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the amount of water
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the pouring technique
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the desired brewing time
If the water runs through the coffee very quickly, and the result seems thin or sour, you can try a slightly finer grind.
If the brewing goes very slowly, or the coffee becomes harsh and bitter, a slightly coarser setting may be worth a try.
With your own coffee grinder, it becomes easier to adjust the brewing.
Use a coffee scale for the Kalita Wave
A coffee scale is one of the most useful pieces of equipment for manual filter coffee.
It makes it possible to keep track of both:
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amount of coffee
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amount of water
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the ratio between coffee and water
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brewing time, if the scale has a timer
This does not mean that coffee has to be complicated.
The advantage is simply that if you make a cup you are very satisfied with, it becomes much easier to repeat it the next day.
Do I need a gooseneck kettle?
You do not need a special kettle to use the Kalita Wave.
A kettle with a controlled pouring spout, however, makes it easier to control both the placement and speed of the water.
This can be an advantage for pour over, where the water supply is an active part of the brewing process.
If you already have an ordinary kettle, you can easily start with it and only later evaluate whether more precise pouring will make a difference for you.
Which coffee beans suit the Kalita Wave?
You can use both light, medium, and dark roasted coffee beans.
Manual filter coffee is often used for coffees where you want to experience clear taste nuances from the beans, but there is no rule that the Kalita Wave can only be used for one roast degree.
Light roast coffee
Light roasted coffee beans are interesting if you want to experience more fruitiness, freshness, and origin character.
Medium roast coffee
Medium roasted coffee beans often provide a good balance between sweetness, body, and acidity.
It is a versatile choice if you want a rounder filter coffee.
Dark roast coffee
Dark roasted coffee beans can also be brewed on the Kalita Wave if you prefer a stronger profile with more distinct roast character.
See our entire selection of freshly roasted coffee and coffee beans.
155 or 185 does not affect which coffee you can use
You do not need to choose different coffee beans for the Wave 155 and Wave 185.
The size is primarily about brewing capacity.
The same coffee can therefore easily be brewed in both sizes.
You just need to adjust the amount of coffee and water to the size of the brew you are making.
How often should I buy new Kalita filters?
The paper filters are single-use filters and are used once per brew.
After brewing, the filter and coffee grounds can be removed from the dripper together.
At Brændeholm Risteri, both Wave 155 and 185 are currently sold in packs of 100 filters, so one pack lasts for 100 brews if you use one filter each time.
Storing Kalita Wave filters
Store the paper filters in a dry and clean place.
It is especially a good idea to protect the wavy sides from being crushed during storage.
A filter holder or a place in a cabinet where the filters can stand without pressure from other things is therefore practical.
Avoid storing them in places with high humidity or strong odors.
Paper can absorb both moisture and odors from the surroundings.
Kalita Wave at Brændeholm Risteri
At Brændeholm Risteri, you will currently find original Kalita Wave 155 and 185 paper filters.
At this moment, we are focusing on providing filters for the Wave system rather than a large assortment of Kalita drippers.
If you already have a Kalita Wave and are missing the right filters, you can therefore choose the size that matches your dripper.
If you want to buy a new manual coffee brewer instead, you can see our total selection of coffee brewers.
Here you will find, among others, the Hario V60, Hario Switch, Hario Pegasus, Chemex, and other brewing methods.
Frequently asked questions about the Kalita Wave
What is the Kalita Wave?
The Kalita Wave is a pour over system from Japanese Kalita with flat-bottomed brewing geometry and characteristic wave-shaped paper filters.
What is the difference between the Kalita Wave 155 and 185?
155 is the smaller size, while 185 is larger. Kalita specifies 155 for approximately 1–2 people and 185 for approximately 2–4 people.
Which filter fits the Kalita Wave 155?
Use Kalita Wave paper filters in size 155.
Which filter fits the Kalita Wave 185?
Use Kalita Wave paper filters in size 185.
Can I use a Wave 185 filter in a 155 dripper?
You should use the filter size intended for the specific Wave dripper. For 155, use a 155 filter, and for 185, use a 185 filter.
Are Kalita Wave filters the same as V60 filters?
No. Kalita Wave filters have a wavy, flat-bottomed construction, while the Hario V60 uses cone-shaped filters.
Should the Kalita Wave filter be rinsed?
It is a good idea to rinse the paper filter with hot water before brewing. At the same time, you can preheat the dripper and the serving carafe or cup.
What grind size should I use?
Medium grind is a good starting point for many Wave recipes. Adjust afterwards based on flow and taste.
Can I use light roast coffee in the Kalita Wave?
Yes. You can use light, medium, and dark roasted coffee. Choose primarily according to the taste you prefer.
How many filters are in the packages?
The Kalita Wave 155 and 185 filters currently sold at Brændeholm Risteri contain 100 paper filters per package.
