There’s a special kind of magic in the ritual of pour-over coffee. The gentle bloom, the steady pour, the anticipation as those first aromatic drops hit the carafe. If you’ve found yourself drawn to this method, you’ve likely encountered the elegant, wave-shaped drippers from Kalita. But a common question arises for newcomers and seasoned baristas alike: Kalita Wave 155 vs 185: Which Pour-Over Fits Your Routine? It’s not just about size; it’s about matching a tool to your daily coffee life.
Both the 155 and 185 share the same brilliant design philosophy—a flat-bottom brewer with three small holes. This design promotes an even, consistent extraction by preventing the coffee bed from sticking to the sides and controlling the flow rate. The real difference comes down to capacity and the resulting brew characteristics. Choosing between them means looking at your typical brew volume, your preferred coffee style, and even the grinder you use. Let’s break down the details to help you find your perfect pour-over partner.
Getting to Know the Kalita Wave Family
Before we compare, it helps to appreciate what makes these brewers special. Unlike conical brewers like the Hario V60, the Kalita Wave’s flat bottom provides a stable, level bed for the coffee grounds. The three small holes require a specific technique, often seen as more forgiving than other methods. This design encourages a full immersion phase during the bloom, followed by a controlled drawdown, which typically results in a cup that highlights clarity and sweetness with a balanced body. Whether you choose the 155 or 185, you’re getting this core, user-friendly experience.
Kalita Wave 155 vs 185: Which Pour-Over Fits Your Routine?
This is the heart of the matter. While they look nearly identical, their size dictates their ideal use case.
The Kalita Wave 155 is the smaller of the two. It’s designed for a single, beautifully crafted cup. We’re typically talking about a brew using 15 to 25 grams of coffee, yielding roughly 200 to 350 ml (about 7 to 12 oz) of finished coffee. Its compact size isn’t just about volume; it creates a taller, narrower coffee bed. This can lead to a slightly different extraction dynamic, often praised for producing a cup with incredible clarity and a bright, nuanced character, especially with lighter roasts.
The Kalita Wave 185 is your go-to for multiple cups or a larger morning brew. It comfortably handles 25 to 45 grams of coffee, producing anywhere from 350 ml up to 600 ml (12 to 20 oz) of coffee. The larger diameter creates a wider, shallower coffee bed. This can contribute to a cup with a fuller body and a robust flavor profile, making it a fantastic choice for medium to dark roasts or when you’re brewing for yourself and a friend.
Matching the Brewer to Your Morning
So, which one is calling your name? Think about your typical coffee consumption.
Choose the Kalita Wave 155 if:
- You almost always brew for just yourself.
- You prefer a single, high-quality cup and rarely need a full carafe.
- You love exploring the subtle, bright notes of light roast single-origin coffees.
- You have a smaller kettle and appreciate the precision of a smaller brew.
Choose the Kalita Wave 185 if:
- You regularly brew for two or more people.
- You like to have a larger volume of coffee to sip on throughout the morning.
- You tend to drink medium or dark roast coffees where body and richness are key.
- You want the flexibility to make either a single large cup or a smaller batch without changing brewers.
A Note on Filters and Grind Size
Your choice of brewer directly impacts your other tools. First, filters are not interchangeable. The 155 requires its own smaller, tabbed filters, while the 185 uses the larger ones. Always make sure you have the right size on hand.
Grind size is also crucial. Both brewers work best with a medium grind, similar to coarse sand. However, because of the different bed depths, you might find you need to make slight adjustments. The taller bed of the 155 can sometimes benefit from a marginally coarser grind to ensure a smooth drawdown, while the shallower bed of the 185 can handle a slightly finer grind. As always, let your taste be your guide and adjust based on whether your coffee is brewing too fast (sour) or too slow (bitter).
Can You Make a Single Cup in the 185?
This is a frequently asked question. Technically, yes, you can brew a single serving in the larger 185. However, because of its wide base, a small dose of coffee will create a very thin bed. This can lead to under-extraction if you don’t adjust your technique, potentially resulting in a weak or sour cup. For consistently excellent single cups, the 155 is purpose-built for the job. The 185 truly shines when you’re using a coffee dose that fills its wider bed appropriately.
Finding Your Perfect Coffee Partner
In the end, the best choice comes down to your daily life. The Kalita Wave 155 is a specialist—a precision instrument for the solo coffee enthusiast who cherishes the nuances in a single, perfect cup. The Kalita Wave 185 is a versatile workhorse—ready to fuel your morning alone or easily accommodate company with a full, flavorful brew.
Both are exceptional tools that can elevate your coffee routine. By considering your typical brew volume and the flavor profile you love most, you can confidently choose the Wave that will best fit your rhythm and become a cherished part of your daily ritual.