Kalita Wave 155 vs 185: Which Coffee Dripper is Better?

Pour-over coffee brewing has become increasingly popular among coffee enthusiasts in recent years. The ritual of carefully pouring hot water over freshly ground beans and watching the rich, flavorful liquid drip into your cup is both therapeutic and rewarding.

One brewer that has gained a cult following is the Kalita Wave, known for its unique flat-bottom design that allows for an even extraction.

This Japanese-made pour-over dripper comes in two main sizes: the Kalita Wave 155 and the Kalita Wave 185. Both are available in stainless steel or ceramic versions, catering to different preferences.

But which one is better for your coffee brewing needs?

In this post, I’ll take a closer look into the key differences between these two popular Kalita Wave models. If you’re not sure which size Kalita Wavew to buy, this should be helpful.

Kalita Wave 155 vs 185: Key Differences

One of the first things to consider when choosing between the Kalita Wave 155 and 185 is the capacity and brew bed size.

The 155 model is designed for brewing smaller batches, typically one to two cups at a time. Its compact size makes it ideal for single servings or if you’re the only coffee drinker in the household.

On the other hand, the larger 185 model can brew up to four cups, making it a better choice for those who need to fuel multiple coffee cravings at once.

Kalita Wave 155

The Kalita Wave 155’s smaller brew bed means it excels at creating a consistent, evenly extracted cup of coffee.

The reduced surface area makes it easier to control the pour rate and ensure that all the grounds are evenly saturated. This results in a clean, balanced flavor profile without any undesirable over-extraction.

One potential downside of the 155 is that its smaller brew bed can clog more easily if you use too fine a grind size. However, this issue can be easily avoided by adjusting your grind setting to a medium or slightly coarser grind.

Kalita Wave 185

For those who regularly need to brew larger batches, the Kalita Wave 185 is the way to go. Its wider brew bed accommodates more coffee grounds, allowing you to make enough coffee for the whole family or office crew in one go.

The larger surface area also means the 185 is less prone to clogging, even with finer grinds. This can be advantageous if you prefer a more intense, full-bodied brew.

However, the trade-off is that the increased brew bed size makes it trickier to achieve an even extraction for a single cup. You’ll need to pay closer attention to your pour rate and technique to avoid under- or over-extracted pockets.

The 155 shines for its consistent extraction and ease of use for single servings, while the 185 is better suited for brewing multiple cups at once, albeit with slightly less control over the extraction process. The choice ultimately comes down to your typical brewing needs and personal preferences.

Brewing Coffee with the Kalita Wave

Now that we’ve covered the key differences between the Kalita Wave 155 and 185, let’s take a closer look at the brewing process itself.

After all, even the best equipment won’t save a bad brew. Follow these steps, and you’ll be sipping on a delicious, well-extracted cup of coffee in no time.

Grind Size and Dose

The grind size you choose plays a crucial role in the final flavor of your brew.

For the smaller 155, aim for a finer grind, similar to table salt. This allows for faster extraction and prevents the coffee bed from clogging. As a starting point, try using around 15-18 grams of freshly ground beans.

With the larger 185, you’ll want to go a touch coarser, more like rough sand. This grind size helps maintain an even extraction across the wider brew bed.

For the dose, start with 22-28 grams of beans and adjust as needed based on your taste preferences.

Pouring Technique

Mastering the pour is an art form in itself. To achieve an even extraction, use a gooseneck kettle and pour in a spiral motion, starting from the center and working your way outward.

This spiral pour helps saturate the grounds evenly and prevent any dry pockets.

For the bloom (initial pour to release CO2 from the grounds), try a quick, circular pour to cover the entire coffee bed. Then, let it bloom for 30-45 seconds before continuing with your main pour.

Patience is key here – rushing the pour can lead to channeling and an uneven extraction.

Kalita Wave Brewing Time and Temperature

Ideally, you’ll want to brew with water between 195°F and 205°F (91°C – 96°C). Any cooler and the extraction will be incomplete; any hotter, and you risk burning the coffee.

• For the 155, aim for a total brew time of around 2:30 to 3:00 minutes.
• The 185 will take a bit longer due to the larger coffee bed, so shoot for 3:30 to 4:00 minutes.

 Of course, these are just starting points – feel free to experiment and adjust based on your personal taste.

With a little practice, you’ll develop a feel for the perfect grind, pour, and brew time. And once you’ve dialed in your technique, those rich, flavorful notes will shine through in every cup.

Keep This In Mind When Choosing Between 155 and 185

At the end of the day, the choice between the Kalita Wave 155 and 185 boils down to a few key factors that’ll determine which one is the better fit for your brewing needs.

Let’s break ’em down:

Brewing Preferences

Are you a solo drinker who prefers the ritual of brewing a single, meticulously crafted cup? Or do you need to fuel the whole family or office crew with multiple servings?

The 155 is tailored for those intimate, single-serve moments, while the 185 is better equipped to handle larger batches.

Experience Level

If you’re new to the pour-over game, the 155 might be the way to go. Its smaller brew bed is a bit more forgiving, making it easier to achieve a consistent extraction as you hone your technique.

The 185, on the other hand, requires a bit more finesse and attention to detail to ensure an even pour across the wider surface area.

Brew Control and Consistency

This one’s a toss-up. The 155 wins in terms of single-cup consistency, but the 185 can produce a more even extraction when brewing multiple cups.

So, if you prioritize that repeatable, reliable flavor for your daily driver, the 155 might be your brew buddy. But if you’re brewing for a crowd and don’t mind a little variation cup-to-cup, the 185 could be the way to go.

Comparison with Other Coffee Drippers

If you’re already familiar with other pour-over methods like the V60 or Chemex, the Kalita Wave’s flat-bottom design might take some adjusting.

The lack of ridges means you’ll need to be extra mindful of your pour technique to ensure even saturation. On the flip side, the Kalita’s larger holes mean it’s less prone to clogging than something like an Aeropress, which can be a game-changer for those who prefer a finer grind.

At the end of the day, there’s no objectively “better” Kalita Wave size – it all comes down to your personal preferences and brewing needs.

But hopefully, these factors give you a better idea of which one might be the perfect fit for your daily coffee ritual.

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Wrapping Up The Kalita Wave Brewer Debate

Whether you’re a seasoned pour-over pro or a total newbie, there’s a Wave size to suit your needs. The 155 is a cozy, consistent little brewer, perfect for those daily solo cups. But if you’ve got a crowd to fuel, the 185 will keep those mugs filled to the brim.

At the end of the day, though, the best brewer is the one that fits your unique taste and routine. So don’t be afraid to experiment and find that sweet spot – tweak those grind sizes, play with different pour patterns, and discover what makes that perfect cup for you.

And hey, don’t forget about the accessories! A quality coffee grinder and some trusty paper filters can take your Kalita Wave game to new heights.

But above all, have fun with it. Brewing great coffee is an art, and the journey is half the joy.

Got a question? Drop a comment below.