Kalita Wave 185 Review: Is It Easier Than the V60?
If you’ve ever watched a barista effortlessly pour water over a V60 and thought, “That looks intimidating,” you’re not alone. The Hario V60 has earned a reputation as a demanding dripper that rewards precision but punishes sloppy technique. Enter the Kalita Wave 185—a flat-bottom pour-over that promises easier, more consistent brews without sacrificing quality. But is it really that much more forgiving? And does “easier” mean “better” for your morning cup?
In this Kalita Wave 185 review, I’ll break down exactly how this dripper compares to the V60, whether it lives up to its beginner-friendly reputation, and help you decide which one deserves a spot on your coffee shelf. Life is too short for bad coffee—and for brewing gear that frustrates you before your first sip.
After brewing hundreds of cups with both drippers, I can confidently say: yes, the Kalita Wave 185 is genuinely easier than the V60. Its flat-bottom design and three-hole drainage system create a more forgiving brewing experience that doesn’t punish you for imperfect pours. If you’re new to pour-over or simply want consistent results without obsessing over technique, the Kalita Wave 185 is the smarter choice.
That said, the V60 remains the better option for experienced brewers who love experimenting and chasing that “perfect” cup. It’s not about one being objectively superior—it’s about matching the dripper to your goals and skill level.
| Feature | Kalita Wave 185 | Hario V60 |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom Shape | Flat | Conical |
| Drainage Holes | Three small holes | One large hole |
| Flow Control | Dripper-controlled | User-controlled |
| Forgiveness Level | High | Low |
| Best For | Consistency, beginners | Experimentation, precision |
| Filter Style | Patented wave filters | Cone-shaped filters |
| Ideal Roast Level | Medium to medium-dark | Light to medium |
The secret to the Kalita Wave’s forgiving nature lies in its design. Unlike the V60’s single large hole, the Wave features three small drainage holes at the bottom. This means the dripper itself controls the flow rate—not your pouring technique. Even if your pour is a bit uneven or your timing is off, those three holes regulate extraction and prevent the dreaded channeling that can ruin a V60 brew.
The flat-bottom design creates an even coffee bed throughout the brewing process. In my experience, this leads to more uniform extraction because water doesn’t rush through a single point like it does in a conical dripper. The coffee grounds stay relatively level, and each particle gets similar contact time with water.
Here’s a real-world scenario: imagine you’re brewing your morning coffee while half-asleep. With a V60, a wobbly pour can create channels where water bypasses most of the grounds, resulting in a weak, under-extracted cup. With the Kalita Wave 185, that same imperfect pour still produces a balanced, drinkable coffee. The margin for error is simply wider.
Kalita’s patented 20-wave filters aren’t just for aesthetics. Those crimped edges keep the filter away from the dripper walls, creating air pockets that promote even airflow and drainage. This design also means the filter doesn’t stick to the sides, which can cause uneven extraction in other drippers.
Barista Tip: Always rinse your Kalita Wave filters thoroughly before brewing. The wave filters are thicker than V60 filters and can impart a papery taste if not properly rinsed. Use plenty of hot water and discard it completely before adding your grounds.
After extensive testing, here’s my honest assessment of what the Kalita Wave 185 does well—and where it falls short.
For a fair comparison, let’s look at what the V60 brings to the table.
The Kalita Wave 185 is ideal for a specific type of coffee lover. Here’s who will get the most value from this dripper.
Let me walk you through what a typical brew looks like with the Kalita Wave 185, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Taste Profile: Expect a balanced, full-bodied cup with pronounced sweetness and moderate acidity. The Kalita Wave 185 tends to produce rounder, more approachable flavors compared to the V60’s brighter, more articulated notes.
Barista Tip: If your brew is taking longer than 4 minutes, try a coarser grind. The Kalita Wave’s restricted flow means you generally need to grind slightly coarser than you would for a V60.
Let’s bust a few misconceptions I’ve encountered about this dripper.
Myth: “The Kalita Wave makes inferior coffee to the V60.” This simply isn’t true. Different? Yes. Inferior? No. The Wave produces a different flavor profile—more body, more sweetness, less brightness. Neither is objectively better; it’s about preference.
Myth: “You don’t need a gooseneck kettle for the Kalita Wave.” While you can technically brew without one, a gooseneck kettle still helps you pour more evenly and avoid disturbing the coffee bed. It’s less critical than with a V60, but still beneficial.
Myth: “The stainless steel version is the best choice.” Actually, many experienced users report that the stainless steel Kalita Wave 185 can have drainage issues due to how the filter sits against the metal. The ceramic and glass versions often perform more consistently.
The Kalita Wave is designed specifically for its proprietary wave filters. While some third-party alternatives exist, they may not fit properly or perform as well. The wave filter design is integral to how the dripper functions, so I recommend sticking with genuine Kalita filters for best results.
The numbers refer to the filter size. The 155 is designed for single cups (1-2 servings, using about 15-25g of coffee), while the 185 handles larger batches (2-4 servings, using 25-45g of coffee). If you typically brew for yourself, the 155 works great. For couples or larger servings, go with the 185.
Slow drainage usually comes from grinding too fine or using the stainless steel version, which can create suction issues. Try a coarser grind first. If problems persist with a stainless steel dripper, consider switching to ceramic or glass, or try lifting the dripper slightly during brewing to break the vacuum seal.
It can work, but the V60 generally handles light roasts better. The Kalita Wave’s slower extraction and fuller body can mute some of the delicate, bright notes that light roast enthusiasts seek. For light roasts, you may need to grind finer and use hotter water to compensate.
For the 185 with a standard recipe (around 30g coffee to 450g water), aim for a total brew time of 3:00-4:00 minutes. If you’re consistently outside this range, adjust your grind size accordingly.
So, is the Kalita Wave 185 easier than the V60? In my experience, absolutely. The flat-bottom design, three-hole drainage, and wave filter system create a brewing experience that’s genuinely more forgiving. You don’t need perfect technique to make excellent coffee with this dripper.
If you’re just starting your pour-over journey, the Kalita Wave 185 will help you build confidence and enjoy great coffee while you develop your skills. If you’re an experienced brewer looking for a reliable daily driver that doesn’t demand your full attention at 6 AM, it’s equally valuable.
The V60 remains the better choice if you love the ritual of perfecting your pour, prefer bright and complex light roasts, or enjoy experimenting with different techniques. There’s no wrong answer here—just different tools for different goals.
My recommendation? If consistency and ease matter more to you than maximum control, grab a Kalita Wave 185 and start brewing. You might be surprised how quickly it becomes your go-to morning ritual. And remember: the best coffee is the one you actually enjoy making.
Written by
Jeanine
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