The world of coffee offers an impressive array of brewing methods, each providing a unique experience. Among these methods, the Kalita Wave stands out for its simplicity and ability to produce a clean, flavorful cup. In this article, we’ll explore what the Kalita Wave is, how to use it, and why it’s a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts.
What is the Kalita Wave?
The Kalita Wave is a manual coffee dripper that uses flat-bottomed filters with three small holes. This design ensures an even water flow, resulting in consistent and balanced extraction. Available in two sizes (155 for one cup and 185 for two cups), the Kalita Wave is beloved by both beginners and professional baristas for its ease of use and the level of control it offers over the brewing process.
Why Choose the Kalita Wave?
- Uniform Extraction: The three small holes at the bottom of the Kalita Wave promote uniform water distribution over the ground coffee, minimizing under-extraction or over-extraction.
- Ease of Use: Compared to other brewing methods, the Kalita Wave is less demanding in terms of technique, making it an ideal choice for coffee lovers just starting with manual brewing.
- Versatility: The Kalita Wave works well with a wide range of flavor profiles, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to the grind size, coffee-to-water ratio, and pouring technique.
How to Brew Coffee with the Kalita Wave
To get the best results from your Kalita Wave, follow these steps:
1. Necessary Equipment:
- Kalita Wave (155 or 185)
- Kalita paper filters
- Your choice of coffee beans
- A coffee grinder
- Filtered water
- Goose-neck kettle
- Digital scale
- Timer
2. Preparation:
- Pre-warm the equipment: Place the filter into the dripper, set it over your cup or carafe, and rinse with hot water. This removes any paper taste and preheats the brewing vessel.
- Measure the coffee: A standard ratio is 16 grams of coffee for 250 ml of water. You can adjust this according to your personal taste preferences.
- Grind the coffee: Grind your coffee to a medium consistency, similar to sea salt. The right grind size is crucial for achieving an even extraction.
- Heat the water: Bring the water to about 92-96°C (194-205°F), ideal for coffee extraction.
3. Brewing Process:
- Blooming (Pre-wetting): Add the ground coffee into the filter and gently level it. Start your timer and pour 30 ml of hot water evenly over the coffee to saturate it completely. Let it bloom for 30 seconds. This step helps release gases trapped in the coffee grounds, allowing for a cleaner extraction.
- Main Pour: After blooming, continue pouring water in concentric circles, starting from the center and spiraling outwards. Be sure to keep the sides of the filter clean to avoid water channels. Continue pouring until you reach 250 ml of water.
- Total Brewing Time: The whole process should take around 2:30 to 3:00 minutes. If the water drains too quickly, try a finer grind; if it drains too slowly, use a coarser grind.
Additional Tips:
- Water Temperature: Make sure the water is at the optimal temperature to avoid over or under-extraction.
- Pouring Speed: Keep a steady pouring rate to ensure uniform extraction.
- Personal Adjustments: Don’t be afraid to tweak the coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, or pouring technique to suit your personal taste.
Conclusion
The Kalita Wave offers an accessible and effective way to brew coffee manually, providing control over various aspects of the extraction process. With practice and attention to detail, you can enjoy a delicious and tailored cup of coffee. Try different beans, grind adjustments, and pouring techniques to discover what suits you best.