Kalita Wave 185 Stainless
Kalita brewer · $45 · budget tier
Overview
The Kalita Wave is the forgiving alternative to the V60 in the pour-over category. Its flat-bottom design with three small drainage holes regulates flow more consistently than a V60’s single large hole — meaning small pour-technique mistakes produce smaller flavor differences in the cup.
For beginners learning pour-over, the Wave produces drinkable coffee on the first try in ways the V60 doesn’t. Channeling (water finding the path of least resistance through the bed) is reduced by the flat bottom, and the corrugated wave-shaped filter prevents the paper from collapsing against the brewer walls.
The stainless steel 185 model is the most travel-practical option in the Wave family. It survives drops, packs flat, and doesn’t have the temperature instability of metal at scale. Filters are slightly less ubiquitous than V60 paper in mainstream retail — most specialty coffee shops carry both, but supermarkets typically don’t.
Pros
- Flat-bottom design is more forgiving than cone V60
- Three small holes regulate flow, reducing channeling risk
- Stainless body is travel-friendly and durable
- Wave filters produce consistent extraction even with imperfect pours
Cons
- Filters less common in general retail than V60 paper
- Holds less water at once; refills needed for larger brews
- Different brew profile than V60 — not interchangeable
Specifications
| Brand | Kalita |
|---|---|
| Type | brewer |
| Price (USD) | $45 |
| Price tier | budget |
| capacity ml | 480 |
| material | Stainless steel |
| filter type | Kalita Wave 185 |
| brewing method | Pour over |
| weight g | 100 |
| electric | false |
Best for
- pour over
- beginners learning pour-over
- travel brewing
- filter coffee with less technique focus
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Kalita Wave 185 Stainless best for?
The Kalita Wave 185 Stainless is best suited for pour over, beginners learning pour-over, travel brewing. Tags: pour-over, flat-bottom, forgiving, stainless, travel.
How much does the Kalita Wave 185 Stainless cost?
The Kalita Wave 185 Stainless retails around $45 USD, placing it in the budget tier for brewers.
What are the main downsides of the Kalita Wave 185 Stainless?
Filters less common in general retail than V60 paper Holds less water at once; refills needed for larger brews Different brew profile than V60 — not interchangeable
What is the ASIN for the Kalita Wave 185 Stainless?
The Amazon ASIN is B00OQ80T9Y. You can check current pricing and availability on Amazon directly.
Last updated: 2026-05-09