Kalita Wave
Kalita Wave 185 Glass Dripper - Premium Japanese Pour Over Coffee Maker
Description
The Kalita Wave 185 Glass Dripper combines stunning visual appeal with the acclaimed Kalita Wave brewing performance. Crafted from heat-resistant borosilicate glass, this elegant pour over maker lets you watch the entire extraction process while delivering the consistent, balanced results that made the Kalita Wave famous.
Perfect for brewing 2-4 cups, the Wave 185 features the signature flat-bottom design with three extraction holes and twenty wave-filtered ribs. The transparent glass construction not only looks beautiful on any countertop but also allows you to monitor water flow and saturation—a valuable learning tool for perfecting your pour over technique.
Whether you're entertaining guests or simply want to elevate your daily coffee ritual, the Kalita Wave 185 Glass Dripper transforms brewing into a captivating visual experience without compromising on flavor.
Key Features
Premium Borosilicate Glass Construction
Made from laboratory-grade heat-resistant borosilicate glass that withstands temperature changes without cracking. The crystal-clear transparency showcases the beauty of coffee extraction.
Iconic Flat-Bottom Wave Design
Three precisely-placed extraction holes and flat-bottom geometry ensure even water distribution and consistent extraction across the entire coffee bed—the innovation that made Kalita Wave the preferred dripper for professionals.
Visual Brewing Experience
Watch coffee bloom, swirl, and extract in real-time. The transparent design helps you learn and perfect your pouring technique while creating a mesmerizing coffee ritual.
Wave-Filtered Interior
Twenty vertical ribs minimize filter contact and promote optimal airflow, preventing over-extraction and heat retention issues common in traditional cone drippers.
2-4 Cup Capacity
Ideal size for solo brewing or sharing with friends and family. The 185 model handles 300-600ml of water, making it perfect for entertaining.
Easy to Clean
Smooth glass surfaces rinse clean effortlessly. Dishwasher safe for convenient maintenance, though hand washing preserves the pristine clarity.
Elegant Presentation
The sophisticated glass design looks stunning on any kitchen counter, coffee bar, or dining table—functional art that enhances your coffee experience.
Specifications
Specifications
- Model: Kalita Wave 185 Glass
- Material: Heat-resistant borosilicate glass
- Capacity: 2-4 cups (300-600ml)
- Dimensions: 5.5" diameter x 3.1" height
- Weight: 6.3 oz
- Filter Compatibility: Kalita Wave 185 filters (sold separately)
- Extraction Holes: 3-hole flat bottom design
- Heat Resistance: Up to 248°F (120°C)
- Care: Dishwasher safe, hand wash recommended
- Made in: Japan
What's Included
- 1x Kalita Wave 185 Glass Dripper
Note: Kalita Wave 185 filters sold separately. Requires Kalita Wave 185 size filters for optimal brewing results.
How to Brew Pour Over Coffee with the Kalita Wave 185
What You'll Need
- Kalita Wave 185 Glass Dripper
- Kalita Wave 185 filters
- 30g freshly ground coffee (medium-fine grind)
- 500ml hot water (200-205°F)
- Gooseneck kettle (recommended)
- Digital scale and timer
- Server or carafe (for brewing multiple cups)
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
- Prep Your Setup: Place the glass dripper on a server or carafe. Insert a Kalita Wave 185 filter and rinse with hot water to remove paper taste and preheat the glass. Discard rinse water.
- Add Coffee: Add 30g of medium-fine ground coffee and gently shake to create a level bed in the flat-bottom dripper.
- Bloom (0:00-0:45): Pour 60-75ml of water in slow, concentric circles to saturate all grounds. Watch the coffee bloom and expand as CO2 releases. Wait 30-45 seconds.
- First Pour (0:45-1:30): Pour water steadily in circular motions, keeping the water level about halfway up the dripper. Add approximately 200ml total by 1:30. Watch the water flow through the three holes.
- Second Pour (1:30-2:30): Continue pouring in slow circles, adding another 200ml to reach 460ml total by 2:30. The glass allows you to monitor saturation and adjust your pour.
- Final Pour (2:30-3:00): Add the remaining water to reach 500ml total. Maintain steady, circular pours.
- Drawdown (3:00-4:00): Allow coffee to drain completely through the three holes. Total brew time should be 3.5-4 minutes for the larger Wave 185.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the glass dripper, discard filter and grounds, and serve your perfectly extracted pour over coffee.
Why Choose the Kalita Wave 185 Glass Dripper?
Beautiful & Functional
The transparent glass construction isn't just aesthetically pleasing—it's an educational tool that helps you understand extraction, identify channeling, and perfect your pouring technique with every brew.
Consistent Professional Results
The flat-bottom design with three holes provides more forgiving extraction than cone drippers, making it easier to achieve café-quality results whether you're a beginner or experienced home barista.
Perfect for Entertaining
The 2-4 cup capacity makes the Wave 185 ideal for brewing multiple servings. The elegant glass presentation adds sophistication to any gathering or coffee ritual.
Heat-Resistant Durability
Laboratory-grade borosilicate glass withstands thermal shock better than standard glass. Pour hot water directly without worrying about cracks or breakage.
Neutral Flavor Profile
Glass won't retain flavors, oils, or odors from previous brews. Every cup tastes exactly as your coffee should—clean, pure, and true to origin.
Investment in Quality
While more delicate than plastic or metal options, the Kalita Wave 185 Glass offers a premium brewing experience that elevates your daily coffee ritual into something special.
Visual Learning Tool
Watch water distribute evenly across the flat bottom, observe proper bloom expansion, and identify any channeling issues in real-time to continuously improve your technique.
Kalita Wave 185 Glass vs. Other Materials
Glass vs. Stainless Steel
- Glass: Transparent brewing, neutral flavor, elegant presentation, requires gentle handling
- Steel: Maximum durability, excellent heat retention, travel-friendly, opaque
- Best for: Glass for home brewing and visual experience; steel for portability and durability
Glass vs. Ceramic
- Glass: See-through design, slightly faster heat loss, modern aesthetic, lighter weight
- Ceramic: Superior heat retention, traditional feel, heavier, various glazed colors
- Best for: Glass for learning and visual appeal; ceramic for maximum temperature stability
Glass vs. Plastic
- Glass: Premium feel, beautiful presentation, excellent clarity, more fragile
- Plastic: Most affordable, virtually unbreakable, lightweight, travel-friendly
- Best for: Glass for home use and aesthetics; plastic for travel and budget
Perfect For
- Coffee Enthusiasts: Visual brewing experience enhances appreciation and understanding
- Home Entertaining: Brew 2-4 cups for guests with elegant presentation
- Learning Pour Over: Transparent design helps perfect technique and identify issues
- Kitchen Aesthetics: Beautiful glass construction complements modern kitchen design
- Specialty Coffee Lovers: Neutral glass preserves delicate flavor notes and aromatics
- Gift Giving: Premium presentation makes it an impressive gift for coffee lovers
- Slow Coffee Movement: Encourages mindful brewing and appreciation of the process
Care & Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
- Discard used filter and grounds immediately
- Rinse glass dripper thoroughly with warm water
- Use soft sponge—avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch glass
- Air dry completely or dry with lint-free cloth
Deep Cleaning
- Dishwasher safe on top rack
- For coffee oil buildup: Soak in solution of water and dish soap for 15 minutes
- For stubborn stains: Use baking soda paste, rinse thoroughly
- Descale monthly if you have hard water (white vinegar solution)
Storage Tips
- Store in secure location away from edges
- Avoid stacking heavy items on top
- Keep away from high-traffic areas to prevent accidental knocks
- Consider protective storage case if traveling
Handling Precautions
- Handle by the rim with both hands when wet
- Avoid extreme temperature changes (don't place hot glass in cold water)
- Inspect regularly for chips or cracks
- Replace if any damage is detected to prevent breakage during brewing
About Kalita
Founded in 1958 in Tokyo, Japan, Kalita has been a pioneer in coffee brewing innovation for over six decades. The brand embodies Japanese precision and craftsmanship, creating equipment that honors the art of coffee brewing.
Kalita revolutionized pour over coffee in 2010 with the introduction of the Kalita Wave Dripper. Its patented flat-bottom design with three extraction holes and wave-filtered walls delivers consistent, exceptional results—making it a favorite among specialty coffee professionals and home brewers worldwide.
Every Kalita product reflects the Japanese philosophy of monozukuri (the art of making things with dedication) and yōbi no bi (functional beauty). From precision kettles to innovative drippers, Kalita combines traditional craftsmanship with modern coffee science.
Today, Kalita equipment is trusted in specialty coffee shops globally and used by champion baristas in competitions worldwide. Whether you're new to pour over or a seasoned enthusiast, Kalita makes café-quality coffee brewing accessible to everyone.
Made in Japan. Trusted worldwide since 1958.
Frequently Asked Questions
This dripper requires Kalita Wave 185 filters specifically. The 155 size is too small, and larger sizes won't fit properly in the wave design.
Yes, borosilicate glass is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and thermal shock. It's the same glass used in laboratory equipment and high-end cookware.
While more delicate than plastic or metal, borosilicate glass is quite durable when handled properly. Avoid dropping or extreme temperature changes. With care, it can last for years.
Yes! Brew directly over ice in a carafe, or brew hot and chill. The glass won't retain flavors between brewing methods.
Avoid extreme temperature changes. Don't place the hot dripper directly into cold water. Preheat with hot water before brewing. Handle gently.
No, glass is completely neutral and won't impart any flavors or retain oils from previous brews—ideal for tasting delicate coffee characteristics.
Yes, but the Wave 155 is better optimized for 1-2 cups. The 185 works best with at least 25g of coffee (2 cups minimum) for proper extraction.
Yes, the glass dripper is dishwasher safe (top rack recommended). However, hand washing helps maintain pristine clarity and reduces breakage risk.
The transparency lets you see water distribution, identify channeling, observe bloom expansion, and watch extraction happen—invaluable for improving technique.
Hard water can leave mineral deposits over time. Regular descaling with white vinegar keeps the glass crystal clear.