Review: HIFLUX Korean Lyocell Coffee Filter Papers — Turning the Kalita Wave Into a “High-Speed Machine”!

 It’s really been a long time since I last bought a special filter paper just to do a proper review. A few years ago, functional filter papers designed to control flow rate were all the rage. Whether you wanted fast dripping or slow dripping, there were matching filters for each purpose.

Some people say these products are just “IQ tax,” thinking, How much difference can a tiny piece of filter paper actually make?
But from my own experience—it's definitely not an IQ tax. Filter paper can absolutely produce very noticeable changes in flow rate. The most classic example for slow dripping is the Japanese KONO Silky filter. Even if you use a V60 with a large drainage hole, it massively slows the flow. A brew you would normally finish in 1.5 minutes can take an extra 30 seconds or more with the SILKY paper.

So after talking about a representative slow-drip filter, today we’re moving to the fast-drip category. I’ve reviewed one of the top performers in this group before—the Sibarist from Spain. It already impressed me with how dramatically it changed the flow rate.

But this time, we’re looking at the HIFLUX Korean Lyocell Fiber Filter Paper, and after using it once, my reaction was:
“This is basically turbo mode!”

And the best part? I used it with a Kalita Wave—the classic three-hole “slow drip” dripper known for immersion-like extraction. The fact that it suddenly behaved like a fast-drip device is honestly wild.

Before adjusting any brewing parameters, I used my usual grind size (around 11–12). And unbelievably—the brew finished in under one minute. I was shocked. Not only did it force me to grind finer, but it clearly showed how powerful the flow rate was.

So why is the flow so fast—visibly fast?
The secret lies in its material: Lyocell fiber. Lyocell is commonly known as Tencel, derived from natural plant cellulose and introduced in the mid-1990s. It’s been called one of the most valuable innovations in synthetic fiber technology in the past half century.

Lyocell fiber is considered a green, eco-friendly fiber. Its raw material—cellulose—is naturally renewable, and the production process involves no chemical reactions, using non-toxic solvents. Filter paper made from this fiber feels completely different from traditional filter paper. It resembles smooth, fabric-like material when touched. If you hold it up against the light, you’ll see a loose yet neatly arranged fiber structure.

The fibers are thicker, and the pores are three-dimensionally staggered. This is the core reason it produces such fast flow rates without clogging.

Once the filter paper changes, it means all your brewing parameters require adjustments. But that’s precisely because Lyocell paper is so effective in speeding up dripping. It forces you to rethink everything.
The first adjustment is grind size—it must be finer. Kalita Wave drippers also come in different designs, so choose one of the slower-flow models. You’ll also want to control your pour rate and possibly use segmented pouring (around 3–4 pours).

Because the high-porosity structure creates ultra-fast flow, the first thing I had to do was dial in the grinder. I set my EKs 43 to 9.5. At this setting, I could maintain both extraction and a clean, rich body.
Next, I used a finer, low-height pour with multiple small pulses. High-porosity filter paper has one small drawback—it allows a trace amount of superfine particles to pass through, leaving a tiny layer of sediment at the bottom of the cup. This happened in several of my brews.

To reduce superfine particle migration, the key is minimizing turbulence. Keep the water flow thin, steady, and pour at a low height. While you may still get a bit of sediment, I don’t think it affects the cup’s flavor or body—just a slight visual issue for those who want an extremely clean finish.

Many people believe the purpose of the Kalita Wave is to enhance sweetness and body—to replicate that classic Japanese slow-drip flavor. Immersion-like extraction and slow dripping seem like the only “correct” ways to use it.
But achieving that profile requires skill; not everyone can easily control these nuances.

Lyocell fiber filters, however, greatly increase forgiveness and flexibility. If your water flow is inconsistent, too strong, or too sudden, superfine particles can clog traditional papers, slowing the brew and affecting flavor. Lyocell’s speed means you can confidently grind fine even in a slow dripper. It ensures stable flow throughout the brew, making the whole system easier to manage without sacrificing extraction.

Another important point:
Full-bodied coffee often suffers from limited flavor extension, which results in a less clean, less defined flavor line. Lyocell fiber filter paper helps bridge this gap. It allows you to enjoy the richer sweetness and body you’d normally get from non-conical drippers, while still achieving an impressively clean and delicate finish.

This is especially beneficial for light-roast coffees, allowing their flavor development to shine with exceptional clarity and expressiveness.