The Chemex is a timeless coffee brewing method that combines functionality and elegance. Known for producing a clean, crisp cup of coffee, it’s a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate both flavor and aesthetics. Whether you’re new to brewing with a Chemex or looking to perfect your technique, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this iconic brewer.
What is a Chemex?
Invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker with a distinctive hourglass design made from borosilicate glass. Its unique shape and thick paper filters make it stand out, delivering a clean and flavorful cup by removing oils and fine sediment.
The Chemex is not just a coffee maker—it’s a piece of art, often displayed in museums like MoMA for its sleek and functional design.
Why Choose a Chemex?
- Clean, Bright Flavor:
The Chemex’s thick filters remove oils and fine particles, resulting in a clean, crisp cup that highlights the coffee’s natural flavors. - Aesthetic Appeal:
Its elegant design makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen or coffee setup. - Control Over Brewing:
Brewing with a Chemex allows for precise control over water temperature, flow rate, and extraction time, giving you the ability to tailor your coffee exactly to your taste. - Environmentally Friendly:
Made from durable glass, the Chemex is reusable and sustainable. The only waste is the biodegradable paper filter.
How to Brew Coffee with a Chemex
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect cup of coffee with your Chemex.
What You’ll Need:
- A Chemex coffee maker
- Chemex paper filters
- Freshly ground coffee (medium-coarse grind, like sea salt)
- A gooseneck kettle
- A scale
- Freshly boiled water (200°F or 93°C)
Ingredients:
- Coffee: 1 gram of coffee for every 15-17 grams of water (e.g., 30g coffee for 500ml water)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chemex
- Place a Chemex paper filter into the brewer, ensuring the three-layered side faces the spout.
- Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any papery taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.
Step 2: Weigh and Grind Your Coffee
- Measure your coffee beans using a scale and grind them to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. Freshly ground coffee is crucial for the best flavor.
Step 3: Boil Water
- Heat your water to approximately 200°F (93°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, let the water boil and cool for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Bloom the Coffee
- Add the ground coffee to the Chemex and create a small well in the center. Start by pouring just enough water to saturate the grounds (about twice the weight of the coffee, e.g., 60ml for 30g of coffee).
- Let the coffee bloom for 30-45 seconds as it releases trapped gases, enhancing flavor extraction.
Step 5: Pour in Stages
- Slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Avoid pouring directly onto the edges of the filter.
- Continue pouring until you reach the desired amount of water (e.g., 500ml for 30g of coffee).
Step 6: Allow Coffee to Drip
- Let the coffee fully drain through the filter. This should take 3-4 minutes for optimal extraction. Adjust your grind size if it takes significantly more or less time.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the brewing is complete, discard the filter and grounds. Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug and savor the clean, bright flavors!
Tips for Brewing the Perfect Chemex Coffee
- Use Fresh Coffee:
Always use freshly roasted, high-quality beans for the best results. - Grind Consistency:
A medium-coarse grind ensures even extraction. Adjust if the brew is too fast (grind finer) or too slow (grind coarser). - Pour Slowly and Steadily:
A gooseneck kettle provides precise control over water flow, helping you achieve even saturation. - Preheat Your Chemex:
Rinsing the filter and warming the Chemex helps maintain brewing temperature for a consistent cup. - Experiment with Ratios:
Start with a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio and adjust to taste. For a stronger cup, use less water; for a milder cup, use more.
Specialty Coffee for Chemex in Germany
For a truly exceptional Chemex experience, start with premium coffee beans. If you’re in Germany, subscribe to specialty coffee deliveries available in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Leipzig, Dresden, and Nuremberg. Fresh, single-origin beans are ideal for highlighting the clean, bright flavors that the Chemex is known for.
