The Coffee Kits

How to Adjust Baratza Encore for Chemex Brewing

If you are a coffee enthusiast, you have probably heard of the Chemex coffee maker. This classic pour-over coffee maker has been around for over 70 years and is known for producing a clean, smooth cup of coffee. However, getting the perfect cup of Chemex coffee requires the right grind size. This is where the Baratza Encore grinder comes in. In this article, we will guide you through the process of adjusting the Baratza Encore for Chemex brewing.

Step 1: Understanding the Baratza Encore

The Baratza Encore is a popular entry-level burr grinder that is known for its quality and affordability. It has 40 different grind settings, which allows you to adjust the grind size to suit your brewing method. The grinder has a hopper that can hold up to 8 ounces of coffee beans and a bin that can hold up to 5 ounces of ground coffee.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Grind Size

The first step in adjusting the Baratza Encore for Chemex brewing is to choose the right grind size. For Chemex brewing, you want a medium-coarse grind. This means that the coffee grounds should be about the size of sea salt or raw sugar. The medium-coarse grind size is important because it allows the water to flow through the coffee evenly and extract the flavors without over-extracting or under-extracting.

Step 3: Adjusting the Grind Size on the Baratza Encore

Once you have chosen the right grind size, it's time to adjust the Baratza Encore. To do this, you need to turn the hopper counterclockwise until it unlocks and lift it off the grinder. Next, turn the grind adjustment ring counterclockwise until the indicator points to the desired grind size. In this case, the indicator should be pointing to the middle of the medium-coarse range. Once you have selected the right grind size, put the hopper back on the grinder and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

Step 4: Grinding the Coffee

Now that you have adjusted the Baratza Encore for Chemex brewing, it's time to grind the coffee. Start by weighing out the amount of coffee you need for your brew. For a standard 6-cup Chemex, you will need about 45 grams of coffee. Once you have weighed out the coffee, pour it into the hopper and turn on the grinder. The Baratza Encore will grind the coffee into the bin, which you can then pour into the Chemex.

Step 5: Brewing the Coffee

With the coffee ground and ready, it's time to start brewing. Start by boiling water and letting it cool for a few minutes. Next, wet the Chemex filter with hot water and pour out the excess water. Then, add the ground coffee to the filter and tap it gently to level it out. Pour enough water over the coffee to saturate it, and let it bloom for about 30 seconds. After the bloom, slowly pour the remaining water over the coffee in a circular motion. This will help to ensure that the water is distributed evenly over the coffee. Once all of the water has been added, wait for the coffee to finish brewing.

Conclusion

Adjusting the Baratza Encore for Chemex brewing is a simple process that can make a big difference in the quality of your coffee. By choosing the right grind size and following the steps outlined in this article, you can produce a delicious cup of Chemex coffee every time.