The Coffee Kits

Chemex Coffee: How to Brew a Delicious Cup at Home

If you're a coffee lover, you've probably heard of the Chemex coffee maker. This unique brewing method has been around for over 70 years, and it's still a favorite among coffee enthusiasts today. Not only does it produce a delicious cup of coffee, but it's also a beautiful piece of design that looks great in any kitchen.

What is a Chemex Coffee Maker?

The Chemex coffee maker was invented in 1941 by a chemist named Peter Schlumbohm. The design is simple yet elegant – a glass carafe with a wooden collar and leather tie. The Chemex uses a special filter that's thicker than traditional paper filters, which helps to remove more of the coffee oils and sediment. The result is a clean, smooth cup of coffee that's free from bitterness and acidity.

How to Brew Coffee with a Chemex

Brewing coffee with a Chemex is a bit different from other brewing methods. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Grind Your Coffee

The first step is to grind your coffee beans. For a Chemex, you'll want a medium-coarse grind. This will help to ensure that the water flows through the filter at the right rate. Use a burr grinder if you can – this will give you a more consistent grind.

Step 2: Boil Your Water

Next, you'll need to boil your water. The ideal temperature is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a thermometer, just bring the water to a boil and let it sit for a minute or two.

Step 3: Rinse the Filter

Before you add your coffee, you'll want to rinse the filter with hot water. This will help to remove any paper taste and preheat the carafe. Discard the water once you're done.

Step 4: Add Your Coffee

Now it's time to add your coffee. For a standard 6-cup Chemex, you'll want to use around 50 grams of coffee. If you're using a scale, this is about 8 grams of coffee per 5 ounces of water.

Step 5: Bloom the Coffee

Before you start pouring the water, you'll want to "bloom" the coffee. This means adding a small amount of water – just enough to wet the coffee grounds – and letting it sit for 30 seconds. This helps to release the gases from the coffee and makes for a better extraction.

Step 6: Start Pouring

Now it's time to start pouring the water. Pour slowly in a circular motion, starting in the center and working your way out. Be sure to pour evenly and avoid pouring too much water in one spot.

Step 7: Wait and Enjoy

Once all the water has been poured, wait for the coffee to finish brewing. This should take around 4-5 minutes. Once it's done, remove the filter and enjoy your delicious cup of coffee!

Conclusion

The Chemex coffee maker is a wonderful way to brew coffee at home. It's easy to use, produces a delicious cup of coffee, and looks great on your countertop. Give it a try and see for yourself why so many coffee lovers swear by the Chemex!