The Coffee Kits

Chemex 101: The Basics of Brewing Coffee with Chemex

Coffee brewing is an art and science that requires precision, patience, and the right equipment. One of the most popular coffee brewing techniques is the Chemex method. The Chemex coffee maker is an elegant and simple device that produces a clean and smooth cup of coffee.

What is Chemex?

The Chemex coffee maker was invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm, a German chemist. It is a glass coffee maker that uses a special filter to brew coffee. The filter is thicker than the standard paper filter, which results in a slow extraction process that allows the coffee to develop a rich and complex flavor profile.

How to Brew Coffee with Chemex

Brewing coffee with Chemex is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Grind your coffee beans

The first step is to grind your coffee beans. The ideal grind size for Chemex is medium-coarse. You can use a burr grinder to get a consistent grind size.

Step 2: Heat the water

Next, heat your water to about 200°F. You can use a kettle or a stove-top pot to heat the water. It is important to use filtered water to avoid any impurities that can affect the taste of your coffee.

Step 3: Rinse the filter

Place the Chemex filter in the coffee maker and rinse it with hot water. This will remove any paper taste and warm up the glass coffee maker.

Step 4: Add coffee grounds

Add your coffee grounds to the Chemex filter. The rule of thumb is to use 1 gram of coffee per 15-18 grams of water. You can adjust the ratio to your preference.

Step 5: Bloom the coffee

Pour a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds to saturate them. This is called blooming and it helps release the gases from the coffee and prepares it for extraction.

Step 6: Brew the coffee

Slowly pour the rest of the hot water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion. The water should be poured over the coffee in intervals to allow the coffee to drip and extract evenly. The brewing process should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7: Enjoy your coffee

Once the brewing process is complete, remove the filter and pour your coffee into a mug. Enjoy your delicious and smooth cup of coffee.

Tips for Brewing Coffee with Chemex

Here are some tips to help you brew the perfect cup of coffee with Chemex:

1. Use fresh coffee beans

Freshly roasted coffee beans produce the best flavor and aroma. Make sure to buy your coffee beans from a reputable roaster and use them within 2-3 weeks of roasting.

2. Use the right water temperature

The water temperature should be between 195°F to 205°F. Using water that is too hot or too cold can affect the taste of your coffee.

3. Use a gooseneck kettle

A gooseneck kettle gives you better control over the water flow and allows you to pour the water evenly over the coffee grounds.

4. Experiment with the coffee-to-water ratio

The ideal coffee-to-water ratio depends on your preference. You can experiment with different ratios to find the one that suits your taste.

Conclusion

Brewing coffee with Chemex is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy a delicious and smooth cup of coffee. By following these basic steps and tips, you can become a Chemex expert and impress your friends and family with your coffee brewing skills.