The Coffee Kits

Chemex vs. French Press: Which Makes Better Coffee?

For coffee lovers, there are few things more satisfying than a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. And while there are many ways to make coffee, two of the most popular methods are the Chemex and the French Press. But which one makes better coffee? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Chemex

The Chemex is a pour-over brewing system that was invented by a chemist named Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. It consists of a glass carafe and a special paper filter that is designed to remove any impurities and produce a clean, flavorful cup of coffee.

One of the biggest advantages of the Chemex is its simplicity. There are no complicated parts or mechanisms to worry about, and it's easy to clean and maintain. Plus, the paper filter ensures that the coffee is free from any sediment or oils, which can give it a bitter or unpleasant taste.

However, the Chemex does have its downsides. For one, it can be a bit tricky to use at first, especially if you're not used to pour-over brewing. Additionally, the paper filters can be expensive, and you'll need to replace them regularly.

French Press

The French Press, on the other hand, is a more traditional method of brewing coffee. It consists of a glass or stainless steel carafe, a plunger with a metal or nylon mesh filter, and a lid.

One of the biggest advantages of the French Press is its versatility. You can use it to make a variety of different coffee drinks, from espresso-style shots to cold brew. Plus, the metal filter allows for more oils and sediment to pass through, which can give the coffee a richer, more full-bodied flavor.

However, the French Press does have some downsides as well. For one, it can be a bit more difficult to clean than the Chemex, especially if you're using a metal filter. Additionally, the coffee can sometimes be a bit sludgy or gritty, depending on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

So, which one makes better coffee? The truth is, it really depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a clean, flavorful cup of coffee with no sediment or oils, then the Chemex is probably the way to go. On the other hand, if you like a richer, more full-bodied coffee with a bit of sediment and oil, then the French Press might be more your style.

Ultimately, both the Chemex and the French Press are great ways to make coffee, and it's up to you to decide which one is best for you. So why not give them both a try and see which one you prefer?