The Coffee Kits

Chemex vs. French Press: Which Makes Better Coffee?

Coffee making is an art form that requires the right tools and techniques to produce the perfect cup of coffee. Two of the most popular coffee making methods are the Chemex and French Press. Both methods produce a delicious cup of coffee, but which one is better? In this article, we will explore the differences between the Chemex and French Press and help you determine which one is right for you.

What is a Chemex?

The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that was invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm. It is made of glass and has a unique hourglass shape with a narrow neck and a wide base. The Chemex uses a specially designed paper filter that is thicker than a regular coffee filter, which helps to remove any sediment or impurities from the coffee.

What is a French Press?

The French Press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, is a coffee maker that was invented in 1929 by Italian designer Attilio Calimani. It consists of a cylindrical glass or stainless steel container with a plunger and a metal or nylon mesh filter. The French Press uses a coarser grind of coffee that is steeped in hot water for several minutes before being pressed down with the plunger.

Chemex vs. French Press: The Differences

One of the main differences between the Chemex and French Press is the brewing method. The Chemex uses a pour-over method, which involves pouring hot water over the coffee grounds and allowing it to slowly drip through the paper filter. This method produces a clean and crisp cup of coffee with a light body and bright acidity.

The French Press, on the other hand, uses an immersion method, which involves steeping the coffee grounds in hot water for several minutes before plunging the filter down to separate the coffee from the grounds. This method produces a rich and bold cup of coffee with a full body and low acidity.

Another difference between the Chemex and French Press is the type of filter used. The Chemex uses a thicker paper filter that removes any sediment or impurities from the coffee, while the French Press uses a metal or nylon mesh filter that allows more of the coffee oils and flavors to pass through into the cup.

Which One is Better?

The answer to this question depends on personal preference. If you prefer a clean and crisp cup of coffee with bright acidity, then the Chemex is the better choice for you. If you prefer a rich and bold cup of coffee with a full body and low acidity, then the French Press is the way to go.

It is important to note that both the Chemex and French Press require a certain level of skill and attention to detail to produce the perfect cup of coffee. The Chemex requires precise measurements of coffee and water, as well as a slow and steady pour, while the French Press requires careful timing and attention to the steeping process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Chemex and French Press are great coffee making methods that produce delicious cups of coffee. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a clean and crisp cup of coffee, go with the Chemex. If you prefer a rich and bold cup of coffee, go with the French Press. Regardless of which method you choose, remember to take your time and pay attention to the details to produce the perfect cup of coffee every time.