The Coffee Kits

Chemex vs. French Press: Which Makes Better Coffee?

Coffee is an essential part of many people’s daily routine. With so many brewing methods available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Chemex and French Press are two of the most popular brewing methods. In this article, we will compare the two and help you decide which one makes better coffee.

Chemex

The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that was invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm. It is made of glass and has a unique hourglass design. The Chemex uses a thick paper filter that removes oils and sediment, resulting in a clean and smooth cup of coffee.

How to Use a Chemex

To use a Chemex, start by boiling water. Grind your coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency. Place the paper filter in the Chemex and rinse it with hot water. This will eliminate any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.

Add the ground coffee to the filter and pour a small amount of water over it to saturate it. Allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds. This will release the gases that are trapped in the coffee grounds. Slowly pour the remaining hot water over the coffee in a circular motion. The entire process should take about 3-4 minutes.

Pros of Using a Chemex

- Produces a clean and smooth cup of coffee
- The hourglass design looks elegant
- Easy to use and clean
- The paper filter removes oils and sediment

Cons of Using a Chemex

- The paper filters need to be replaced regularly
- The Chemex can be fragile and break easily
- The process can be time-consuming

French Press

The French Press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, was patented by Attilio Calimani in 1929. It is a simple and affordable brewing method that produces a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee.

How to Use a French Press

To use a French Press, start by boiling water. Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency. Add the coffee to the French Press. Pour hot water over the coffee and stir. Place the lid on the French Press, but do not press down yet. Let the coffee steep for 4-5 minutes.

After the coffee has steeped, press down the plunger slowly. This will separate the coffee grounds from the liquid. Pour the coffee into your mug and enjoy.

Pros of Using a French Press

- Produces a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee
- Easy to use and affordable
- No paper filters needed
- Can be used for brewing tea

Cons of Using a French Press

- The coffee can be gritty and contain sediment
- The process can be messy and require more cleaning
- The coffee can become bitter if steeped for too long

Conclusion

Both the Chemex and French Press are great brewing methods that produce different types of coffee. The Chemex produces a clean and smooth cup of coffee, while the French Press produces a rich and full-bodied cup. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a clean and smooth cup of coffee, go for the Chemex. If you prefer a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee, go for the French Press. Either way, both methods are worth trying and experimenting with to find your perfect cup of coffee.