The Coffee Kits

Chemex vs French Press: Which One Makes the Best Coffee?

Coffee is a drink that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. It's no surprise that there are so many different ways to make it, each with its own unique flavor and brewing technique. Two of the most popular methods for making coffee are the Chemex and French Press. Both of these brewing methods have their own pros and cons, and which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Chemex and French Press, and compare them to help you decide which one makes the best coffee.

Chemex

The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that was invented in 1941 by a chemist named Peter Schlumbohm. This unique brewing method uses a thick paper filter that removes any impurities from the coffee, resulting in a clean, crisp, and flavorful cup of coffee. The Chemex is made from borosilicate glass, which is heat-resistant and durable. It has a unique hourglass shape that is both stylish and functional, allowing for a slow and even extraction of the coffee.

One of the main advantages of the Chemex is that it produces a very clean and clear cup of coffee. The thick paper filter removes any sediment or oils from the coffee, resulting in a smooth and crisp taste. The Chemex is also very easy to use, and requires no electricity or complicated machinery. All you need is coffee grounds, hot water, and a Chemex. It's a great option for those who want a simple and straightforward brewing method.

However, the Chemex does have some downsides. It can be a bit time-consuming to make coffee with a Chemex, as the water needs to be poured slowly and evenly over the coffee grounds. It's not the best option for those who are in a hurry or want to make a large batch of coffee. Additionally, the thick paper filter can be expensive and difficult to find in some areas.

French Press

The French Press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, is a classic coffee brewing method that has been around since the late 1800s. It uses a metal or glass cylinder with a plunger and a mesh filter to brew coffee. To make coffee with a French Press, you simply add coffee grounds and hot water to the cylinder, wait a few minutes, and then press down on the plunger to separate the coffee from the grounds.

One of the main advantages of the French Press is that it is very versatile and can be used to make a wide variety of coffee drinks. You can use different types of coffee grounds, vary the steeping time, and adjust the water temperature to create different flavors and strengths of coffee. The French Press is also very easy to use and requires no electricity or complicated machinery.

However, the French Press does have some downsides. The mesh filter can allow some sediment and oils to pass through, resulting in a slightly gritty texture and flavor. Additionally, the French Press can be difficult to clean, as the grounds tend to get stuck in the mesh filter. It's also not the best option for those who want a clean and clear cup of coffee, as there may be some sediment and oils left in the coffee.

Conclusion

Both the Chemex and French Press are great options for making coffee, each with their own pros and cons. The Chemex produces a clean and clear cup of coffee with a smooth and crisp taste, while the French Press is more versatile and can be used to make a wide variety of coffee drinks. Ultimately, which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences and brewing style. If you want a simple and straightforward brewing method with a clean and clear cup of coffee, go for the Chemex. If you want more versatility and don't mind a slightly gritty texture, go for the French Press. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these classic brewing methods.