The Coffee Kits

Baratza Encore Grind Size for Chemex: Finding the Sweet Spot

The Chemex is a classic pour-over brewing method that produces a clean and smooth cup of coffee. It is a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts due to its simple design and ability to highlight the unique flavors of specialty coffee beans. However, to achieve a perfect cup of coffee with Chemex, the right grind size is essential.

What is the Baratza Encore Grinder?

The Baratza Encore is a popular coffee grinder among home baristas. It is known for its user-friendly design, consistent grind quality, and affordable price. The grinder has 40 grind settings, which makes it easy to adjust the grind size according to the brewing method. With the Baratza Encore, finding the sweet spot for Chemex is a breeze.

Chemex Grind Size: Coarse or Medium?

The Chemex requires a medium-coarse grind size, which means that the coffee grounds should be as big as sea salt. If the grind size is too fine, the coffee will be over-extracted, resulting in a bitter and unpleasant taste. On the other hand, if the grind size is too coarse, the coffee will be under-extracted, resulting in a weak and watery flavor.

Finding the Sweet Spot

With the Baratza Encore, finding the sweet spot for Chemex is easy. Here's how:

Step 1:

Start with a medium grind setting (20 on the Baratza Encore).

Step 2:

Brew a cup of coffee with this grind size. Take note of the taste and adjust the grind size accordingly.

Step 3:

If the coffee tastes sour or weak, the grind size is too coarse. Increase the grind size by one or two notches and try again.

Step 4:

If the coffee tastes bitter or over-extracted, the grind size is too fine. Decrease the grind size by one or two notches and try again.

Step 5:

Repeat steps 2 to 4 until you find the sweet spot for your Chemex brewing method.

Conclusion

The Baratza Encore grinder makes it easy to find the sweet spot for Chemex brewing. With its 40 grind settings, it is easy to adjust the grind size to achieve a perfect cup of coffee. Remember, a medium-coarse grind size is essential for Chemex brewing, and finding the right grind size may take a few tries. However, once you find the sweet spot, you'll be rewarded with a clean and smooth cup of coffee with unique flavor notes.