The Coffee Kits

Exploring Different Chemex Brewing Techniques: Which One Works Best for You?

Chemex is a popular brewing method that has been around since the 1940s. It is a pour-over brewing method that involves using a special glass coffee maker and paper filters to produce a clean and crisp cup of coffee. The Chemex brewing method has become popular among coffee enthusiasts because of the unique brewing process and the smooth, full-bodied coffee it produces. In this article, we will explore different Chemex brewing techniques and help you find the best one for your taste.

The Chemex Brewing Process

Before we dive into the different brewing techniques, it’s important to understand the basic Chemex brewing process. The Chemex brewing method involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a paper filter. The water drips through the filter and into the bottom of the Chemex coffee maker, producing a smooth and clean cup of coffee. Here are the basic steps for brewing coffee using the Chemex method:

1. Place a Chemex paper filter in the top of the coffee maker and rinse it with hot water.
2. Add your coffee grounds to the filter and level them out.
3. Pour hot water over the coffee grounds, making sure to wet all the grounds.
4. Wait for the coffee to drip through the filter and into the bottom of the Chemex coffee maker.
5. Pour your brewed coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy!

The Classic Chemex Brewing Technique

The classic Chemex brewing technique is the most popular and traditional way of brewing coffee using the Chemex method. This technique involves using a medium-coarse grind and a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. Here are the steps for using the classic Chemex brewing technique:

1. Boil water and let it cool for about a minute.
2. Place a Chemex paper filter in the top of the coffee maker and rinse it with hot water.
3. Add 42 grams (about 7 tablespoons) of coffee grounds to the filter and level them out.
4. Pour 630 grams (about 21 ounces) of hot water over the coffee grounds, making sure to wet all the grounds.
5. Wait for the coffee to drip through the filter and into the bottom of the Chemex coffee maker.
6. Pour your brewed coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy!

The Inverted Chemex Brewing Technique

The inverted Chemex brewing technique is a popular variation of the classic Chemex brewing technique. This technique involves flipping the Chemex coffee maker upside down and using a slightly coarser grind. Here are the steps for using the inverted Chemex brewing technique:

1. Boil water and let it cool for about a minute.
2. Flip the Chemex coffee maker upside down and place a Chemex paper filter in the top of the coffee maker and rinse it with hot water.
3. Add 42 grams (about 7 tablespoons) of coffee grounds to the filter and level them out.
4. Pour 630 grams (about 21 ounces) of hot water over the coffee grounds, making sure to wet all the grounds.
5. Wait for the coffee to drip through the filter and into the bottom of the Chemex coffee maker.
6. Flip the Chemex coffee maker right-side up and pour your brewed coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy!

The Chemex with a Pre-Infusion Technique

The Chemex with a pre-infusion technique involves pre-wetting the coffee grounds before adding the rest of the water. This technique can help to improve the extraction and flavor of the coffee. Here are the steps for using the Chemex with a pre-infusion technique:

1. Boil water and let it cool for about a minute.
2. Place a Chemex paper filter in the top of the coffee maker and rinse it with hot water.
3. Add 42 grams (about 7 tablespoons) of coffee grounds to the filter and level them out.
4. Pour 120 grams (about 4 ounces) of hot water over the coffee grounds and let it sit for 30 seconds.
5. Add the remaining 510 grams (about 17 ounces) of hot water over the coffee grounds, making sure to wet all the grounds.
6. Wait for the coffee to drip through the filter and into the bottom of the Chemex coffee maker.
7. Pour your brewed coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy!

Conclusion

There are many different ways to brew coffee using the Chemex method, and each technique produces a unique flavor profile. Whether you prefer the classic Chemex brewing technique, the inverted Chemex brewing technique, or the Chemex with a pre-infusion technique, the key is to experiment and find the technique that works best for your taste. With a little practice, you’ll be able to brew a smooth and delicious cup of coffee using the Chemex method.