The Coffee Kits

Mastering Pour Over Coffee with Chemex: A Beginner's Guide

For coffee enthusiasts, the art of brewing the perfect cup of coffee is a never-ending journey. One of the most popular brewing methods is the pour over coffee, and the Chemex is the preferred pour over coffee maker for many. Here's a beginner's guide to mastering pour over coffee with Chemex.

What is a Chemex?

A Chemex is a pour over coffee maker made of glass, invented by a chemist named Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The Chemex has a unique hourglass shape and a thick paper filter that produces a clean, crisp cup of coffee. The Chemex is easy to use and requires minimal equipment, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.

Choosing the Right Coffee Beans

The first step to mastering pour over coffee with Chemex is choosing the right coffee beans. The best coffee beans for pour over coffee are freshly roasted, high-quality beans. The type of beans you choose will impact the flavor and aroma of your coffee, so it's essential to choose beans that suit your taste preferences.

Grinding the Beans

The next step is grinding the beans. For pour over coffee with Chemex, you'll need a medium-coarse grind. The ideal grind size is similar to sea salt. You can either grind your beans at home or buy pre-ground coffee. However, freshly ground coffee is always the best option.

Preparing the Chemex

Before you start brewing, you'll need to prepare the Chemex. Place the paper filter in the Chemex and rinse it with hot water. This will remove any paper taste and preheat the vessel, which helps maintain the temperature of the coffee during brewing.

Brewing the Coffee

Now, it's time to brew the coffee. Start by adding the ground coffee to the filter and pouring hot water over it. The water should be just off the boil, around 200-205°F (93-96°C). Pour the water in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outwards. This ensures even extraction and optimal flavor.

The Bloom

As you pour the water, you'll notice the coffee grounds start to puff up. This is called the bloom, and it's a sign that the coffee is fresh. Allow the bloom to settle for about 30 seconds before continuing to pour.

The Pour

Continue pouring the water in a circular motion until you've reached the desired amount of coffee. The ideal ratio for pour over coffee is 1:16, which means one part coffee to sixteen parts water. For example, if you're using 30 grams of coffee, you'll need 480 grams of water.

Serving and Enjoying

Once you've finished pouring the water, remove the filter and discard it. Pour the coffee into your favorite mug and enjoy. The beauty of pour over coffee with Chemex is that it's customizable to your taste, so experiment with different coffee beans, grind sizes, and brewing methods to find your perfect cup.

Conclusion

Mastering pour over coffee with Chemex takes time and practice, but the results are worth it. With the right equipment, high-quality beans, and a bit of patience, you can brew a delicious cup of coffee that will rival any coffee shop. So, grab your Chemex and start brewing!