The Coffee Kits

The Art of Grinding for Chemex: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chemex is a manual coffee brewing method that has been popular since the 1940s. Its unique hourglass shape and thick paper filters produce a clean, bright, and flavorful cup of coffee. However, to achieve the perfect cup of coffee, you need to pay attention to every detail of the brewing process, starting with the grind size.

What is the Chemex Grind Size?

The Chemex grind size is medium-coarse, similar to the texture of sea salt. The grind should be consistent and even to ensure that the coffee grounds are extracted evenly and that the water flows through the filter at a steady pace.

Why is Grinding Important?

Grinding is one of the most crucial steps in the coffee brewing process. The grind size affects the rate of extraction, which determines the flavor and strength of the coffee. If the coffee is over-extracted, it will taste bitter and unpleasant. If it is under-extracted, it will taste weak and sour.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grinding for Chemex

Step 1:

Start with fresh coffee beans. The beans should be roasted within the last two weeks for the best flavor and aroma.

Step 2:

Choose a burr grinder. Burr grinders produce a more consistent grind than blade grinders. Set the grinder to a medium-coarse setting.

Step 3:

Weigh the coffee beans. The recommended ratio is one gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. For example, if you are making 500 ml of coffee, you will need 33 grams of coffee beans.

Step 4:

Grind the coffee beans. Use a circular motion to distribute the coffee evenly in the grinder. Once the coffee is ground, transfer it to the Chemex filter.

Step 5:

Wet the filter. Place the filter in the Chemex and pour hot water over it to rinse away any paper flavor. Discard the water.

Step 6:

Add the ground coffee. Place the ground coffee in the filter and shake it gently to level the surface.

Step 7:

Bloom the coffee. Pour hot water over the coffee grounds, making sure to saturate them evenly. Let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds to release any trapped gases and enhance the flavor.

Step 8:

Add the remaining water. Pour the remaining hot water over the coffee grounds in a slow and steady stream. Use a circular motion to ensure that the water is evenly distributed.

Step 9:

Enjoy your coffee. Once the water has passed through the filter, remove it from the Chemex and pour yourself a cup of delicious coffee.

Conclusion

The Chemex is a beautiful and elegant coffee brewing method that requires attention to detail and precision. The grind size is one of the most important factors in achieving a perfect cup of coffee. By following this step-by-step guide, you can grind your coffee beans with confidence and enjoy a delicious cup of Chemex coffee every time.