The Coffee Kits

The History and Evolution of Chemex Coffee: A Fascinating Story

Chemex coffee is a unique and popular coffee brewing method that has been around for over 70 years. Its popularity has grown over the years, and it is now considered one of the best coffee-making methods available. In this article, we will take a look at the history and evolution of Chemex coffee and how it has become what it is today.

The Beginning of Chemex Coffee

The story of Chemex coffee begins in 1941, when a German chemist named Peter Schlumbohm created the first Chemex coffee maker. Schlumbohm was a chemist and inventor who had a passion for creating innovative products that combined functionality and aesthetics. He was inspired by the Bauhaus movement, which focused on creating functional products that were beautiful at the same time.

Schlumbohm's goal was to create a coffee maker that was simple in design, easy to use, and produced a great-tasting cup of coffee. He spent several years experimenting with different materials and designs before finally settling on the now-famous hourglass-shaped glass flask with a wooden collar and leather tie.

The Evolution of Chemex Coffee

Over the years, the design of the Chemex coffee maker has remained largely unchanged. However, there have been some minor modifications made to the design to improve its functionality and appeal. For example, in 1956, Schlumbohm added a pour spout to the Chemex coffee maker to make it easier to pour the coffee. He also patented a new type of filter paper that was thicker and had a finer texture, which helped to produce a cleaner cup of coffee.

In the 1970s, the Chemex coffee maker gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts and became a household name. Its unique design and ability to produce a great-tasting cup of coffee made it a favorite among coffee lovers around the world. In the 1990s, the Chemex coffee maker was awarded the prestigious American Institute of Architects Design Award, which further cemented its reputation as an iconic product.

How to Make Chemex Coffee

Making Chemex coffee is a simple process that requires only a few steps. Here's how to do it:

1. Start by boiling water in a kettle. The water should be heated to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. You will need about 1 ounce of coffee grounds for every 16 ounces of water.

3. Place a Chemex coffee filter in the top of the coffee maker and rinse it with hot water. This will remove any paper taste and warm up the glass flask.

4. Add the coffee grounds to the filter and pour a small amount of hot water over them to wet the grounds. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds.

5. Slowly pour the rest of the hot water over the coffee in a circular motion, making sure to saturate all of the grounds. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

6. Once all the water has been poured through the coffee grounds, remove the filter and discard it.

7. Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your cup and enjoy!

Conclusion

The Chemex coffee maker is a unique and iconic product that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet elegant design and ability to produce a great-tasting cup of coffee have made it a favorite among coffee lovers around the world. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy your morning cup of joe, the Chemex coffee maker is definitely worth a try.