The Coffee Kits

The History and Evolution of Chemex Coffee Makers

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it has been consumed for centuries. Over the years, various methods have been developed to brew coffee, and one of the most popular methods is using a Chemex coffee maker. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of Chemex coffee makers.

History of Chemex Coffee Makers

The Chemex coffee maker was invented by a chemist named Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. Schlumbohm was born in Germany and later moved to the United States, where he founded the Chemex Corporation. He was a pioneer in the field of industrial design, and his Chemex coffee maker was one of his most famous inventions.

Schlumbohm was inspired by the Bauhaus movement, which emphasized simplicity, functionality, and aesthetics in design. He wanted to create a coffee maker that was both beautiful and practical, and he succeeded in doing so with the Chemex coffee maker.

Design of Chemex Coffee Makers

The Chemex coffee maker has a simple yet elegant design. It consists of a glass carafe with a conical shape, a wooden collar, and a leather tie. The carafe is made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, which does not absorb odors or chemical residues. The wooden collar and leather tie serve as a protective handle, which makes it easy to pour the coffee without burning your hands.

The filter used in a Chemex coffee maker is also unique. It is made of a special paper that is thicker than regular coffee filters, which allows it to capture more sediment and oils. The filter is folded in a way that creates a cone shape, which helps to ensure that the coffee grounds are evenly distributed and brewed.

Evolution of Chemex Coffee Makers

Since its invention, the Chemex coffee maker has undergone several changes and improvements. In the 1950s, Schlumbohm introduced a smaller version of the Chemex, which was designed for home use. This version had a capacity of six cups, compared to the original version, which had a capacity of ten cups.

In the 1980s, the Chemex Corporation was sold to a group of investors, who continued to manufacture the Chemex coffee maker. They also introduced a new version of the Chemex, which had a slightly modified design. The wooden collar was replaced with a plastic collar, and the leather tie was replaced with a silicone band. These changes were made to reduce the manufacturing costs and make the Chemex more affordable.

Today, the Chemex coffee maker is still popular among coffee enthusiasts and baristas. It has become a symbol of the coffee culture, and it is widely recognized for its unique design and brewing method. Many coffee shops and specialty stores sell Chemex coffee makers, and there are even online communities dedicated to sharing tips and techniques for using them.

Conclusion

The Chemex coffee maker is a testament to the power of good design. It is a simple yet elegant device that has stood the test of time. Its unique brewing method and paper filter produce a clean and flavorful cup of coffee that is unmatched by other brewing methods. Whether you are a coffee enthusiast or a casual drinker, the Chemex coffee maker is a great addition to any kitchen.