The Coffee Kits

The Science Behind Chemex and Pourover Coffee Brewing Methods

Coffee is a beloved beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. People all over the world wake up to a cup of coffee to start their day. For coffee lovers, there are many different brewing methods to choose from. Chemex and Pourover are two popular brewing methods that have gained a lot of attention in recent years. In this article, we will explore the science behind these two brewing methods and why they produce such great-tasting coffee.

Chemex Brewing Method

Chemex is a manual pour-over coffee brewing method that uses a special glass carafe and Chemex filters. The Chemex carafe is designed to create a vacuum in the filter, which slows down the coffee extraction process and creates a smooth, clean cup of coffee.

The Chemex filter is made of high-quality paper that removes any unwanted particles from the coffee. The paper is thicker than regular coffee filters, which allows for a slower extraction process. The slower extraction process allows for a more even extraction of the coffee and produces a more consistent cup of coffee.

When brewing with the Chemex method, the water temperature should be between 195-205°F (90-96°C). The water should be poured slowly over the coffee grounds, and the brewing time should be between 3-4 minutes. The slower extraction process allows for a more even extraction of the coffee and produces a more consistent cup of coffee.

Pourover Brewing Method

Pourover is another manual pour-over coffee brewing method that uses a cone-shaped filter and a drip kettle. The cone-shaped filter is designed to create a large surface area for the coffee to be extracted from, which allows for a more even extraction of the coffee.

The drip kettle allows for precise control of the water flow and allows for a consistent brewing process. The water temperature should be between 195-205°F (90-96°C), and the brewing time should be between 2-3 minutes.

The main difference between the Chemex and Pourover brewing methods is the type of filter used. The Chemex filter is thicker than the Pourover filter, which slows down the extraction process and produces a more consistent cup of coffee. The Pourover filter is thinner, which allows for a faster extraction process and produces a more complex cup of coffee.

The Science Behind the Perfect Cup of Coffee

There are several factors that contribute to the perfect cup of coffee, including water temperature, grind size, and extraction time. Water temperature should be between 195-205°F (90-96°C) to ensure that the coffee is properly extracted.

The grind size of the coffee should be appropriate for the brewing method being used. For Chemex and Pourover brewing methods, a medium-fine grind is recommended. The extraction time should be between 2-4 minutes, depending on the brewing method being used.

The water-to-coffee ratio is also an important factor in brewing the perfect cup of coffee. The ratio should be between 1:15 and 1:18, which means that for every 1 gram of coffee, there should be between 15-18 grams of water.

The Bottom Line

The Chemex and Pourover brewing methods are two popular manual pour-over coffee brewing methods that produce great-tasting coffee. The Chemex method produces a smooth, clean cup of coffee, while the Pourover method produces a more complex cup of coffee.

Regardless of the brewing method being used, the key to brewing the perfect cup of coffee is to pay attention to the details, including water temperature, grind size, extraction time, and water-to-coffee ratio. With a little practice and attention to detail, anyone can become a coffee brewing expert.