The Coffee Kits

The Science Behind Pour Over Coffee with Chemex

Pour over coffee is a brewing method that has gained popularity in recent years, and it is not hard to see why. It is a simple, yet effective way of brewing coffee that produces a clean and flavorful cup. One of the popular pour over coffee makers is the Chemex, which has been around since the 1940s. In this article, we will explore the science behind pour over coffee with Chemex.

The Chemex

The Chemex is a pour over coffee maker that consists of a glass carafe and a paper filter. The Chemex filters are thicker than other paper filters, which allows for a slower extraction process. The glass carafe is designed to keep the coffee warm for a longer period of time, without altering the flavor profile of the coffee.

The Science Behind Pour Over Coffee

Pour over coffee is a brewing method that involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter. The water passes through the coffee grounds and extracts the flavor compounds, which then drip into the carafe. The key to a good pour over coffee is to extract the right amount of flavor compounds from the coffee grounds without over-extracting, which can result in bitter coffee.

Extraction

The extraction process is the most important factor in brewing a good cup of pour over coffee. Extraction is the process of dissolving the flavor compounds in the coffee grounds using hot water. The ideal extraction time for pour over coffee is between 2-4 minutes. If the extraction time is too short, the coffee will be weak, and if it is too long, the coffee will be bitter.

Grind Size

The grind size of the coffee beans is another important factor in brewing a good cup of pour over coffee. The grind size determines the surface area of the coffee grounds that comes into contact with the hot water. If the grind size is too coarse, the water will pass through the coffee grounds too quickly, resulting in a weak cup of coffee. If the grind size is too fine, the water will not pass through the coffee grounds, resulting in over-extracted coffee.

Water Temperature

The water temperature is also an important factor in brewing a good cup of pour over coffee. The ideal water temperature for pour over coffee is between 195-205°F (90-96°C). If the water temperature is too low, the coffee will be under-extracted, and if it is too high, the coffee will be over-extracted.

Conclusion

The science behind pour over coffee with Chemex is quite simple. It involves extracting the right amount of flavor compounds from the coffee grounds without over-extracting, using the right grind size and water temperature. With a little practice, anyone can master the art of pour over coffee and enjoy a delicious and flavorful cup of coffee every time.