The Chemex is an elegant and simple brewing method that delivers a clean, rich cup of coffee. Known for its distinctive hourglass shape, the Chemex is loved by coffee enthusiasts for its ability to produce a smooth, flavorful brew with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to coffee brewing or just looking to try something different, this guide will show you how to make coffee with a Chemex.
1. Choose the Right Coffee Beans
To brew the perfect cup of Chemex coffee, start with high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. The beans you choose will play a big role in the flavor of your coffee, so it’s essential to select the right ones.
What to Look For:
- Freshly Roasted Beans: Coffee beans lose their flavor over time, so always choose freshly roasted beans.
- Whole Beans: Buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing to preserve the freshness and aroma.
- Medium Roasts: Medium roasts work well with the Chemex, providing a balanced cup that highlights the natural flavors of the coffee without being too acidic or too bitter.
Tip:
Experiment with different coffee origins and roast profiles to find the flavors you enjoy most in your Chemex brew.
2. Grind the Coffee Beans to the Right Consistency
The grind size is crucial when brewing coffee with a Chemex. If the grind is too fine, the water will extract too much from the coffee grounds, resulting in bitterness. If it’s too coarse, the coffee will be weak and under-extracted.
What to Look For:
- Medium-Coarse Grind: The grind for Chemex should be medium-coarse, similar to sea salt. This allows the water to flow through the grounds evenly and extract the right flavors.
Tip:
Use a burr grinder to achieve a consistent grind size. Blade grinders can create uneven grounds, leading to inconsistent extraction.
3. Prepare the Chemex
Before you begin brewing, it’s important to prepare the Chemex and filter. The Chemex uses a special thick paper filter, which helps produce a clean cup by filtering out oils and fine particles.
How to Prepare the Chemex:
- Step 1: Place a Chemex filter into the top of the Chemex, ensuring that the thicker side is facing the spout. This will create a proper flow for the water.
- Step 2: Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and pre-warm the Chemex. Pour out the water before adding coffee grounds.
Tip:
Rinsing the filter also helps warm up the Chemex, ensuring that the temperature of the coffee remains consistent throughout the brewing process.
4. Measure Your Coffee and Water
The right coffee-to-water ratio is key to brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Too much coffee can lead to bitterness, while too little coffee can result in a weak brew.
Recommended Ratio:
- 1:15 Ratio: A good starting point is to use 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water (or about 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water).
- Adjust to Taste: If you prefer a stronger cup, use more coffee. For a milder cup, use less.
Tip:
Using a kitchen scale is the best way to ensure accurate measurements and consistency with every brew.
5. Boil Water to the Right Temperature
Water temperature plays a crucial role in coffee extraction. If the water is too hot, it can cause over-extraction, resulting in bitterness. If the water is too cold, it won’t extract enough flavor from the coffee grounds, leaving your coffee weak and underwhelming.
Ideal Temperature:
- 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C) is the optimal temperature range for brewing coffee with a Chemex.
Tip:
If you don’t have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil and then let it sit for about 30 seconds to cool down to the ideal temperature.
6. Add Coffee Grounds to the Filter
Once the filter is pre-wet and the Chemex is prepared, it’s time to add the coffee grounds.
How to Add Coffee:
- Pour the coffee grounds into the center of the Chemex filter. Gently shake the Chemex to level the grounds, ensuring an even surface for water flow.
Tip:
Don’t overfill the filter, as this can affect the flow rate and extraction. For a 6-cup Chemex, use about 30 to 40 grams of coffee.
7. Begin Brewing: Pour the Water Slowly
Brewing with a Chemex is all about patience and precision. The pour-over method allows you to control the rate at which the water flows over the coffee grounds, ensuring an even extraction.
How to Brew:
- Step 1: Begin pouring a small amount of hot water over the coffee grounds, just enough to saturate them. This step, known as blooming, allows the coffee to release carbon dioxide and ensures even extraction.
- Step 2: Wait about 30 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom.
- Step 3: Continue pouring water in a slow, circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Pour in stages to ensure the coffee grounds stay evenly saturated.
Tip:
Take your time and pour slowly. Rushing the process can result in uneven extraction and a less-than-ideal cup of coffee.
8. Let the Coffee Brew and Filter
The brewing process will take a few minutes, during which the water will filter through the coffee grounds and into the Chemex below. Once the coffee has fully filtered through, the brewing process is complete.
Tip:
If the brewing takes too long or the water is not draining through properly, your grind might be too fine. Adjust your grind to a coarser setting for future brews.
9. Serve and Enjoy Your Chemex Coffee
Once the brewing process is complete, remove the filter and discard it. Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your cup and enjoy the smooth, flavorful cup of coffee.
Tip:
Serve your Chemex coffee immediately for the freshest flavor. If you like, add milk or sweeteners to customize your coffee to your liking.
Conclusion: Brewing the Perfect Chemex Coffee
The Chemex brewing method is a beautiful and effective way to make coffee. By following these simple steps — from choosing the right coffee and grind to pouring with precision — you can create a clean, flavorful cup of coffee every time. Whether you’re new to brewing or a seasoned coffee lover, the Chemex is a great addition to your coffee-making repertoire.
