Summary

If you are a coffee lover then you know that coffee is not just a beverage, it is an experience. Having a cup of coffee is a grounding exercise. That rich, earthy aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the taste of roasted nuts with a hint of caramel. Even if it is just for a second, it feels like a warm hug.

Whether you're a seasoned coffee enthusiast or just starting to appreciate the craft, enjoying each sip is a pleasure everyone should experience. So in this article, we will explore the world of brewing coffee with a Chemex coffee maker.

Introduction

Every coffee enthusiast knows that one sip of coffee can make everything better. No matter how personal your coffee cup looks, the taste and the aroma make the difference. That is why brewing your coffee makes more sense than spending your bucks on a star-studded cup.

The only problem is that finding the perfect blend takes a lot of effort. That is why you need the Chemex coffee maker. Before we start brewing a hot cup, let us know our coffee maker in brief.

History of Chemex

The Chemex is an elegant brewing vessel designed by a German chemist Dr Peter Schlumboh in 1941. It revolutionised the art of coffee brewing with its simple yet aesthetic design. 

The Chemex is an hourglass vessel with a wooden collar and a tie. It uses a specially designed paper called the Chemex paper to brew a clean, smooth cup of coffee.

You can spot the famous coffee brewer in almost every hit sitcom of the 90’s. No wonder why it has a special place in renowned museums. You don’t just brew coffee in a Chemex; you fall in love with brewing.

Why brew with Chemex?

As coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, there are different types of brewers and techniques to make a perfect cup. The most popular brewers are:

1. French press.
2. Pour over (Chemex brewer).
3. AeroPress.
4. Espresso.

The Chemex coffee maker is the most gentle brewing method out of all the brewers. Here are some of the reasons why it is popular with everyone.

1. Aesthetics

The sleek minimalist design of the pour-over coffee maker gives it an aesthetic appearance. The Chemex is not just functional it is beautiful to look at.

2. Clean and smooth flavour

Chemex uses a thick filter paper specifically made for the brewer. Because of the paper you get to cherish a clean and smooth coffee.

3. Simplicity

Once you get the hang of it, you will love brewing with the Chemex because of its simplicity and authentic process.

4. Eco-friendly

With no need for electricity or anything fancy, the Chemex is an eco-friendly choice.

Now that we know our coffee maker, let's get into the process of brewing.

Brewing Kit

To have a soothing brewing experience, you need the following elements in your kit.

1. Chemex coffee maker: This lightweight aesthetic brewer is available in various sizes and can make 6 cups of coffee.
2. Chemex filter paper: The brewer is incomplete without the Chemex filter paper. The thickness of the paper makes the coffee smooth.
3. Fresh Coffee beans: Selecting the right type of coffee beans is a different article on its own. The quality of your coffee starts with the beans. It is important to match your beans with your brewing method. For pour-over coffee, medium-coarse grind beans are the best.
4. Kettle: Essential for pouring water with a steady flow.
5. Grinder: Burr grinders are ideal for producing consistent grounds. It also preserves the coffee’s flavour and aroma.
6. Hot water: Ideal temperature between 90-96 degree Celsius.

Brewing Guide

 Let's break down the brewing process,

1. Grind your coffee

The real flavour of the coffee is determined by the grind. Hence, grinding the beans to ensure correct consistency is the most important step of the process. For the Chemex, a medium-coarse grind is ideal. Use 60 grams of coffee for a litre of water. Since coffee loses its flavour and aroma soon after grinding, grind it just before brewing for maximum freshness.

If your grind is too fine, the coffee will taste bitter and if it is too coarse, it might end up being under-extracted.

2. Warm up your Chemex

Unfold the Chemex filter paper and place it over the Chemex in a cone shape. Make sure that the thick side of the filter is against the sprout. This prevents the filter from collapsing. Before you start brewing, rinse the chemix with hot water. It will eliminate the papery taste from the filter. Discard the rinsed water.

3.Golden Coffee ratio

The ideal ratio of coffee to water for the Chemex is 1:16, which is 1 gram of coffee for 16 grams of water. In layman’s terms, for a 3-cup  coffee, you will need 27 grams of coffee.

If you forgot to add scale to your brewing kit, the ratio will be 1:4. That is 1 tablespoon of coffee for every 4 ounces of water. A scale will give you more consistent flavours.

4. The Coffee Bloom

Now that the filter is arranged and the golden ratio is set, it is time to bloom.

Take 30 grams of coffee ground and make a well-like structure at the centre. Pour 60 grams of water over the grounds. Use a gooseneck kettle for controlled pouring. Swirl it gently and then leave it for 45 seconds.

5. Steady Concentric Pour

In the second phase of pouring water on the coffee grounds, slowly pour the water in concentric circles, starting from the centre and moving outward. Make sure that the flow is steady and the water doesn’t touch the sides of the Chemex directly. Swirl it at the end.

6. Final Drip

Once you have poured all the water, let the coffee drip through the filter. The coffee will be ready when the dripping comes to a near end. Remove the filter, give your coffee a gentle swirl and take in the exotic aroma of a perfectly brewed coffee.

Conclusion

Brewing coffee with a Chemex coffee maker is a great amalgamation of art and science. Although it might seem difficult, the taste of freshly brewed coffee at the end is highly rewarding. Thanks to the Chemex brewing process, you can pour over a clean, authentic coffee and enjoy the little things of life.
The coffee made by Chemex looks beautiful and tastes perfect. So, get, set, brew!

FAQs

1. Which Chemex filter paper is better?

All the filters function in the same way. Hence, it is mostly a personal preference. The only difference is that the white filter paper goes through an oxidising cleansing bath, while the brown paper only goes through hot water baths.

2. How long does the Chemex take to brew?

It takes around 3.5 to 4.5 minutes to brew the coffee.

3. What is the ideal grind size?

A medium-coarse grind size is ideal. A finer grind can clog the filter, and a too-coarse one can lead to a weak brew.

4. Why do we use a gooseneck kettle for brewing?

Since it offers a steady and controlled pouring of water.