If you’re a coffee lover, you probably know how important it is to have the right brewing method. There are many ways to make coffee, but one method that has gained popularity in recent years is the Chemex Coffee Maker.
The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that was invented in 1941 by a chemist named Peter Schlumbohm. It’s made of glass and has a unique hourglass shape that allows for a slow, controlled pour-over process. The result is a clean, smooth cup of coffee that highlights the flavor profile of the beans.
Learning how to use a Chemex can seem intimidating, but with a little practice, you can master the art of pour-over coffee. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make the perfect cup using a Chemex Coffee Maker.
Equipment Needed
If you want to make perfect pour over coffee with a Chemex coffee maker, you need to have the right equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Chemex coffee maker
- Chemex filters
- A gooseneck kettle
- A digital scale
- A burr grinder
- High-quality coffee beans
The Chemex coffee maker is the most important piece of equipment you’ll need. It’s a beautiful piece of glassware that’s designed to brew coffee using the pour over method. The Chemex filters are specially designed to fit the Chemex coffee maker and are thicker than most other filters. This helps to remove more of the coffee oils and produces a cleaner, brighter cup of coffee.
A gooseneck kettle is essential for pour over coffee because it allows you to control the flow of water. This is important because you want to pour the water slowly and evenly over the coffee grounds. A digital scale is also important because it allows you to measure the coffee and water precisely. This is important because the ratio of coffee to water is critical for producing a perfect cup of coffee.
A burr grinder is important because it grinds the coffee beans evenly and produces a consistent grind size. This is important because a consistent grind size allows the coffee to extract evenly, producing a balanced cup of coffee. Finally, high-quality coffee beans are essential for producing a great cup of coffee. Freshly roasted, high-quality beans will produce a better-tasting cup of coffee than stale, low-quality beans.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
When it comes to making the perfect Chemex coffee, selecting the right coffee beans is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose the best coffee beans for your Chemex:
- Opt for freshly roasted coffee beans: Freshly roasted coffee beans will have a richer flavor and aroma, making for a better cup of coffee.
- Choose medium or light roast coffee beans: While dark roast coffee beans are popular, they can be too strong for a Chemex coffee. Medium or light roast coffee beans are generally better suited for the Chemex.
- Look for single-origin coffee beans: Single-origin coffee beans are sourced from a single farm or region, which means they have a unique flavor profile. This can make for a more interesting and complex cup of coffee.
Here are some of the best coffee beans to use for your Chemex:
| Coffee Beans | Roast | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Bottle Coffee | Medium | Nutty, chocolatey, and sweet |
| Stumptown Coffee Roasters | Light | Fruity, floral, and bright |
| Intelligentsia Coffee | Medium | Fruity, floral, and chocolatey |
Ultimately, the best coffee beans for your Chemex will depend on your personal taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of coffee beans until you find the perfect match for your taste buds.
4. Grinding the Coffee
Grinding the coffee beans is a crucial step in making the perfect pour over coffee with a Chemex. The grind size affects the taste and strength of the coffee, so it’s important to get it right. Here are some tips for grinding coffee for your Chemex:
- Use a burr grinder for a consistent grind size.
- Grind the coffee beans just before brewing for the freshest taste.
- For the Chemex, use a medium-coarse grind size, similar to sea salt.
- Measure the coffee beans by weight, not volume, for accuracy.
When grinding the coffee, it’s important to consider the brew time and ratio. The ideal brew time for a Chemex is between 3 and 4 minutes, and the recommended coffee-to-water ratio is 1:16. Adjust the grind size accordingly to achieve the desired brew time and strength.
Remember, the quality of the coffee beans also affects the taste of the coffee. Choose high-quality, freshly roasted beans for the best flavor. Experiment with different beans and roast levels to find your favorite combination.
Prepping the Chemex
Before making coffee with a Chemex, it’s important to properly prep the brewer. This involves rinsing the filter, preheating the Chemex, and adding the coffee grounds.
To rinse the filter, place it in the Chemex and pour hot water over it. This helps to remove any paper taste from the filter and also preheats the brewer.
Next, discard the rinse water and add medium ground coffee to the filter. The recommended ratio is 9 tablespoons (45 g) of ground coffee for every 720 ml (24 fl oz) of water. Use a scale to measure the coffee accurately and tap gently to even out the grounds and set the scale to zero.
After adding the coffee, let it bloom by pouring a small amount of hot water onto the grounds. This allows the coffee to release carbon dioxide and enhances the flavor and aroma of the final brew.
Finally, pour the remaining hot water over the coffee grounds in a slow, circular motion. The ideal water temperature is between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour just enough water to wet the coffee grounds and let it sit for 30 seconds before continuing to pour. This helps to ensure an even extraction and a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee.
By properly prepping the Chemex, you can ensure that your coffee will be brewed to perfection every time.
Brewing the Coffee
Now that you have prepped your Chemex and grounds, it’s time to start brewing your coffee. Follow these steps to make the perfect pour over coffee with your Chemex:
- Start by pouring twice as much water as you have coffee over the grounds, also known as blooming. This helps release the gases from the coffee and allows for better extraction.
- After 30 seconds, slowly pour the remaining water over the grounds in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Make sure to pour directly over the grounds and avoid the sides of the filter, as this can lead to uneven extraction.
- Keep pouring until you have reached your desired coffee-to-water ratio. A good starting point is a 15:1 ratio of water to coffee, but feel free to adjust this to your taste preferences.
- Once you have finished pouring, let the coffee drip through the filter and into the Chemex. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Discard the filter and grounds, and enjoy your delicious cup of pour over coffee!
Remember, brewing with a Chemex requires patience and attention to detail. Take your time and enjoy the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee.
Pouring and Enjoying Your Coffee
Once your Chemex coffee is ready, it’s time to pour and enjoy. Follow these simple steps to make the most of your pour-over coffee experience:
- Remove the filter from the Chemex and discard it.
- Pour your freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug or carafe.
- Sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious cup of coffee.
While it’s tempting to add milk or sugar to your coffee, it’s best to try it black first. This will allow you to taste the unique flavors and nuances of the coffee. If you find the coffee too strong or bitter, consider adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio or trying a different type of coffee.
When pouring your coffee, be sure to use a slow and steady pour to avoid splashing or spilling. Additionally, avoid pouring down the sides of the filter as this can result in uneven extraction and a weaker cup of coffee.
Finally, don’t forget to clean your Chemex after each use. Rinse it with hot water and allow it to air dry. This will help ensure that your coffee always tastes its best.
