The Chemex is a popular coffee brewing device known for its elegant design and ability to produce a clean, flavourful cup of coffee.
Here's an in-depth look at what makes the Chemex unique and how to use it to brew the perfect cup.
Introduction to the Chemex
The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm. It's known for its hourglass shape and is made from high-quality, heat-resistant glass.
The Chemex combines the principles of chemistry and design to create a brewing method that highlights the nuanced flavours of coffee beans. It has become an iconic piece in the coffee world, celebrated for both its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Design and features
Chemex brewer is visually stunning, so much so that it’s part of the permanent collection at New York’s Corning Museum of Glass and was chosen by the Illinois Institute of Technology as one of the 100 best-designed products of modern times.
Glass construction: The Chemex is made from non-porous borosilicate glass, which doesn't absorb odors or chemical residues. This ensures a pure coffee taste without any interference from the material of the brewer.
Wooden collar: The wooden collar and leather tie serve as an insulated handle, allowing you to pour coffee without burning your hands. The design is both practical and stylish, giving the Chemex a classic look.
Cone-shaped filters: The Chemex also uses cone-shaped filters that are thicker than standard coffee filters. This extra thickness helps to remove more oils and fine particles, resulting in a cleaner, smoother cup of coffee.
Brewing with the Chemex
Brewing coffee with a Chemex is a precise process that allows you to control various variables, such as grind size, water temperature, and brewing time.
Here’s how to brew the perfect cup with the Chemex:
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Gather your equipment: You'll need a Chemex, Chemex filters, freshly ground coffee, a burr grinder, a kettle with a gooseneck spout, a digital scale, and filtered water.
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Prepare the filter: Place the Chemex filter in the Chemex, making sure the thicker, three-layered side is facing the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.
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Measure and grind coffee: Use a burr grinder to grind your coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. For a standard 6-cup Chemex, use about 42 grams of coffee to 440 milliliters of water.
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Bloom the coffee: Add the ground coffee to the filter and gently shake the Chemex to level the grounds. Start your timer and pour just enough hot water (about 30 seconds off the boil, 92°C e 96°C) to saturate the grounds. Allow the coffee to "bloom" for about 30-45 seconds. This allows gases to escape and preps the coffee for extraction.
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Pour the water: After the bloom, begin pouring the remaining water in a slow, circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Avoid pouring directly on the filter. Pour in stages, maintaining a steady water level and ensuring all the coffee grounds are evenly saturated.
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Let it brew: Allow the coffee to drip through the filter and into the Chemex. The total brewing time should be around 4-5 minutes. If the water flows through too quickly or too slowly, adjust your grind size for the next brew.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the brewing is complete, remove the filter and discard the grounds. Give the Chemex a gentle swirl to mix the coffee, then pour it into your cup. Enjoy the clean, flavourful coffee that the Chemex is known for.
Benefits of Using a Chemex
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Ease of use: While it requires some technique, the Chemex brewing process is straightforward and consistent. With practice, you can achieve excellent results every time.
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Versatility: The Chemex can brew multiple cups of coffee at once, making it ideal for serving guests or enjoying several cups throughout the day.
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Aesthetic appeal: The Chemex is not only functional but also a beautiful piece of kitchen equipment. Its elegant design makes it a standout addition to any coffee setup.
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Best of all: The Chemex brews a perfect cup of pure, flavourful coffee with no bitter aftertaste, sediment, or contact with plastic—all without using electricity or moving parts.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your Chemex in top condition, follow these care and maintenance tips:
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Cleaning: After each use, wash the Chemex with warm water and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can scratch the glass.
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Removing stains: If your Chemex develops coffee stains, fill it with warm water and a few tablespoons of baking soda or white vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours, then rinse thoroughly.
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Wooden Collar: Remove the wooden collar and leather tie when washing the Chemex to prevent damage. Clean them separately with a damp cloth if needed.
The Chemex is a timeless coffee brewing that combines science and art to produce a clean, flavourful cup of coffee. Its design, functionality, and ability to highlight the unique characteristics of coffee beans make it a favourite among coffee enthusiasts.
If you're looking for a perfect gift for a coffee enthusiast, the Chemex Woodneck Glass Coffee Brewer is also just the thing!
Whether you're a seasoned barista or a coffee lover looking to elevate your home brewing experience, the Chemex is a fantastic choice.
