The Chemex brewer, an iconic tool readily known in the coffee world, combines simplicity with elegance. Its design, invented over 70 years ago by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, hasn’t changed much, making it a timeless classic. In its simplicity and functionality, the Chemex has gained a reputation as a stalwart brewing method for delicious, clean coffee. This article gives a detailed, step-by-step guide for brewing coffee using a Chemex.
Your Chemex Essentials
Before we begin, ensure you have your Chemex essentials. You will need:
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Chemex Brewer: This brewer comes in various sizes, typically 3-cup, 6-cup, 8-cup, and 10-cup.
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Chemex Bonded Filters: These thick filters contribute to the unique coffee profile brewed with a Chemex.
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Coffee beans: For the best flavour, go for high-quality, freshly roasted beans.
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Burr Grinder: This will ensure your coffee grounds have a consistent particle size.
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Digital Scale: A scale allows precise measurement of your coffee and water, contributing to consistent results.
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Gooseneck Kettle: Its slender spout allows controlled pouring of water.
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Timer.
Step 1: Heat Your Water
Begin the process by heating your water to approximately 200-degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil then let it sit for a minute. This step is essential as the right water temperature helps extract the desirable flavors from the coffee grounds without over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.
Step 2: Weigh and Grind Your Coffee
While your water is heating, measure your coffee. Generally, the coffee-to-water ratio that works best is 1:17. For the 6-cup Chemex, that roughly translates to 42 grams of coffee to 700 grams of water. However, this ratio can be adjusted to taste; if you prefer a stronger cup, you might want to use a 1:15 ratio.
Once you’ve weighed your beans, grind them coarsely. The consistency should be like sea salt. A burr grinder is recommended as it provides a consistent grind size. A consistent grind size means an even extraction – an important factor for a great cup of coffee.
Step 3: Pre-wet Your Filter
Open your Chemex Bonded filter ensuring that the three-fold portion is facing the pour spout and lay it into the top of the brewer. This not only secures the filter in place but also helps to maintain proper temperature during brewing.
Next, pour some hot water over the filter to rinse out any paper tastes that could affect the final cup’s flavor. This step also preheats the brewer. After the water has drained through, carefully pour it out without disturbing the filter setup.
Step 4: Add Your Coffee
Pour your freshly ground coffee into the filter. Shake the Chemex carefully to level the coffee bed, ensuring an even extraction.
Step 5: The First Pour (Bloom)
Now you start the actual infusion of your coffee. Start your timer, then slowly pour water just enough to wet all the grounds evenly. Aim for twice the weight of water to coffee – about 84 grams of water if you’re using 42 grams of coffee. This first pour is known as the bloom.
Let it sit for about 30-45 seconds to let the coffee degas, a process necessary to eliminate the carbon dioxide that could impede the extraction process.
Step 6: The Second Pour
Starting at the bed’s center, pour the water in a slow, steady spiral outward and stopping near the edge of the bed. Continue the pour, maintaining the high water level, until the scale reaches 400 grams. This high pour level contributes to heat retention.
Step 7: The Last Pour
Pause for a moment to allow water to pass through the grounds. Then do the final pour until the scale reads 700 grams. As the water seeps through the coffee grounds, it extracts flavors and oils, seeping into the bottom of the brewer.
Step 8: Wait for The Coffee to Drain
Allow the water to finish draining through the grounds. The entire brew process should take between 4 to 5 minutes. If it takes significantly less or more time, consider adjusting your grind size – finer if it’s too fast, coarser if it’s too slow.
Step 9: Remove and Discard Filter
Once the water has drained completely, remove the filter from the Chemex carefully, close it up, and discard.
Step 10: Swirl and Serve
Swirl the brewed coffee in the Chemex gently. This ensures the coffee is well-mixed and cools down a bit. Pour the coffee into a cup, and it’s ready to enjoy. Taste the purity of flavor afforded by the Chemex every time you sip your coffee.
Brewing coffee with a Chemex can seem daunting at first, but like any skill worth having, it becomes second nature with practice. Each step is designed to extract the maximum flavor your chosen coffee beans have to offer, giving you a coffee experience like none other. With patience and practice, you’ll soon be enjoying the delicious, clean coffee that the Chemex brews. Immersing in the brewing process may also spark a greater appreciation for the humble coffee bean and the magic it provides every day.
