Making coffee with a Chemex
If you're a coffee enthusiast, you've probably tried a variety of brewing methods. One such method is using a Chemex, a pour-over coffee maker that has been around since the 1940s. This simple glass vessel can produce a delicious and consistent cup of coffee with some practice. In this article, we'll delve into the details of how to make coffee with a Chemex.
What is a Chemex?
A Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker made of borosilicate glass. It has a unique hourglass shape with a narrow neck and a wide base. The Chemex uses specially designed filters that are 20-30% thicker than most paper filters. The filters are made of bleached or unbleached paper and have a double-fold design that ensures a clean and consistent cup of coffee. The Chemex also comes in various sizes ranging from 3 cups to 10 cups.
What makes Chemex coffee unique?
Unlike other pour-over coffee makers, the Chemex filters out the coffee oils and sediments, resulting in a clean and smooth cup of coffee. The thicker filters remove most of the coffee's bitterness and acidity, leaving behind a delicate and sweet flavor. The Chemex also allows for full control over the brewing process, including water temperature, coffee grind, and the pouring technique. With some practice, you can achieve a consistent and delicious cup of coffee every time.
How to make coffee with a Chemex
Step 1: Boil water
Start by boiling the water you'll use to brew your coffee. The ideal temperature for brewing coffee with a Chemex is between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. You can heat your water using a stovetop kettle, an electric kettle, or a temperature-controlled kettle.
Step 2: Weigh and grind your coffee
Next, weigh out the coffee beans you'll use for your brew. A general rule of thumb is to use a ratio of 1:15. That means for every gram of coffee, you'll need 15 grams of water. For example, if you're brewing a 20-ounce Chemex, you'll need 60g of coffee and 900g of water. Grind your coffee beans on a medium-fine setting.
Step 3: Rinse the filter
Fold the Chemex filter and place it into the Chemex. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and to preheat the vessel.
Step 4: Add the coffee grounds
Add the coffee grounds to the filter and shake the Chemex gently to level the grounds.
Step 5: Pour the water
Start by pouring a small amount of water over the coffee grounds, just enough to wet them. This is called the bloom phase, and it allows the coffee to degas and release its flavor. After 30 seconds, pour the remaining water over the coffee grounds, making sure to saturate all the grounds evenly. You can pour in a circular motion or a back-and-forth motion to ensure even extraction.
Step 6: Let the coffee drip
Once you've poured all the water, let the coffee drip through the filter and into the Chemex. This process should take between 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Enjoy your coffee
Once the coffee has finished dripping, discard the filter and enjoy your delicious cup of coffee.
Tips for brewing with a Chemex
- Use fresh coffee beans that are roasted within two weeks of the brew date.
- Use a gooseneck kettle to control your pouring technique and ensure even extraction.
- Preheat your Chemex before brewing to ensure stability in temperature.
- Stir the coffee grounds during the bloom phase to ensure even saturation.
- Adjust your grind size and water-to-coffee ratio to suit your taste preferences.
In conclusion, brewing coffee with a Chemex takes practice, patience, and attention to detail. With the right technique and equipment, you can achieve a consistent and delicious cup of coffee. So the next time you're looking for a unique and clean brewing experience, give the Chemex a try. Happy brewing!