Make Perfect Chemex Coffee in 3 Simple Steps
To make perfect Chemex coffee in 3 simple steps, you’ll want to start by selecting medium-coarse ground Arabica beans for ideal flavor. Next, master your brewing equipment, which includes a glass container and a high-quality paper filter. Finally, execute a precise brewing process, beginning with measuring 42g of coffee and rinsing your filter with hot water before adding coffee grounds. Pour water in a circular motion for even saturation and allow coffee to bloom for 45-60 seconds. As you refine your technique, you’ll discover the nuances that set your Chemex coffee apart and take it to the next level.
Invented by Peter Schlumbohm
Behind the Chemex’s sleek design lies the vision of its inventor, Peter Schlumbohm. In 1941, a chemist merged science and art to create the perfect coffee maker.
As you brew coffee with your Chemex, you’re experiencing the culmination of Schlumbohm’s passion for functionality and aesthetics. The Chemex’s unique hourglass shape and polished wood collar look elegant and provide insulation and a comfortable grip.
You’re part of a legacy that values design excellence, as the Chemex is recognized by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as a masterpiece of modern design. Schlumbohm’s goal was to create a coffee brewing system that would produce a clean, smooth cup of coffee while eliminating unwanted oils and sediment.
With the Chemex, you can achieve that perfect cup every time. As you use your Chemex, remember that you’re not just brewing coffee – you’re part of a tradition that combines art, science, and a passion for great coffee, all thanks to the vision of Peter Schlumbohm.
Medium-Coarse Ground Arabica Beans
What’s the secret to accessing the perfect Chemex brew? It starts with choosing medium-coarse ground Arabica beans, which provide the ideal balance of flavor and extraction. When you select the right coffee beans, you’re halfway to making a really good coffee. For a balanced extraction, weigh out approximately 42g of medium-coarse ground Arabica coffee for every 630g of water, achieving a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio.
| Grind Size | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Fine | Leads to over-extraction and bitterness |
| Medium-Coarse | Ideal for Chemex brewing, balanced extraction |
| Coarse | Results in under-extraction and weak flavor |
| Extra Coarse | Not suitable for Chemex, poor water flow |
You’ll want to freshly grind your Arabica beans just before brewing to enhance the flavor profile and aroma. This simple step results in a more vibrant and enjoyable coffee experience. Before brewing, don’t forget to use some water to rinse your equipment, ensuring a clean and smooth cup of coffee. By choosing medium-coarse ground Arabica beans, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect Chemex coffee.
Glass Container With Paper Filter
To prepare the perfect Chemex brew, combine medium-coarse ground Arabica beans with a specially designed glass container and a high-quality paper filter. The Chemex’s non-porous glass preserves the coffee’s flavor integrity, resulting in a fresh and aromatic brew that’ll make you feel like a true coffee connoisseur.
You’ll love that the Chemex paper filter is 20-30% heavier than standard filters. It effectively removes sediment and oils for a cleaner cup of coffee.
To get started, place the thicker side of the filter against the spout, ensuring proper flow. Rinse the filter with hot water to eliminate any paper taste, and preheat the glass container. This simple step will make all the difference in the flavor of your final cup.
With your glass container and paper filter ready, you’re one step closer to brewing the perfect cup of coffee that’ll make you feel like you belong in the world of coffee aficionados.
Step-by-Step Guide
As you start brewing, measure 42g of medium to light roast coffee and grind it to a medium-fine consistency, around 7 or 8 on a scale of 1 to 10, to guarantee ideal extraction.
You’re one step closer to enjoying the perfect cup of coffee.
To make your brewing process smooth, here are some essential steps to keep in mind:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Coffee: Measure out 42 grams of coffee beans (or adjust according to your desired strength).
- Water: Heat 630 grams of water to about 195°F – 205°F. This includes water for rinsing the filter.
Step 2: Set Up the Chemex
- Filter: Place a Chemex filter in the brewer with the thicker side facing the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to eliminate any paper taste, and preheat the Chemex.
- Add Coffee: After rinsing, add the ground coffee (medium-fine grind) to the filter.
Step 3: Brew the Coffee
- Bloom: Pour about 80-100 grams of water over the coffee grounds to wet them evenly and let it bloom for 45-60 seconds. This releases trapped gases.
- Final Pour: After blooming, pour the remaining water in a slow, circular motion over the grounds until you reach a total of 630 grams. Allow the coffee to drip through completely before removing the filter and enjoying your brew.
Expert Tips
Now that you’ve mastered the step-by-step guide, it’s time to refine your technique with expert tips to take your Chemex brewing to the next level.
To achieve perfect results, focus on key areas such as grind size, water temperature, and pouring technique.
Choose the Right Grind
Your Chemex coffee’s flavor profile begins with the right grind size, which requires a delicate balance between extraction and body to bring out the best in your beans.
You’re aiming for a medium-fine grind size, typically around 7 or 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. This will help you achieve ideal extraction while avoiding bitterness or sourness. To get this perfect grind, use a burr grinder for consistent granule size, which is vital for even brewing and flavor clarity in your coffee.
Now, freshly grind your coffee beans just before brewing to enhance the flavor profile. Ground coffee begins to lose its aromatic compounds and freshness shortly after grinding, so it’s important to grind right before brewing.
As you adjust your grind size, remember that a standard 6-cup Chemex requires 42g of coffee, which translates to a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 for ideal flavor balance.
Pay attention to your brew time, too – if it exceeds 4 minutes, your grind may be too fine, and if it’s under 3 minutes, your grind might be too coarse.
With these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect cup of Chemex coffee.
Optimize Water Temperature
To extract the perfect balance of flavors from your coffee, you’ll want to heat your water to the ideal temperature, which falls between 195°F and 205°F. This narrow window guarantees peak extraction, resulting in a rich and full-bodied pour-over coffee. Using a thermometer can help you achieve this precise temperature. If the water is too hot, it can lead to over-extraction and bitterness.
Before brewing, preheat your Chemex by rinsing it with hot water. This step not only warms the vessel but also helps maintain the desired brewing temperature throughout the process.
For consistent results, heat water in a gooseneck kettle, which allows for better control over pouring and temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit for about 30 seconds before pouring.
Master the Pouring Technique
Mastering the pouring technique is essential for a perfect Chemex coffee, and it all starts with a smooth, steady pour that hits the center of the coffee grounds.
You’ll want to begin by pouring 100g of water within the first 15 seconds, using a controlled motion to create a circular pattern that promotes even saturation and blooming. This is where the magic happens, and your coffee starts to release its flavors.
As you pour, monitor the coffee surface and target any dark spots that appear. These areas need a bit more attention to guarantee even extraction.
For the remaining pours, aim to add 200g of water at the 1:00 mark, 300g at the 2:00 minute mark, and finish with a final 390g by the 3:00 minute mark. This sequence allows for ideal extraction and a total brewing time of around 4 minutes.
Variations
Experimenting with various techniques and ingredients is key to revealing a world of flavor possibilities with your Chemex coffee.
Now that you’ve mastered the pouring technique, it’s time to explore different variations. Start by adjusting the coffee-to-water ratios; try a 1:14 or 1:16 ratio to alter the strength and flavor profile to suit your personal preferences.
You can also grind your coffee to a coarser or finer size to see how it affects the taste. A medium-fine grind is standard, but a coarser grind will produce a lighter cup, while a finer grind can lead to a more intense flavor.
Additionally, consider trying different coffee blends or single-origin beans, like Burundi Gaharo or Ethiopia Adorsi, to experience diverse taste notes and aromas in your Chemex brew.
To produce a richer, fuller-bodied cup, swap the traditional paper Chemex filter for an alternative like the stainless steel Coava Kone filter.
Feel free to experiment and create unique flavor variations—your Chemex is your playground. Try new flavors, and you might be surprised by how amazing they turn out!
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve explored various techniques and ingredients to enhance your Chemex coffee, it’s time to reflect on the key takeaways that will help you consistently brew perfect cups.
You’ve learned that a medium-fine grind is essential for ideal extraction, and utilizing a scale to measure 42g of coffee and 630g of water guarantees a precise 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, leading to a balanced flavor profile.
Remember to rinse the Chemex filter with hot water before brewing to eliminate any paper taste and to preheat the brewer.
As you continue to brew, make certain to pour water in a circular motion and avoid pouring too quickly, allowing the coffee to bloom for 45-60 seconds. This enhances flavor clarity and richness by letting gases escape.
When you’re done brewing, let it drain completely to prevent any leftover coffee from affecting the flavor of your next cup.
With these simple steps, you’ll find that your Chemex is easy to use and consistently produces perfect cups of coffee.
