Brewing Chemex: A Rising Favorite Among Coffee Enthusiasts
The Chemex manual pour-over method has become a beloved choice for coffee enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why! Two main reasons for its growing popularity are:
- Control: This method gives you greater control over the brewing process.
- Cost-Effective: You don’t need expensive equipment to get started at home.
While it takes a little practice to perfect, you’ll be brewing like a pro in no time!
What is Chemex?
Invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex is a beautifully designed glass flask that uses a special thicker paper filter, ensuring a clean and flavorful brew. Made from non-porous borosilicate glass, it won’t absorb odors and is easy to clean.
Key Rules for Perfect Chemex Brewing
To brew the perfect cup, keep these three rules in mind:
- Finer Grind: A finer grind increases the surface area for better flavor extraction.
- Slow Water Addition: Pour water slowly to enhance extraction.
- Coffee Amount: Using more coffee increases extraction time.
What You’ll Need
- 6 tablespoons of fine coffee (or 35g for a 6-cup Chemex)
- 480 ml of brewing water
- Water temperature: 90-95°C
- 4 minutes for brewing time
- Filter paper
Brewing Steps
- Preheat: Pour hot water into your Chemex and place the filter paper inside. Discard the water after pre-rinsing to eliminate any paper taste.
- Add Coffee: Put 6 tablespoons of medium to fine coffee into the Chemex.
- Pour Water: Heat water to 90-95°C and pour in a circular motion for about 1 minute and 50 seconds.
- Let It Brew: Avoid moving the Chemex and allow the water to pass through the coffee bed without disruption.
- Finish Up: Wait until the coffee bed is dry, remove the filter, and enjoy your perfect cup!
Our Recommendations from Rancliffe Coffee House
For a delightful brewing experience, we recommend pairing your Chemex with:
- Colombia Medellin
- Brazil Cerrado
- Rwanda Inzovu