The Chemex method is a manual pour-over coffee brewing technique known for producing a clean, aromatic cup of coffee with a visually striking design.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a great cup of coffee using the Chemex:
Ingredients and Tools:
Chemex coffee maker
Chemex paper filter (bleached or unbleached)
Freshly roasted coffee beans
Burr grinder
Gooseneck kettle
Digital scale
Timer
Hot water (just off the boil, about 200°F or 93°C)
Stirring utensil
Mug or carafe to serve the coffee
Steps:
Heat the Water:
Start by boiling water, then allowing it to sit for about 30 seconds to bring it to the ideal temperature, around 200°F (93°C).
Rinse the Filter:
Unfold the Chemex paper filter and place it in the Chemex with the multiple-layered side against the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and to preheat the Chemex. Pour the rinse water out of the Chemex while leaving the filter in place.
Weigh and Grind the Coffee:
Weigh out the coffee beans. A general guideline is to use 1 to 1.25 ounces (28-35 grams) of coffee per 16 ounces (475 ml) of water, but you can adjust this based on your taste.
Grind the coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. The grind size is crucial for this method.
Add Coffee to the Filter:
Place the ground coffee in the center of the rinsed filter.
Bloom the Coffee:
Start a timer and pour enough water (about twice the weight of the coffee, e.g., 56-70 grams for 28-35 grams of coffee) to saturate the coffee grounds evenly. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
Allow the coffee to “bloom” for about 30 seconds. You’ll see the coffee expand and bubble as it releases gases.
Begin the Pour:
After the bloom, pour water slowly in a spiral motion, starting in the center and moving outward, keeping the coffee bed evenly saturated.
Be patient and avoid pouring directly onto the sides of the filter to prevent over-extraction.
Continue Pouring:
Add the remaining hot water in stages, maintaining a steady and slow pour. Pour in a circular motion and avoid pouring directly onto the paper filter to avoid channeling.
The total brew time should typically be around 3 to 4 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once all the water has passed through the coffee grounds and dripped into the Chemex, remove the filter with the used grounds.
Pour the brewed coffee into your favorite mug or carafe.
Customize to Taste:
Customize your coffee with milk, cream, sugar, or any other preferred additions.
Clean Up:
Discard the used coffee grounds and rinse the Chemex for the next use.
By following these steps, you can make a great cup of coffee with the Chemex method. Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and grind size to suit your taste preference, and remember that practice can help you perfect your technique and brew even better cups over time.
