Chemex Brewing Basics

The Basics of brewing with a Chemex

Brewing coffee with a Chemex is a simple and elegant way to make a delicious cup of coffee. The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that was invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm. It has a unique hourglass shape and is made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, which makes it both functional and visually appealing.

What you will need:

  • Chemex coffee maker
  • Chemex filter
  • Whole bean coffee (medium to coarse grind)
  • Hot water
  • Digital scale (optional, but recommended)
  • Timer (optional, but recommended)

How To Brew:

  • Step 1

    Start by boiling some water in a kettle. You want the water to be between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Step 2

    While the water is boiling, grind your coffee beans. A medium to coarse grind works best with a Chemex, as it allows the water to flow through the coffee more evenly. You can use a manual or electric coffee grinder to grind your beans.
  • Step 3

    Once the water is ready, place a Chemex filter in the top of the Chemex coffee maker. You can either fold the filter along the seam to make a cone shape, or you can open it up and place it in the Chemex like a basket.
  • Step 4

    Rinse the filter with hot water. This will help to remove any paper taste from the filter and also preheat the Chemex coffee maker.
  • Step 5

    Place your coffee grounds in the filter and shake the Chemex gently to level the coffee bed.
  • Step 6

    Place the Chemex on a digital scale and tare it to zero. This will allow you to accurately measure the amount of water you are adding to the coffee.
  • Step 7

    Start a timer and begin pouring the water slowly over the coffee grounds. You want to pour enough water to just wet the coffee, but not so much that it overflows the filter. This is called the "bloom."
  • Step 8

    After 30 seconds, continue pouring water slowly over the coffee in a circular motion. Try to pour the water evenly over the entire surface of the coffee.
  • Step 9

    As the water flows through the coffee, it will extract the flavor and aroma from the beans. The whole brewing process should take about 3-4 minutes.
  • Step 10

    Once all of the water has been poured, remove the filter and discard it.
  • Step 11

    Enjoy your delicious cup of coffee brewed with a Chemex!

IT'S TIME TO GET BREWING

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