The Chemex is a very common brewing method in the world of specialty coffee, known for its elegant design and ability to produce a clean, flavorful cup. It is also one of my favorite brewing methods, and the reason for that, is because I love light roasts, and coffee with brighter flowery notes, and in a Chemex Pour Over, those notes shine through beautifully! Whether you're new to this brewing method or looking to refine your technique, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master the Chemex and brew the perfect cup of coffee.
Why Choose a Chemex?
The Chemex is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts (Including Me) for several reasons:
Clean and Crisp Flavor: The proprietary Chemex paper filters remove excess oils and fines, resulting in a bright, smooth cup.
Timeless Aesthetic: Its hourglass design and wooden collar make it a beautiful addition to any kitchen.
Capacity: Chemex brewers come in various sizes, making them perfect for brewing multiple cups at once.
What You’ll Need
Before brewing, you will need these essentials: (I put a link for each item that I use regularly)
Grinder (Burr grinder recommended for consistency)
Filtered Water (Heated to 195-205°F / 90-96°C)
Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
1. Heating Your Water
Fill your Gooseneck Kettle with Filtered Water, filling it to the max fill line.
Heat your water to 195-205°F / 90-96°C (Most kettles have presets on them, but if your kettle is a stove top, be sure to use a thermometer to measure the temp of your water).
2. Prepare Your Chemex and Filter
Fold the Chemex filter along the pre-folded lines and place it in the brewer with the thicker, multi-layered side facing the spout.
Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any papery taste and preheat the brewer. Discard the rinse water.
3. Measure and Grind Your Coffee
Use a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 42g coffee to 672g water for a full 8-cup Chemex).
Grind the coffee to a medium-coarse consistency (similar to sea salt). A burr grinder ensures even particle size.
4. Bloom the Coffee
Add your ground coffee to the filter and level it out.
Start your timer and pour twice the coffee weight in water (e.g., 84g of water for 42g of coffee).
Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds, allowing gases to escape for better extraction.
5. Continue Pouring in Stages
Using a gooseneck kettle, pour water in slow, circular motions, keeping the coffee bed evenly saturated. (Do not get to close to the edge of the filter... water can easily pass through behind the coffee grounds, causing an uneven extraction).
Pour in three to four stages, letting the water level drop slightly before adding more.
Aim for a total brew time of 3:30 to 4:30 minutes.
6. Enjoy Your Perfect Chemex Brew
Once the coffee has fully drained, remove the filter and discard it.
Swirl the Chemex gently before pouring to mix flavors evenly.
Serve and enjoy the clean, nuanced flavors of your brew!
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Chemex Brew
Use Freshly Roasted Coffee: Opt for coffee roasted within the last two weeks to get the best flavor.
Adjust Grind Size: If your brew takes too long, use a coarser grind. If it brews too quickly, go finer.
Pour in Circles: This ensures even extraction and prevents channeling.
Keep Equipment Clean: Residual oils can affect flavor, so rinse your Chemex thoroughly after each use.
Conclusion
The Chemex is an incredible brewing method that highlights the clarity and complexity of specialty coffee. By following these steps and experimenting with different coffees, you’ll be able to dial in the perfect brew every time. Happy brewing!
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