How to Brew Coffee with a Chemex
| Step 1: Gather your supplies |
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Chemex: Make sure you have the appropriate size Chemex for the amount of coffee you want to brew. Sizes typically range from 3 cups to 10 cups. Chemex filter: Use Chemex bonded filters, which are thicker and provide better filtration for a cleaner cup of coffee. Coffee beans: Choose high-quality whole beans and grind them just before brewing for the freshest flavor. Grinder: If you don't have pre-ground coffee, you'll need a grinder to grind the beans. A medium-coarse grind is recommended for Chemex. Kettle: You'll need hot water, so a kettle is handy for heating water to the desired temperature. Spoon or stirrer: Something to stir the coffee with. |
| Step 2: Heat water |
| Fill the kettle with the desired amount of water and heat it. The ideal water temperature for Chemex coffee is around 200°F (93°C). Let the water sit for about a minute after boiling to reach the right temperature. |
| Step 3: Pre-wet the filter |
| Unfold a Chemex filter and place it in the Chemex. The thicker side of the filter should cover the pouring spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to pre-wet it and remove any papery taste. This also warms up the Chemex. Discard the rinse water from the Chemex. |
| Step 4: Add coffee grounds |
| Measure out the desired amount of coffee beans. As a general guideline, a ratio of 1:15 coffee to water is often used. For example, if you're brewing 1 cup of coffee, you'll need about 1 tablespoon (7-8 grams) of coffee grounds. Adjust the amount based on your personal preference for strength. Grind the beans to a medium-coarse consistency. |
| Step 5: Bloom the coffee |
| Add the coffee grounds to the pre-wetted filter in the Chemex. Gently shake the Chemex to level the grounds. Pour a small amount of hot water (about double the weight of the coffee grounds) onto the grounds, just enough to saturate them. Allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds. This helps release the flavours and gases trapped in the freshly roasted coffee. |
| Step 6: Pour the remaining water |
| After the bloom, begin pouring the remaining hot water in a slow, circular motion over the coffee grounds. Start from the center and spiral outward, evenly saturating all the grounds. Pour until you reach the desired amount of coffee, keeping in mind the coffee-to-water ratio. |
| Step 7: Let it drip |
| Allow the coffee to drip through the filter and into the Chemex. Avoid pouring too quickly or forcefully, as this can lead to over-extraction. Maintain a steady pour, aiming for a total brew time of around 4 minutes. |
| Step 8: Remove the filter and serve |
| Once all the water has passed through the coffee grounds, carefully lift the filter with the grounds and discard it. Pour the brewed coffee from the Chemex into cups or a serving vessel. |
| Step 9: Enjoy! |
| Savor the aromatic flavors of your freshly brewed Chemex coffee. You can serve it black or add milk, cream, or sweetener according to your preference. Take the time to appreciate the clean and nuanced flavours that Chemex brewing can bring out in the coffee. |
| Remember, these instructions are general guidelines, and you can adjust the coffee-to-water ratio, grind size, and other factors to suit your personal taste. Enjoy your coffee brewing experience with the Chemex! |