Chemex
Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that was invented in 1941 by a chemist named Peter Schlumbohm. It consists of an hourglass-shaped glass vessel with a narrow neck and a wooden collar tied with a leather cord.
Chemex is a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts because of its elegant design and ability to produce a clean, flavorful cup of coffee. It's also a great option for brewing larger batches of coffee to share with friends or family.
WHAT YOU NEED
8-Cup Chemex
Chemex filter
Grinder
50g of whole bean or chaffless coffee
Hot water just off the boil (around 94 °C / 200 °F)
Scale
Timer
Stir stick or spoon
Mug
1st step: Prepare the filter
Place the Chemex filter in the brewer, ensuring the single fold is away from the spout and the multiple folds are lined up against the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to create an even seal and eliminate any paper taste. Discard the rinse water, then fold the filter towards the spout for added support.
2nd step: Weigh and grind the coffee
Weigh out 50g of coffee. Grind the coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. This grind size helps to extract the unique characteristics of coffee. Place the grounds in the brewer and tare the scale.
3rd step: Bloom the coffee grounds
Start the timer and begin pouring hot water gently over the grounds, using a circular motion, until all grounds are saturated or you reach about 100g of water. Let the coffee bloom for 30-40 seconds, allowing the gas to escape and ensuring even saturation.
4th step: Continuous pour technique
Begin pouring water slowly and steadily over the grounds, maintaining a constant water level in the Chemex. Use a circular motion, starting from the center and spiraling outwards, then back inwards. Avoid pouring water directly onto the filter. Aim for a total water weight of 700g.
5th step: Maintain a steady pace
You should aim to complete the pour within 3 to 3 1/2 minutes. This will ensure optimal extraction of the chaffless coffee's flavors and aromas.
6th step: Allow the coffee to finish brewing
Once you have reached 700g of water, let the coffee continue to drip through the grounds. The entire brewing process should take between 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust your grind size or pour rate if necessary.
7th step: Remove the filter and enjoy
When the dripping has almost stopped, carefully lift the filter out and discard. Give the Chemex a gentle swirl to mix the brewed coffee, then serve and enjoy the refined taste of coffee brewed to perfection.