A true icon of Slow Coffee, the Chemex is an extraction method, a skill and a work of art. If you want to know all its secrets and enjoy the full aroma of your coffee, here is our recipe for making a proper Chemex coffee.
When we talk about a Chemex, the term often encompasses both the beautifully designed coffee maker and the extraction method that allows its full potential to be realised. The Chemex is a hourglass-shaped coffee maker that brews your coffee slowly and gently.
Invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex coffee maker is on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York as part of the permanent collection. The Chemex is made of glass with a wooden handle which gives it its unique design. Its silhouette is enhanced by its distinctive filter and flared spout.
How Do I Fold a Chemex Filter?
When you first see a Chemex filter, it can be a little confusing. This large square paper filter does not look like a traditional filter. But don’t let discourage you. In fact, when you take your filter out of the package, it is already folded and ready to use.Simply open it so that you have three layers of paper on one side and one layer on the other. Then place your filter in the Chemex, with the three-ply side facing the spout. This way you can become a real Chemex coffee expert in no time… as long as you follow the right dosage and pouring method, which we are going to detail below.
Brewing Chemex Coffee: Step by Step
Ingredients
30g ground coffee (coarse)
500g water
Material
1 Chemex 6 cups
1 Chemex filter
1 grinder (or use pre-ground coffee)
1 scale
1 gooseneck kettle
Preparation
Step 1Heat your water to 92°C (197.6°F).
Step 2Place the filter in the Chemex and rinse it. Empty the water.
Step 3Grind your coffee coarsely.
Step 4Start the timer of your scale. Pour 60g of water in a circular motion.
Step 5Take a break and resume pouring after 30 seconds.
Step 6Go up to 360 grams on the scale.
Step 7After one minute thirty, pour the rest of your water. Let it filter completely.
Step 8 And there you have it! It’s done.
Step 1
Heat your water to 92°C (197.6°F).
Step 2
Place the filter in the Chemex and rinse it. Empty the water.
Step 3
Grind your coffee coarsely.
Step 4
Start the timer of your scale. Pour 60g of water in a circular motion.
Step 5
Take a break and resume pouring after 30 seconds.
Step 6
Go up to 360 grams on the scale.
Step 7
After one minute thirty, pour the rest of your water. Let it filter completely.
Step 8
And there you have it! It’s done.
1 / 8
Our Tips for a Successful Brew
To make the extraction of your grind more harmonious, we advise you to pour your water making circular movements. From the outside to the inside, then from the inside to the outside. Brewing using a light roast: water temperature: 92°C. Brewing using a medium roast: water temperature: 91°C.
Making coffee with a Chemex is not only easy but it also allows you to explore different extraction methods for the perfect cup. With the right little bit of practice and patience, you’ll be brewing barista-level coffees with your Chemex in no time. So take some time to experiment with various extraction methods using water temperatures, grind coarseness, and filter paper sizes and you’ll find yourself improving each brew day after day. Have fun and enjoy every last drop !
