Brew Method
Chemex
Brewing coffee with a Chemex is an elegant & simple method that produces a clean, flavourful cup of coffee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the Chemex brewing process:
Equipment Needed
1
Chemex coffee maker
2
Chemex paper filter
3
Freshly ground coffee
4
Scale
5
Kettle
6
Stirring utensil
7
Timer
8
Mug or carafe
Ingredients
30 grams of coffee (about 5-6 tablespoons)
500 grams (ml) of water, heated to around 200°F (93°C)
Tips for Best Results
- Experiment:
Try different grind sizes, coffee-to-water ratios, & pouring techniques to find your perfect cup. - Use Fresh Beans:
Freshly roasted & ground coffee beans will yield the best flavour. - Water Quality:
Use filtered water for the best taste. - Consistent Pour:
A go.
Brewing Process
1. Preparation
- Grind the Coffee: Use a medium-coarse grind, similar to sea salt.
- Boil Water: Heat your water to the desired temperature.
- Fold & Rinse the Filter: Fold the Chemex filter according to the instructions (usually into a cone shape) & place it in the Chemex with the triple-fold side against the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste & to preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.
2. Add Coffee Grounds
- Place the Chemex on your scale (if using) & add the ground coffee to the filter. Give the Chemex a gentle shake to level the coffee bed.
3. Bloom
- Start your timer & pour just enough hot water over the coffee grounds to saturate them (about twice the weight of the coffee, so roughly 60 grams of water for 30 grams of coffee). Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds. This allows the coffee to de-gas & prepares it for proper extraction.
4. First Pour
- After the bloom, continue pouring water in a slow, circular motion, starting from the centre & moving outward, then back to the centre. Aim to pour steadily & avoid pouring directly onto the filter. Pour until you reach about half of your total water weight (250 grams).
5. Second Pour
- Wait for the water level to drop slightly, then continue pouring in the same manner until you reach the total desired water weight (500 grams). The entire pouring process should take about 3-4 minutes.
6. Wait for Drip Completion
- Allow all the water to pass through the coffee grounds & filter. This should take another minute or two. The total brew time should be around 4-5 minutes.
7. Serve
- Once the brewing is complete, remove the filter & discard the grounds. Pour the brewed coffee into your mug or carafe & enjoy.