Your Guide to Crafting Coffee With Chemex

There’s a certain charm in crafting your own coffee at home, and the Chemex coffee maker adds an elegant touch to this ritual. With its timeless design and ability to produce a clean, flavorful cup of coffee, the Chemex is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. If you’re eager to start making your own coffee with a Chemex, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you embark on this delightful journey.

What You’ll Need:

1. Chemex Coffee Maker: You’ll need the classic Chemex pour-over coffee maker, which comes in various sizes. The most common ones are the 6-cup and 8-cup models. In case you still don’t have it, click here.

2. Chemex Bonded Filters: Chemex uses its unique, thick paper filters, which are an essential component of the brewing process. They help ensure a clean and smooth cup of coffee. Our favourite filters here !

3. Fresh Coffee Beans: Choose high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. The grind size should be medium-coarse, similar to sea salt.

4. Kettle: A kettle with a gooseneck spout is ideal for precise water control. The one kettle we use here !

5. Scale: Use a digital kitchen scale to measure both coffee grounds and water accurately. The Hario Coffee Scale is our favourite.

6. Timer: A timer will help you keep track of the brewing process.
   

The Brewing Process:

1. Rinse the Filter: Place a Chemex bonded filter in the top of the coffee maker, ensuring that the side with three layers is facing the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper residue and preheat the Chemex. This step also helps eliminate any papery taste in your coffee.

2. Measure Your Coffee: For a standard 6-cup Chemex, a general guideline is to use 30-35 grams (about 2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water) of coffee grounds. Adjust this ratio according to your taste preferences.

3. Boil Water: Heat water to just below boiling (about 200°F or 93°C). A gooseneck kettle helps control the pour.

4. Bloom the Coffee: Place the Chemex on the scale, add the coffee grounds, and level them. Start a timer and pour enough water (about twice the weight of the coffee, so around 60-70 grams) to saturate the coffee grounds evenly. Allow the coffee to “bloom” for about 30 seconds. This allows gases to escape and ensures even extraction.

5. Begin the Pour: After the bloom, start pouring water slowly in a spiral motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Keep the water level just below the top of the Chemex. Maintain a slow and steady pour, adding more water as the coffee drips into the bottom.

6. Complete the Brew: Continue pouring until you’ve reached your desired coffee volume. The entire brewing process should take about 3-4 minutes.

7. Serve and Sip: Once the dripping has slowed to a steady stream or drops, remove the filter and discard it. Pour the brewed coffee into your favorite mug or carafe and savor the moment.
   

Tips for Success:

• Experiment with coffee bean varieties to discover your favorite flavor profiles.

• Adjust the grind size and coffee-to-water ratio to fine-tune the taste to your liking.

• Practice your pouring technique to achieve an even extraction.

• Keep track of your measurements and timing to replicate your perfect cup.
  

Brewing coffee with a Chemex is both an art and a science, offering a rewarding experience for coffee enthusiasts. With a little practice, you’ll find that crafting your own coffee at home can be as enjoyable as it is delicious. So, grab your Chemex and embark on a journey to discover the nuanced flavors and aromas that this classic brewing method can unlock.