What is Chemex Coffee maker?
You probably already have a preferred brewing method if you enjoy drinking coffee. However, you’d like to switch things up and try a fresh style. You can learn everything you need to know about Chemex coffee from this site. We’ve included all the details on Chemex’s history, brewing process, benefits and drawbacks, cleaning practices, and comparison to other widely used brewing methods. It is a dripping mechanism that filters out oil and carbon dioxide from coffee. Its design is exquisite and gives off a classic vibe. Chemex might be a good choice if you prefer the taste and texture of pour-over coffee but need to make more than one cup at a time. Learn everything there is to know about Chemex, then use it during your next coffee break!
History of Chemex
Peter Schlumbohm created the popular Chemex Coffee maker, a manual pour-over style glass coffeemaker, in 1941. The Chemex Corporation manufactures the product in Chicopee, Massachusetts. It is now on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City due to its elegant style.
The Chemex is composed of thin glass and resembles two cones placed on top of each other, giving the impression that it belongs in a science lab. While some variations have a smooth wooden collar, others have a glass handle. It has a form that resembles an hourglass—combining a solid and a liquid to produce a complex solution by heating, ageing, and filtering results in a nice cup of coffee, which is a scientific creation. Chemex uses all those components to create a cup that many consider superior. Schlumbohm modified the funnel by adding a narrow passage and an indented spout that allowed air to pass through the filter paper while the liquid dripped into the flask. To measure the capacity below the bottom border of the carafe’s midsection, he added a little “bubble” protrusion on the flask.
Coffee gear
Before learning how to use a Chemex, you’ll need a few items of coffee gear. Weighing coffee beans requires a digital scale. Additionally required are a coffee filter and a grinder. The best coffee for Chemex coffee brewer is light roast or medium roast because the flavors are best when made in this manner.
How to use a Chemex to make coffee?
Now that you know everything there is to know about Chemex, let’s get to the process of making coffee.
Measure your coffee
24 grams of coffee should be measured using your digital scale. The advised water-to-coffee ratio for this process is 16:1, 24 grams of coffee will produce about 385 mL of coffee (13 fluid ounces). Because the Chemex was designed to be shared frequently, use 36 or 48 grams of coffee for two people.
Grind the beans
Grind the coffee beans with the coffee grinder. The coarseness of the coffee should fall somewhere between kosher salt and table salt.
Boil water
Between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit is the appropriate temperature for boiling water. Boil the water and let it sit for 10 to 15 seconds to cool it down if your kettle does not have a temperature control feature. Coffee will give a bitter element if the water is too hot.
Prepare the filter
Place the paper filter in the Chemex while the water is heating, and then rinse with either the heated water or hot tap water (60 to 75 grams). Throw away the rinsing water. Rinsing the filter aids in removing any flavour that the paper could have added to the coffee. The Chemex filter’s thicker paper makes it necessary to moisten the filter beforehand to prevent any papery taste and guarantee the filter’s structural integrity in the cone. After rinsing the filter, add the coffee grounds, then reset the digital scale. At this point, you need to be ready to begin brewing the coffee.
Let coffee bloom!
Add 50 grams of hot water in concentric rings. Make sure the coffee grounds are completely covered. Blooming the coffee helps release carbon dioxide from the beans and leads to better extraction. If the coffee is fresh, you should see it rise and bubble. Pouring the water should take at least 20 seconds to complete. Wait another 25 seconds after adding the water.
Pour the remaining water into the coffee gradually. Add another 335 grams of water to the coffee in circular motion beginning in the middle. Always remember, the flow of water is important. Pouring the water directly onto the paper filter will lead to passing through Chemex without fully extracting the coffee. In about two minutes, try to finish pouring the remaining water.
Allow water to drain fully through the coffee.
Allow the coffee to drip until it seems dry and is flat at the brewer’s base. After about a minute, the coffee should have finished filtering through if the grind size and pour rate were appropriate.
Enjoy!
Remember Chemex is not designed to have reusable filters. Therefore dispose of the coffee grounds and paper filter. For an even distribution of flavors, swirl the coffee before drinking.
Washing after use
Make sure to thoroughly clean the Chemex to ensure the flavor of your next coffee. Here are some cleaning tips for Chemex.
Soap and Water
The best method to prevent bacteria from growing in your Chemex is to clean it after each usage. Using soap, water, and a brush to clean your Chemex is one of the best and easiest ways. The best brush to use is one with soft bristles and an arm long enough to reach the inside. After scrubbing, it’s crucial to thoroughly rinse to reduce the chance that any soapy flavors will contaminate your next batch.
A Hot Rinse
Water should be heated before being poured into the Chemex and stirred for a few seconds. By flushing away the old coffee with hot water, you can avoid having the previous batch’s flavor affect the flavor of your next pack. However, this method is less meticulous than the soap and water method.
A Cold Rinse
A full pint of ice, around two tablespoons of table salt, two or three drops of liquid dish soap, and water is needed for this method. Making sure there is no leftover coffee in your Chemex is the first step. After that, add the liquid dish soap, ice, and salt and stir them together. Next, add water to Chemex; about a third of the way to full should be sufficient. Once you begin swirling, a froth will form. The table salt works as a mild abrasive to help remove any coffee stains and mineral buildup from the water. The spinning ice gives just enough power to scrub the coffee oils and residue off the glass without risking scratching it. You should continue swirling for another minute or two if your Chemex needs a thorough cleaning.
White Vinegar Flush
A white vinegar solution is a simple, efficient, and affordable cleaning method. To use this way, you will need to add about 2 ounces of white vinegar to your Chemex and let it soak. Once it has dried for around 30 to 60 minutes, rinse it with soap and water, or water if you want. You should leave it out to dry in a well-ventilated place overnight so that the vinegar’s flavor and odor will naturally fade. While doing this, you must lay a part of your Chemex’s lip prop up one side to avoid molding and condensation that can cause due to lack of airflow.
Dishwasher method
Chemex is generally dishwasher-safe. So go ahead and use a dishwasher if you confirm that the manufacturer has given the all-clear. Your Chemex can look flawless after being cleaned in a dishwasher, but you must take extra care because of its delicate body. Remove the collar and tie it before loading your Chemex in the dishwasher.
Pros and Cons
After hearing everything about Chemex, you may know its benefits and drawbacks and whether it suits your household.
When it comes to benefits, Chemex has a stunning classic design made of premium glass, wood, and leather. It makes smooth, clear, and oil-free coffee. The paper filter is simple to use, and the design is environmentally friendly.
The requirement to purchase paper filters is the main drawback of Chemex. It’s bigger, fragile and heavier. As a result, using it while camping or travelling is not practical. Compared to other brewing systems, the hourglass makes cleaning difficult and a little more expensive.
Chemex vs. Aeropress
There are numerous ways to brew coffee. You’ll prefer the AeroPress over the Chemex if you like strong, espresso-like coffee. You can use a Chemex if you want a clear, aromatic cup of coffee. Additionally, you will receive the health advantages of oil-free coffee because both brewing techniques use paper filters.
Chemex vs. Hario V60
The Chemex makes the cleanest coffee because its thicker filter than the V60 prevents sediment from passing through. However, the V60 filters provide a clear brew and are simpler to find with everyday shopping.
Chemex vs. French Press
The French Press is considerably easier to carry because it is smaller than a Chemex and typically built of more durable materials. Chemex is a beautiful work of art. However, unlike a French Press, its fragile nature makes it harder to handle.
Conclusion
You can treat your taste buds to the highest-quality coffee they deserve using this timeless design. Make delicious coffee enhancing your personal taste. Share a cafe-level coffee with your loved ones and don’t forget to clean it thoroughly. Remember, nothing compares to the flavor of coffee that has been brewed in a Chemex.
