How to Make Coffee with a Chemex

How to Make Coffee with a Chemex: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Chemex is a popular pour-over coffee maker known for its sleek design and ability to produce smooth, flavorful coffee. It’s a favorite among coffee lovers who enjoy a clean and balanced cup. Follow this guide to make the perfect Chemex coffee at home.

What You’ll Need to Make Chemex Coffee

1. Chemex Coffee Maker
2. Chemex Filters (special thicker paper filters)
3. Freshly Ground Coffee Beans
4. Gooseneck Kettle for precise pouring
5. Digital Scale for accuracy
6. Timer
7. Grinder (burr grinder preferred)

Step 1: Heat the Water

• Heat water to 90-96°C (195-205°F). A gooseneck kettle is ideal for precise pouring and control over the brewing process.

Step 2: Weigh and Grind the Coffee

• Measure out 40-45 grams of coffee for a 700 ml (about 24 ounces) Chemex brew. The ideal coffee-to-water ratio for Chemex is 1:15 (1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water).
• Grind the coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. Freshly ground beans are essential for the best flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Chemex and Filter

• Fold the Chemex filter and place it inside the Chemex with the triple-folded side against the spout. This helps regulate airflow during brewing.
• Rinse the filter with hot water to remove the papery taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water after.

Step 4: Add the Coffee Grounds

• Add the freshly ground coffee to the filter, ensuring the grounds are evenly distributed. Place the Chemex on your digital scale and tare it to zero.

Step 5: Bloom the Coffee

• Start by pouring just enough hot water (about 80-100 grams) to saturate the coffee grounds evenly. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30-45 seconds. This step releases trapped gases and primes the coffee for better extraction.

Step 6: Pour in Stages

• After blooming, continue to pour water in a slow, circular motion, starting from the center and working your way outward. Pour in stages, adding water gradually while maintaining a consistent flow.
• Use about 600-700 grams of water for your brew, depending on the size of your Chemex and your preferred strength. Aim to finish pouring within 3-4 minutes.

Step 7: Let the Coffee Brew

• Allow the water to fully drain through the coffee grounds. The entire brewing process should take about 4-5 minutes. Once the water has filtered through, remove the filter and discard it.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Pour your freshly brewed Chemex coffee into your favorite cup or carafe. The Chemex produces a clean, balanced coffee with bright flavors and minimal sediment.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chemex Coffee

• Use freshly roasted coffee beans to get the best flavors. The Chemex highlights complex notes, making it ideal for light to medium roasts.
• Experiment with the coffee-to-water ratio to suit your taste. For a stronger cup, use a higher coffee dose, and for a lighter brew, use less coffee.
• Keep your pouring consistent and controlled for even extraction, ensuring a well-balanced cup every time.

Chemex vs. V60: Key Differences

• Chemex uses a thicker filter, which produces a cleaner, lighter cup of coffee with less body compared to the V60, which allows more oils to pass through.
• The Chemex is ideal for brewing larger quantities of coffee, while the V60 is more suited to single servings or smaller batches.

Common Chemex Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Over-extraction: If your coffee tastes bitter, it could be over-extracted. Adjust the grind size to be coarser or pour water more slowly.
• Under-extraction: If your coffee tastes weak or sour, the grind might be too coarse or the brew time too short. Try a finer grind or a longer brew time.