How to Make Coffee with a Chemex
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.
What is the Chemex?
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
person
6
Less than £1
Ingredients :
- 30g ground coffee (coarse)
- 500g water
Equipment
- 1 Chemex 6 cups
- 1 Chemex filter
- 1 grinder (or use pre-ground coffee)
- 1 scale
- 1 gooseneck kettle
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
Our Coffee Selection for Your Chemex
To get the most out of the aromatic notes of your Chemex, we recommend that you use light or medium roast coffees. This will allow you to appreciate the full range of your coffee’s aroma and terroir with a subtle cup just like a work of art.
The Sakura Blend – Cafés Lugat
El Maya – Cafés Lugat
Colombia Mandela – Kawa Coffee
Moka Guracho – Cafés Lugat
About the author
Julie
Julie is passionate about tea and coffee, and writes about how both contribute to a healthy and cosy lifestyle.
