Mastering the Chemex

A Guide to Brewing pour over Coffee

Brewing coffee is more than just a morning ritual; it's a craft that allows you to savor the rich flavors and aromas of freshly brewed coffee. One of the most popular methods for brewing coffee is using a Chemex. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps of brewing coffee with a Chemex, ensuring you get the perfect cup every time.

What You'll Need:

  1. Chemex coffee maker

  2. Chemex bonded coffee filters

  3. Freshly ground coffee beans

  4. Kettle

  5. Scale

  6. Timer

  7. Stirring utensil

  8. Mug or carafe

Step 1: Prepare Your Chemex

  • Place a Chemex bonded coffee filter in the top of the Chemex, ensuring the side with three layers is facing the spout.

  • Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.

Step 2: Measure and Grind Coffee

  • Weigh out 25 grams of coffee beans for every 400 grams of water you'll be using. Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio based on your taste preference.

  • Grind the coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt.

Step 3: Heat Water

  • Heat water to just below boiling, around 200°F (93°C).

Step 4: Bloom the Coffee

  • Place the Chemex on the scale and add the ground coffee.

  • Start the timer and slowly pour just enough water (about twice the weight of the coffee grounds) to saturate them.

  • Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds, releasing carbon dioxide and preparing the grounds for extraction.

Step 5: Brew the Coffee

  • After the bloom, slowly pour the remaining water over the coffee grounds in a circular motion, ensuring all the grounds are saturated.

  • Use the scale to maintain the total weight of water and coffee.

  • Allow the coffee to drip through the filter, maintaining a steady pour rate to control the brewing time. Aim for a total brew time of around 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Once all the water has passed through the filter, remove the filter and discard the grounds.

  • Pour the brewed coffee into your mug or carafe and enjoy the rich, flavorful cup you've crafted.

Brewing coffee with a Chemex is a simple yet rewarding process that allows you to experience coffee in its purest form. By following this guide, you can elevate your coffee brewing experience and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee every time.