Chemex is a brand as well as a coffeemaker. The way it is designed is a phenomenon. It can work as a server and brewer at the same time because of its unique structure. Because of its multi-purpose abilities, the world has been admiring Chemex for being more than just a vessel.
If you are looking to brew specialty coffee using Chemex, then you don’t have to worry because it is quite simple. No complicated buttons, steps, or parts are involved while brewing with Chemex. But just because the process is simple, it doesn’t mean it won’t take time. You will need immense patient while working with Chemex. After all, the results you get are what really matters. You will feel like you have just achieved something amazing when you get a crystal clear, light, and flawless brew.
Let us see how you can brew coffee using Chemex-
How to Brew Coffee In a Chemex?
Before we start to learn the art of Chemex brewing, let us see what materials are needed. Now, remember the list of materials might seem a little longer than expected, but remember, Chemex brewing is a lot cheaper if you compare it with cafe coffee in the long term. Also, some of the materials can be used for other things too. For example, the food scale and kettle can be used to make bread or to boil water.
- Chemex Coffeemaker- You can get Chemex in different sizes. Chemex that could make 4 cups of coffee is good for someone who is just starting.
- Coffee Filter of Chemex- The filter Chemex requires is a special filter, that is just used with Chemex. You can order it online.
- Burr Grinder (Electric)- To get a fine grind of coffee you will need to use an electric burr grinder. There are various options for you, some are cheap and some are expensive.
- Gooseneck Kettle (electric)- You will need this to boil water. You can also use this to make tea. If you want, there are various options from cheap to expensive, that are made for making coffee.
- Food Scale (digital)- You will need this to weigh your coffee. Digital scale is necessary to get accurate numbers.
Not all of this is necessary as you can just take a guess and pour sufficient water. But if you want the best taste from your Chemex, then you will have to put some time and effort into your coffee-making process. Now enough with the materials. Let’s dive right into the main course and see how it’s made.
Step 1
Get some filtered water and heat it until it reaches 200 -205 degrees. Why are we using filtered water? Well, according to a lot of people, filtered water tastes better than coffee. You can use a kettle (electric) to heat your water.
Step 2
Get your digital food scale with your grinder. According to our calculations, you will need around 34 grams of coffee to brew yourself two cups of coffee. You should prefer light or medium roasted coffee beans while using the Chemex method because it helps the coffee to bring out more flavor. Get your grinder and set it to a medium level. Grind your coffee well and move on to the next step.
Step 3
Get your Chemex filter and place it gently on the Chemex. You can pour over some hot water we heated before onto the filter paper to eliminate any paper-like taste from the coffee. Now Add your grinder coffee and pour some water on it. Now we wait to let it bloom for at least one minute. By letting it bloom, we are allowing the coffee grind to release CO2 and help grinds to rise and grow.
Step 4
Now you can pour over the remaining of your water. Remember to pour it in a circular motion and avoid the water stream from touching the filter paper. But how much water are you supposed to add? So let’s take a quick look at the ratio you will need to use while making Chemex coffee.
Chemex Coffee Ratio
For us, we have figured out that for one gram of coffee 15 to 16 grams of heated water is sufficient. Now, this could change according to each person. So, if you are new to Chemex coffee brewing, start with our ratio and change the water ratio according to your desire and preference.
Here, we are having 34 grams of coffee which means we have to multiply it by 15 or 16 times. The average number we get here is 520 grams of water.
Now, once you have figured out your ratio and poured all the necessary water into the Chemex, now it is time for us to wait and let Chemex do its work. After the coffee is filtered, remove the filter paper carefully and pour yourself one of the best coffees you will drink.
What Roast is Best for Chemex?
If we look closely, the Chemex eliminates oil from coffee and could uplift the bitter flavor in dark roasted coffee. Though, Chemex is known to work with all types of coffee roasts perfectly. Chemex is able to bring unique flavors hidden deep in the coffee, you won’t experience this in any other coffee maker. Light roasts also work well with Chemex, as it helps to bring out the overall body of light roast.
But if you want a specific answer to this question, you can go with the majority of the choice. The majority of people prefer Medium roast coffee with Chemex. With medium roasted coffee with an acidity level of medium to high, you will get a pure and refreshing flavor of coffee experience.
The Chemex works simply yet are able to bring out such smoothing flavors from the coffee. All you need to figure out is how much amount of water and what kind of roast suits best you.
Conclusion
So that was it, an incredible coffee experience at your homemade by yourself. Chemex is a design marvel that is simple to use and very effective.
Just get the necessary materials and figure out some of the elements you require to make the coffee. Remember, even though Chemex asks for a lot of time as compared to other coffee makers, it also delivers the best taste you can get at a very low cost in the long run.