The Chemex brewing method derives its name from the hourglass, or beaker-like, device that was originally designed in 1941 so as to better explore drip coffee processing. The Chemex brewing process allows the coffee connoisseur to improve the blooming of a coffee bean, or seed, through a two-step pour over. The Chemex uses an especially robust paper filter that fits in the upper must portion of the hourglass, but which can also be replaced with a suitable mesh or metal basket so as to prevent day-over-day waste. Similar to a French press the process should take upwards of two to four minutes (even eight) so that the medium-ground and medium-flavor profiled coffee reaches its maximum bloom before going cool.
The best type of coffee to explore with the Chemex brewing method is one a consumer might normally shy away from due to acidity or fear of cafestol, or a bad-cholesterol compound often associated with coffee. This ability to explore true, single-origin blends is due primarily to the strong paper filter, which strips away many of the oils seen on top of a more traditional cup of coffee.
What You Will Need To Brew Coffee In A Chemex
Step by step Guide - How to brew coffee in a Chemex
⸙ Barista Tip 1: again, this method allows for a great deal of exploration and experimentation with organic, single-origin, or less processed coffee beans, or seeds, since the robust paper filter or metal basket removes unsightly oils.
⸙ Barista Tip 2: tips to brew better coffee with the Chemex are a dime a dozen, but many of the classic rules should still apply, meaning: take care not to oversaturate grinds on either pass, grinding the whole bean just prior to use, and use exceptionally hot water to maximize the bloom
Brewing Coffee With A Chemex - Conclusion
The Chemex brewing process is an excellent adaptation between more traditional drip coffee methods and difficult to achieve pour over methods. Once mastered, however, there are a plethora of other devices in which to experiment around to include the Hario, Kalita, and Clever.