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Brew Guide: Chemex

The Chemex was invented in 1941 by German scientist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm. What began as an experiment with basic laboratory tools came to be one of the most classic brew vessels in history. In fact, the Smithsonian, the Museum of Modern Art, and many other museums have the Chemex on permanent display because of it’s rich history and beautiful design. The Chemex might look more like a high school chemistry beaker, but trust us when we say this beauty will give you the smoothest cup of coffee.

Brewing with a Chemex is pretty easy, and should only take you about 12 minutes.

WHAT YOU NEED

Chemex
Pre-folded Chemex Filters
Water
Coffee
Gooseneck Kettle
Grinder

AMOUNTS

4 tbsp coffee and 3 cups water
6 tbsp coffee and 6 cups water
8 tbsp coffee and 8 cups water
10 tbsp coffee and 10 cups water

32 grams coffee and 444 grams water
48 grams coffee and 880 grams water
64 grams coffee and 1182 grams water
80 grams coffee and 1478 grams water

Chemex

GROUNDS

Grind your coffee on a coarse grind – for industrial grinders, a #9 setting – to get the best cup of Chemex. If your grind is too fine, it’ll backup the filter and cause it to rip. We learned this the hard and messy way!

 

Chemex

WATER

Bring your water to a boil and then remove from heat. Never pour boiling water straight onto coffee grounds – it will scorch them and give your coffee a burnt flavor. Allow the water to cool for 30 seconds (the temperature should be between 195-205) before you proceed to the next step.

 

Chemex

FILTER

Chemex filters are a bit unusual. As much as you’ll want to, don’t unfold it all the way. Instead, pull just one edge away from the three others. Now your filter will resemble a normal pour-over filter. There will be one edge on one side, and three on the other. Set it into the chemex with the crease sitting in the pouring channel. Cone filters you use for pour-over, like a #4 or #6, won’t fit properly in a chemex and are too thin to properly filter for Chemex. Only use Chemex filters.

 

Chemex

RINSE FILTER

Use your hot water to give the filter a quick rinse, which removes any papery taste that the filter might add to your coffee. This hot water will also heat the carafe – keeping your coffee hotter for longer. Dump out the excess water before beginning your brew.

 

 Chemex

ADDING GROUNDS

Place your grounds into the filter. Gently shake the Chemex to level out your grounds. You’re now ready to start the brewing process.

 

 Chemex

BLOOM

Begin pouring the water over the grounds in a circular pattern, until the water has barely covered the grounds. Let it bloom for 30 seconds.

 

Chemex

2ND POURING

After the bloom, continue pouring water in a circular motion until the water is about a quarter inch below the top of the chemex. Be careful to  wait for the water to filter through before pouring more. It’s easy to get carried away and pour too much water. Continue to pour until you’ve used all your water.

 

 Chemex

ENJOY

Grab your favorite mug and discover a new bold take on your favorite Buzzbox Coffee.