How to Brew the Perfect Cup with a Chemex

The Chemex is an iconic coffee brewer known for its elegant design and ability to produce a clean, smooth cup of coffee. Whether you’re new to pour-over coffee or looking to perfect your technique, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of using a Chemex.

What You’ll Need

- Chemex Brewer

- Chemex Paper Filter

- Freshly Ground Coffee (Medium-coarse grind)

- Hot Water (195°F–205°F / 90°C–96°C)

- Gooseneck Kettle (for controlled pouring)

- Coffee Scale (optional, but recommended)

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Fold and Place the Filter

Take a Chemex paper filter and fold it properly so that one side has three layers and the other has one. Place the filter in the Chemex, ensuring the three-layered side is against the spout. This allows airflow for smooth brewing.

2. Rinse the Filter

Pour hot water through the filter to eliminate any papery taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water before brewing.

3. Add Coffee Grounds

Use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 or 1:16 (e.g., 30g coffee to 450g water). Adjust based on your taste preference. Add the ground coffee to the filter and give it a gentle shake to level the bed.

4. Bloom the Coffee

Slowly pour about twice the weight of the coffee in water (e.g., 60g for 30g coffee) in a circular motion, saturating all the grounds. Let it sit for 30–45 seconds to allow the coffee to bloom, releasing trapped gases.

5. Continue Pouring

In slow, steady spirals, pour the remaining water in stages. Aim to complete the pour within 3–4 minutes. Maintain a steady pour to keep the brew even.

6. Let the Coffee Drain

Once all the water has passed through the coffee bed, let it finish dripping. Remove the filter and discard it.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Swirl the Chemex slightly to mix the coffee before pouring into your cup. Enjoy the smooth, balanced flavors unique to Chemex brewing!

Tips for the Best Chemex Brew

- Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.

- Adjust grind size if the brew is too fast (grind finer) or too slow (grind coarser).

- Keep a consistent pour rate for even extraction.

Experiment with different coffee beans and ratios to find your perfect cup. Happy brewing!

What’s your favorite way to use a Chemex? Let us know in the comments below!

 

~ Created By Cameron.S