Brew Coach: How To Make Coffee with a Chemex

Making the perfect Chemex coffee at home

By Chris Ali

|

December 22, 2023

Brew Coach

The Chemex brewing method is a classic choice for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a clean, smooth, and aromatic cup. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make the perfect Chemex coffee right in the comfort of your own home. From choosing the right beans to mastering the pour-over technique, we've got you covered.

Ingredients and Tools:

  • Freshly ground coffee beans (medium-coarse grind)
  • Hot water (around 200°F or 93°C)
  • Chemex coffee maker
  • Chemex paper filter

Choose Quality Beans:
Start with high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. The flavor profile of your coffee largely depends on the beans you choose.

Prepare Your Equipment:
Place the Chemex paper filter in the top of the Chemex, making sure that the side with multiple folds is facing the spout. Rinse the filter thoroughly with hot water to remove any paper residue and to preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.

Measure Coffee:
Use a kitchen scale to measure your coffee. A common ratio is 1:16, meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. Adjust according to your taste preferences, my personal go-to is 30g of coffee for 500g overall finished brewing weight that makes about 2 cups.

Grind Coffee:
Grind your coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency. This is slightly coarser than you would use for a drip coffee maker.

Add Coffee to the Chemex:
Place the ground coffee into the center of the rinsed Chemex filter.

Bloom:
Start the brewing process by pouring just enough hot water (about twice the weight of the coffee grounds) to wet the coffee evenly. Allow it to bloom for about 30 seconds. This helps release gasses from the coffee grounds, allowing for better extraction.

Continue Pouring:
After the bloom, slowly pour the remaining hot water in a circular motion over the coffee grounds. Pour in stages, allowing the water to filter through before adding more. Keep the water level below the top of the Chemex to avoid overflow.

Maintain Brewing Time:
Aim to complete the pour in about 3 to 4 minutes. Adjust your grind size or pouring speed if needed.

Serve and Enjoy:
Once the brewing is complete, discard the filter with the used coffee grounds. Swirl the Chemex gently to mix the coffee and pour into your favorite mug. Savor your delicious, freshly brewed Chemex coffee!

Pro Tips:

  • Invest in a burr grinder for consistent grind size.
  • Use filtered water for best tasting results.
  • While you’re pre-wetting the filter, use some of that hot water to pre-warm your mug while you brew.
  • If your brew is weak and sour, try a finer grind. If your brew is bitter and strong, try a coarser grind. 
  • Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time based on your taste preferences.

Brewing the perfect Chemex coffee at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to tailor your cup to your unique taste preferences. By selecting the right beans, grinding them to perfection, and mastering the pour-over technique, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the art of Chemex brewing in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different variables to find the ideal combination that suits your taste buds and makes every sip a delightful experience.

Drop us a message at brewcoach@yesplz.coffee for personalized help with your brewing experience!

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