When it comes to home brewing methods, the Chemex might be the perfect blend of classic design and contemporary cool. A stable of home brewing since its invention in 1941, fans of the Chemex appreciate the elegant, electricity free design that makes it easy to brew up enough delicious coffee to share with friends. Below is an easy Chemex brewing guide.
Step One: Grind Your Beans
We recommend grinding your beans fresh with every pot you brew. This will ensure the freshest possible flavor. For a standard 40 ounce Chemex, grind about 6 Tablespoons of coffee to a slightly coarser grind than what you’d use for a standard drip coffee maker. The beans should achieve the consistency of kosher salt, but try to avoid making it as fine as table salt.
Step Two: Prepare Your Filter
To ensure an adequate seal and clean flavor, pre-moisten your paper filter with hot water and place it in the top chamber of the Chemex. Be sure to align the folds with the spout to create a leak proof seal that will prevent weak coffee or coffee grounds from escaping to the bottom chamber.
Step Three: The Bloom
Gently shake the ground coffee into the filter. Avoid letting it mound up, and instead, shoot for a flat, even distribution. Slowly add enough hot water to saturate the grounds, and let the coffee bloom for 30-45 seconds.
Step Four: The Slow Pour
Once the coffee has bloomed, continue to slowly pour hot water into the filter. To ensure a consistent, even brew, pour water directly into the darker spots of coffee and avoid the areas that have begun to lighten to a medium brown color. Continue to pour water slowly over the course of 3-4 minutes until the filter has completely filled and saturated. Once all the coffee has filtered into the bottom chamber, pour it through the spout, dispose of the filter, and enjoy!