The Chemex Pour Over Coffeemaker is a brewing device that brings to mind all manner of cultural references, from the mad scientist with his bubbling beaker to the captain of cool himself, James Bond. So, what makes a Chemex so cool?
Chemex, James Bond cool and used by David Pocost.
Invented By A Chemist
The Chemex Pour Over was invented back in 1941 by a bona fide, PhD toting chemist. Peter J. Schlumbohm, a German born scientist, was a prolific inventor with a robust scientific career, but it was his interest in using chemistry equipment to create the perfect cup of coffee that informed his most popular invention of all.
His prototype for the Chemex used a glass lab funnel and an Erlenmeyer flask–Walter White fans, take note!–and Schlumbohm eventually modified these pieces to allow for an efficient brewing and serving process that has gone on to win fans all over the world. The final product has gone on to earn recognition from a number of art and design museums around the country, and was noted internationally as a highlight of American design.
Embraced By 007 Himself
While the Chemex has enjoyed lasting popularity from the time of its invention right up to our current pourover loving age, some say that it was the character James Bond who gave the Chemex the official stamp of coffee cool. In the 1957 novel, From Russia With Love, Bond professes his love for the Chemex process thanks to the strong, black coffee the device can brew with only hot water, a filter, and the strong, laboratory grade glass beaker.
Many modern coffee drinkers agree. In kitchens and coffee shops, fans of the Chemex still love the simple elegance of the Chemx’s design, plus the rich, bold brew that it creates from freshly ground beans.
Have you tried turning your Stringbean into cup of Chemex cool? Share your thoughts in the comments, or check out our official Chemex brewing guide to learn more!
Peace.
Caitlin C.