Chemex

A classic design combining natural wood and glass, for a perfect, full bodied cup of coffee.

Method:

1. Fold the Chemex paper filter - one side should have three layers, the other side one layer.
2. Place the paper filter into the Chemex coffee maker, with the thick side toward the pouring side.
3. Soak the filter with very hot water. This will minimize the "paper taste". Filter will also stick to the glass and you should be able to drain the water without filter falling out of the brewer.
4. Add coffee: for each 125ml/4 oz. cup add 1 rounded tablespoon or 1 scoop (about 7.5 g) of medium ground coffee - so about 30g (one ounce) of coffee per 500ml (16 ounces) of water. Feel free to adjust the amount of coffee according to your personal taste.
5. Boil the water in a kettle and let it cool for about 30 seconds.
6. Pour just enough hot water to saturate the grounds evenly without floating them. This will allow the coffee to "bloom" and become frothy, ready for brewing.
7. Brew the coffee by pouring more water in increments that soak the grounds but keep the level below the top of the Chemex. Do not let the grounds go dry. It should take about 3.5 to 4 minutes for brewing process to finish (for 500ml).
8. Remove the filter with coffee grounds, pour and enjoy.

Important:

• use fresh, good quality coffee
• make sure coffee is ground correctly: it should be medium ground
• use the right amount of coffee
• time the process
• use original Chemex filters - other paper filters are not suitable for this coffee maker and will most likely tear when full of water because of the wide opening in the neck of the coffee maker.

Some people feel that paper filters, especially the bleached ones, add "paper taste" to the coffee. To avoid this, put the paper filter in the holder, then first rinse it with very hot water. Discard the water afterwards. Add coffee into the rinsed filter, brew and enjoy.

Do not rewarm the coffee by putting Chemex onto the stove.

Back to Brewing guides in the Learning section.