Chemex Coffee With the Pour Over Coffee Maker

The Chemex coffee carafe is a fascinating brewing device that not only makes top-quality coffee but also serves as a stylish design piece for the kitchen. In this article, we explore the history, structure, and preparation method of the Chemex. Because the Chemex carafe is not just a tool for making coffee; it’s also a symbol of elegance and quality.

The History of Chemex

The history of Chemex dates back to the 1940s. In 1935, Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, a German chemist, immigrated to the United States. Dr. Schlumbohm had a passion for chemistry and design, which merged as he developed the Chemex carafe. In 1941, he received a patent for his unique design, which was both functional and aesthetically appealing.

The Chemex carafe quickly gained popularity in the U.S. and beyond. Its timeless and elegant design resonated with coffee lovers and design enthusiasts alike. In the 1950s, Chemex was even recognized by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where it was showcased as an outstanding example of industrial design.

Over the years, Chemex has undergone various changes and developments, but its fundamental design—a glass carafe with a special filter—has remained unchanged. Today, Chemex is still one of the most popular coffee brewing methods and a symbol of quality and style.

Thus, the story of this coffee carafe is not just about a brewing device but also the successful fusion of science and design that has significantly influenced the coffee world.

Benefits of the Chemex – Why It’s a Great Coffee Brewer

The Chemex coffee carafe offers numerous advantages that make it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Here are some of its standout benefits:

1. Clean and pure taste: The Chemex uses special paper filters that are thicker than standard coffee filters. This allows for slower extraction, resulting in a cleaner and purer coffee taste. The Chemex method enhances coffee flavors while reducing bitterness and acidity.

2. Elegant design: The Chemex carafe is not only an excellent coffee brewing tool but also an aesthetic masterpiece. Its timeless design made of glass and wood makes it a standout in any kitchen or dining setting.

3. Customizable brewing: With Chemex, you can adjust coffee strength and flavor to your liking. The amount of coffee, grind size, and water temperature are flexible, allowing you to create the perfect cup tailored to your taste.

4. Easy cleaning: The Chemex carafe and filter are easy to clean. There are no complex components or mechanisms to maintain. After brewing, simply rinse it for the next use.

5. Environmentally friendly: Since Chemex filters are made of paper, they are biodegradable and eco-friendly. This makes it a sustainable alternative to many coffee machines that use single-use coffee pods.

6. Variety of sizes: Chemex offers different sizes, from single servings to larger carafes, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

7. No electrical components: The Chemex does not require electricity, making it ideal for various settings—from camping trips to offices without kitchens. Like a stovetop espresso maker, you only need a heat source for the water.

Structure and Components of Chemex – From Carafe to Filter

The Chemex coffee carafe has a unique and elegant design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Let’s take a look at the structure and key components of the Chemex:

1. The Carafe: The primary component of the Chemex is its glass carafe, available in various sizes, from single servings to larger models. The carafe’s rounded shape not only looks stylish but also helps distribute the coffee evenly during brewing.

2. The Neck: The neck of the Chemex is the upper part of the carafe, tapering into a narrower opening where the special Chemex filter is placed. The neck ensures controlled coffee flow and concentration during brewing.

3. The Filter: The Chemex filter is a crucial component. It consists of specially folded paper that is thicker than conventional coffee filters. This filter retains fine coffee sediments and enables slow extraction, resulting in a clean and pure coffee flavor.

4. The Wooden Collar and Leather Strap: The neck of the Chemex carafe features a wooden collar, which serves as insulation to prevent burns and adds a stylish touch. A leather strap wraps around the collar, acting as a secure grip for handling the carafe.

5. The Wooden Beads: The leather binding of the Chemex grip often includes two wooden beads, serving not only as decorative elements but also to securely hold the leather strap in place.

The Chemex’s design is intentionally simple and functional, contributing to its timeless elegance. The combination of these components allows for the unique coffee brewing experience that makes the Chemex so popular.

The Different Chemex Models

The Chemex coffee carafe is available in different models and sizes to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of coffee lovers. Here are the various Chemex series:

Chemex Classic Series

The Classic Series is the original and most well-known line of Chemex carafes. It comes in various sizes. The smallest version holds 3 cups, while larger versions accommodate 6, 8, or 10 cups. The models in the Classic Series feature their iconic design, including a rounded carafe with a wooden collar and leather strap.

Glass Handle Series

This series is a variation of the classic Chemex carafe, distinguished by a glass handle instead of the traditional leather strap. The handle gives the carafe a modern touch, making it easier to grip and carry. The Glass Handle Series is available in multiple sizes (3, 6, 8, and 10 cups) and offers the same advantages as the classic models, including a clean, pure coffee taste and timeless design.

Single Serve Chemex Funnex

This innovative variation of the Chemex carafe was specifically designed for single servings. The Single Serve Chemex Funnex allows you to brew your coffee directly into your cup without compromising the quality and clean taste of the Chemex method. It is compact, easy to use, and perfect for a quick morning coffee. Despite its small size, it provides the same clear and pure coffee flavor as the classic models.

Chemex Handblown Series

The Handblown Series offers handcrafted carafes made by experienced glassblowers. Each carafe is a unique piece, distinguished by its shape and texture. Similar to the Classic Series, the Handblown Series also features the traditional wooden collar with a leather strap.

Chemex Ottomatic Series

The Ottomatic Series is an evolution of the Chemex carafe, combined with an electric brewing device called Ottomatic. This coffee machine automates the brewing process and ensures precise water temperature and flow rate for optimal results.

The Special Edition ChemAer

The ChemAer is the result of an idea from the Specialty Coffee Community. It was developed in collaboration with the company Trendglas and Hungarian barista champion Attila Molnár. This coffee maker features an aerator. Inside the carafe, there are blades designed to create turbulence and aeration, allowing more oxygen to interact with the coffee while rapidly reducing temperature. The goal is to reveal more coffee aromas and enhance experimentation with coffee brewing.

Step-by-Step Guide – How to Brew Coffee with Chemex

The Chemex method is a fantastic way to brew delicious coffee with a clean and pure flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide to get the most out of your Chemex carafe:

What You’ll Need:

• A Chemex coffee carafe
• Chemex filters
• Freshly ground coffee
• Hot water
• A scale

Step 1: Fold the Filter

Place the Chemex filter inside the carafe. Ensure that the three-layered side of the filter faces the pour spout of the Chemex. However, it must not block or seal the spout; otherwise, a vacuum may form, preventing the water or coffee from flowing through the filter properly.

Step 2: Grind and Add Coffee

Grind your coffee beans as freshly as possible, right before brewing. The ideal grind size is about as coarse as salt. The amount of coffee you use depends on how many cups you are preparing. A common recommendation is 30-35 grams of coffee per 500 ml of water. Spread the coffee evenly in the filter without pressing it down.

Step 3: Boil the Water

Boil water and let it cool slightly until it reaches about 93-96 °C. This is the optimal brewing temperature for coffee. Water that is too hot can “burn” the coffee, reducing its flavor. We want to extract as many aromas as possible.

Step 4: Brew the Coffee

Start by pouring a small amount of hot water over the coffee to evenly saturate it. Wait about 30 seconds. This step, called “blooming,” allows gases to escape from the coffee, resulting in even better quality.

Then, pour the remaining hot water evenly and slowly over the coffee. Avoid flooding it; instead, pour in circular motions. This helps achieve even extraction.

Step 5: Wait and Enjoy

Wait until the water has passed through the coffee and the carafe is filled. This may take a few minutes, depending on the quantity of coffee you are brewing. Then, your fresh coffee is ready to enjoy!

Alternatives for Pour-Over Coffee

While Chemex is undoubtedly a popular choice for pour-over coffee preparation, there are other excellent options worth considering.

1. Hario V60

The Hario V60 is one of the most well-known alternatives. It has a conical shape and a ridged design that facilitates coffee filtration. With the right technique, you can brew a clear and aromatic coffee with the Hario V60. Since it only comes as a porcelain filter, you will need an additional vessel.

2. Kalita Wave

The Kalita Wave is another popular choice for pour-over coffee. It features a flat-bottom design that promotes even extraction. The Kalita Wave allows for precise control over the brewing process and produces a mild and balanced coffee.

3. AeroPress

Although the AeroPress is typically associated with a different brewing method, it can also be used for pour-over coffee. With the optional AeroPress Puck or Prismo filter cap, you can convert it into a pour-over setup and experiment with your brew.

4. Karlsbad Coffee Maker

The Karlsbad Coffee Maker, also known as the Karlsbad Coffee Pot or Karlsbad Coffee Brewer, is a traditional method for preparing filter coffee. Similar to the Hario V60, it is made of porcelain. However, instead of just a filter, it consists of an entire coffee pot with a built-in permanent filter. Hot water is slowly poured over the coffee grounds and drips into the pot. This method produces a mild and clear coffee and is widely used in Central Europe.

Conclusion – Why I Love the Chemex

The Chemex coffee carafe is not just a method for brewing coffee; it is a living connection between science and art that enables an exceptional coffee experience. This brewing method stands out not only for its clean and pure coffee flavor, which highlights the coffee’s aromas and minimizes bitterness and acidity, but also for its elegant design.

What I appreciate most about the Chemex is not only its elegant design but also the way it transforms the daily coffee ritual into an experience. It invites coffee lovers to explore the world of coffee in all its facets and to enjoy the pure pleasure of a well-brewed cup. It is more than just a coffee carafe—it is a symbol of the artistry of coffee enjoyment and the celebration of coffee.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Chemex