The Best Chemex Coffee Ratio. If you’re a coffee lover, you know that there’s nothing better than a perfectly brewed cup of joe. And if you’re looking for a brewing method that combines simplicity and elegance, the Chemex is definitely worth considering.
But to make the most out of this method, you need to get the chemex coffee to water ratio just right.
The Best Chemex Coffee Ratio
In this guide, we’ll show you how to achieve the best Chemex ratio, and make your mornings (and afternoons, and evenings…) even better.
What is a Chemex?
Before we dive into the details, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. A Chemex is a glass coffee maker that uses a special filter to produce a clean, smooth cup of coffee.
It was invented in 1941 by a chemist named Peter Schlumbohm, who was inspired by the Erlenmeyer flask used in chemistry labs.
What’s so special about the Chemex?
Here are some of the key features that make the Chemex special:
The design:
The Chemex coffee maker has a unique hourglass shape, made of glass or wood, that makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen. The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it a standout brewing device.
The filter:
The Chemex uses a proprietary paper filter that is thicker than most other coffee filters. The filter traps sediment and oils, resulting in a clean and clear cup of coffee.
Additionally, the filter allows for a slower extraction, which brings out the nuances and complexities of the coffee’s flavor.
The process:
Brewing coffee with a Chemex is a slow and deliberate process that requires attention to detail. The coffee is brewed by pouring hot water over the grounds in a circular motion, which allows for even extraction.
This slow and careful brewing process results in a smoother, less bitter cup of coffee.
The versatility:
The Chemex is a versatile brewing device that can be used to make a variety of coffee styles, from light and delicate to rich and full-bodied. With a little experimentation, you can adjust the brewing parameters to achieve your desired coffee strength and flavor.
What’s the best coffee to water ratio Chemex?
The chemex coffee to water ratio is a critical factor in determining the strength and flavor of the coffee you brew with a Chemex. The recommended chemex coffee water ratio is 1:15, which means one gram of coffee for every 15 milliliters of water.
For example, if you want to brew 400 milliliters of coffee, you should use 27 grams of coffee. This ratio is a good starting point, but you can adjust it according to your personal taste preferences.
If you prefer a stronger cup of coffee, you can increase the amount of coffee per unit of water. On the other hand, if you prefer a weaker cup, you can decrease the amount of coffee used.
It’s worth noting that the grind size of the coffee also affects the coffee to water ratio chemex. If the coffee is ground coarser, you may need to use a slightly higher ratio to achieve the desired strength and flavor.
Conversely, if the coffee is ground finer, you may need to use a slightly lower ratio.
The recommended coffee to water ratio chemex is 1:15, but you can adjust this ratio to suit your personal taste preferences.
Experimenting with different ratios and grind sizes is a great way to discover the optimal balance of strength and flavor for your Chemex coffee water ratio.
How do you actually brew coffee with a Chemex?
Brewing coffee with a Chemex is a popular and sophisticated method for creating a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee.
The Chemex coffee maker was invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm, a German chemist, and is still a favorite of coffee enthusiasts today due to its elegant design and quality brews.
If you’re interested in using a Chemex to brew coffee, the following steps will guide you through the process.
Grind your coffee beans:
The first step in brewing coffee with a Chemex is to grind your coffee beans. Start by selecting high-quality coffee beans and grinding them to a medium-coarse consistency. This is slightly finer than what you would use for a French press.
A consistent grind size is crucial to achieving a uniform extraction. Use a burr grinder to ensure the consistency of the grind size. Burr grinders are known for producing consistent grinds as opposed to blade grinders which produce uneven grinds.
Heat your water:
Boil fresh water and allow it to cool for about 30 seconds to a minute. The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee with a Chemex is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C and 96°C). The quality of water is also important, so try to use filtered or spring water.
Place the filter in the Chemex:
Fold the Chemex filter in half and then in half again, creating a cone shape. Place the folded filter in the top of the Chemex and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. Discard the rinse water from the Chemex.
Add coffee grounds:
Add the coffee grounds to the filter. The recommended coffee to water ratio Chemex is 1:15, meaning one gram of coffee for every 15 milliliters of water. For instance, if you want to brew 400 ml of coffee, use 27 grams of coffee.
Bloom the coffee:
Pour just enough water over the coffee grounds to saturate them, about twice the weight of the coffee. This is known as the bloom stage. The coffee will bubble and rise slightly.
This process allows carbon dioxide to escape, which can affect the taste of your coffee. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds, or until the coffee stops bubbling.
Brew the coffee:
Begin pouring the hot water over the coffee in a circular motion, starting in the center and working your way outwards. Make sure to keep the water level below the top of the Chemex to avoid overflowing.
Pour about 60 ml of water initially and then wait for 30 seconds before pouring more. Keep pouring until you have reached the desired amount of coffee.
Serve the coffee:
Once the coffee has finished brewing, carefully remove the filter and dispose of it. Pour the brewed coffee into your mug and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to use a special type of coffee bean for the Chemex?
Not necessarily, but it's always a good idea to use high-quality, fresh coffee beans for any brewing method. Experiment with different roasts and origins to find the flavor profile that suits you best.
Can I use a Chemex for tea?
Sure, why not? The Chemex is technically designed for coffee, but you can use it to brew tea as well. Just follow the same steps as you would for coffee, but adjust the amount of tea leaves and brewing time according to the type of tea you're using.
How do I clean my Chemex?
The easiest way is to rinse it with hot water after each use and let it air dry. If you need to remove any stubborn coffee stains, you can use a gentle soap and a soft brush. Just be careful not to scratch the glass.
Can I use a paper towel instead of a Chemex filter?
Um, no. Please don't try that. The Chemex filters are specially designed to regulate the flow of water and remove any impurities from the coffee. A paper towel won't do the trick (trust us, we've tried).
Conclusion
Brewing coffee with a Chemex is a simple yet rewarding experience. By following the best Chemex coffee ratio and the brewing steps we’ve outlined, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee that’s clean, smooth, and satisfying.
Remember to experiment with different ratios and coffee beans to find your perfect cup. And if all else fails, just add a splash of cream and sugar and call it a day. Happy brewing!
