The world of specialty coffee is immense, and among the many brewing methods is one that stands out for its precision and clarity – the Chemex.
The Chemex, a cylindrical glass container with an elegantly straightforward design, has been impressing coffee connoisseurs and fresh enthusiasts alike since its introduction by Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. Its unique attributes have contributed to its enduring reputation for serving the pure taste of coffee. So, what makes Chemex unique, and how does it compare to other brewing methods? Let us delve deeper into the world of pure-taste coffee and explore everything you need to know to get started!
What is Chemex, and How does it Work?
Built for precision, the Chemex operates on a plain mechanism that utilizes density and gravity to purify coffee. Here are the fundamental components that make it tick:
1. Glass container: The elegant and polished glass container stands as a testament to the modernity of its design.
2. Air-free glass: The glass does not hold any air pockets. Instead, a skinny layer prevents coffee and water from interfacing at the bottom of the machine, a result of the precision poured into crafting the container and pouring its contents.
3. Chemical bond-free: Unlike stainless steel filters, the Chemex doesn’t contain any chemical treatments to rid the coffee of paper fibers (a common element of regular ground coffee). This not only imparts a milder aroma but also reduces aftertastes.
4. Medium-bodies: Chemex blends often have a medium-density level; this means 95/5 to an ideal combination of 50 – 20 – 30%.
Chemex’s unique process unfolds when adding water to the rugged grounds on the filter. Unlike regular filter coffee, Chemex pours using a 47°C – 52°F preheat phase, followed by medium pour flow. The medium-fine pore size and flat base serve as a perfect fusion. Then, the 25mm top diameter of the filter keeps airways open for complete circulation before the final 18° spiral.
A World of Pure Delights, A World of Flavored Confusions
You are a coffee enthusiast who needs no less than a opulent brewing. No matter the bean’s richness, the Chemex maintains harmony with its chemical-bond-free glass, a flat-bottom flat base, and rugged grinding by a Chemex specific brewer. You begin the adventure!
