The Chemex
Loco’s Choice: https://amzn.to/3DFrBTH
The Chemex is a beautifully designed, manual pour-over coffee maker that combines aesthetics with functionality to brew clean, flavorful coffee. Invented in 1941 by German chemist Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex is renowned for its elegant hourglass shape, made from non-porous borosilicate glass, and its unique brewing process that emphasizes clarity and smoothness in the cup.
Key Features of the Chemex:
Design & Materials:
The Chemex is made from high-quality borosilicate glass, which is durable, resistant to thermal shock, and transparent, allowing you to see the brewing process.
It features a wooden collar or leather strap around the neck, which not only adds to its visual appeal but also makes it easier to handle when hot.
Brewing Process:
The Chemex utilizes a pour-over method, where hot water is poured over coffee grounds in a filter. The water slowly extracts the coffee’s flavours as it passes through the grounds and drips into the bottom of the vessel.
The Chemex’s signature is its specially designed, thick paper filters, which are significantly thicker than typical filters used in pour-over brewing. This thickness removes more oils and micro-particles, resulting in a clean, crisp cup with a smooth mouthfeel and a bright flavour profile.
Coffee Flavor:
The result of brewing with a Chemex is a coffee that tends to be more vibrant and cleaner compared to other brewing methods. The thicker filters allow the coffee to retain less of the oils and fines (tiny particles), which means the brew has a clear, tea-like quality with delicate flavours and pronounced acidity.
Many coffee enthusiasts appreciate the Chemex for its ability to highlight subtle tasting notes, especially in high-quality, single-origin coffees.
Capacity:
The Chemex comes in various sizes, from a 3-cup version to a 10-cup model, making it versatile for both single cups and larger brews.
Ease of Use:
While the Chemex brewing process is a bit slower than other methods, it’s simple and intuitive, making it ideal for those who enjoy the ritual of coffee brewing. You need to add ground coffee to the filter, pour in hot water in a circular motion, and wait for the brew to filter through.
Aesthetic Appeal:
The Chemex’s elegant design has earned it a spot in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), thanks to its timeless beauty and innovative functionality. It’s often considered a conversation piece as much as a coffee maker, blending form and function seamlessly.
Why Use a Chemex?
Clean and Crisp Brew: Thanks to the thick filters, the Chemex produces coffee with minimal bitterness and a well-defined taste, which is ideal for those who prefer a more refined, lighter cup of coffee.
Visual Appeal: It’s an elegant addition to any kitchen or coffee bar, with its minimalist design that doubles as a work of art.
Versatility: It works well with a variety of coffee beans, especially those that showcase nuanced, fruity, or floral notes.
Overall, the Chemex is ideal for those who appreciate slow, deliberate brewing and a clear, vibrant cup of coffee. While it may require a little more time and attention than other methods, the results are well worth the effort for those seeking a refined coffee experience.
This is the model we would advise, and also the model we use at Loco Coffee: https://amzn.to/3DFrBTH
Further Chemex Accessories can be found here:
Chemex Coffee Maker https://amzn.to/4gYSvUX
Chemex Filters https://amzn.to/4gGeq3p
Scale https://amzn.to/4gJgwQ8
Gooseneck Kettle https://amzn.to/3DKjUf5
