Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide 2021 – Instructions for Beginners

How do you make Chemex coffee? For a beginner in coffee brewing, there is a lot you need to know to brew an ideal cup of coffee using a Chemex coffee maker. 

If you’re looking for a brewing manual, this Chemex coffee brewing guide is for you. Get ready with your coffee maker, Chemex paper filter, ground coffee, and filtered water. 

So, let’s get started!

Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Overview Of a Chemex Coffee Maker

A Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker. It is also a drip coffee maker as it drips coffee from a paper filter. A Chemex has an hourglass shape and is made of non-porous Borosilicate glass. The traditional Chemex design has a wooden collar that protects the barista’s hands from the hot coffee. 

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Besides the traditional model, the Chemex coffee maker has a modern design with a glass handle. The reason some coffee lovers prefer the glass-handle Chemex coffee maker is the ease of cleaning. 

An example of a Chemex coffee maker with a traditional design is the Classic series, while a modern design from the brand is the glass handle series. 

The coffee maker uses specific Chemex paper filters to brew. They are designed specifically for brewing Chemex coffee and are thicker than the usual paper filters.

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How To Make Chemex Coffee 

Making Chemex coffee does not require you to have barista skills. Most coffee lovers prefer to roast coffee beans at home. With an external coffee grinder, like a Cuisinart or Kitchenaid, you can grind coffee beans before brewing.

The reason for grinding coffee beans instead of using pre-ground coffee is to have a fresh cup of joe. So, how do you make Chemex coffee?

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What you need

1. Chemex coffee maker
2. Chemex paper filter
3. Scoop and a stirrer (spoon or wooden stick)
4. Coffee (coffee beans or pre-ground)
5. Coffee grinder (If you’re grinding fresh coffee beans)
6. Water kettle and a heat source

Step-by-step procedure to making Chemex Coffee

The Chemex coffee grind size is medium-coarse. Make sure that you adjust the grind size on your grinder. Measure the volume of water and amount of coffee to use. 

Step 1: Place the paper filter

Fold the paper filter twice to a cone shape. To place the paper filter, make sure that the three-layered side is on the spout of the Chemex coffee maker. 

The reason why the thick side is on the spout is to prevent the paper filter from soaking into the coffee maker or sticking in when brewing.

Step 2: Rinse the paper filter.

Soak the Chemex paper filter with hot water. Remember, brewing water should be on the heat source to maintain the brewing temperature at 195-205 F. 

There are two reasons for rinsing the Chemex filter. First, to remove the paper flavor, which may affect the taste of the coffee brewing. Second, the water pre-heats the Chemex and maintains the temperature of the coffee brewing.

Step 3: Add the ground coffee

Pour out the water. Add a scoop of the ground coffee into the dump paper filter. However, if you prefer a strong cup of joe, you can use two coffee scoops. 

The Chemex coffee ratio is one scoop for 5 ounces of water. With the coffee ratio, you can adjust your coffee volume based on the number of people serving. 

Step 4: Blooming

Blooming is a process in coffee brewing that involves saturating coffee grounds with water. So, for Chemex coffee, add a portion of hot water (approximately 100g) to the ground coffee.

Let the mixture bloom for around 30 seconds. With your stirrer, mix the solution to make sure that the coffee grounds are soaked in water.  

Step 5: Add more water

Add the remaining water in portions in a circular manner. Pour the water from the center and proceed outwards. You can use the stirrer to mix the water-coffee solution. 

Once you’ve added all the water, leave the coffee to brew. After the brewing process is complete, serve and enjoy your Chemex coffee. You can use the coffee maker to brew coffee for single-serve or multiple servings.

Chemex Iced Coffee 

For iced coffee lovers, you can also make iced coffee. You do not need an automatic coffee maker to brew iced coffee. So, are you ready with your ice cubes?

Some iced coffee lovers will add the ice cubes into the Chemex coffee maker. As a result, hot coffee drips on the cubes. Alternatively, you can have ice cubes in your coffee cup. 

So, follow the Chemex brewing guide above to brew coffee. After you’re done with the brewing, you can add the ice cubes into the Chemex or pour hot coffee over ice cubes in a cup. 

That is how simple it is to brew iced coffee at home with a Chemex. 

Tips To A Perfect Cup Of Chemex Coffee

To get it right with Chemex coffee, make sure that your three-layered side of the paper filter sits on the spout of the Chemex coffee maker. It helps to let out air when brewing. 

The second tip is to make sure that you rinse the paper filter before you begin brewing. It removes the paper flavor and maintains the brewing temperature. 

Finally, the brewing water should be about 195- 205 F. If you’re using the classic Chemex brewer, be careful not to burn from the hot coffee. Clean the coffee maker after brewing to have a fresh cup of coffee in the next brewing cycle. 

Chemex Coffee Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the benefits of using a Chemex coffee maker?

A Chemex coffee maker has a unique design that gives it an attractive look. It is easy to use for a beginner with no brewing skills.

The coffee maker results in a rich cup of coffee. However, a drawback to using a Chemex is that it is tough to clean the inner parts. Besides, it can be tricky to handle the wooden collar as it can break.

Would You Recommend Chemex Coffee?

If you’re looking to try out pour-over brewing, Chemex coffee is worth your time. It is rich in flavor, as you have control over the brewing process. 

The non-borosilicate glass maintains the flavor of the coffee as it does not absorb chemicals. With a Chemex coffee maker, you can make coffee for multiple servings as it comes in various sizes.