How to: Use a Chemex coffee maker.

Materials Needed:

Chemex coffee maker
Chemex filters
Coarsely ground coffee
Hot water (just off the boil)
Stirring utensil (wooden or plastic)
Timer (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Make sure you have all the necessary materials assembled before you start.

Step 2: Place the Chemex Filter

Unfold the Chemex filter and place it inside the top of the Chemex brewer, ensuring that the triple-fold portion is aligned with the spout.

Step 3: Rinse the Filter

Pour hot water through the filter to wet and rinse it. This helps remove any paper taste and preheats the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.

Step 4: Measure Coffee Grounds

Use a medium to coarsely ground coffee suitable for pour-over brewing. A common ratio is 1:15 or 1:17 coffee to water. For example, if you're making 16 ounces of coffee, use about 1 to 1.5 ounces of coffee grounds.

Step 5: Add Coffee Grounds

Add the measured coffee grounds to the center of the Chemex filter.

Step 6: Bloom the Coffee

Start a timer and pour just enough hot water over the coffee grounds to wet them evenly. Allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds as gases escape from the coffee.

Step 7: Pour in Stages

Continue pouring hot water over the coffee grounds in a spiral motion, making sure to wet all the grounds evenly. Pause periodically to allow the coffee to drip through the filter.

Step 8: Stir (Optional)

If you want to enhance extraction, you can gently stir the coffee bed with a wooden or plastic utensil after pouring the water.

Step 9: Allow Drip Completion

Allow the coffee to drip through the filter until you've reached the desired volume in the Chemex.

Step 10: Remove the Filter and Serve

Once the dripping is complete, carefully remove the filter with the coffee grounds. Swirl the Chemex gently to mix the coffee, and then serve.

Tips:

Experiment with grind size and pour rate to find your preferred taste and strength.
For a cleaner cup, aim for a total brew time of around 3 to 4 minutes.
Clean the Chemex thoroughly after each use to maintain the quality of your coffee.

Now you're ready to enjoy a delicious cup of pour-over coffee from your Chemex! Adjust the variables to suit your taste preferences and make brewing with your Chemex a delightful daily ritual.