What is a Chemex and how do you use it?

If you’re an avid coffee enthusiast, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of the Chemex. This is a manual coffee brewer that’s been around since the 1940s but is only attracting interest now that coffee drinkers are looking for a more hands-on experience. The Chemex is perfect for those who want to take their coffee-brewing experience to the next level—or simply enjoy a better cup of joe.

Are you wondering why the Chemex is so popular in Los Angeles, then read on!

What is a Chemex?

The Chemex is a pour over coffee maker that uses a paper filter to brew the coffee. It’s made of heatproof borosilicate glass, which is resistant to extreme temperatures and thermal shock. The design is simple and classic, with an hourglass shape that’s intended to concentrate the flavors of your coffee.

About the Chemex brewing method

The Chemes brews its coffee using the infusion method, sometimes called drip or gravity brew.

Infusion is the method where water runs through a coffee bed in a filter and down into a vessel below. Other methods of brewing are immersion (the French Press) and pressure (Espresso) and the combination of these two (Aeropress).

Chemex vs. French Press vs. AeroPress: What’s The Difference?

The main difference between these three methods lies in how they filter out the grounds from your brew. Each method uses a different kind of filter. A French press uses a metal mesh filter that allows some sediment into your cup – which some people like. An AeroPress uses paper filters that allow very little sediment through into your cup – which most people prefer. And finally, a Chemex uses paper filters as well but does not allow any sediment into your cup because it has an inverted conical shape which keeps all grounds at the bottom of the filter.

Chemex Brewing Is All About Quality

The Chemex brew method is all about quality. It allows you to control every aspect of your coffee-brewing process from start to finish, resulting in a cup of joe that tastes amazing. You have complete control over how much water you pour over the grounds and how long they steep for.

Why is it called a Chemex?

Well, we have the answer for you: it’s an invented word. Learn more about the history of the Chemex, click here.

Wondering when to use a Chemex?

The Chemex is best for brewing coffee that has a rich, bold flavor and a light to medium body. It makes a clean and crisp cup of coffee.

Is the Chemex is a great brewer for our Nicaraguan coffee?

And the answer is: absolutely! We love using the Chemex because it allows us to enjoy all the rich flavors and aromas that make Nicaraguan coffee so special.

If you want to appreciate the full flavor and body of Nicaraguan coffee, try using a Chemex drip brewer. The thicker filter traps oils and allows the flavor to pass through without any bitterness or grit.

Give our medium roast Nicaraguan coffee a try and see for yourself.

Here are some tips for brewing a Chemex:

1. 1. Grind your beans just before brewing: You should always grind your beans less than 15 minutes before brewing. The right size for a Chemex is about medium-fine grind or about the same as table salt. If your beans are too coarse, they will take longer to brew, and if they are too fine, they may clog up the filter. Experiment until you get it just right.

   
   

   2. Measure out your water: Use 6 fl oz of water for every 1 tablespoon of ground coffee beans (or 7 fl oz per 1/4 cup). If you’re using a scale, measure out exactly 6 fl oz of water into the carafe before adding any grounds and start there—if you don’t have a scale handy, then just eyeball it! You can always adjust later if necessary.

   
   

   3. Add hot water: Pour the hot water over