Mastering The Chemex Pour Over (Step-By-Step)
I've had my fair share of overly bitter or flat cups. But once you get the hang of it, the Chemex can produce some of the cleanest and most balanced coffee you've ever tasted. So let's break it down:
Equipment
- Chemex coffee maker
- Chemex paper filter (the special bonded ones are a must for that clean cup!)
- Digital scale
- Timer:
- Gooseneck kettle
- Wooden spoon (optional, for stirring)
Ingredients
- Freshly roasted coffee beans (medium-coarse grind size)
- Hot water (heated to about 200°F or just off-boil)
Instructions
- Set Up and Rinse the Filter: Start by folding the Chemex filter along its seams and placing it inside the top of the Chemex. Make sure the thicker, triple-folded part of the filter is facing the spout. Next, rinse the filter thoroughly with hot water. This warms up the glass and removes any papery taste from the filter. Toss out the rinse water before adding your grounds.
- Measure Out Your Coffee and Water: I typically go with a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. For a standard brew, that's about 30 grams of coffee to 450 grams of water. Weigh your coffee beans and grind them to a medium-coarse consistency (like kosher salt). Remember: consistency is key here—uneven grinds can lead to unbalanced flavors.
- Add Coffee Grounds to the Chemex: Place your freshly ground coffee into the center of the filter and give the Chemex a gentle shake to level the grounds. This helps ensure even extraction during the pour.
- Start with the Bloom: Begin by pouring just enough water to saturate the grounds evenly (around 60 grams). You'll see the coffee "bloom" as CO₂ escapes, creating bubbles and releasing the first hit of aromatic goodness. So let it sit for about 30 seconds. This pre-infusion step is crucial and often skipped, but trust me, it makes a big difference.
- Continue Pouring in Small Circles: Slowly start adding water in a steady spiral motion, beginning in the center and working your way outwards. Avoid pouring directly onto the filter itself. Keep the water level steady, and don't rush—aim for a total brew time of about 3-4 minutes. Maintain a consistent, gentle pour rate to extract those rich flavors without over-extracting the grounds.
- Remove the Filter and Enjoy: Once all the water has dripped through, remove the filter and discard it. Give the Chemex a gentle swirl, and pour yourself a cup. The result should be a beautifully clear, bright cup of coffee that highlights all the subtle flavors of your beans.