how to use a chemex

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The Chemex pour over coffee jug is easy to use and results in delicious coffee without the bitterness that using a cafetiere can give.

The Chemex - A stylishly retro way of making pour-over coffee

We are a coffee household here, always needing its pick-me-up powers to get us going in the morning. We've recently been enjoying using a pour-over funnel as our brewing technique, not only for the simplicity but also for the clarity of taste, especially when compared to a cafetiere.

We've recently being trying a Chemex combined jug and pour-over funnel. Use is straightforward: the filter paper is placed in the funnel, wetted and pre-warmed with boiling water which is then poured out. The filter paper is a single circle of paper, folded twice and opened out. By aligning the side that has three thicknesses with the spout, it keeps its shape and pouring out the hot water is easy (we always use our BRITA filter kettle – the difference to the coffee is remarkable). Then just use in the same was as any pour over cone: add the coffee and some of the water (just off the boil) to allow the coffee to bloom before pouring the rest of the water. Once the water has dripped through, lift out the filter paper and coffee grounds and discard, and the coffee itself is ready to be poured from the jug.

The advantage of pour over methods of making coffee to a cafetiere is that because with pour over, the finished coffee isn't sitting in contact with the grounds, it's not as bitter, but packed with flavour. If you prefer brighter, fruitier flavoured coffee, then pour over is for you. For a stronger, more intense drink, stick with a cafetiere.

We really like the design style of the Chemex; with its timeless lab feel. It's surprising to find that it was designed in 1941; I would have said some time in the sixties. Ours has the detachable wooden collar to insulate you from the hot glass, with a leather thong to tie it on. Capacity is very good; our ten cup brewer claims a capacity of 50 US fluid ounces (a shade under one and a half litres), but I'm not sure you could fit enough coffee into the cone for that much. It is quite tall, at just under 24 cm, and wide at 15.5 cm, so does take space on the shelf.

As a stylish way of brewing a good cup of pour-over, with the simplicity and clarity of flavour that that implies, we really like and, importantly, enjoy using the Chemex.

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How to make perfect Chemex pour-over coffee

The chemex is a stylish way to brew pour-over coffee; lighter and less bitter than a cafetiere

Servings: 1 person

Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

15 g Ground coffee (Per person)
225 ml Water (Per person. Just off the boil - about 95°C)
Water (Boiling. To wet filter paper)

Fold the filter paper into 4, and place into the Chemex. Pour over boiling water to wet. Pour out the spare water.
Add the ground coffee to the filter paper. Pour over the water to wet the grounds. Wait for about 30 seconds for the coffee to become fully wet.
Slowly pour over the remaining water.
Remove the filter paper (it's hot - use your fingertips!), and enjoy your freshly brewed coffee.

• Please note that the nutrition information provided below is approximate and meant as a guideline only.

• Unless stated otherwise cup conversions have been made with an online tool. For accuracy please check with your favoured conversion tool. We recommend buying inexpensive digital kitchen scales.

Nutrition Facts

How to make perfect Chemex pour-over coffee

Amount Per Serving

Calories 3

% Daily Value*

Sodium 11mg 0%

Carbohydrates 1g 0%

Sugar 1g 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Drink

Cuisine: Drink

Keyword: How to make Chemex coffee, How to use a Chemex

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Fuss Free Flavours received a Chemex, coffee and a filter kettle from BRITA. All opinions our own.

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