Coffee is a drink with an ancient and rich history. But restless humanity does not give up attempts to improve and improve the taste of coffee, inventing new recipes and devices for its preparation. Chemex was another attempt to brew the perfect coffee in simple living conditions. I must admit, the attempt turned out to be quite successful.
What it is
If you look at it, at its core, a Chemex is a filter flask designed for brewing coffee. Despite the fact that the design is quite primitive, it is unique in its own way, and the result of its use pleases everyone.
The device was invented more than 70 years ago, around 1941, by the famous chemist Peter Schlumb. The scientist was a fan of the drink and tried to create a method that would allow it to be prepared in working conditions. So one day, combining convenience and simplicity, he received a design whose name was Chemex (“Chemex”), as if hinting at the inventor’s specialty - chemistry. The simplicity and convenience of the product have won the attention of people around the world.
Chemex design
So, what does a Chemex consist of? The main part of the product is a regular flask and a glass funnel. These two parts are connected together using a garter and a clamp; previously these parts were made of leather, but now they mainly use plastic, silicone or wood. The device has a spout, which makes pouring the resulting drink more convenient. Disposable paper filters are included with the device. Despite the primitiveness of the structure, coffee in such a container turns out very tasty and aromatic.
Advantages of capacity
This design has a number of advantages, including:
- Availability of use, such a product can be used anywhere, from the office to hiking. The cooking process itself is simple and accessible to everyone; this will require hot water, coffee and the design itself.
- Taste qualities of the resulting drink. The liquid prepared in this design is very tasty, it reveals all the shades of aroma and taste. Coffee connoisseurs prefer to use a similar design in contrast to coffee makers and modern coffee machines.
- Easy to clean, just pull out the disposable filter and wash the flask; this can be done in any conditions, even in the forest.
As can be seen from the listed advantages, the design is convenient and easy to use, and the drink in it is tasty and aromatic.
Disadvantages of the product
Like any product, Chemex has disadvantages that should be taken into account when choosing this design:
- The cost of the product is quite high.
- Fragility, do not forget that the container is made of glass, which, as a rule, is a fragile material. Washing the product with products is quite dangerous, as it can slip out and therefore break. Manufacturers of modern Chemex have replaced fragile glass with other materials, but the classic version still remains fragile.
But despite the presence of shortcomings, many coffee connoisseurs prefer preparing it in this design.
Reviews
Elena, 40 years old, Moscow: “According to the recommendations of colleagues, I purchased a Chemex coffee maker for my home. The drink has a refined coffee aroma. The device is compact and lightweight, I can take it on the road for trips to nature.”
Olga, 29 years old, Korolev: “I use a device for brewing Chemex coffee; the container is aesthetically pleasing and allows me to prepare high-quality varieties of coffee beans. The device is more budget-friendly compared to coffee machines. However, you should consider the need to purchase quality filters.”
The coffee maker variety is an easy-to-use way to brew gourmet coffee. The device is optimal for connoisseurs of coffee made from expensive beans and high-quality grinding. Before use, it is necessary to study the nuances of the cooking process; the temperature regime of the water and the speed of pouring through the filter are important.
Filters for Chemex
Filter bags for construction come in several types:
- Metal ones, these hold larger particles, and small ones with oils seep through, making the contents more dense. When using a metal filter, the drink continues to be extracted due to suspension for a long time and therefore bitterness or an off-flavor may appear in the taste. A metal filter is more economical, but it significantly affects the taste.
- Fabric ones are better at retaining not only large, but also small particles, as well as a significant amount of oils. But despite good filtration, the resulting liquid still turns out solid, but cleaner than when using metal filters. Fabric filters, like metal filters, are reusable, but their care and storage must be correct, so such bags are rarely used.
- Paper filters are the most popular, since when they are used, the drink turns out to be as pure and bright in taste as possible. Their use is simple and convenient, after use they are simply thrown away.
Of all the above, users recommend using paper filter bags; they come in different sizes depending on the Chemex; manufacturers indicate this information on the packaging.
Cooking rules
The procedure for preparing coffee in a Chemex is quite simple, but it should be followed, since this is the only way to obtain a liquid with the desired taste and aroma:
- A filter is placed in the funnel; it must be opened in such a way that there is one layer on one side and three on the other, the thickened side is placed at the side of the spout;
- Pre-filter is doused with a large amount of water, this way you can remove the foreign smell of the paper;
- then the water is drained without removing the bag;
- the water should be heated, but not boiled, bubbles should appear, but there should be no bubbling;
- if the water suddenly boils, it should be removed from the heat and cooled a little; it is not recommended to use boiling water;
- the grains are laid out in a heap in accordance with the selected proportions;
- a depression is made in the middle;
- Next, the coffee is moistened with water, thus starting the extraction process. When exposed to hot water, the product begins to produce aromas;
- then wait until the liquid is absorbed by the grains;
- the liquid is poured in slowly in a circular motion and when about two centimeters remain to the edges, the infusion is stopped and wait until the liquid is drained;
- then pour it again, but through the center, since pouring it along the edges will not wash out the composition evenly;
- After the liquid has completely drained, the filter is removed and the resulting drink is poured into cups.
As you can see, the preparation method is not complicated, but it is recommended to follow the procedure, since this is the only way to achieve the appropriate taste of the drink.
Some brewing features
Those who are going to use a Chemex should know some features of making coffee in it:
- Freshness of beans: in order for the taste of the drink to be revealed as needed, the freshest coffee should be used. The best period after roasting during which the beans should be used is from 1 to 30 days. If you take less fresh coffee, you may not notice the difference between the varieties, and in some cases the drink may have an earthy aftertaste.
- This type of coffee is worth paying attention to because it has pronounced coffee acidity, which is multifaceted. It may taste like ripe apple or currant, as well as lime. By preparing such varieties using Chemex, the acidity is smoothed out, and the drink acquires a bright and rich taste. Experts advise starting with coffee varieties from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rounda, as well as Guatemala and Indonesia, as they are more balanced and combine a large number of notes.
- Water, its mineralization should vary from 50 to 100 mg/l; if it is less than 50, it’s not so scary, but it’s not worth using with more. It is ideal to use a liquid that has been filtered through a professional filter with reverse osmosis, but if this is not possible, then you can always choose bottled water with the appropriate mineralization. You can always experiment to find the perfect water choice.
- The period after opening the package of beans is important to consider, since after opening the composition exhales very quickly. It is recommended to purchase the composition in quantities that will be consumed in a short time;
- time elapsed after grinding, in order not to lose taste and avoid oxidation of the grains, it is recommended to grind them immediately before cooking in a Chemex. The ground particles begin to change their chemical composition in a fairly short time, which negatively affects the taste.
- Grinding for this device should be approximately the same as for a French press, or a little finer.
- Dosage, the optimal volume of grains for 6 cups is about 30 grams, but you can always experiment to get the desired result.
- Distribution through the filter, before placing the grains in a container, it is recommended to pour 100 ml of boiling water over the bag, this will remove the papery taste. Next, the coffee is distributed evenly throughout the bag, and a depression is made in the middle for uniform brewing.
- The temperature of the poured liquid is 95 degrees, but since all varieties are individual, it is selected in accordance with the preferred coffee.
- Pre-wetting and brewing, before cooking, the coffee is moistened until the liquid is absorbed.
It is important to remember that to prepare a drink in this design you will need filter bags, the cost of which reaches about 1 thousand rubles. for 100 pcs, but models are sold that already include reusable filters.
Grinding
The traditional grind for a Chemex is considered medium, as for a drip coffee maker, but a slightly coarser grind will do. In fact, the grind size should be taken into account when considering the volume of the drink, that is, the larger it is, the larger the particles should be, and accordingly vice versa. The speed of water flow depends on the size of the grains; if the grind is coarse, the drink will not have time to extract and will turn out grassy with a sour taste. If you grind too finely, you will end up with a bitter-tasting liquid in your cup.
This feature should be taken into account when preparing the contents in a Chemex.
Inexpensive
In the list of inexpensive devices we will place those that cost less than 3,000 rubles.
Chemex for coffee glass, 400 ml
Chemex from the Chinese company Fujian Province Guang Fu Tea is made of glass and has a small volume (400 ml), which is enough to prepare a drink for two. This model is simple to use, has a spout for easy pouring and is easy to clean. Does not require special care skills and can be used in the dishwasher, but it is better to wash it by hand since glass is still a fragile material.
Chemex for coffee glass, 400 ml
Advantages:
- price;
- ease of care;
- ease of use.
Flaws:
- no handle to hold.
Chemex "Columbus" with bamboo cuff and filter
Chemex from a Chinese company, with a bamboo cuff and a metal filter, is popular among connoisseurs of hand-brewed coffee. The model is made of transparent heat-resistant glass; on the lower part of the body there is a measuring scale that allows you to control the volume of the drink being prepared. The product can be washed in the dishwasher. The set includes a reusable metal filter, and the product itself is packaged in a beautiful multi-colored package.
Chemex "Columbus" with bamboo cuff and filter
Advantages:
- price;
- equipment;
- Dishwasher safe;
- presence of a measuring scale.
Flaws:
- No.
Hario V60 VDD-02B
The Japanese company produces the Hario V60 VDD-02B model, a coffee maker for making coffee manually. The container is made of heat-resistant glass and equipped with an elastic silicone belt, thanks to which the dishes do not slip out of your hands. Caring for the dishes is quite simple, just remove the used filter and rinse the container.
Hario V60 VDD-02B
Advantages:
- price;
- quality;
- design;
- ease of use and care.
Flaws:
- No.
Principle of operation
A Chemex for coffee is a round vessel that gradually tapers and turns into a wide funnel with a groove for air access to the lower part. The narrow center is edged with a wooden or leather ring that protects your hands from burns.
A paper filter is installed in the upper part, through which the extracted coffee slowly flows into the lower flask.
According to the principle of operation, a Chemex is somewhat reminiscent of a pour-over, with the difference that in the Japanese brewing method the funnel has special grooves for saturating the drink with air. The Chemex filter funnel fits tightly to the walls.
