Chemex Brewing Instructions

This recipe is for the six cup Chemex coffee Brewer.

What you'll need

  • Chemex Coffeemaker
  • 1 Chemex filter
  • 5.5 Tbsp coffee, coarse grind
  • 2 cups of water,201 degrees
  • Kitchen scale

Equipment we used

  • Chemex 6-Cup, Glass Handle
  • Chemex Square Coffee Filters
  • Bunn Burr Grinder
  • Chemex Gooseneck Kettle
  • Bonavita Coffee Scale

Chemex coffee-to-water ratio

When brewing with a Chemex, the exact ratio we recommend at Vinaccio Coffee is 1:16. This would be considered on the lower and of the coffee to water ratio range, which reduces extraction. Because there is less water used, less flavonoids are extracted from the coffee.

The design of the Chemex filter makes it important to keep the extraction rate low because the coffee filter is so thick it slows the flow of water through the ground coffee, resulting in a longer contact time. This equates to an overall higher extraction time or rate. You might have to adjust your ratio to ensure that the coffee does not become over extracted or bitter. Using a lower coffee to water ratio balances out the additional contact time that the water has with the coffee grounds due to that thicker coffee filter. If you utilized a higher coffee to water ratio your brew time would be around 10 minutes, far too long for proper coffee extraction.

Step 1: Rinse filter

Unfold the Chemex filter so that three layers cover the spout. Pre warm your Chemex coffee filter with hot water and make sure that there is a seal between the paper and glass, then pour that water into your coffee cup to preheat it.

Step 2: Add coffee

Put 5.5 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee into the filter and shake it to level out the coffee grounds. If you’re using a scale, weigh it at this point.

Step 3: Wet the grounds

Start your timer and pour just enough water to saturate the coffee grounds.

Step 4: Stir

Gently stir the grounds and let them bloom for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Add more water

Approximately 30 seconds into the brew cycle, pour the remainder of your water in a slow circular movement over the coffee grounds. Continue this until the water reaches the top of the Chemex. Allow the water level to drop, then add the remaining amount of water until you add the entire 2 cups of water.

Step 6: Relax

Let the coffee finish its brew cycle. This should take approximately 4 minutes.

Step 7: Enjoy

Enjoy your hard work and try to decipher the notes contained within the coffee. Is it fruity? Chocolate? Caramel notes?

Chemex Brewing Tips

Coffee becomes bitter when it is over extracted. Be sure to check for a consistent grind sizes as the smaller grinds can become over extracted and the larger grinds under extracted. A good burr coffee grinder will solve this problem.

If your brew cycle is taking over four minutes, try using a coarser grind.

The ideal water temperature is 201°. If you don’t have a thermometer you can achieve this by bringing your water to a boil and letting it sit for approximately 1 minute. Boiling water will burn the coffee, while tepid water will under extract. Proper brew temperature is imperative.