When it comes to brewing coffee, the temperature of the water is just as important as the quality of the beans.
One popular brewing method that emphasizes the importance of water temperature is the Chemex.
The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that uses a paper filter to produce a clean and flavorful cup of coffee.
However, to achieve the perfect cup, it’s important to pay attention to the water temperature.
The perfect water temperature for brewing coffee with a Chemex is between 195°F and 205°F (90-95°C).
Water on the lower end of the range is recommended for a finer grind, while water on the higher end is better for a coarser grind.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the science behind the ideal water temperature for brewing coffee in a Chemex and share some tips for achieving the perfect cup.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee aficionado or a newcomer to the world of specialty coffee, understanding the role of water temperature in the Chemex brewing process will help you take your coffee game to the next level.
Why The Chemex Is An Effective Pour Over Method
The Chemex is a pour-over coffee brewing method that has been around since the 1940s.
It was invented by a German chemist named Peter Schlumbohm, who wanted to create a coffee maker that would combine the art and science of brewing coffee.
The Chemex is known for its iconic design, which consists of a glass vessel and a conical paper filter.
Here are some reasons why the Chemex is an effective pour-over method:
Paper filter
The Chemex uses a paper filter that removes any impurities or bitterness from the coffee, resulting in a clean and smooth cup.
The paper filter also allows for the coffee to be brewed at a slower pace, which allows for more thorough extraction.
Hourglass shape
The hourglass shape of the Chemex allows for the coffee to be brewed evenly, as the water is distributed evenly throughout the coffee grounds.
This results in a more consistent and balanced cup.
Control
The Chemex allows for precise control over the water temperature and the rate at which the water is poured.
This allows for customization of the brewing process to suit individual preferences and to bring out the unique flavors of different coffee beans.
Aesthetic appeal
The Chemex is not only an effective brewing method but also a beautiful piece of art.
Its elegant design has won it a place in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
In summary, the Chemex is an effective pour-over method due to its thick paper filter, hourglass shape, control, and aesthetic appeal.
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy a clean, smooth, and flavorful cup of coffee, the Chemex is definitely worth considering.
Water temperature is a crucial factor in making a great cup of coffee, and when it comes to brewing with a Chemex, it’s essential to ask the question: “What temperature should I use for the brewing process?”
The Importance of Water Temperature for Brewing Coffee with a Chemex
To achieve the perfect cup of coffee with a Chemex, it’s essential to pay attention to the water temperature.
The ideal range for brewing coffee with a Chemex is between 195°F and 205°F (90-95°C).
It’s important to note that water temperature can significantly impact the taste of the final cup of coffee.
If the water temperature is too low, the coffee will be under-extracted, resulting in a weak and sour taste.
On the other hand, if the water temperature is too high, the coffee will be over-extracted, leading to a bitter and unpleasant taste.
To achieve the perfect balance, it’s essential to use water within the recommended temperature range.
An electric or stovetop kettle can be used to achieve the ideal water temperature. Investing in a temperature-controlled kettle can make the process more convenient and precise, ensuring that the water is heated to the perfect temperature for brewing.
In summary, achieving the ideal water temperature is crucial for brewing the perfect cup of coffee with a Chemex.
By using water within the recommended temperature range, you can avoid under or over-extracting the coffee and achieve a well-balanced and delicious cup.
The Impact of Grind Size on Achieving the Perfect Chemex Water Temperature
While water temperature is essential for brewing coffee with a Chemex, the grind size also plays a significant role in determining the taste of the final cup.
The coffee-to-water ratio and the grind size must be carefully considered to achieve the perfect cup.
If a finer grind size is used, it’s recommended to use water on the lower end of the temperature range, between 195°F and 200°F (90-93°C).
This is because the finer grind size increases the surface area of the coffee, allowing for a faster extraction process.
Using water at a lower temperature helps to slow down the extraction process and prevent over-extraction, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful cup.
On the other hand, if a coarser grind size is used, it’s recommended to use water on the higher end of the temperature range, between 200°F and 205°F (93-95°C).
This is because a coarser grind size decreases the surface area of the coffee, resulting in a slower extraction process.
Using water at a higher temperature helps to speed up the extraction process, ensuring that the coffee is fully extracted and resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful cup.
Using filtered water is also essential to reduce any unwanted flavors or impurities in the final cup.
Impurities in the water can affect the taste of the coffee, even if the water is at the correct temperature and the grind size is correct.
The grind size is a crucial factor in achieving the perfect cup of coffee with a Chemex.
By adjusting the water temperature based on the grind size and using filtered water, you can ensure a well-balanced and flavorful cup every time.
What Type Of Coffee Is Best To Use With A Chemex Pour Over Coffee Maker?
When it comes to using a Chemex pour over coffee maker, the best type of coffee to use is a medium roast.
A medium roast coffee will have the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, making it ideal for a Chemex brew.
Avoid using dark roast coffees as they tend to be more bitter and can overpower the delicate flavors of the Chemex brew.
It is also important to use freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them just before brewing to ensure the best flavor and aroma.
Brewing in a Chemex with Cold Water
While brewing with hot water is the traditional method for making coffee with a Chemex, it’s also possible to brew coffee with cold water.
However, this requires a different approach, known as the cold brew process.
The cold brew process involves submerging the coffee grinds in cold water and letting it steep overnight.
This slow extraction process allows for maximum flavor extraction, resulting in a smooth and less acidic cup of coffee.
Once the coffee has steeped, it is filtered to remove the grinds, and the concentrate can be diluted with water or milk to taste.
It’s important to note that if you use too cold water when brewing with a Chemex, the coffee may be under-extracted and taste weak.
On the other hand, if you use too hot water, the coffee may be over-extracted and taste bitter.
Therefore, experimenting with different water temperatures is crucial to finding the perfect temperature for your Chemex and personal taste preference.
Brewing with cold water is possible with a Chemex through the cold brew process.
It offers a unique and smooth coffee experience, but it’s important to pay attention to the water temperature to avoid under or over-extraction.
Experimenting with different water temperatures can help you achieve the perfect cup of coffee with your Chemex.
How To Achieve The Ideal Water Temperature For Brewing Chemex Coffee
Getting the right water temperature is crucial for brewing a delicious cup of Chemex coffee.
The ideal temperature range for Chemex brewing is between 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit (90-95°C).
One way to achieve this temperature range is to bring the water to a boil and then let it sit for about 30 seconds before pouring it over the coffee grounds.
This method ensures that the water is at the perfect temperature without being too hot or too cold.
Using a gooseneck kettle, either stove-top or electric, can also help achieve the ideal water temperature range for Chemex brewing.
These kettles allow for greater control over the water flow and temperature, which can lead to a more consistent and flavorful cup of coffee.
For those who want to take their temperature control to the next level, investing in a temperature-control kettle is a great option.
While they may be more expensive, these kettles offer various cool features, such as programming the desired temperature and keeping water at a precise temperature for up to an hour.
If you do not have access to a temperature-control kettle, you can also purchase a temperature reader for a non-temperature-control kettle.
This device will help you keep track of the temperature and ensure that you are brewing your coffee with water that is at the ideal temperature range.
In a pinch, if you have no way of measuring the water temperature, you can boil the water and let it sit for 30-60 seconds before using it.
This will help bring the water temperature down to the ideal range for Chemex brewing.
In summary, achieving the ideal water temperature range for Chemex coffee is crucial for a flavorful and consistent cup of coffee.
By using a gooseneck kettle, investing in a temperature control kettle, or using a temperature reader, you can ensure that your water temperature is at the perfect range for Chemex brewing.
How To Make Chemex Pour Over Coffee Effectively
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Chemex pour over coffee:
- Gather all your materials: You will need a Chemex brewer, a Chemex filter, freshly roasted coffee beans, a coffee grinder, a gooseneck kettle, and filtered water.
- Grind your coffee: Use a burr grinder to grind your coffee beans to a medium-coarse consistency. You will need 1 gram of coffee for every 15-18 grams of water.
- Heat the water: Bring filtered water to a boil, and let it cool for 30-60 seconds until the water temperature reaches 195-205°F (90-95°C).
- Rinse the filter: Place the Chemex filter in the brewer and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the Chemex.
- Add coffee grounds: Discard the water used for rinsing, and add your coffee grounds to the filter.
- Bloom the coffee: Pour a small amount of water (about twice the amount of coffee) over the grounds to saturate them, and let it sit for 30 seconds. This process is called blooming and helps release gases from the coffee grounds for optimal flavor.
- Begin pouring: Start pouring the rest of the hot water over the coffee in a circular motion, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Be sure to pour slowly and steadily to allow the water to fully extract the coffee.
- Wait and serve: Wait for the coffee to finish dripping into the Chemex. This should take around 3-4 minutes. Once it’s finished, discard the filter and serve the coffee.
And that’s it! With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to make delicious Chemex pour over coffee at home.
Conclusion
Achieving the perfect water temperature is essential to making a great Chemex pour over coffee.
Water temperature affects the extraction of the coffee and can either result in an under-extracted or over-extracted brew.
By using a temperature control kettle, heating water to the ideal range of 195-205°F (90-95°C), and experimenting with the coffee-to-water ratio and grind size, you can achieve the perfect cup of Chemex coffee every time.
With these tips and techniques, you can become a master at brewing Chemex coffee and impress your friends and family with your barista-level skills.
So go ahead and enjoy your perfectly brewed cup of Chemex coffee!
FAQ’s
What is the golden ratio for Chemex?
The golden ratio for Chemex is the coffee-to-water ratio that is recommended for optimal taste and flavor.
The general rule of thumb is to use 1 gram of coffee per 15-18 grams of water, or a ratio of 1:15 to 1:18.
How long should I steep Chemex?
Once the water is poured over the coffee grounds in the Chemex, it should take around 3-4 minutes for the water to drip through the filter and into the carafe.
After the coffee has finished brewing, it is ready to serve.
If you are using a cold brew method with the Chemex, steeping can take anywhere from 12-24 hours, depending on the recipe and preference.
Is coarser or finer better for Chemex?
When it comes to Chemex coffee, the grind size of the coffee beans can have a significant impact on the taste of the final cup.
Generally, a medium-coarse grind size is considered best for Chemex coffee.
This grind size allows for a slower flow rate of the water through the coffee grounds, which can help to ensure even extraction and a balanced flavor.
