Specialty coffee isn't just about the quality of the beans, but also the way it's prepared. One of the most elegant and precise ways to brew drip coffee is the Chemex – an iconic coffee pot that combines design with functionality, allowing you to extract the full aroma and flavor of the coffee.
What is Chemex?
The Chemex is a manual drip coffee maker invented in 1941 by German chemist Peter Schlumbohm. Its unique borosilicate glass shape and the use of special paper filters ensure that Chemex coffee is pure, aromatic, and free of excess oils and sediments , making it ideal for those who appreciate delicate, complex flavors.
Why is it worth brewing coffee in a Chemex?
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Pure and refined taste – thanks to thicker filters, Chemex retains most oils and fine particles, leaving the brew clear but full of subtle aromas.
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Aesthetics and the ritual of brewing – brewing in a Chemex is not only about preparing a drink, but also a pleasant ritual that can become a daily moment of relaxation.
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Control over every aspect of brewing – from water temperature, through extraction time, to the coffee to water ratio, allowing you to tailor the brew to your preferences.
How to brew the perfect coffee in a Chemex?
Ingredients and equipment:
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Freshly roasted specialty coffee (20 g per 300 ml of water)
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Chemex with paper filter
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Kitchen scale
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A kettle with a narrow spout
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Hot water (92–96°C)
Instruction:
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Preparing the filter: Place a paper filter in the Chemex and rinse it with hot water to remove the papery taste and heat the vessel.
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Grinding the coffee: Grind the coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, resembling coarse sand.
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First pour (bloom): Pour coffee into the filter and add a small amount of water (approx. 40-50 ml) to allow the coffee to "bloom." Wait 30-45 seconds.
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Main pour: Slowly pour in the remaining water in a circular motion, ensuring the coffee is evenly saturated. The entire process should take 3–4 minutes.
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Serving: Remove the filter and enjoy the aromatic, clear infusion.
Tips from LaCava experts:
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Experiment with the coffee to water ratio to find your perfect strength and intensity.
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Pay attention to the freshness of the beans – this is the key to the full flavor of specialty coffee.
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The Chemex is best at bringing out delicate fruity and floral notes, so it's worth choosing light and medium roast coffees.
Brewing coffee with a Chemex is an art that combines precision, aesthetics, and the pleasure of a daily ritual. It's the perfect way to discover the full aroma of specialty coffee while savoring every sip. At LaCava, we believe that every brew can be a small ritual—and the Chemex is indispensable in this endeavor.
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