I've been keeping my eyes open for a Chemex brewer for a while. I didn't want to spend $40+ on it so I searched high and low at thrift shops, garage sales, etc.
Then, one day my friend Wendy found one at a rummage sale for $1 and she gave it to me! What a friend! I quickly bought some filters and set out to brew my first pot.
Chris responded to a desperate how-do-I-use-this-thing tweet that Intelligentsia has a fabulous coffee app, with a brew timer and instructions for brewing with a cafe solo, pourover, Chemex, cupping, siphon, and a French press. The app is incredibly useful, and I highly recommend it!
I won't go into great depth with instructions, but properly using a Chemex is a very scientific process. You are supposed to measure everything out in grams (whole beans, water added for "blooming", and final water added), use 200 degree water, calculate the bloom period, and use just perfectly ground coffee beans.
The process of using a Chemex takes a bit longer than an average cup of coffee, but it was the best cup of coffee I've ever made. The Chemex is just gorgeous, and I promise, you'll feel like a scientist when you use it!
To me, there are few things in life more enjoyable than sitting down with a few friends, drinking a cup of coffee, and chatting about life.
Do you use a Chemex (or any other fun brewer)? Have tips? I'd love to hear!
Happy weekend!
Rebecca
We use one!! Right now, it's our favorite every-morning coffee maker. We started out being really precise with all the measurements and whatnot, but now I basically dump a 15-second grind worth of coffee in (using this burr grinder: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043095WW/?tag=hyprod-20&hvadid=15474605259&hvpos=1o1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1742568502845834285&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&ref=asc_df_B0043095WW), let the boiled water sit for about 4 minutes after it has boiled (to cool and not scorch the coffee), bloom it, and use the little knob on the front of the glass container to measure water level. We still like using french press, but this is nice because it removes all sediment. =)
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I'm going to have to try it being less precise now...I could never measure grams and whatnot every day ;)
DeleteYeah! It took us a couple tries to find the combination that we liked (size of the grind + coffee/water ratio + kind of coffee/roast etc), so it definitely wasn't perfect the first couple times =P. But it was worth it to figure it out because now an amazing cup of coffee is easily accessible every morning and ready in about 20 minutes, including H20 boil time =)
Deletei'm jealous, i've been on the look out at garage sales & thrift stores too, and come xmas, if i haven't been successful, i will just treat myself to one.
ReplyDeletei am curious about maintenance/cleaning of it, is it hard/time consuming?
It's super easy to clean! My hand + a cloth fits inside, but if you have a smaller Chemex, you could probably clean it with a bottle brush no prob!
DeleteOooo! The cup of joe I'm sipping now looks so ho-hum compared to these beautiful pics. I'm totally crushing your $1 Chemex steal and old-fashioned coffee grinder.
ReplyDeleteReading that it "makes you feel like a scientist" means it's going on my wish list for sure.
Thanks so much for the mention!
After seeing a couple posts on the Chemex now from different bloggers my interest is piqued! And just lovely photos, as ever, Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteOh I am so so so envious. The good kind! ha! I've always wanted one but never got around to it. Is the taste more or less like a French Press? That what I use half the time. Also, photos look GORGE!
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhQ I'm a coffee freak! Thanks for posting this!!
ReplyDelete:)
-Carmen
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ReplyDeletelove this post. I found a chemex at a thrift store for $4. best thrift find ever!
ReplyDeleteWe use a French press but my brother-in-law recently received a Chemex and it really is a great cup of coffee. For me, a press is good fit right now, with two babies. Also I would be so scared that I would break it! We go through at least one French press a year.. $15 a beaker vs. $40 Chemex sounds good to me!
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ReplyDelete