Among many coffee purists the Chemex brewer is the gold standard. Its elegant shape is perfectly melded to function, and it's a design classic that resides in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian. But how's the coffee?
The Chemex brewer was invented and released in 1942, and since then they have been made by a small company in New England. The hourglass shape and leather and wood saddle have not changed since then and the blend of design and function is beautiful.
The Chemex brews very simply. A paper filter is inserted into the top half of the hourglass and filled with ground roasted coffee. Then barely boiling water is poured through and allowed to filter down into the bottom half of the hourglass.
Like the French press, the Chemex gives complete control over the grounds and water temperature. Each element can be controlled. Time, too, can be controlled; it's recommended that a Chemex brew should take about 4 minutes. The paper filters used for Chemex carafes are thicker than the filters used in traditional drip brewers and they filter out more of the sediment. They also trap the water a little longer, letting it slowly drip through the grounds for a rich brew.
Unlike a French press, however, the Chemex removes all of the gritty sludge and chewiness from the coffee, leaving only the rich taste. Some French press aficionados dislike this, but others prefer the brighter, clearer taste of the Chemex. They are really at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to the texture and oil content of the coffee.
Chemex brewers are available directly from Chemex Corp for about $30-40, depending on size. Filters are $7 per box of 100.
If you use a Chemex brewer, sound off here. Any tips for getting the most out of it?
Copyright © 2007 Apartment Therapy
this question has nothing to do with coffee, but...
any ideas on super bowl food?
view thedonna's profile
Oh i hope you do an entry on the Cona coffee maker!
view brooklyn cooks's profile
I love my Chemex--I find it easy to use and clean up is much easier than with my french press or stovetop percolator. The coffee is rich and sediment free, as you say. The instructions say you can reheat Chemex-brewed coffee with no loss in quality (and I have found this to be true); nonetheless I store it in a thermal carafe and it's yummy for hours.
view lizaboo's profile
If it's good enough for Mary & Rhoda, it's good enough for me.
view jprado72's profile
We got our Chemex on eBay - I like the vintage mouth-blown models (they have little feet on the bottom; the one you show above is machine-blown). My main squeeze is in charge of the coffee, and he always pours in just a little water at first, until the coffee "blooms" up the side of the filter, then pours in the rest. Comes out great!
view SisterRae's profile
thedonna - good question - just post it in the Open Thread at the top of the main page - probably easier to get an answer there. Cheers!
view faith's profile
I love this coffee maker. It was my first coffee maker in college, purchased at a thrift store for $5. I never knew coffee could be so strong and delicious before that Chemex. I didn't use a thermal carafe to keep my coffee warm, I kept it on low on the back eye of my stove, sitting on an asbestos pad from the chemistry lab. It had a very scientific look. I don't use it any more, because my husband finds it difficult to pour without burning his hand. Does anyone else have this problem?
view Alice M's profile
I had my first experience with a Chemex at a friend's family beach house this summer. I had never even heard of it. I was immediately in love with the coffee. Everyone else scoffed at the time it takes for a cup of coffee but I think the coffee is worth it. I do prefer it now to a french press. I was told the right way is definitely to start with a little water to dampen the grinds and filter, then pour in the rest. It holds up well in the microwave and also does well in the fridge for iced coffee on warm days.
view MC's profile
This was my mom's favorite coffee pot. I am definitely getting one after my move. I was too young to drink it then, but with my coffee habit now it's worth it just for the nostalgia.
view april_d's profile
I use my Chemex every morning, and love it. One tip for anyone considering it -- I also use an electric kettle, and if I didn't I probably would've given up on the Chemex long ago.
view 22209's profile
please review the metal stovetop espresso pots. i can't figure out how to use them!
view Joan Vignocchi's profile