How I Brew with my Chemex

The Chemex Coffeemaker has been around since 1941. Along with being a visually attractive coffee maker, it is widely considered the better choice for people who are looking for a smoother cup of joe. This is my own coffee/​water ratio and method of brewing in the Chemex.

How I Brew with my Chemex
Fixx Coffee, 6 cup Chemex, Digital Scales and Chemex Filter Paper

This is how I like to make my coffee. Its 45g of ground coffee to 650g of boiled water. This gives me a yield of about 2 large mugs which gets my day going. The methods below are pretty common. I enjoy the ritual around making my brew but forgo the fancy gooseneck kettle and exact temperature water.

Step 1

Step 1 - How I Brew with my Chemex

My Chemex filter papers are already pre-folded. Open it out so 3 leaves are on one side. Put this side against the spout. This will prevent the paper collapsing against the airway needed in the spout.

Step 2

Step 2 - How I Brew with my Chemex

Add some off the boil water to the paper to damp it down. It will get rid of any paper taste and also make the paper stick to sides of Chemex making it easier to keep everything in place.

Step 3

Step 3 - How I Brew with my Chemex

Add 45g of coarse..ish ground coffee and level it out.

Step 4

Step 4 - How I Brew with my Chemex

Reset your digital scale and add 100g of your boiled water. Leave for about 45 secs until bubbles start appearing on the surface. Your coffee has now bloomed.

Step 5

Step 5 - How I Brew with my Chemex

Pour an additional 250g of boiled water in a circular motion and not just straight down the centre. Wait about 3 minutes or so until the water has dripped through.

Step 6

Step 6 - How I Brew with my Chemex

Pour the final 300g of water from the outside into the middle pushing the coffee grinds back into the middle as you go.

Step 7

Step 7 - How I Brew with my Chemex

Leave this for another 3 minutes or until all the water has passed through. Don't leave it any longer than is needed as those additional drips can cause some bitterness.

Step 8

Step 8 - How I Brew with my Chemex

Dispose of the filter in an eco-friendly way. Pick up your Chemex and give it a swirl. Pour into a favourite mug and start your day.

My coffee of the month goes to Fixx Coffee based in Dublin. They have a whole range of delicious coffee and monthly subscriptions available.