The lower chamber of every Chemex coffee brewer has a small bump called “the nipple.” The small bump or the nipple functions mark your Chemex’s exact fifty percent capacity. This marking makes it easier to look for water quantities, and hence, consistent results with your coffee are achieved.
If you purchase a Chemex model of 6 cup capacity, the nipple marks 3 mugs. Similarly, if you buy a Chemex model of eight-cup handblown, the nipple will mark 4 mugs.
According to the manual, the bottom of the Chemex marks the point where the carafe’s volume is half.
This article will share what is the functionality of a small bump on the Chemex, why Chemex has this bump, what benefits does it provide, and a lot of other features that Chemex coffee brewer offers.
Why Does The Chemex Have A Bump?
From the material that is heat-resilient to the hourglass shape, everything in the Chemex design is added to give a high-quality coffee cup. The same goes for the bottom of the vessel. The bump or nipple on your Chemex demonstrates the suitable brew volume for your respective Chemex model.
Chemex was designed by Peter Schlumbohm, Ph.D., for an easy-to-use coffee brewer with an amazing design, and most significantly to brew a clean and delicious cup of coffee every day.
Schlumbohm developed nearly 300 patents throughout his career due to his obsession with everyday tools refinement, and the Chemex was named as his most famous invention of all time. His creation was a success: this brewer’s detailed and awe-inspiring setup was so captivating that it was exhibited at the Modern Art Museum and at the Smithsonian.
What Is The Benefit Of Little Bump On Chemex?
The nipple on the bottom of the Chemex indicates the halfway mark of the flask (by volume) which means that you do not need to weigh out or measure your water to prepare half volume – only use the mark, and you are ready to go.
The Six-cup model of Chemex can hold coffee up to 30 ounces where the bottom of the nipple of the Chemex marks half i.e., 15 ounces.
This percentile applies to all the models of Chemex except for the three-cup brewer because, in a three-cup brewer, the bottom of the Chemex indicates full volume.
For every five ounces of coffee, the recommended brewing guidelines suggest one tablespoon of coffee; the bottom bump makes it easier for you to estimate the amount of water that needs to be poured to achieve the water to the coffee ratio in Chemex.
So, if you want to brew 15 ounces, add three tablespoons of coffee (grounded), you have to wait till your carafe fills up to the nipple, and then you can toss the filter after it has hit the mark.
How Does The Chemex Work?
Since Chemex is a pour-over, it operates parallel to pour-over guides besides the filter paper is to be inserted into the Chemex vessel itself.
The slender dapper design of Chemex uses a striking blend filter that restricts the water flow. This is the primary discrepancy between other pour-over brewers and Chemex. Place the grounds of coffee into the filter and pass through water slowly. Coffee brew obtained in the base of the Chemex is prepared to relish.
Since the brewer permits limited flow, the brewing time is longer than many other methods. This immensity of time allows the flavor to develop more and a better-tasting coffee comes out of your Chemex. Although the best-tasting coffee and making style is subjective debates, you must admit Chemex brews much better coffee with a pleasant taste compared to many alternatives.
What Are Pros And Cons Of Chemex Coffee Brewer?
Some cons and pros of Chemex coffee brewer are listed here:
Pros:
- Beautiful, definitive design.
- Multiple available sizes.
- Smooth, translucent coffee.
- High-end consistency.
- Timber handle.
Cons:
- More pricey.
- No enduring filter.
- You will have to purchase Chemex paper filters.
- Too high of upkeep is required.
- Easily breakable.
- Labour-Intensive.
- Non-insulated.
- Pain to clean.
Is Little Bump On Chemex Unappealing?
The beneficiary feature of Chemex – the bump on the bottom – is fruitless for a number of coffee-obsessed people. Coffee geekery has now escalated to an extent that scales and Kettles are the norms, and obviously, the Chemex maker expected that.
Modern coffee individuals rarely bother to eyeball coffee measurements, but they brew their coffee by weight rather than by volume.
To most people, volume is considered as a fickle measurement subjecting towards coffee bean irregularities such as ragged shapes and varying densities.
Before the third wave of coffee movement when less home equipment was available for coffee, the Chemex button served as a relic of its time. Yet still, if you lack a scale, you can rely on the bump at the bottom of the Chemex that will guide your brew.
What Makes Chemex Coffee Better Than Drip Coffee?
Chemex coffee is more pristine and brighter if we compare it to drip coffee. The more clean and bright cup from a Chemex brew appeals to many of you. Moreover, Chemex coffee offers a softer impression because the special Chemex filter removes heaviness from the coffee.
The drip coffee is richer and has a heavy impression as it uses a standard fitter and the grind is also medium-medium finer, allowing water to quickly flow through.
This is because normal filter papers pull out most coffee oils and tiny sediments but to a lesser extent as compared to Chemex filters.
What Factors To Consider Before Buying Chemex?
The following factors will help you to decide on buying:
- Cost – Chemex is double the price of any other coffee brewer. If you have a tight budget, Chemex may not be the best option for you to go with.
- Appearance – Chemex has a remarkable design appearance which is very appealing. The glass carafes, the wooden handle of Chemex, and a mark halfway point on the glass bubble of Chemex – all make Chemex’s design a unique one.
- Coffee Quality – Chemex gives you a minimalist and chic cup of clean tasting and bright coffee.
- Coffee Quantity – Seek the model of Chemex as per your needs. Chemex brewers are available in various, including large 8 and 12-cup Chemex models.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.
