The Chemex coffee maker is a glass pour over device that is much loved by coffee enthusiasts looking to brew a delicious cup at home, but what exactly is it and why is it called the “Chemex”? In reality, the name doesn’t refer to anything in particular and was simply made up by its inventor, Peter Schlumbohm.
The name does have connections to the device’s rather chemical background, in both its invention and its design, but there are no chemicals involved in the way it actually makes coffee. The Chemex is simple to use and makes very clean coffee that is appreciated for its freshness and its ability to bring out the nuances of the grounds.
This article will go into detail about the history of the Chemex coffee maker, where it comes from, how it works, and what has made it so popular among coffee drinkers all around the world.
Who Invented the Chemex Coffee Maker?
This iconic device was invented by an eccentric German chemist by the name of Dr. Peter J. Schlumbohm. He was born in Kiel, Germany in 1896 and eventually lived in New York City in the United States, receiving patents for over 3,000 different inventions over the course of his lifetime – his coffee makers being the most famous.
Where Does the Chemex Design Come From?
Dr. Schlumbohm first came up with the design for the Chemex from the laboratory equipment that he was used to using in his Chemistry work, with their varying applications in both filtration and extraction. The two pieces of equipment that led to this design, in particular, were a glass laboratory funnel and an Erlenmeyer flask.
How Does the Chemex Design Work?
The funnel component of the Chemex is attached at the top of the flask, but Schlumbohm modified it to have an air channel, so displaced air can leave the vessel easily, and a pouring spout. A filter can be placed inside of the funnel, which will allow extracted coffee to drip down into the vessel that is attached below.
What is the Handle on the Chemex For?
Because the Chemex is made entirely out of glass, it becomes very hot during the brewing process and could burn your fingers if you were to touch it. Schlumbohm added the stylish wooden handle so that it can safely be picked up and moved around, and so that it is much easier to pour out your finished brew.
How is the Chemex Design Different From Other Coffee Makers?
One of the main things that sets the design of the Chemex apart is the fact that it is made from one piece of heat-resistant glass. This means that you don’t need an additional decanter to sit below your brewing device – the entire coffee-making process happens inside and then you simply pour out the coffee that you want.
Why Was the Chemex Coffee Maker Invented?
When Dr. Schlumbohm first invented the Chemex, he wanted to create a device that would not only be a simple way of making the perfect cup of coffee, but would be beautiful in its own right as well. As a chemist, he was particularly interested in the chemistry behind extraction and filtration that gives coffee its flavour.
What Makes the Chemex Coffee Maker Such an Iconic Design?
The Chemex is a design that has been recognised and awarded by both the scientific and artistic communities around the world. It is included in the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Museum, Corning Museum of Glass, and MOMA, NY, and was selected by the Illinois Institute of Technology as one of the 100 best-designed products of modern times.
Is the Chemex a Delicate Device?
Being made entirely out of glass, the Chemex is a bit more breakable than other coffee makers on the market, but it is very heat-resistant and will not crack easily from temperature changes. Because of its sturdy base and simple brewing method, however, it is not something that you are likely to knock over.
What Does Chemex Coffee Taste Like?
The pour over method for brewing coffee that the Chemex uses is not designed to create an intense or concentrated cup, like an espresso. Chemex coffee is light, bright, and clear, and because it is relatively mellow, you are able to identify more of the nuances, subtleties and origin flavours from within your coffee.
How Do You Make Chemex Coffee?
First, you place your Chemex filter into the funnel before you add a spoonful of coffee grounds. Then you pour a small amount of freshly boiled water over the grounds to let them bloom, then you simply pour over more hot water, allowing it to steep and drip through into the flask, where it collects.
How Long Does It Take to Make Chemex Coffee?
With the pour over Chemex, you need to wait for gravity to pull your hot water past the grounds at just the right rate for full extraction. This means it is not the quickest method out there, but the entire process still only takes between 4 and 5 minutes, and it is easy to clean up afterwards as well.
What Makes Chemex Filtration Different from Other Pour Over Coffee Makers?
The Chemex also uses different filters which separates it from other coffee makers on the market. They are noticeably larger than other filters, about 20-30% heavier, and significantly stronger as well- almost having a fabric-like texture, they remove more of the oils, fats, and sediment particles from the coffee, resulting in a cleaner cup.
What Sort of Grounds Does a Chemex Need?
Because the Chemex uses a thicker filter, it also needs coarser grounds to get the right amount of extraction. You want your grind size to be medium-coarse, meaning they should have about the consistency of rough sand, which will keep the flow rate of your brew steady, reducing the risk of under or overextraction.
What Roast is Best for a Chemex?
A lighter roast contains more of the origin flavour of the beans and is less bitter or intense, so it is probably a better roast for your Chemex. The Chemex will allow you to bring out all of the complicated and delicate flavours in a lighter roasted bean, that are less present in medium and dark roasts.
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.