Chemex brewed coffee is better than other coffee makers because of its glass construction, unique filter, and cone-like shape. These characteristics of the Chemex cause it to produce smoother coffee with less bitterness, body, and sediment.
For a more extensive explanation of why Chemex coffee is better, keep reading. This article fully explains how Chemex differs from other popular coffee makers and what sets it apart.
What makes Chemex better than other coffee makers?
There are several reasons why Chemex is better than other coffee makers. Unlike many other devices, the Chemex has an all-glass construction. Glass does not absorb oils like plastic, which means the device itself does not affect the flavor of the coffee.
It has a heavy filter that is more effective at eliminating oils, fats, and sediment. This filter is responsible for producing a smooth cup of coffee with about 30% less murkiness than French Press coffee.
Is Chemex the same as pour-over coffee?
The Chemex uses a type of pour-over coffee brewing technique. What this means is that the Chemex uses the same general technique as other popular pour-over coffee makers, such as drip coffee makers. The main brewing idea behind the maker is pouring water over the coffee beans so that the coffee is captured below.
Why is Chemex better than drip coffee?
Chemex and drip coffee makers utilize a similar brewing technique. Water is poured over the coffee grounds, resulting in a good cup of Joe. The main difference between Chemex and drip coffee is that the drip coffee maker does all of this for you, whereas you have to pour the water with the Chemex.
Because the brewing techniques are similar in these two makers, the difference lies in the materials utilized in the coffee makers. Most drip coffee makers are made from plastic, which absorbs flavors and oils from the coffee and affects its ultimate taste. The Chemex is made from glass and utilizes a more effective filter, resulting in a tastier flavor.
Why is Chemex better than French Press coffee?
The Chemex and French Press are considered the two most popular coffee makers. Most individuals agree that the Chemex produces better coffee because the coffee comes out less bitter, less acidic, and less murky. The reason for this is that Chemex uses a thick filter that catches oils and sediment.
In comparison, the French Press coffee maker utilizes a stainless steel plunger. This plunger is not the most effective for removing coffee grounds and it does not catch additional oils or acids. This often results in a robust, bitter taste with a bit of murkiness.
What’s special about the Chemex?
The materials used in the Chemex are what make it special. For starters, its glass material means that the coffee maker does not absorb oils and acids from the coffee. Hence, later cups of coffee are not affected by the coffee you made months prior.
The filter is especially noteworthy. Chemex filters are densely woven together so that they regulate coffee flow without removing much body. This results in a better flavor than other coffee filters. It also captures more sediment than metal filters, such as that on the French Press.
The shape of the Chemex also makes the machine stand out. It has a cone shape, which allows for the coffee extraction process to have the proper time and evenness, resulting in better-tasting coffee.
What are the benefits of brewing coffee in a Chemex?
The benefit of brewing coffee in a Chemex is that you will have a more robust flavor, oftentimes with fewer bitter and acidic compounds. This can make the coffee taste smoother, which most coffee drinkers want.
Cleaning the Chemex is easy as well. Since you don’t have to worry about coffee oil buildup, you don’t have the issue of stickiness that you will from other coffee makers. Simple cleaning will be enough to keep the Chemex and working order.
What brewing technique does Chemex use?
The Chemex basically uses the same brewing technique as a traditional drip coffee maker. Coffee is put above a filter, and you pour hot water over the filter. The hot water will extract the coffee, where it drips into the container below. This brewing technique is called the pour-over or drip method.
The only way that the Chemex is different in brewing than other drip methods is that you control the water. Traditional drip coffee makers will drip the coffee for you. With the Chemex, you are responsible for pouring the water over the coffee grounds.
How do you get the best coffee with Chemex?
The trick to getting the best coffee with Chemex is to grind your coffee beans a bit more coarsely than you would a traditional drip coffee maker. These coarser beans will result in a different extraction process, which can lead to a smoother cup of coffee.
Additionally, be careful when you’re pouring the water into the Chemex. You want an even and smooth pour so that the coffee beans get even exposure, resulting in more even extraction.
Why is Chemex so expensive?
The Chemex is more expensive because it uses top-grade materials. The glass itself is better for brewing coffee, resulting in a higher price tag. Plus, the Chemex is more attractive than traditional coffee makers, which contributes to the price as well.
Chemex filters are more expensive than regular paper coffee filters too. They are made with lab-grade paper and are much thicker. This explains why the filters are more expensive.
Is the Chemex coffee maker worth it?
Whether the Chemex coffee maker is worth it depends on your taste buds and budget. For individuals that love a smooth cup of coffee and can taste the difference, the Chemex is worth it.
Even though Chemex produces a smoother cup of coffee, some individuals prefer French Press because they like the bitter flavor associated with it. Likewise, some individuals can’t tell a difference because their taste buds are not well developed yet, making the price tag not worth it.
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.