Chemex Grind Size Guide: Mastering the Art of Pour-Over Brewing
When it comes to brewing coffee with a Chemex, achieving the perfect balance between flavor and clarity is both an art and a science. One of the most critical factors influencing your pour-over experience is the grind size of your coffee beans. The right grind size ensures that the water extracts just the right amount of flavor, resulting in a smooth, balanced cup. This guide will walk you through the essential parameters, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips to help you perfect your Chemex brewing technique.
Overview & Background
The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that uses a unique combination of paper filters and a glass carafe to brew coffee. Its design promotes a slow, gentle extraction that allows for a clean, crisp cup of coffee. The key to achieving this is using the correct grind size for your beans, which will impact the rate of extraction and ultimately the taste of your coffee.
Key Brewing Parameters / Specs
- Grind Size: Medium to coarse
- Water Temperature: 92°C - 96°C (198°F - 205°F)
- Brew Time: 4 to 6 minutes
- Coffee to Water Ratio: 1:15 to 1:18 (e.g., 20g coffee to 300g water)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Chemex: Rinse the Chemex filter with hot water to remove any paper taste. Place a filter in the Chemex and pour out the rinse water.
- Grind the Coffee: Grind your coffee beans to a medium to coarse consistency. This grind size allows for a controlled extraction rate.
- Add the Coffee: Measure out your coffee and place it in the filter. A typical amount is 20g for a 300g pour-over.
- Pour the Water: Start by wetting the coffee evenly. This is called the "bloom." Let it sit for 45 seconds to allow the coffee to release gases and expand slightly.
- Slow Pour: Pour the remaining water slowly and evenly over the coffee in a spiral pattern, ensuring it reaches all parts of the grounds. Aim to finish the pour in 2 to 3 minutes.
- Allow Brewing: Let the coffee steep for 3 to 4 minutes, then carefully remove the filter and pour your coffee into your carafe.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
Grind Size: Always use a burr grinder for consistent grind size. A medium to coarse grind is ideal for a Chemex, but you can adjust based on your preference.
Water Temperature: Use water that is not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature range is 92°C - 96°C (198°F - 205°F). Water that is too hot can extract too many bitter compounds, while water that is too cold can result in a weak taste.
Brew Time: Pay attention to the brewing time. Too short, and you may not extract enough flavor; too long, and the coffee can become bitter. A total brewing time of 4 to 6 minutes is generally ideal.
Common Mistake: Overgrinding can lead to a bitter, harsh cup of coffee. Ensure your grind size is consistent and appropriate for the Chemex method.
Gear worth owning
Recommended gear for this recipe.
Two practical upgrades that make this method easier to repeat. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.
Affiliate disclosure: prices and availability change. BrewVibe Lab is reader-supported and independently edited.