If you’re a coffee enthusiast like me, you know that making the perfect cup of coffee is an art. And one popular brewing method that has gained a lot of traction recently is the Chemex coffee brewing system. Known for its simple yet elegant design, the Chemex not only brews a stellar cup of coffee but also makes for a beautiful centerpiece on your kitchen counter. While a scale is often recommended when brewing coffee with the Chemex, it is still possible to make a delicious brew without one. In this step-by-step guide, I will walk you through the process of making Chemex coffee without a scale.
Gather Your Equipment
Before we jump into the brewing process, it’s important to have all your equipment ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Chemex coffee maker
– Chemex filters
– Freshly roasted coffee beans
– Coffee grinder
– Kettle
– Timer (a smartphone timer works fine)
Grind Your Coffee
The grind size of your coffee is crucial when brewing with the Chemex. It affects the extraction rate and ultimately the taste of your coffee. Without a scale, you can’t measure the exact weight of your coffee beans, but you can still achieve a consistent grind size by adjusting the grind setting on your grinder.
For a Chemex, you’ll want a medium-coarse grind size, similar to coarse sea salt or breadcrumbs. Experiment with your grinder to find the right setting. Keep in mind that the ground coffee should be slightly finer than what you would use for a French press but coarser than a drip coffee maker.
Measure Your Water
While we don’t have a scale to measure the coffee, we can still measure the water using a kettle with volume markings. The ideal coffee-to-water ratio for the Chemex is 1:15—1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. If you’re making 500ml of coffee, you’ll need around 33 grams of coffee.
Prep the Chemex
Place a Chemex filter in the brewer with the triple-fold side facing the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the Chemex. This step is crucial as it warms up the brewer and ensures an even extraction.
Add Coffee and Start Brewing
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to add the ground coffee to the Chemex. Remember, we’re aiming for a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. Start by pouring a small amount of water to saturate the coffee grounds, allowing them to bloom. This process releases the trapped carbon dioxide and enhances the flavors in the final cup.
Pour the Water
Once the coffee grounds have bloomed, slowly pour the rest of the water over the grounds in a circular motion, starting from the center and working your way outwards. Keep an eye on the water level to make sure you’re adding the right amount. If you’re making 500ml of coffee, aim for a total brewing time of 3-4 minutes.
Enjoy Your Cup of Chemex Coffee
Once the water has passed through the coffee grounds, your delicious Chemex coffee is ready to be enjoyed. Pour it into your favorite mug or carafe and savor the flavors and aromas.
Tips and Tricks
While brewing Chemex coffee without a scale is possible, it’s important to keep a few tips and tricks in mind to ensure the best results.
Consistency is Key
Although you can’t measure the precise weight of coffee without a scale, try to maintain the same grind size and water-to-coffee ratio for consistency. This will help you fine-tune your brewing technique over time.
Experiment with Brew Times
If your coffee tastes too weak or strong, you can adjust the brew time. A longer brew time extracts more flavor from the coffee, while a shorter brew time produces a lighter cup. Keep experimenting with different brewing times until you find your preferred taste.
Quality Beans Matter
To make the most out of your Chemex brewing experience, invest in high-quality, freshly roasted beans. The flavor profile and freshness of the beans greatly impact the final cup of coffee. Look for local roasters or specialty coffee shops in your area for the best beans.
Practice Makes Perfect
Brewing coffee is an art, and like any art form, it takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t yield the perfect cup. Keep refining your technique, adjusting variables, and experimenting with different coffee beans until you find your perfect Chemex brew.
In conclusion, while a scale is a valuable tool when brewing Chemex coffee, it is still possible to make a delicious cup without one. By adjusting your grinder, measuring water volume, and maintaining consistency, you can achieve a satisfying cup of coffee that showcases the unique flavors the Chemex is known for. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the process of brewing your own Chemex coffee at home.