For coffee lovers who appreciate a clean, smooth, and aromatic brew, the Chemex is a perfect choice. Whether you’re sharing a morning ritual with a loved one or enjoying a quiet conversation over coffee, brewing Chemex for two is an art worth mastering. Here’s how to do it right.
What is a Chemex?
The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker invented by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. It features an elegant glass design with a wooden collar and leather tie, making it a visually stunning addition to any coffee setup. But its beauty is more than just aesthetic—the Chemex’s unique thick paper filter and glass construction result in a bright, clean cup of coffee free from sediment and oils.
Unlike traditional coffee makers, which can sometimes leave behind unwanted bitterness, the Chemex highlights the natural flavors of coffee beans, making it a favorite among specialty coffee enthusiasts.
Why Choose Chemex for Two?
Many coffee lovers enjoy the ritual of brewing coffee, and the Chemex offers a meditative process that results in an exceptionally balanced cup. When making coffee for two, the Chemex allows for precision and control, ensuring that each cup is just as delicious as the last.
Whether you and your partner are starting your day together or sharing an afternoon pick-me-up, the Chemex is an excellent choice for a mindful coffee experience.
What You’ll Need:
To brew the perfect Chemex coffee for two, gather the following equipment:
- Chemex (6-cup or 8-cup size): A smaller Chemex (3-cup) may not provide enough coffee for two.
- Chemex paper filter: These are designed specifically for Chemex brewers and help produce a cleaner cup.
- Freshly roasted coffee beans: Choose high-quality, freshly roasted beans for the best flavor.
- Burr grinder: Ensures a consistent grind size for optimal extraction.
- Kettle (preferably gooseneck): Provides better control over your pour.
- Digital scale: Ensures precision in coffee-to-water ratios.
- Timer: Helps maintain consistency in brewing time.
- Filtered water: Avoid tap water with strong mineral content, as it can affect the coffee’s taste.
Step 1: Measure and Grind Your Coffee
For two people, a good starting ratio is 1:15 (coffee to water). This means using 34 grams of coffee for 510 grams (or milliliters) of water.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
The flavor of your Chemex coffee depends heavily on the beans you choose. Consider the following when selecting coffee beans:
- Origin: Different coffee-growing regions produce distinct flavors. For example, Ethiopian beans often have floral and fruity notes, while Colombian beans tend to be nutty and chocolatey.
- Roast Level: Light to medium roasts are ideal for Chemex, as they preserve the beans’ natural flavors.
- Freshness: Always use freshly roasted beans, ideally within two weeks of roasting, for the best flavor.
Grinding the Coffee
Grind your coffee to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt. A burr grinder ensures even grinding, which leads to better extraction and a more balanced flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Filter and Rinse
Place a Chemex paper filter into the brewer, ensuring the three-layered side faces the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and to warm the Chemex. Discard the rinse water before adding coffee grounds.
Step 3: Bloom the Coffee
Add the ground coffee to the filter and gently shake to level it. Start your timer and pour 60-70 grams of hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) in a circular motion, just enough to saturate the grounds. Let it bloom for 30-45 seconds—this allows gases to escape and enhances flavor.
Why is Blooming Important?
Freshly roasted coffee contains carbon dioxide, which needs to escape before full extraction can occur. Blooming helps release these gases, preventing uneven extraction and ensuring a more balanced cup.
Step 4: Continue Pouring
After the bloom, slowly pour the remaining water in small concentric circles, avoiding direct pours on the filter’s edges. Aim to finish pouring around the 3-minute mark. Let the coffee fully drain, which should take about 4 minutes total.
Pouring Technique Matters
- Use a steady hand: A gooseneck kettle allows for better control over water flow.
- Avoid splashing: Pouring too aggressively can disturb the coffee bed, leading to uneven extraction.
- Stick to a consistent speed: Try to maintain a smooth, even pour to get the best results.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once brewed, discard the filter, swirl the Chemex to mix flavors, and pour into two mugs. Enjoy the delicate, well-balanced flavors of your Chemex coffee together!
Troubleshooting Common Chemex Issues
If your coffee doesn’t taste quite right, here are some common issues and how to fix them:
- Coffee is too bitter: Try a coarser grind or reduce the brewing time.
- Coffee is too weak or sour: Use a finer grind or increase the brewing time slightly.
- Coffee drains too quickly: Your grind may be too coarse. Adjust to a slightly finer setting.
- Coffee drains too slowly: Your grind may be too fine. Adjust to a slightly coarser setting.
Pro Tips for the Best Brew
- Use fresh, high-quality coffee beans for the best taste.
- Maintain a consistent pouring speed for even extraction.
- Preheat your mugs to keep your coffee warm longer.
- Experiment with different beans and grind sizes to fine-tune your preferred taste.
- Store your coffee beans properly in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture.
The Ritual of Chemex Coffee
Brewing coffee with a Chemex is not just about making coffee—it’s about creating an experience. The process requires patience and attention to detail, making it a mindful morning ritual or a relaxing afternoon break. Each step, from grinding the beans to the final pour, enhances the appreciation of the coffee’s flavors.
Sharing Chemex coffee with someone special adds to the enjoyment. Whether it’s a loved one, a friend, or even a guest, the process of making coffee together fosters connection and conversation.
Final Thoughts
Making Chemex coffee for two is a rewarding experience that highlights the beauty of precision brewing. With the right beans, technique, and a little practice, you can craft a delicious, aromatic cup of coffee that’s perfect for sharing. Take your time, enjoy the process, and savor each sip together!
