The Chemex is one of the well-known ways to brew a great cup of coffee. With its unique and timeless appearance, it surely deserves a second look. It is an hourglass-shaped pour-over coffee brewer that's best known for its high degree of control over the entire coffee brewing process. Is it worth it? We will find out in this Chemex coffee maker review.
What is Chemex?
The Chemex brand began in 1941. Today, it is still very popular among coffee connoisseurs. They consider the brewing process as an art rather than just a means to an end.
It is available in different sizes, ranging from 3 cups up to as much as 10 cups. Using a Chemex coffee maker is a little more complicated than a typical drip coffee maker. There are steps that need to be followed carefully.
Since this article is a Chemex coffee maker review, you might want to read on how to best prepare coffee with a Chemex in our article here.
Who Is It For?
It takes time and patience to brew a cup of Chemex, especially if you are new to it. If you like to explore various coffee brewing methods and don't mind going through the nuances of precise measurements and proportions, then you will love Chemex.
Advantages
Brings Out the Unique Flavors of Coffee
Unlike some coffee makers that leave a strange taste in coffee, Chemex gives you a pure coffee experience. It also does an excellent job at brewing light to medium coffee roasts. You can use it on dark roast too, but you won't be able to identify the nuances as much as you would in lighter roasts.
Stylish Addition to Any Kitchen
At first glance, the Chemex coffee maker looks like a classic piece of art. Believe it or not, it is the only coffee maker that is currently displayed at The Museum of Modern Art. With its hourglass shape, wooden handle and all-glass body, it will definitely be a good conversation piece for your guests.
Easy to Maintain
Cleaning up your Chemex is very straightforward. Just toss out the paper filter, rinse the kettle with water, then let dry. It's that simple. No troubles regarding electronics or wires getting wet. You also don't have to worry about tiny coffee grinds getting stuck on areas that brushes can barely get to. Add to that, this coffee maker has no moving parts and is not susceptible wear and tear.
Great Value for Money
One of the best things about Chemex is that it is inexpensive relative to quality and value it provides. Check out the prices of the Chemex brewer in various cup sizes by clicking on the link below:
Disadvantages
Longer Preparation Time
If you are looking for a coffee maker that will produce quick results, then you will be disappointed with Chemex. Preparing Chemex coffee requires time and a bit of effort.
Meticulous Prep Work
Unlike the typical drip-type brewer where you simply add ground coffee and water, coffee preparation with a Chemex requires several things. They include hot water that's below boiling point, a coffee filter, a kitchen scale, a grinder, and ground coffee beans. Specific measurements are also essential. Check out our article on How to Use a Chemex Coffee Maker for more information.
Does Not Retain Heat
Chemex does not have a heat-retaining mechanism. You need to consume the coffee as soon as the brewing is done. Re-heating is possible, but you will risk damaging the kettle.
If you want an all-in-one solution, Chemex has a brewer with built-in heater called Ottomatic.
Conclusion
It's no wonder that Chemex continues to be a popular choice among coffee lovers. It may be quite intimidating to the average person, but to the highly driven, it proves to be worthy of the extra time and effort needed to make a great tasting coffee that's better and more affordable than the ones made in shops.
