chemex: between science and design

For over 80 years, the Chemex has embodied elegance and precision in the world of filter coffee. Its timeless, science-lab-inspired design and unique brewing method make it a must-have for coffee lovers. But where does this iconic object come from, and why does it remain a benchmark in manual extraction?

By Peter Schlumbohm

The Chemex was invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm , a German-American chemist and inventor. Born in 1896 in Kiel, Germany , Schlumbohm studied chemistry before immigrating to the United States in 1936. Passionate about improving everyday objects, he filed over 300 patents , the most famous of which remains the Chemex.

Schlumbohm’s goal was simple: to create a brewing device that would extract the purest flavors from coffee, without alteration. He took inspiration from laboratory beakers and funnels to design a carafe made of borosilicate glass, which was heat-resistant and chemically neutral. The addition of a wooden collar and leather strap was not only aesthetic, but also functional, allowing for easy handling without burning yourself.

In 1958 , the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York recognized the Chemex as one of the most beautifully designed objects of all time. Today, it is still exhibited in permanent collections of design and modern art museums, including MoMA and the Smithsonian.

Why is the Chemex so Unique?

One of the key elements of the Chemex is its patented filters , which are thicker than traditional paper filters. They remove a large portion of oils and microparticles, resulting in a cup of exceptional clarity, without excessive bitterness. The result is a clean and balanced extraction, which highlights the complex aromatic notes of single origin coffees.

Coffee lovers also appreciate the manual pour-over brewing method , which allows for precise control over water flow and extraction time. This process, while slower than an automatic percolator, promotes a consistent extraction , ideal for revealing the subtleties of each terroir.

The advantages of Chemex:

✔ Clarity of flavors : A gentle extraction that highlights the subtle aromas of specialty coffees.
✔ Elegance and timeless design : Both an object of art and a precision tool.
✔ Variable capacity : Available in several sizes (3, 6, 8 and 10 cups).
✔ Neutral materials : A borosilicate glass that does not alter the taste of the coffee.

Extraction for 2 Cups

Necessary material

• Chemex
• Filter
• Freshly roasted coffee
  
• Kettle
• Grinder
• Scale and a timer

formula

Infusion Steps

1. Grind the coffee : Use 18g of coffee and set your grinder to a medium to medium-coarse grind , similar to sea salt. A good extraction for the Chemex targets an extraction between 18-22% , with a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) of around 1.3-1.5% . A refractometer can help adjust the recipe based on the results.
   
   
2. Filter Preparation : Place filter into Chemex, making sure the tri-ply side is against the spout. Rinse with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the carafe. Discard rinse water.
   
   
3. Adding the coffee : Pour the ground coffee into the filter and smooth the surface.
   
   
4. Pre-infusion (blooming) : Pour 40 ml of hot water in concentric circles to evenly soak the coffee. Let stand for 45 seconds to allow the CO₂ to be released.
   
   
5. Extraction : Slowly pour in the remaining water in several stages (ideally three to four). Remember to maintain a constant flow rate and avoid pouring directly onto the walls of the filter.
   
   Tempo:
   01. pour 100 ml, rest for 30-40 seconds,
   02. pour 100 ml, rest for 40-50 seconds,
   03. pour 60 ml, let it drain.
   
   
6. Total brewing time : 3:30 to 4:30 minutes. Once the water has completely passed through, remove the filter and lightly shake the carafe to homogenize the infusion.
   
   
7. Tasting : Serve immediately and enjoy a clear and aromatic coffee, with pure and delicate notes.

image by Diego Salvador

A ritual of precision and purity

The Chemex is more than just an extraction tool: it’s a sensory approach to coffee, a moment where precision and contemplation meet. Its iconic design and gentle brewing method make it a must-have for specialty coffee lovers.

For over eight decades, the Chemex has been a benchmark for filter coffee lovers. At the crossroads of design and science , this cult object continues to be a symbol of slow coffee , where every detail counts for a refined tasting experience. Its minimalist aesthetic, combined with controlled extraction, makes the Chemex much more than a simple tool: a precise and elegant ritual , guaranteeing a cup of incomparable purity.

Here are our coffees for a perfect infusion with the Chemex

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Good extraction!