It was fawning interest at first sight and then love at first drink with the Chemex Filter-Drip Coffeemaker.
I love to drink coffee, and the fact that our coffee of choice is Peet’s made me think I was kind of a coffee snob. (Wonderfully, our local grocery store sells Peet’s whole bean by the package, and often on sale.) But deep down inside I knew that my reliance on a standard coffee maker–and only very occasional use of a French press–meant coffee brewing snobbery was still an aspiration.
Chemex scratches that itch, but in a non-pretentious way. I’ve been enjoying regular use of the Ten Cup Glass Handle Chemex for the last couple weeks, which Chemex kindly sent my way for review.
It comes with its own filters. Behold:
Chemex even included an awesome leather coaster to put the glass on.
Now, it’s time to make the coffee. Pretty simple (and there was an instruction sheet included):
- Grind the beans, medium coarse
- Put them in the filter on top of the glass brewer
- Boil the water (Chemex has this sweet looking thing, but I just used my tea kettle)
- Pour the water over the beans and let them “bloom” for 30 seconds (Chemex tells me the bloom is “escaping gas that has been trapped in the beans during the roasting process”
- Pour water over the beans, so that it goes almost to the top of the glass
- Repeat
This is the smoothest cup of coffee I’ve ever had at home. There’s not an ounce of sludge, anywhere in sight. Even the pour from the Chemex to mug is perfectly clear and clean. Here’s an image of the drip brewing:
Mmmmmmm.
Drinking coffee from the regular coffee maker the next day was a serious step down. (Don’t get me wrong; I’m grateful for coffee in all its forms!) I had no idea what I was missing.
The design is awesome. The glass is strong. The filters are easy to use and don’t leak. The handle makes pouring easy. Maybe the only thing I’d add is some kind of cozy or heat cover. You can put this on the stove on low heat (if gas or glass stove top), but then I’d have to remember it’s there! (I.e., no auto-off.) But I put the brewed coffee right into a Thermos, so that works out well.
Learn more about the Chemex at its product page here. Two thumbs (or in this case, mugs) up!
Words on the Word 
But isn’t it annoying and finicky to have to putter over your coffee in the morning —to pour it just thus and such?
Yes, and I don’t do it every morning (even if I want to), for that very reason. However, when I do use the Chemex and have to wait, that can be a good time to pray and reflect on the day ahead. I’ve used those forced moments of waiting in that way a few times, and it’s been good!
Very decent and modest review has been dropped in this post so far. I love coffee and I love to start my day with a coffee with my breakfast. Seriously it makes me energetic and covers so stamina. I haven’t taken a try chemex ever. But reading your making process, I feel a desire to have it. May be very soon.
Thanks for reading the review and for the comment!