Showing posts with label coffee brewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee brewing. Show all posts

11/29/2011

Chemex 1-3 Cup Coffee Maker Review

Chemex 1-3 Cup Coffee Maker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This product does not plug into an outlet, has no buttons and doesn't beep when ready. If you're not willing to pour hot water over coffee grounds, this probably isn't the system for you. But if you're willing to put in a little extra effort for a lot of extra flavor, read on.

I had a traditional coffee maker, one that allows the grinds to sit in a cupcake filter inside a plastic container while near boiling water filters through. Hot water --> plastic --> consumption is probably not good. That coffee maker now resides in the break room of an office building.

I also have a french press, which makes pretty decent non-plastic coffee, but I don't like the grittiness of my frequent "cowboy" cups. So I reserved the french press for my tea, and started looking at other coffee brewing systems. The Aerobie Aeropress is hailed to make the perfect cup of coffee, but I ran into the heated plastic issue again. So that was out.

Chemex just makes sense. It's a simple design that comes in different sizes. You must use the Chemex filters, which are easy to fold into the required conical shape. Directions give a 5oz. water to 1 T. coffee ratio (I like my coffee a bit stronger, though). I have instant hot water (they recommend 200F), and find this temp works perfectly, so I don't have to heat my water in a kettle first. Chemex really highlights the blooming process in making coffee, and this is such an important step for flavor extraction.

It really makes a smooth, rich cup of coffee (granted, the quality of coffee depends on the quality of beans you use--and grind immediately before brewing!). I bought the glass lid, and please know that it DOES NOT FIT THIS SMALL MODEL. Cleanup is super easy--just rinse and invert to air dry.

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Product Description:
Known as a pristine coffeemaker, Chemex? employs all of the chemically correct methods for brewing. The hourglass shaped flask of this 1 to 3 cup coffee maker is made entirely of glass, a chemically inert material that does not absorb odors or chemical residues. The Chemex? has no moving parts and will work forever, unless it is dropped or in some other way demolished. It includes an external Includes a polished wood collar with leather tie. Chemex? filters are made of the highest quality filter paper.

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9/19/2011

Chemex Drip Coffee Carafe - 8 Cup Review

Chemex Drip Coffee Carafe - 8 Cup
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Using a Chemex requires water to be heated in a tea kettle prior to brewing, and it requires a finer ground than what auto-drip machines ask for.After the water is brought to a boil, it's important to wait for it to cool just slightly (about 30 seconds) and then you need to wet the grounds in the filter, wait for them to drain, and then fill the pot with water.Want more than a single cup of coffee?You wait for your first pour to brew, and then fill the filter again.

Some advantages over other forms of coffee brewing:

1. Taste: I don't know how it does it, but the filter does keep your coffee from being bitter.

2. Cleanability: Users can keep all necessary components clean (anyone who's brewed water and vinegar through their coffee maker to kill off a bitter taste that wasn't there when you bought it understands this plight).Oftentimes, the most aggressive criticism of the Chemex is its ponderousness to clean because it's not possible to get your hand into the reservoir.Some people prefer to add hot water and soap and give it a good rinse, which is fine if you clean the moment you empty the pot, but if you're like me and you let the remaining sip or two sit until a nice coffee stain is on the glass, then you need some good 'ol fashion friction to get it clean.The best thing I've found: a baby bottle cleaner.It's narrow enough to get into the reservoir and the angle can be adjusted to scrap the walls, too.Brilliant!

3. Electricity Free: As long as you can boil water, you can have coffee.

4. Mud/Sludge: French press and stove-top espresso-style brewing always leaves a thick slime at the bottom of an otherwise rich cup of coffee.Don't get me wrong: I think that's good (I use a French Press when I'm in the mood), but the cone on a Chemex doesn't allow that at all.

5. Style/Size: the Chemex coffee pot is a relic (designed in the 40s) and the wood cuff with rawhide tie screams simplicity and elegance and it's a wonderful, minimalist sight on any kitchen counter (and unlike electric coffee makers, easy to move if you need the space).

Some drawbacks any purchaser should consider:

1. Time: it does take 5 - 10 minutes of labor to get the morning cup of coffee.

2. Cones: you can't run over to Wal-Mart when you use the last filter; you need to find a specialty store or go online, which means you need to plan ahead.

3. Cold Coffee: no electric hot plate (thank god) means coffee not poured and consumed immediately gets cold quickly.You can buy a wire guard and a glass lid so your Chemex can be warmed on the stovetop.I think that's more labor added to an already laborious endeavor.Just have a warmed thermos ready and use that to store any unused coffee.

4. Learning Curve: It does take some time to get the grind right, the amount right and the water level right to find a cup which caters to your tongue.

5. Cleanability: I know this is in the advantages column, as well, but it's worth mentioning that a lot of people hate cleaning these things.Tosubmerge it does mean pulling off the wood cuff (which is a small pain) else it will get nasty over time.

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Product Description:
Coffee purists appreciate the classic styling of this carafe with wood collar and tie. The Chemex filter drip method eliminates bitterness, and the slow brewing allows full flavor from the best coffee beans. Unlike flat bottom filters, the conical shape concentrates grounds at the bottom of the filter, ensuring a clear flavorful coffee without fail.

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