Coffee machines - whaddaya know?

[uncinqsix]

Bought a Chemex this morning. I felt like branching out from espresso, and there are so many great single origin coffees available that I was missing out on, as the lighter roasts only really work with filter brewing.

I had a bit of a play with it, and the initial results with the Ethiopian Sudima I was using were pretty good. It's a completely different drink to espresso, but very enjoyable.

[giblet]

I've still not used my Chemex, what grind size did you use? Most of the tutorials I have seen are rather complicated compared to the process used for my aeropress.

[uncinqsix]

giblet said:

I've still not used my Chemex, what grind size did you use? Most of the tutorials I have seen are rather complicated compared to the process used for my aeropress.

I used a pretty coarse grind. Hard to describe but something akin to cracked pepper. If you do a google image search on 'Chemex Grind' you'll get a few pics to use as a starting point. The process does sound pretty involved, but it's not that difficult in practice. I found this guide quite good: http://peoplescoffee.co.nz/chemex-101/

Just experiment with it - you've nothing to lose by trying it out

[Blown2CV]

chemex is a weird name for that product i think. It sounds like industrial drain cleaner not artisan and quite elegant coffee making device.

[giblet]

uncinqsix said:

giblet said:

I've still not used my Chemex, what grind size did you use? Most of the tutorials I have seen are rather complicated compared to the process used for my aeropress.

I used a pretty coarse grind. Hard to describe but something akin to cracked pepper. If you do a google image search on 'Chemex Grind' you'll get a few pics to use as a starting point. The process does sound pretty involved, but it's not that difficult in practice. I found this guide quite good: http://peoplescoffee.co.nz/chemex-101/

Just experiment with it - you've nothing to lose by trying it out

It's the goose neck kettle, weighed beans and specific temps that put me off. Will give it a go soon.

[uncinqsix]

Temps = boil the kettle and let it sit for a few minutes

Goose neck kettle = pour the boiling water from the normal kettle into something a little smaller that gives more pouring control. I used a large milk frothing jug, but it's occurred to me that a small teapot might do a better job.

Weighing stuff. Now, this is where I think going a bit geeky does pay off. I already weigh my espresso doses, which IMO makes a big difference to consistency, so I think it's worth doing for the chemex as well. Fortunately, the existence of the international drug trade means that accurate gram scales are cheap and readily available: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-1kg-1000g-x-0-1g-Digit...

[giblet]

Hmm are those scales that accurate? I've used regular digital kitchen scales before to get a rough idea of weights at home but don't bother in the office. Will have to try and find a uk seller on ebay or amazon.

[uncinqsix]

They seem to be very accurate. I was curious, so spent a couple of dollars on a calibration weight (again from ebay). Mine were right on, but in any case they can be calibrated. They're what one of the local hipster cafes uses.