Posted Sat Nov 3, 2012, 11:12am Subject: Chemex Timing Questions
Hi All,
I just recently got a Chemex and had a couple timing questions.
I know that 3.5 to 4 minute brew times are optimal. Does this time though include the 30-45secs for the bloom or should I start my timer after I allow it to bloom?
Also, I typically brew less than 20oz at a time. I usually brew 12-16oz a time. Should I be shooting for a shorter brew time because I am brewing less coffee or should I grind my coffee a bit finer? Also, vice-versa, should I aim for longer brew time for more coffee, say 30oz, or should I adjust my grind to a coarser setting in order to brew within the 3.5-4min range.
Posted Sat Nov 3, 2012, 11:21am Subject: Re: Chemex Timing Questions
Also, another question I just thought of:
How quickly should I aim to finish pouring out my dose of water? Should I aim to finish pouring as closely to the 3.5-4 minute mark, allowing just enough time for all of the water to pass through the coffee?
oldgearhead Senior Member Joined: 25 Jan 2010 Posts: 354 Location: Go Colts! Expertise: I like coffee
Grinder: Virtuoso by Baratza Drip: Chemex,Dilongi DCM900 Roaster: 1/2K Fluid-bed
Posted Sun Nov 4, 2012, 5:18am Subject: Re: Chemex Timing Questions
Of course it depends on how much water you pour through it. I usually see about 7 minutes for 40 ounces. I think the Chemex filter does most the flow control, because water + coffee time is only slightly longer than water only. I wouldn't count the bloom, but then I would never time a brew either..
Of course it depends on how much water you pour through it. I usually see about 7 minutes for 40 ounces. I think the Chemex filter does most the flow control, because water + coffee time is only slightly longer than water only. I wouldn't count the bloom, but then I would never time a brew either..
I think that estimate is just about correct. I have begun adopting the following procedure, which works pretty well over a wide range of batch sizes (16-32 oz).
Bloom as usual. After the bloom, start timing. Pour for 3 minutes and 15 seconds, keeping the pour low and slow. (I'm shooting for 3:30 total including about a 15-second drawdown.) However much water has made it through in that time, stop pouring. Let the water drain from the filter and get rid of the filter. Then top off your brew to the desired weight (based of course on the amount of coffee you started with) pouring water straight into the Chemex.
This really helped with my problem of overextracting, and I can now really bring out the varietal flavors.
I think that estimate is just about correct. I have begun adopting the following procedure, which works pretty well over a wide range of batch sizes (16-32 oz).
Bloom as usual. After the bloom, start timing. Pour for 3 minutes and 15 seconds, keeping the pour low and slow. (I'm shooting for 3:30 total including about a 15-second drawdown.) However much water has made it through in that time, stop pouring. Let the water drain from the filter and get rid of the filter. Then top off your brew to the desired weight (based of course on the amount of coffee you started with) pouring water straight into the Chemex.
This really helped with my problem of overextracting, and I can now really bring out the varietal flavors.
THANK YOU!!! New to pour-over brewing, starting with a 10 cup Chemex. I tried your suggestion and what an improvement!! Trying to be consistent and adjusting one variable at a time. I've been over-extracting (up to 7:00+ minutes) for 24 oz./40 g . Think my grind has been too fine so I adjusted slightly and this helped shorten. Was left with just a small amount of water which I added. Great improvement!
THANK YOU!!! New to pour-over brewing, starting with a 10 cup Chemex. I tried your suggestion and what an improvement!! Trying to be consistent and adjusting one variable at a time. I've been over-extracting (up to 7:00+ minutes) for 24 oz./40 g . Think my grind has been too fine so I adjusted slightly and this helped shorten. Was left with just a small amount of water which I added. Great improvement!
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