The Chemex coffee maker is a beloved tool for brewing excellent coffee, known for its simplicity and the clarity of flavors it produces. While it’s typically used with hot water from a kettle, you can also use a gas stove to heat the water directly in a Chemex. In this clear and concise guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to safely and effectively heat water in a Chemex using a gas stove.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following items:
- Chemex coffee maker
- Gas stove
- Coffee beans
- Grinder (if you’re grinding your own beans)
- Filter for the Chemex
- Kettle (optional)
- Timer (optional)
Steps to Heat Water in a Chemex on a Gas Stove
Prepare the Chemex:
- Start by unfolding and placing the Chemex filter into the top section of the Chemex, making sure the side with three layers is facing the pouring spout. Rinse the filter with hot water and let it drain to eliminate any paper taste.
Grind Coffee Beans:
- If you’re using whole coffee beans, grind them to a medium-coarse consistency, similar to sea salt.
Boil Water (if necessary):
- If you have a kettle, you can use it to bring water to a boil. If not, proceed to the next step, but be prepared to heat the water directly in the Chemex.
Place Chemex on the Gas Stove:
- Carefully position the Chemex on the gas stove’s burner, ensuring that the entire bottom of the Chemex is heated evenly. Use a low to medium heat setting to avoid overheating and damaging the Chemex.
Heat the Water:
- Pour the desired amount of water into the Chemex. Use caution to prevent splashing or overflowing. If the water was previously boiled in a kettle, it should be at the right temperature for brewing (around 200°F or 93°C). If you’re heating the water directly in the Chemex, keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat just before it reaches a rolling boil.
Bloom the Coffee:
- Add the ground coffee to the filter, using a ratio of about 1:15 (1 part coffee to 15 parts water). Start by wetting the coffee grounds evenly, ensuring they’re all saturated. Allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds.
Brew the Coffee:
- After the initial bloom, continue pouring the hot water in a slow, circular motion over the coffee grounds. Ensure that the water level remains consistent throughout the brewing process, and try to finish pouring within 3 to 4 minutes.
Enjoy Your Coffee:
- Once the water has passed through the grounds, your coffee is ready. Carefully remove the filter with the used grounds, and your fresh Chemex-brewed coffee is ready to enjoy.
Safety Tips
Always exercise caution when using a gas stove to heat the Chemex. Keep the flame at a moderate level to prevent overheating and potential damage to the Chemex.
Use a potholder or a towel to handle the hot Chemex after brewing to avoid burns.
Conclusion
Heating water directly in a Chemex on a gas stove is a simple and effective way to brew a fresh cup of coffee. By following these clear and concise steps, you can enjoy the distinct flavors and clarity that the Chemex coffee maker is known for, whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of specialty coffee. Enjoy your delicious home-brewed coffee!