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Chemex vs. Drip Coffee Maker
The Chemex and Drip coffee maker are two popular methods, so we decided to put them head-to-head in a battle of the brews. Who will come out on top?
Published March 10, 2022
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Vasileia Fanarioti
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Are you a coffee lover? Do you like to start your day with a nice, hot cup of joe? If so, then you're probably wondering which type of coffee maker is the best. Well, today we're going to compare the Chemex vs drip coffee maker. Both of these machines have their pros and cons, so let's take a closer look at each one.
Chemex vs. Drip Coffee Maker
When it comes to coffee, there are a lot of different ways to make it. But what's the best way? The Chemex and drip coffee maker are two popular methods, so we decided to put them head-to-head in a battle of the brews. Who will come out on top?
Before we get to that, we need to answer an important question that many people get confused about: What is the difference between a drip coffee and pour-over? Well, a drip coffee maker is a machine that brews coffee by dripping hot water over ground coffee beans. A pour-over, on the other hand, is a manual brewing method where you use a filter to slowly pour hot water over ground coffee beans.
Chemex pour over glass coffee maker
The Chemex is a type of pour over coffee maker that's made from glass. It has a cone-shaped filter that sits on top of the carafe, and the hot water is poured over the grounds and filtered down into the carafe. It was invented by chemist Peter Schlumbohm in 1941, and the classic design has barely changed since then. Many people love the Chemex because it produces a clean, smooth cup of coffee with very little sediment. Its design is also very elegant and it makes a great conversation piece.
How does a Chemex work?
The Chemex works by heating up the water to a temperature of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit and then pouring it over the coffee grounds. The hot water slowly filters down through the cone-shaped filter and into the carafe below. This brewing method produces a clean, smooth cup of coffee that many people prefer over a drip coffee maker.
What are the pros and cons of a Chemex?
The pros of the Chemex are that it produces a smooth, clean cup of coffee with very little sediment. It's also very elegant and makes a great conversation piece. The cons are that it can be a bit expensive, and it can be tricky to get the water temperature just right.
Drip coffee maker
A drip coffee maker is a machine that brews coffee by dripping hot water over ground coffee beans. The water is heated up and then dripped through a metal or plastic filter into a carafe or pot. Most drip coffee makers have a thermal carafe that keeps the coffee warm after it's brewed.
How does a drip coffee maker work?
A drip coffee maker works by heating up the water to a temperature of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit and then slowly dripping it over the coffee grounds. This brewing method produces a cup of coffee that's full of flavor and has a rich, creamy texture. Here is a guide on how to brew amazing coffee with it!
What are the pros and cons of a drip coffee maker?
The pros of a drip coffee maker are that it's affordable, easy to use, and produces a cup of coffee in under five minutes. The cons are that it can sometimes produce a cup of coffee that's bitter or acidic and unfortunately you will have no control over it, and the coffee can become cold quickly if it's not served immediately. Now that we know the difference, let's take a look at how the Chemex and drip coffee maker compare.
Brew time
One of the advantages of the Chemex is that it has a much shorter brew time than a drip coffee maker. This is because the Chemex's conical shape funnels all the water through the coffee grounds, which results in a more even extraction. Pour-over coffee makers, on the other hand, can take up to 5 minutes to brew a cup of coffee. This is because the water has to drip through the coffee grounds slowly in order to extract all the flavor.
Brewing temperature
Another advantage of the Chemex is that it brews coffee at a higher temperature than a drip coffee maker. This is because the Chemex has a thicker glass carafe, which helps to keep the coffee hot for longer.
Pour-over coffee makers, on the other hand, often brew coffee at a lower temperature because their carafes are made of thin glass. This can result in coffee that's not as hot and doesn't taste as good.
Cleaning
The Chemex is also a lot easier to clean than a drip coffee maker. All you have to do is rinse the carafe and filters with warm water and soap, and you're done. Drip coffee makers, on the other hand, can be a bit of a pain to clean. You have to disassemble the machine and clean all the parts separately, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Flavour
Chemex produces coffee that tastes a bit better than drip coffee maker coffee. This is because it uses higher-quality filters, which allow for a more even extraction. Chemex also allows you to exercise more control over the brewing process, which results in coffee that's more flavourful.
Price and Durability
The Chemex is also a bit more expensive than a drip coffee maker. It's also made of glass so it's not as durable as a plastic drip coffee maker. The drip coffee maker on the other hand is much more affordable and is made of sturdy plastic that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Versatility
The Chemex is also more versatile than a drip coffee maker. It can be used to brew coffee, tea, and even iced drinks. It also works as a decorative piece on your kitchen counter. Drip coffee makers, on the other hand, are limited to brewing coffee. They also don't look as nice as the Chemex does on your kitchen counter, if you care about that sort of thing.
So, which coffee maker is right for you? If you're looking for a quick and easy way to brew a cup of coffee, the drip coffee maker is the way to go. If you're looking for coffee that tastes a bit better and you have a little more time to spend on the brewing process, the Chemex is the way to go.
FAQs
How to use a Chemex coffee maker?
To use a Chemex coffee maker, you first need to grind your coffee beans. Then, place a paper filter on the top of the carafe and add the coffee grounds. Finally, slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds, making sure to saturate them all. Allow the coffee to brew for 3-5 minutes, then enjoy!
Can I use a Chemex to brew tea?
Yes, you can use a Chemex to brew tea. Just follow the same brewing process as you would for coffee, but use tea leaves instead of coffee grounds.
What is the best coffee for chemex?
The best coffee for a Chemex is a medium-roast coffee that's been freshly ground. If you're looking for a good starting point, I recommend any 100% Arabica coffee beans that are from a single origin.
Percolator vs drip - is there a difference?
Yes, there is a difference between percolator and drip coffee. Percolators use pressure to force hot water through the coffee grounds, which results in a more bitter and acidic cup of coffee. Drip coffee makers, on the other hand, use gravity to slowly drip hot water through the coffee grounds, which results in a more even extraction and a smoother cup of coffee.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the verdict? Is a Chemex better than a drip coffee maker? In our opinion, it depends. If you want ease of use and don’t mind sacrificing some flavor for convenience, then go with the drip coffee maker. But if you want to make an amazing cup of coffee that will impress your friends (and yourself), then go with the Chemex.
If you’re still undecided about which coffee maker is right for you, be sure to read our article on the Pour-over Vs. Drip Coffee debate. In it, we break down the pros and cons of each method so that you can make an informed decision about which one will produce the best cup of joe for your needs. We hope this article has helped you make a decision about which coffee maker is best for you and your caffeine cravings. Thanks for reading!
About the author
Vasileia Fanarioti
My name is Vasileia and I’m here because i decided to combine my two favourite things: writing and coffee. I love travelling around the world and visiting coffee shops but my biggest goal is to visit a coffee farm, to see where it all starts! You can follow my coffee adventures via my blog: thewanderingbean.net
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