Background to the Emergence of Chemex Coffee Tools

The chemex coffee maker was first invented by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. He is a chemist from Germany who came to the United States in 1936.

Schlumbohm has patented more than 300 inventions. He takes a practical approach to all products he designs including Chemex brewers.

Quoting from MoMA, Schlumbohm once said, “A table should be a table, a chair should be a chair, a bed should be a bed. When in 1938, a personal desire for coffee emerged, my only aspect was : The coffee maker had to make coffee (Chemex), and then I applied my knowledge of physics and chemistry.”

With this invention, Schlumbohm was not only driven to design the perfect coffee maker. However, he also paid attention to aesthetics. As a chemist, he was inspired by glass laboratory equipment.

In particular, using an Erlenmeyer flask with a conical body. It has a narrow cylindrical top.

In addition, Schlumbohm used his skills as a scientist to understand and manipulate the extraction. Launching from the Chemex website, Schlumbohm identified all the components contained in ground coffee.

This coffee-loving chemist also mentioned that there are two elements that must be present in a cup of coffee. The elements Schlumbohm refers to are aromatic coffee oils and caffeine.

When Chemex was released, Dr. Peter Schlumbohm created the slogan“It Pays to Pay for Filtration“. The coffee filtration process is the key factor to creating a clear cup of coffee without grounds.

Extracting coffee with Chemex brewing produces crystal clear coffee without sediment. Avoiding all unwanted coffee sludge when making a cup of coffee.

Chemex Coffee Tools Design

Dr. Schlumbohm paid great attention to the design of Chemex in his invention. This design was influenced by the Bauhaus design school where he studied.

Chemex is made from a single piece of borosilicate glass. It has a wooden collar with a rawhide tie. The design features seem simple, but it is a perfect blend of form and function.

It all came from Schlumbohm’s own desire. The invention quickly gained mass appreciation. Especially in the scientific and design community, when the Chemex was released in 1942.

Chemex’s Early Journey

Schlumbohm initially gave Chemex brewing samples to the famous retailer Macy’s of New York. Schlumbohm advised a store representative to take him home to try Chemex.

Then, the next morning Dr. Schlumbohm received a phone call. In the information, Macy’s would run an advertising campaign for Chemex products. On May 24, 1942, Macy’s introduced Chemex to the public.

The first 500 units were born in Dr. Schlumbohm’s apartment. The humble Chemex quickly became an icon of stylish kitchen tools. Chemex’s beautiful design also caught the public’s attention.

Chemex is now included in the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum. Additionally, it can be found at the Corning Museum of Glass and MoMa New York.

In 1943, the Museum of Modern Art featured Chemex as one of the best-designed products. Later, the Illinois Institute of Technology named Chemex as one of the 100 best products.

Chemex Coffee Tools of Today

Dr. Schlumbohm successfully achieved the goal of making functional products with beautiful designs. To this day, Chemex is still a stylish kitchenware item.

Observers say that part of the magic of Chemex is the filter. Chemex’s brewing filter is thicker than most other coffee filters. This slows down the rate at which water moves through the coffee grounds.

The process holds a higher percentage of oil and insoluble components. Elements such as pour-over kettles serve as air gaps. One Chemex element that allows air to move out during coffee brewing.

Finally, a small knob on the Chemex brewing body serves as a visual marker. It helps to notice that the coffee maker is half full

Schlumbohm’s smart move of bringing Chemex to Macy’s succeeded in making this brewing product known to the public.

Steps to Use Chemex Coffee Tools

This tutorial brews 18 ounces of coffee. If you want to brew more, be sure to multiply.

Heating Water

Provide 510 grams of water for brewing, as well as extra water for rinsing the filter.

Grinding Coffee

Grind about 30 grams of coffee, a little coarser but somewhat finer.

Inserting a Filter

Place the square filter inside the brewing mouth of the Chemex. The side with 3 parts should be just above the lip of the Chemex (the part for pouring).

Once the water is warm, rinse the filter and discard the water from the rinse. This process aims to heat up the brewing Chemex.

Adding Coffee

After rinsing the filter, place ground coffee in the filter.

Pouring Water

Remove the water from the stove and wait 20-30 seconds before pouring the water. When pouring water, pour just enough. The goal is to saturate the coffee powder.

Wetting the base allows the coffee grounds to ‘bloom’. So, all parts of the coffee can come into contact with water.

Wait 20-40 seconds after wetting the coffee powder. So that the carbon dioxide trapped in the coffee powder can escape.

Stir Coffee

This step is not always necessary when making coffee. You can use a wooden spoon to stir gently.

Add remaining water

Gradually add the remaining water in the coffee. However, do not fill to the brim. It is important to leave at least 1 inch of space from the top.

Stop pouring water, when you feel the amount of coffee water is sufficient. This process is better to use a digital scale. In order to prevent using too much water when brewing coffee.

Coffee Ready to Enjoy

Once the water has passed through the filter completely, remove the filter. Pour the drip coffee into a glass to serve.

Chemex brewing is the way to enjoy coffee in style since 1942. And, a coffee drinking solution without the annoying grounds.