Chemex was invented by a German chemist named Peter J. Schlumbohm. While living in New York, he was frustrated by the bad coffee served in cafes and restaurants, brewed in automated coffeemakers without any charisma or design. Determined to find a better way, he invented Chemex, a simple and elegant design that produces an excellent cup of coffee — but requires considerable time and expert hands.

Theory:

Part of the family of drip methods, Chemex extraction passes hot water through the grounds, extracting soluble solids with the help of gravity. The paper filter gives the final product a cleanness and sweetness, since it does not let many coffee particles pass through.

Brew:

Chemex brewing involves many steps, and uses 32 g of coffee per 400 ml of water.

• First, place the filter in the Chemex. The side with the 3 flaps of excess paper should be aligned with the Chemex’s nozzle.

• Next, wet the filter with hot water to preheat it, dilate the fiber, and remove any possible paper flavor.

• Then add the 32 g of medium grind coffee, and dampen with a pre-infusion of 64 ml of water (pre-infusion helps to moisten the grounds for a more homogeneous extraction).

• Set a stopwatch. After about 50 seconds, slowly add 250 ml of water, pouring in a smooth circular pattern to create the proper turbulence, and wait until about 2 minutes on the clock for the extraction to take place

• Add the remaining 150 ml of water, slowly generating turbulence, and wait until about 3 minutes or 3:30 for the drink to finish filtering. Remove the filter and serve the drink.

Tip: You can change 150 ml of water with 150 g of ice, resulting in a cold coffee!

An early form of the French press may have first originated in France — but was refined and patented in Italy by the Milanese designer Attilio Calimani. A French clarinet factory began producing the device in 1958, marking the beginning of its steady spread throughout Europe.

Theory:

French Press extraction works by steeping. Coffee grounds are emerged directly in hot water, extracting the soluble solids, then plunged to the bottom of the French Press by a piston with a metal filter at the base. Unlike the fine paper used in the Chemex, the metal filter allows more fine particles of coffee and other oils to pass through, bringing out stronger flavors and more body.

Brew:

The press uses 18 g of coffee per 240 ml of water.

• First, add coarse grind coffee to the press..

• Add 50 ml of water to bloom the coffee, and wait 30 seconds..

• Then add the remaining 190 ml of water to the coffee, creating circular turbulence.

• Let stand for 4 minutes from the time you pour the first drop of water.

• After the 4 minutes, lower the piston gently and serve the drink.

This American-designed method was first launched on the market in 2006. Handy, portable, lightweight, and power-free, the Aeropress quickly gained a loyal following among coffee enthusiasts.

Theory:

Combining the piston of the French Press with the paper filter of the Chemex, the Aeropress harnesses air pressure to make coffee with more oils and less sediment in record time.

Brew:

Combining the piston of the French Press with the paper filter of the Chemex, the Aeropress harnesses air pressure to make coffee with more oils and less sediment in record time.

• The first step is to add 22 g of coffee (medium-fine grind) to the Aeropress.

• Then add 100 ml of water to bloom the grounds, and let sit for 40 seconds.

• Stir 3 times in a circular pattern to create turbulence.

• Add the remaining 140 ml of water and let sit for 2 minutes from the time you add the first drop of water.

• Stir again 3 times, smoothly.

• Place a moistened filter in the filter holder, and flip the Aeropress, placing it on the rim of a coffee cup.

• Press down on the piston to fully filter the drink into the cup.

The first siphon was patented in Germany by Loe of Berlin. It has since seen particularly popularity in Japan.

Theory:

The siphon method uses a vacuum to filter out coffee grounds. Water in the lower chamber of the siphon is heated until it boils and rises into the upper chamber, where it comes in contact with the grounds. The coffee is extracted for a short period of time in the upper chamber, until the heat source is removed, and the liquid sucked back down into the lower chamber, leaving behind the grounds. This is the only method in which coffee is extracted at boiling point.

Brew:

The siphon uses 30 g of coffee per 400 ml of water.

• Add hot water to the spherical chamber of the siphon and turn on the burner or electric heat source.

• Wait until the water starts to boil and seal o the chamber. When all of the water has risen into the upper chamber, add the coffee. Wait 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

• Remove the heat source, let the drink filter, and serve.