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This unconventional way of cleaning gets your Chemex like new fast every single time.
Hello coffee lover! I know you are a coffee lover because you use a Chemex. Arguably the best way to make the perfect cup of brew. I won’t argue if you don’t agree. Make your coffee how it tastes best to you.
Mine can get a little extra filmy because of how I use it. To keep the coffee warm while it works it’s way through the filter via the pour over method, I set it on a very low heat directly on my electric stove. The cream or half and half is put in the Chemex coffee pot first before the coffee process starts so it can warm as well. The result is hot very delicious coffee exactly to my taste . I roast my own beans too ( I buy my beans from coffee bean corral). Do you by chance roast your own also? Partial to dark roasted African beans myself.
Anyway, the protein in the cream can get sticky as a result of being on a low burner. What is a coffee lover to do when the time comes to clean the carafe? I have the solution and there is not a drop of soap or a bottle brush in sight.
Cleaning your Chemex (or Bodum) pour over coffee maker
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Now what you’re here for. The cleaning method. You need two things that you have right now.
Ice and salt are the dynamic duo for this job. Put some cubes of ice into your room temp carafe and 1-2 Tbsp coarse salt. I have smallish cubes so 5-6 does the job.
Swirl vigorously for 2 minutes. The bottom of the carafe will get frosty like winter window but keep going even if you can’t 100% see inside. That means it is working.
Empty out the icy salt water sludge and all the build up will go with it. Then allow the Chemex to come to room temperature again (don’t tempt fate rinsing out right now unless you’re using cold water) and rinse with plain water.
Tada! Just like new. It feels a little like magic but it’s more science (which seems like magic sometimes, doesn’t it?)
If you want to try an alternative to the Chemex filters , Melitta no. 4 using a pour over cup works nicely. I can’t give up the paper filters for a metal reusable style because too much silt gets through and ruins the silky mouthfeel of pour over coffee.
Curious what I cook for the rich and famous?
For more kitchen hacks read this to hack more things in your kitchen.
