The Case for The Chemex

Originally Published: 24 April 2020

Filtered coffee could help you live longer. Good news for you caffeinated mortals.

THE STUDY

According to a recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the healthiest method to brew your coffee is filter. Some of the key findings of the study are

"A cup of unfiltered coffee contains about 30 times the concentration of the lipid-raising substances compared to filtered coffee."

"Filtered coffee is associated with 12% decreased risk of death in men…20% in women compared to no coffee"

"The lowest mortality rate was among consumers of 1-4 cups of filtered coffee"

This study is basically saying: distance yourself from that espresso machine- avoid the French Press. According to an article by CNN "Unfiltered coffee, like Greek and Turkish coffee, which is boiled, or coffee made in a French press contain higher amounts of cafestol and kahweol." Crash course science: that’s not great for your health.

But we've been receiving conflicting information for years now and even the evidence to show that excessive coffee may be harmful for your health hasn't stopped coffee lovers from downing their fourth cup of the day. However, the study does say that filter coffee or drip coffee is the most healthiest brewing method. Will this convince coffee lovers to switch to filter? Realistically no. But its worth making the case for this healthier caffeinated lifestyle: the Chemex.

THE CHEMEX

An hour-glass with an aesthetic wooden collar wrapped around its sleek neck.

It is what is sounds like.

The Chemex resembles chemistry lab equipment. It was invented in the year 1941 by Dr.Peter Schlumbohm, a chemist himself. Shocker. Meanwhile-that same year-other chemists were working on developing the atomic bomb. We thank Schlumbohm for his peaceful contribution to society.

Schlumbohm was known for being a perfectionist. In his lifetime, he patented more than 300 different devices, which he called "Beautilities"- 20 of these made it to the New York Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection. Beyond its functionality, the Chemex is certainly admired for its design.

State-of-the-art back in its day, the Chemex was named one of '100 Best-Designed Products in Modern Times' by the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1958. Its appeal resonates today: 70 years later and the Chemex remains unchanged.

The American economy grew by 37% during the 1950s. This rise in prosperity meant more people were willing to buy machines and appliances. This put the Chemex in the backrow. An article by collectors weekly explains: “In the ’60s… everyone wanted coffeemakers that automated the process so you didn’t have to make it yourself anymore…Everyone wanted a machine.” However, sales for the Chemex did eventually rise- it can even be spotted in episodes of Friends!

CAN A MORON MAKE GOOD COFFEE?

Schlumbohm once said: "Ground coffee contains only two desirable ingredients: aromatic coffee oils and caffeine. The rest is a vile mixture of some 50 different chemicals…With this, even a moron can make good coffee." But can any moron make good coffee using a Chemex? Only a patient moron.

The Chemex is the pride of the Coffee Connoisseur community. Coffee nerds love it. But it requires patience. The average person doesn't have time to watch their coffee drip through filter paper as they run late for work. Therefore, its use remains reserved by a small group. For them, the process may be time-consuming but its worth every second. It's a mindfulness experience.

THE EXPERIENCE

Like a chemist, the Coffee-Connoisseur carefully pours the gooseneck kettle over the filter paper. Like meditation, the rhythmic drip-drop consumes any background noise. Drip-drop-silence. Like art, the filtered coffee gleams against the light.

If you're considering buying a Chemex- other than great tasting coffee-this is the experience you're in for.

Or maybe you just want to live longer.

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Dalgona Coffee: An Unfiltered History