We tell you the story of the pouring method: Melitta, V60 and Chemex
When we visit any specialty coffee shop, it is very common for us to see extraction equipment to get a delicious cup. Such as the V60 and the Chemex, utensils that have been around for decades and today are the pouring method most popular around the world and make up the third wave.
Although this type of preparation technique is also used frequently in countless competitions. It is possible to apply it from our kitchens and get an equally exquisite coffee, since it is a way that is quite simple. In fact, many experts in the field consider that the pour-over method works great for coffee-making novices and expert baristas alike.
Since Incapto Coffee, we know that you are very curious about how this method of preparation came about, as well as those factors that made it so popular. Fortunately, in this article we will clarify these and other doubts about one of the most famous techniques in the world of specialty coffee.
A look at the past
For many centuries, the population used to prepare a cup of coffee in a different way than the one we know today. At that time, ground coffee was heated in a pot with water, as is done in Turkish and Saudi traditions.
Years later, specifically in 1810, the percolator was invented. Its function was to extract the coffee by undergoing a boiling cycle, through grinding. With a delicious cup as a result, this mode became the most popular extraction method throughout Europe. Soon, the espresso machine arrived.
In the 20th century, a woman of German origin named Amalie Auguste Melitta Bentz, I was not very happy with the taste of the coffee prepared in the percolator. Without overlooking, the grinding that remained at the bottom of the cup. Therefore, as a result of this, he decided to experiment and design various extraction prototypes. After several attempts, he invented a technique that included absorbent paper and a can, which he pierced with a nail.
The result satisfactorily matched what she was looking for. Because, with this, he managed to achieve a less bitter drink to that prepared in the percolator. And best of all, there was no grinding residue left in the cup. In June 1908, Amalie patented filter paper and the company was born. Melitta.
Present your creation to the world
Amalie and her husband decided to share their filters with the world in 1909, during the Leipzig Trade Fair. A product that achieved immediate success. The Melitta company included the conical filters that we currently know, in the 1930s. After making some improvements, producing a larger area for the extraction of the drink, it helped to enhance the quality of the coffee.
It was to be expected that more modern and more effective utensils would be designed than a simple can to support the filters. The couple decided to innovate a little, and designed a conical-shaped drip device, which works by placing a cup or jug.
The first drip cone that came on the market apparently had a total of eight holes at the bottom. Something that was modified for the 60s, where its creators decided to leave it with a single hole.
Although in Latin America, they had already been using cloth filters for some time, the arrival of paper filters became an innovation in this territory when it came to preparing coffee. In turn, it quickly motivated its commercialization. Currently, Melitta is one of the most important companies thanks to the manufacturing of its filters and drip devices. These utensils can frequently be found in many homes and cafes around the world.
How does the pouring method come about?
There have been many manufacturers that throughout all these years, specifically, since Melitta was born, decided to launch drip devices and filters on the market. The goal is to offer consumers endless options to enjoy their favorite drink: coffee.
One of these producers was the German chemist Peter Schulmbohm. He is the creator of the popular glass carafe Chemex, created in 1941. Everything indicates that Schulmbohm was characterized as a man who was one step ahead of the rest. That is why he was concerned with seeking to implement effectiveness in those everyday objects, to make them more pleasant to use. So, he patented more than 300 creations, including designs for cocktail shakers and automobiles.
Due to his training as a chemist, he was able to find the perfect formula to understand how coffee extraction worked. Following this, he decided to design his own thick paper filters. Experts gave it the approval, since they do not allow the drink to be unaffected by the oils and bitterness characteristic of coffee and of course, the grinding.
Chemex is the best of all!
That device, whose figure was similar to that of an hourglass, was considered one of the best designs of modern times, in 1959. In summary, the Chemex, in addition to being a pouring method wonderful is also known for being very practical.
But what makes it so special? It turns out that that wooden handle that surrounds the neck of the jug is responsible for holding the hot glass. While the leather loop prevents it from slipping. If we focus on the material of the jug, it is designed with resistant laboratory glass, which is capable of absorbing odors or controlling chemical waste that may affect the quality of the coffee.
Japanese versions innovate in pouring
As time goes by, new manufacturers join in creating new devices, designed for those who enjoy the pour-over method.
One of them has been the Japanese, who for some time have wanted to offer pouring devices. Hario, founded in Tokyo in 1921, is one of the most popular Asian brands, although its beginnings were dedicated to manufacturing laboratory glass. This is followed by V60, whose creation was intended to improve the filter holders of that time.
Most of these devices consist of a drip cone that is placed over a cup or bottle. Afterwards, he holds a paper filter. However, this does not seem as simple as it seems.
The first thing you should know is that the cone is 60°. Therefore, it allows water to flow specifically to the center of the grind, thus extending the contact time. This pouring method device has a large hole, while there are similar ones, but with the only difference is that they are small, reducing stagnation. In the case of the V60, it has spiral-shaped grooves, allowing air to escape and thus maximizing the expansion of the coffee grind.
These are not the only Japanese creations, since there is also the Kalita Wave. A device whose design is composed of a lower, flat part and three holes. These are perfect for eliminating any water channeling over the grind, resulting in a sharp and delicious coffee.
However, the drip cone was created with the intention of establishing the slightest contact with the filter. This makes for a consistent temperature and a dispersion of the water.
Cloth filters are not the only ones
Paper filters may be the most sought after pouring method. But there is another one that also turns out to be very practical and provides a 100% delicious cup of coffee. It is about the jetter, It is an extraction mode originating from Costa Rica and has a wooden support and a fabric filter.
The most surprising thing about the matter is that this method has been used for a long time, even long before Amalie Melitta placed absorbent paper in a can. In case you didn't know, fabric filters are reusable, they don't produce as much waste unlike paper, and they are labeled 100% sustainable. Using a stocking or sock to extract coffee is a method that has amazed the specialty industry.
Applying the inverted method, either in your home kitchen or in your coffee shop (if you own one) is one of the most used methods in all parts of the world. All of them have the purpose of providing a delicious cup without affecting the environment. You just have to look for the brand device of your choice and live this coffee experience.
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