Chemex – pour-over coffee in the iconic glass carafe
Chemex is a manual pour-over coffee maker that combines a coffee brewer and serving carafe in one simple design.
The distinctive hourglass shape is made of borosilicate glass, and the coffee is brewed through Chemex's special paper filters. This typically yields a clean, clear cup with relatively little sediment and a different mouthfeel than, for example, French press coffee.
At Brændeholm Risteri, you will find Chemex coffee makers in several sizes as well as original Chemex filters and accessories.
If you are unsure which size to choose, you can compare the 3, 6, and 8-cup models below.
What is a Chemex coffee maker?
Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker where hot water is poured manually over ground coffee in a paper filter.
The water moves through the coffee bed and the filter, ending up directly in the glass carafe below.
Chemex was invented in 1941 by chemist Peter Schlumbohm and has since become known as both a coffee brewer and a design object.
The classic Chemex consists of a glass carafe with the characteristic hourglass shape, as well as a wooden collar and leather tie around the middle.
Why choose Chemex?
Chemex is especially interesting if you prefer filter coffee with a clean and distinct flavor profile.
The special paper filter retains many fine coffee particles and some of the coffee's oils.
This typically means:
• Very little sediment in the cup
• A clean mouthfeel
• Clear flavor separation
• Great opportunity to experience fruity and aromatic coffees
• Ability to brew multiple cups at once
At the same time, the Chemex carafe itself functions as a serving carafe, so you don't need a separate coffee pot.
Chemex 3, 6, or 8 cups?
We carry Chemex in several sizes.
Please note that the Chemex "cup" designation does not correspond to large Danish coffee mugs.
Chemex defines a cup as approximately 5 oz, so the model name should primarily be used to compare the sizes.
Chemex 3 cups
The 3-cup Chemex is the smallest of the models in our selection.
It is suitable if you typically brew coffee for one person or want a compact Chemex.
The official capacity is approximately 15 oz, equivalent to about 440 ml.
The 3-cup model has a narrower shape than the larger Chemex models and uses its own Half Moon filters.
Chemex 6 cups
The 6-cup Chemex is a great all-round choice.
The official capacity is approximately 30 oz, equivalent to about 890 ml.
It therefore allows for both smaller brews and larger portions for several people.
If you want one Chemex for regular home use, the 6-cup model is an obvious place to start.
Chemex 8 cups
The 8-cup Chemex has an official capacity of approximately 40 oz, equivalent to about 1.18 liters.
It is suitable if you often brew coffee for several people or want to make a larger pot at a time.
It uses the same family of Chemex Bonded filters as several of the larger models.
Which Chemex should I choose?
The choice depends primarily on how much coffee you normally brew.
Choose 3 cups if you primarily brew smaller portions for one person.
Choose 6 cups if you want a versatile size for regular home use.
Choose 8 cups if you often brew for several people or want larger portions.
It is not necessary to always fill the Chemex completely.
A larger Chemex can also be used for smaller brews, but if you almost always brew one small portion, the compact model is more practical.
Which filters are used for Chemex?
Chemex should be used with filters that fit the specific size.
The original Chemex Bonded filters are an important part of the brewing system.
Chemex 3 cups
The 3-cup model uses the smaller Half Moon filters.
Chemex 6 and 8 cups
The larger models use the larger Chemex Bonded filters, such as the classic square filters.
When choosing a filter, you should therefore always check which Chemex size the filter is intended for.
At Brændeholm Risteri, you will find both Chemex coffee makers and suitable paper filters.
White or unbleached Chemex filter?
Chemex filters are available in white and natural/unbleached varieties, among others.
Both are developed for the same basic brewing principle.
The choice is therefore primarily about personal preference.
Regardless of the variant, we recommend rinsing the filter with hot water before brewing.
This also helps to:
• Pre-heat the Chemex carafe
• Ensure the filter sits correctly
• Rinse away loose paper fibers
Pour out the rinse water before adding the coffee.
How to place the Chemex filter correctly
When a classic Chemex filter is unfolded, one side will consist of several layers of paper.
The thickest side should be placed against the Chemex carafe's pouring spout.
This helps to keep the filter away from the spout and ensures that air can escape from the carafe during brewing.
It is a small detail, but it can impact the flow-through.
How much coffee should I use for Chemex?
A good starting point is:
60 grams of coffee per liter of water.
For example:
15 g coffee → 250 g water
30 g coffee → 500 g water
45 g coffee → 750 g water
60 g coffee → 1,000 g water
You can then adjust the ratio to taste.
If you want more strength, you can use a little more coffee. If you prefer a milder cup, you can reduce the amount of coffee slightly.
Which grind size for Chemex?
Medium-coarse is a good starting point.
The Chemex filter provides relatively high resistance, so a very fine grind can make the flow-through slow.
If the coffee runs through very slowly and tastes bitter or dry, you can try grinding a little coarser.
Conversely, if the water runs through very quickly and the coffee seems thin or sharp, you can try a little finer.
The grind size should always be adjusted to the specific coffee and portion size.
Which coffee is good for Chemex?
You can use light, medium, and dark roasted coffee beans in a Chemex.
However, the brewing method is particularly interesting for coffee where you want to experience many different flavor nuances.
Light roasted coffee beans
Light roast coffee is ideal for Chemex if you like fruity, floral, and lively coffees.
Medium roasted coffee beans
Medium roast can provide a little more sweetness and body, while still allowing the coffee's individual character to stand out clearly.
Dark roasted coffee beans
Dark roast coffee can also be brewed in a Chemex.
Here you can experiment with a slightly lower water temperature and coarser grind if the coffee becomes too bitter.
Chemex or Hario V60?
Both are pour-over brewers with paper filters, but they provide a different brewing experience.
Chemex
Brews directly into its own glass carafe and is especially practical when you want to make multiple cups.
The Chemex filter typically provides a very clean cup with relatively little sediment.
Hario V60
V60 is available in several materials and sizes and is normally placed directly over a cup or serving carafe.
V60 provides great control over pouring and flow and is very popular for smaller portions.
If you often brew multiple cups and want to serve directly from the brewer, Chemex is particularly practical.
Chemex or French press?
Here, the difference is greater.
The French press usually uses a metal filter.
It lets more oils and fine coffee particles through and typically provides a fuller mouthfeel.
Chemex uses a paper filter.
This typically results in a cleaner and lighter cup with less sediment.
Choose Chemex if you want a clear, paper-filtered cup.
Choose a French press if you prefer more body and don't mind a little sediment.
Chemex or a regular drip coffee machine?
The brewing principle has similarities because both use a filter and flow-through.
The big difference is control.
With Chemex, you control:
• Water volume
• Pouring speed
• Water distribution
• Pauses between pours
• Total brewing time
An automatic drip coffee machine does the work for you.
Chemex is therefore interesting if the brewing process itself is part of the coffee experience.
If, on the other hand, you just want to press a button in the morning, a good drip coffee machine is more practical.
What do I need for a Chemex?
You can make Chemex brewing very advanced, but the basic equipment is simple.
You will need:
• Chemex coffee maker
• Chemex paper filter
• Coffee beans
• Coffee grinder
• Hot water
A coffee scale makes it significantly easier to work with precise dosing.
A gooseneck kettle is also practical because it provides more control over the pour, but it is not an absolute requirement to start.
Chemex is both a brewer and a coffee carafe
One of the advantages of Chemex is that the brewer also functions as a serving carafe.
When brewing is finished, you simply remove the filter and serve directly from the Chemex.
The characteristic shape makes it suitable both for the actual brewing and for serving at the table.
This is also one of the reasons why people search for both Chemex coffee maker and Chemex coffee carafe – in practice, it is both.
Chemex in borosilicate glass
Chemex manufactures its coffee makers in borosilicate glass.
The material is non-porous and is also used in laboratory glassware.
The glass is therefore well-suited for coffee and does not absorb odors from previous brews in the same way that more porous materials can.
Although borosilicate glass is robust for its purpose, a Chemex is still a glass carafe and should be treated accordingly.
How to clean your Chemex
After brewing, remove the paper filter and coffee grounds.
The carafe can then be rinsed with hot water and cleaned as needed.
On the classic model with a wooden collar, the collar and leather tie should be removed before thoroughly washing the glass carafe.
Chemex states that the glass itself can be hand-washed or placed safely in the dishwasher.
Ensure that the carafe cannot hit other objects during dishwashing.
Chemex for beginners
Chemex is easy to understand, but it requires slightly more active brewing than, for example, the Clever Dripper or Hario Switch.
You have to pour the water over the coffee yourself and control the flow-through.
This also means that you can learn a lot about coffee brewing.
Start with:
30 g coffee
500 g water
Medium-coarse grind
92–96 °C water
and a total brewing time of about 4–5 minutes as a starting point.
Then taste the coffee and adjust the grind.
If you want the whole step-by-step procedure, you can read our guide to better coffee on Chemex.
Frequently asked questions about Chemex
What is a Chemex?
Chemex is a manual pour-over coffee maker in borosilicate glass. The coffee is brewed through a special paper filter directly into the glass carafe.
Which Chemex should I choose?
3 cups is suitable for smaller portions, 6 cups is a great all-round choice, and 8 cups works well if you often brew for several people.
How much coffee is used for Chemex?
60 grams of coffee per liter of water is a good starting point. For 500 grams of water, you can, for example, use 30 grams of coffee.
How finely should coffee be ground for Chemex?
A medium-coarse grind is a good starting point. Adjust afterwards based on flow time and taste.
Which filter does Chemex use?
Chemex uses special Chemex Bonded paper filters. The filter type must match the size of your coffee maker.
Which filter does the Chemex 3-cup use?
The 3-cup model uses Chemex Half Moon filters.
Can you use a Chemex as a coffee pot?
Yes. The coffee is brewed directly into the Chemex, and the carafe is then used for serving.
What is the difference between Chemex and V60?
Both are pour-over brewers. Chemex also functions as a serving carafe and uses Chemex's special filters, while V60 is normally placed over a separate cup or carafe.
Is Chemex good for light roasted coffee?
Yes. The clean paper-filtered brew makes Chemex particularly interesting for fruity and aromatic light and medium roasted coffees.
Can Chemex go in the dishwasher?
According to the manufacturer, the Chemex glass itself can be washed in the dishwasher if placed securely. The wooden collar and leather tie on the Classic model must be removed first.
