Chemex Classic Coffee Maker – 6-cup

Chemex Classic 6-cup – iconic pour-over coffee maker

The Chemex Classic 6-cup is a borosilicate glass pour-over coffee maker, known for its characteristic hourglass design, wooden collar, and leather tie.

The classic Chemex combines brewer and serving carafe in one simple construction. Coffee is brewed directly through a Chemex paper filter into the glass carafe, after which it can be served directly from the brewer.

The 6-cup model has a capacity of approximately 887 ml and is a great choice if you want to be able to brew several cups of filter coffee at a time.

Why choose the Chemex 6-cup

• Classic Chemex pour-over coffee maker
• Capacity of approx. 887 ml
• Made of borosilicate glass
• Wooden collar with leather tie
• Brewer and serving carafe in one
• Suitable for several cups of coffee at once
• Used with Chemex Bonded paper filters
• Simple brewing method with great potential to adjust the recipe
• Easy to clean
• Iconic and timeless design

How much coffee can the Chemex 6-cup hold?

CHEMEX specifies the capacity as 30 oz, equivalent to approximately 887 ml.

The 6-cup designation is based on CHEMEX's own cup size of 5 oz and therefore does not necessarily correspond to six standard coffee mugs.

You also do not have to brew a full carafe every time. The amount of coffee and water can be adjusted according to how much coffee you want to brew.

What kind of coffee do you get from a Chemex?

Chemex is known for a clean and clear filter coffee.

The paper filter keeps fine coffee particles back during brewing, which provides a different mouthfeel than, for example, French press coffee.

This makes the Chemex particularly interesting if you want to experience the coffee's aroma, sweetness, acidity, and individual taste nuances clearly.

You can use many different coffee beans, but the Chemex is especially exciting with coffee where you want to highlight the coffee's origin and more delicate flavor notes.

See our selection of freshly roasted coffee beans.

What grind size should be used for Chemex?

A good starting point is a medium-coarse grind size.

Because the water has to pass through both coffee and paper filter, the grind has a major impact on the brewing time.

If the water runs through very slowly and the coffee becomes bitter or heavy, you can try grinding a little coarser.

If the water runs through very quickly and the coffee seems thin or acidic, you can try a slightly finer grind size.

With a good coffee grinder, it becomes easier to adjust the grind and repeat a recipe that works.

A good starter recipe for Chemex

As a starting point, you can use approximately:

60 grams of coffee per 1 liter of water.

For example, for 500 ml of water, this corresponds to approximately:

30 grams of coffee

Start with this ratio and then adjust to taste.

If you prefer stronger coffee, you can increase the coffee amount slightly. If you want a lighter result, you can reduce the dosage.

How to brew coffee on a Chemex

1. Place the filter
Fold and place the Chemex filter so that the thickest side with three layers faces the spout.

2. Rinse the filter
Rinse the paper filter with warm water. This also helps to warm up the glass carafe.

Pour out the rinse water.

3. Add freshly ground coffee
Use medium-coarse ground coffee and distribute the coffee evenly in the filter.

4. Bloom the coffee
Pour a small amount of warm water over the coffee so that all the coffee gets wet.

Wait for approximately 30 seconds.

5. Continue brewing
Slowly pour the rest of the water over in controlled movements.

6. Let the coffee run through
When the desired amount of coffee is brewed, remove the filter.

The coffee can then be served directly from the Chemex carafe.

If you want a more detailed recipe with dosage, grind size, and troubleshooting, you can read our guide to better coffee on Chemex.

Remember the right Chemex filters

Chemex is developed for use with CHEMEX Bonded paper filters.

For the 6-cup model, choose filters that fit the larger Classic models.

The filter is folded so that the thickest side faces the spout. This helps keep the air channel at the spout open during brewing.

Chemex or Hario V60?

Both Chemex and Hario V60 are pour-over brewing methods, but the experience is different.

Chemex 6-cup is especially ideal if you:

• want to brew several cups at once
• want a brewer and serving carafe in the same product
• prefer a clean and clear cup of coffee
• like Chemex's classic design

Hario V60 is ideal if you:

• often brew smaller portions
• want a separate dripper
• want a large selection of sizes and materials

Both brewing methods give you great control over coffee, water, grind size, and pouring technique.

Which coffee beans fit Chemex?

There is no single roast degree that is the only right one for Chemex.

Light-roasted coffee beans can be interesting if you want more distinct fruity, floral, or acidic nuances.

Medium-roasted coffee beans can provide a good balance between sweetness, body, and the coffee's original character.

Darker roasts can also be used if you prefer more roasted and powerful flavor notes.

The best choice therefore depends on your own taste.

Cleaning of Chemex

After brewing, remove the paper filter and the coffee grounds.

The glass carafe can be rinsed with warm water and cleaned with mild soap as needed.

CHEMEX states that the glass carafe itself can be washed in the dishwasher once the wooden collar and leather tie have been removed.

Ensure that the glass sits securely in the machine and cannot hit other objects.

The wooden collar and leather tie are cleaned separately.

Specifications

Manufacturer: CHEMEX
Series: Classic Series
Model: CM-6A
Size: 6 cups
Capacity: 30 oz / approx. 887 ml
Height: Approx. 21.6 cm
Diameter: Approx. 13 cm
Material: Borosilicate glass
Collar: Wood
Tie: Leather
Brewing method: Pour-over / filter coffee
Recommended grind size: Medium-coarse
Paper filter required: Yes
Dishwasher: The glass can be washed in the dishwasher once the wooden collar and leather tie are removed
Microwave: No

Frequently asked questions about Chemex 6-cup

How many ml does the Chemex 6-cup hold?

CHEMEX specifies 30 oz, which corresponds to approximately 887 ml.

Is the Chemex 6-cup for six standard coffee cups?

Not necessarily. CHEMEX calculates a cup as 5 oz. You can also brew less than the brewer's maximum capacity.

What grind size should I use?

A medium-coarse grind is a good starting point.

Do I need special paper filters?

Yes. Chemex is developed for use with CHEMEX Bonded paper filters in a size that fits the 6-cup model.

Should the Chemex filter be rinsed first?

It is a good idea to rinse the filter with warm water before brewing. At the same time, the glass carafe is preheated.

Can Chemex go in the dishwasher?

The glass carafe itself can be washed in the dishwasher once the wooden collar and leather tie are removed.

Can I brew less than six cups?

Yes. You can adjust the coffee and water amount according to the portion you want.

Is Chemex a coffee machine?

No. Chemex is a manual pour-over coffee maker. You pour the hot water over the ground coffee yourself.

What size is the 6-cup model best suited for?

The 6-cup model is a good all-round choice if you want to be able to brew both medium-sized portions and up to approximately 887 ml of coffee.