Chemex Classic Coffee Maker – 3-Cup

Chemex Classic 3-cup – compact pour-over coffee maker

The Chemex Classic 3-cup is the compact version of the iconic Chemex pour-over coffee maker.

The brewer is made of borosilicate glass and features the characteristic wooden collar with a leather tie. Coffee is brewed directly through a Chemex paper filter into the glass carafe, which also functions as a serving vessel.

With a capacity of approximately 440 ml, the 3-cup model is particularly well-suited for those who typically brew coffee for one or two people and do not need the larger 6- or 8-cup Chemex.

Why choose the Chemex 3-cup

• Compact Chemex Classic model
• Capacity of approx. 440 ml
• Suitable for smaller coffee brews
• Made of borosilicate glass
• Classic wooden collar with leather tie
• Coffee maker and serving carafe in one
• Manual pour-over provides great control over the brewing
• Used with Chemex FP-2 or FP-2N half-moon filters
• Easy to clean
• Iconic Chemex design

See also our other Chemex coffee makers and accessories.

How much coffee can the Chemex 3-cup hold?

CHEMEX states the capacity as 15 oz, corresponding to approximately 440 ml.

The designation 3 cups is based on CHEMEX's own cup size of 5 oz and therefore does not necessarily mean three standard coffee mugs.

The 3-cup model is therefore a good choice if you typically:

• brew coffee for one person
• brew two smaller cups
• want smaller portions than with the Chemex 6 or 8-cup
• would like a compact Chemex on the kitchen counter

Naturally, you do not need to fill the brewer completely for every brew.

The Chemex 3-cup uses special filters

It is important to be aware that the Chemex 3-cup does not use the same filters as the 6- and 8-cup models.

For the 3-cup Chemex, you must use:

CHEMEX Bonded FP-2 or FP-2N half-moon filters.

They are smaller than the classic filters for the larger Chemex models and are folded into a cone before being placed in the brewer.

You can find the appropriate filters among our Chemex filters and accessories.

What kind of coffee do you get from a Chemex?

Chemex is known for a clean and clear cup of filter coffee.

The paper filter retains fine coffee particles and some of the coffee oils, which results in a different cup than, for example, French press coffee.

This makes the brewing method particularly interesting if you want to experience:

• the coffee's sweetness
• fruity nuances
• acidity
• aroma
• differences between various coffee beans and origins

See our selection of freshly roasted coffee beans if you want to experiment with different coffees in your Chemex.

What grind size should be used?

A good starting point for Chemex is a medium-coarse grind.

The grind size has a major impact on how quickly the water passes through the coffee bed and the filter.

If the coffee runs through very slowly:
Try a slightly coarser grind.

If the coffee runs through very quickly:
Try a slightly finer grind.

The taste should always be the deciding factor. Adjust one thing at a time so you can more easily find the recipe you prefer.

A coffee grinder makes it easier to adjust the grind and repeat a good brew.

A simple starting recipe for Chemex 3-cup

A good starting point is approximately:

60 grams of coffee per liter of water.

If you want to brew 400 ml of coffee, for example, you can start with approximately:

24 grams of coffee to 400 ml of water.

From here, you can adjust according to taste.

If you want a stronger cup, you can use a little more coffee.

If you want a lighter result, you can reduce the amount of coffee slightly.

How to brew coffee with a Chemex 3-cup

1. Fold the Chemex filter
Use a compatible FP-2 or FP-2N half-moon filter, and fold it according to CHEMEX's instructions.

2. Place the filter in the brewer
Ensure that the thicker side of the filter faces the pouring spout.

3. Rinse the filter
Rinse the paper filter with hot water.

This also helps preheat the Chemex carafe.

Pour out the rinse water afterwards.

4. Add freshly ground coffee
Use medium-coarse ground coffee.

5. Bloom the coffee
Pour a small amount of hot water evenly over the coffee so that all the coffee gets wet.

Wait about 30 seconds.

6. Continue brewing
Pour the rest of the water slowly and in a controlled manner over the coffee.

7. Let the water run through
When the brewing is finished, remove the filter.

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

If you want to work more with ratios, grind size, and brewing technique, you can read our guide to better coffee with Chemex.

Chemex 3 or 6-cup?

Both models use the same basic pour-over principle, but the size and filter type are different.

The Chemex 3-cup fits you well if you:

• typically brew for one or two people
• want a compact brewer
• rarely have a need for large portions
• would like to brew about 400 ml at a time

The Chemex 6-cup fits you better if you:

• often brew for several people
• want to be able to brew up to approx. 887 ml
• want more flexibility for larger portions

An important difference is also the filter. The 3-cup model uses FP-2/FP-2N half-moon filters, while the larger models use CHEMEX filters intended for 6 cups and up.

Which coffee beans are good for Chemex?

You can use all roast levels, but the brewing method is particularly well-suited when you want a clear and clean presentation of the coffee's flavor profile.

Light-roast coffee can highlight fruitiness, florality, and acidity.

Medium-roast coffee often provides a good balance between sweetness, body, and the coffee's original character.

Darker coffee can also be used if you prefer stronger and more roasted flavor notes.

Therefore, there is no one "right" coffee bean for Chemex – it depends on the flavor profile you prefer.

Chemex or Hario V60?

Both are manual pour-over brewers where you control things like water volume, grind size, and pouring technique yourself.

Chemex distinguishes itself in particular by the fact that:

• the brewer and serving carafe are combined in one
• it uses CHEMEX Bonded paper filters
• the glass carafe has the characteristic hourglass design
• it is available in several capacities for different portion sizes

The V60 typically consists of a separate dripper that is placed on top of a cup or serving carafe.

The choice is therefore about the brewing experience, portion size, and which design you prefer.

Cleaning the Chemex 3-cup

After brewing, remove the filter and coffee grounds.

The glass can be rinsed with hot water and cleaned with mild dish soap as needed.

The Chemex glass itself can also be washed in a dishwasher when the wooden collar and leather tie have been removed.

Ensure that the glass carafe stands securely and does not bump into other objects during washing.

The wooden collar and leather tie should be cleaned separately.

Specifications

Manufacturer: CHEMEX
Series: Classic Series
Model: CM-1C
Size: 3 cups
Capacity: 15 oz / approx. 440 ml
Height: Approx. 21 cm
Diameter: Approx. 7.6 cm
Material: Borosilicate glass
Collar: Wood
Tie: Leather
Brewing method: Pour-over / filter coffee
Recommended grind: Medium-coarse
Filter: CHEMEX Bonded FP-2 or FP-2N
Filter type: Half-moon
Dishwasher: The glass can be washed in a dishwasher when the wooden collar and leather tie have been removed

Frequently asked questions about the Chemex 3-cup

How many ml does the Chemex 3-cup hold?

CHEMEX states a capacity of 15 oz, corresponding to approximately 440 ml.

Is 3 cups the same as three standard coffee mugs?

No. CHEMEX calculates one cup as 5 oz. The total capacity is approximately 440 ml.

Which filter fits the Chemex 3-cup?

The 3-cup model uses CHEMEX Bonded FP-2 or FP-2N half-moon filters.

Can I use the filters for the Chemex 6–10 cup?

No. The 3-cup model is designed for the smaller FP-2/FP-2N half-moon filters.

What grind size should I use?

A medium-coarse grind is a good starting point.

Can the Chemex 3-cup go in the dishwasher?

Yes. The glass itself can be washed in a dishwasher when the wooden collar and leather tie have been removed.

Can I brew less than 440 ml?

Yes. You can adapt the amount of coffee and water to the portion you desire.

What is the difference between the Chemex 3 and 6-cup?

The 3-cup model is smaller, holds approx. 440 ml, and uses special FP-2/FP-2N filters. The 6-cup model holds approx. 887 ml and uses the larger type of Chemex filter.