What Is A Chemex Coffee Maker | Chemex Brewing Guide

An iconic piece of brewing equipment in the Specialty Coffee industry, the Chemex coffee maker has been seen all over the world, with its stylish design and easy-to-use brewing methods.

So why is this brewing method used all over the world by Specialty Coffee enthusiasts? 

What is a Chemex coffee maker? A Chemex coffee maker is a simple pour-over brewing method renowned for its sleek design and clean cup of specialty coffee.

In this article, we are going to explain what the Chemex coffee maker is and walk you through the ultimate brewing guide to save you time and money.

What is a Chemex?

Invented in 1941, the Chemex coffee maker consists of an hour-shaped glass flask with a funnel-like neck.

Brewing a clean cup, body maintained and well-balanced Specialty Coffee, which today is known to be one of the best-designed products of modern times.

There is a large debate and many different opinions on what the best Specialty Coffee making style is, the Chemex really does have an edge and can come up with a good brew compared to many coffee-making alternatives.

Chemex coffee maker is a type of pour-over system which is an hourglass-shaped vessel and uses a specially designed filter. 

Although many people are unfamiliar with the term Chemex, the Chemex brand has been around since 1941 and is actually one of the older brewing methods in the coffee industry.

Since the early 2000s, Chemex has re-gained in its popularity and can be found in coffee shops all over the world.

Coffee brewed from a Chemex is considered to be one of the best, due to its unique filters and unique all-glass-shaped design. 

It will provide you with a clean bright tasting coffee, with a smoother cup and less bitterness than some other brewing methods have. 

You can quickly find the Chemex coffee maker over on Amazon in a variety of different sizes with two different handle options and is very easy to use for both beginner and advanced brewers.

There are four models of Chemex, 3 cups, 6 cups, 8 cups, and 10 cups.

Why Do You Use a Chemex? (and who is it best suited for)

The Chemex coffee maker is a perfect addition to your Specialty Coffee brewing arsenal. It is especially good to have if you are a manual brewer and are continually experimenting with your brewing methods.

It is best suited for those who already own some basic Specialty Coffee brewing accessories, as the Chemex does require items like a digital scale and electric kettle to get that perfect brew.

However, these are generally items most people have in their kitchen household already.

If you enjoy, or are looking to make a clean, bright and characterized Specialty coffee brew, then the Chemex coffee maker is going to be a very well-suited option for you.  

Also, the Chemex is pretty inexpensive to buy, so coffee enthusiasts generally like to include a Chemex in their Specialty coffee brewing collections. 

Plus they look awesome, and a lot of people also like to put their Chemex on display.

We recommend getting yourself a Blue Horse Chemex Caddy which you can find over on Amazon, to look after your Chemex coffee maker.

How Do You Use A Chemex? (step-by-step guide)

With this easy step-by-step guide on how to use a Chemex, you will be brewing top quality Specialty brews in no time.

What you will need;	What we Recommend;
Chemex Coffeemaker	Chemex Woodneck Coffee Maker
Chemex filter	Chemex Coffee Maker Filter (100)
Coarse grind Coffee grinder	Hunt’s Brother’s Coffee Grinder
Kitchen scale	Coffee Gator Digital Scale with Timer
Wooden Stirrer	Wooden Coffee Stirrers – 5.5 inch
Timer	Coffee Gator Digital Scale with Timer
Water, just off the boil	Chemex Gooseneck Kettle
Mug	Reusable 8oz Keep Cup

The Method

1. Prep and Rinse the Filter

Place your filter so that three layers cover the Chemex spout. Preheat your Chemex and filter with hot water, while at the same time rinsing your paper Chemex filter. Discard this water once done.

2. Grind and Add Coffee

Grind your coffee so you have about 3-4 tablespoons of course grind to add into your Chemex where your filter is placed. Centre the coffee in your brewer and zero out your scales.

3. Wet the Grounds

Start your timer and start to add hot water, until all of the grounds are wet approximately 150 grams. Gentle stir to ensure there are no dry clumps with your stirrer. Leave for about 30 seconds.

4. Add more Hot Water

45 seconds in, start your second main pour. Do this in a slow circular movement until the volume reaches about a fingertip from the top of the Chemex rim, approximately 450 grams. 

Allow the water to lower and then add the remaining water, approximately 700 grams.   

5. Let it Brew

Allow the coffee to drain through the filter, which should be about 4 minutes. 

Then lift the filter carefully out of the Chemex, allowing it to hover if you need a little more volume, otherwise, completely take it out and place it in the bin, or sink if you are going to reuse the grind for other purposes. 

Read: What Eco-friendly things you can do with leftover Specialty Coffee

Step 6. Enjoy 

Swirl around the Chemex a little and serve up a quality Specialty Coffee brew with the Chemex.

Chemex Coffee Maker Brewing Tips

• Purchase a burr grinder for uniformed grinds (avoid over-extracted bitterness).
• Coursen the grind if the brewing method takes longer than 4-5 minutes.
• Ensure a water temperature of approximately 200 degrees by leaving the kettle for a minute after it comes to a boil. (avoid burning grounds or under extraction).
• Try to wet your filter before brewing.
• Use the correct water-to-coffee ratio.
• Have a good quality Specialty Coffee whole bean.

What is the Best Size Chemex?

Ok, so now you need to know what is the best size Chemex for you to start brewing with. For us, the 6 and 8 cup is an ideal size.

6-8 cups are perfect for brewing yourself a Specialty Coffee, while at the same time is perfect if you are brewing up a cup for 2 or 3 people at a time, and can easily be stored away when not in use.

Chemex by the Numbers

Size	3 cup	6 cup	8 cup	10 cup
Amount Full	15oz / .4Liter	30oz / .9Liter	40oz / 1.2L	50oz / 1.5L
Amount at the button (half full)	7.5oz / .2L	15oz / .4L	20oz / .6L	25oz / .7L
Number of 12oz Mugs	1 (approx.)	2 1/2 (approx.)	3 1/3 (approx.)	4 (approx.)

Source: intowncoffee.com

There are both wooden and glass handle Chemex Coffee Makers. Which is better? It all comes down to personal preferences, both will brew the same coffee.

Wooden handles are generally seen as a better-looking design and can go really well on display in your kitchen, while glass handles are much easier when it comes to cleaning, as you do not need to untie and take the handle off.

Where Is The Best Place To Buy A Chemex?

You can buy a Chemex from several places, however, we found that Amazon is the best place to buy your Chemex from, with the best prices available too. 

Your local Specialty coffee shop is also an idea, however, you will generally find yourself with a higher retail price to pay. 

Made of non-porous Borosilicate glass which will not absorb odours or chemical residues.

Woodneck Chemex pour-over allows coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating without losing flavour.

Simple, easy to use with timeless, elegant design.

Hand Blown Glass Chemex has a wood collar and tie and is made of non-porous borosilicate glass which will not absorb odours or chemical residues.

Like all good things, the full flavour takes time — and your own special touch.

The Chemex Coffeemaker delivers only the elements essential to rich coffee flavour so that your personal taste and approach shine through.

What Coffee Can You Use For Chemex Coffee Maker?

To ensure you brew the best coffee with a Chemex, then hands down Specialty Coffee is what you need to use.

Read: What is Specialty Coffee and the Processes of making it

Don’t have any Specialty Coffee?

With the fast-growing popularity of the Specialty Coffee industry, you will find a variety of options, we have highlighted a few of these below:

Luicana Colombian Coffee Beans

• Premium Coffee
• Tasting Notes 
• Multiple Brew Options
• Fresh Single Origin Coffee Beans
• Gas Flushed Packaging

Their efforts in sourcing with strict standards from the world’s top coffee growing regions and high elevations, only makes the finest coffee bean qualified for production. 

But it doesn’t stop there; The beans are carefully inspected prior to and after the roasting process to ensure the coffee maintains a high-quality grade with a cupping score above 80+. 

A rigorous process requires hard work, precision, and a passion for coffee which they are dedicated to. So with every sip, you can experience an authentic taste of Luicana Coffee.

Coffee Masters Peruvian Organic

• Single Origin Peruvian Coffee bean
• Multiple Brew Options
• Fairtrade and Organic
• Great Taste Award 2018 winner

Coffee Masters is an independent, wholesale coffee company based in the heart of Worcestershire.

Winner of the prestigious great taste award in 2018, this Peruvian single origin lives up to expectations, with a clean, well-balanced coffee and a citrus-like acidity and a crisp finish.

They source their beans from around the world and pride themselves on their unique blends. 

Whether you want a rich full-bodied espresso with an indulgent dark chocolate finish or something sweet, nutty & fruity, they will have a blend that is right for you.

What Water Ratio Is Used For Chemex Coffee Maker?

If you are a beginner with Chemex brewing methods, we would recommend starting with a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. 

In other words, for every 1 gram of coffee, add 15 grams of water, which converts to about 3 tablespoons of coffee for every 1 cup of water. Experiment from there to find the perfect ratio for you.

What Grind Size For Chemex Coffee Maker?

You may have read and/or heard that some prefer a coarse grind, while others prefer a fine grind.

We feel it all comes down to personal preference, what works for you may not for others, and what tastes good to you, may not for others.

The grind size can also come down to your serving sizes, however, generally speaking, if you are unsure where to start, then with a 3-cup Chemex, try a finer grind.

If you are using an 8-cup or larger Chemex then try a coarse grind, similar to that of a French Press grind.

Read: Brewing Specialty Coffee with a French Press (how to guide)

Ultimately, if your coffee brews too fast and taste weak, then you will need to use a finer grind, however, if your coffee gets clogged and is not filtering through, then use a coarser grind.

Your brew should be about 4 minutes long.

And do not forget the most important part, you need to ensure you are using a quality burr grinder to have consistent grinds.

You will never be able to get your brew right and it will be hard to adjust to your personal preference every time you brew with your Chemex.    

Need a Burr Grinder? We suggest something like the Cuisinart Burr Coffee Grinder which you can find on Amazon.

What is the Difference Between Chemex Coffee Maker and Drip Coffee?

A question we get asked all the time is, what is the difference between Chemex and Drip Coffee? 

Yes, Chemex does brew coffee using the infusion method which is similar to other drip coffee methods, however, the big difference is the filters used with the Chemex.

Chemex filters are about 25% thicker than drip coffee filters, which helps regulate the flow of coffee while removing much of the coffee’s oils and body.

Resulting in the water flowing through much slower and therefore, many suggest a better flavour develops.

Can You Use The Chemex Without Digital Scales?

Another question that we seem to get asked regularly, and even though we recommend that you should use scales when brewing with a Chemex, in short, you can get away without the scales.

The Chemex brew will however be very hard to get precise and overall could hinder your finished brew. 

By using scales, it will allow you to measure your coffee and water amounts, therefore, actually saving you time.

Also if you are a beginner with Chemex brewing methods then scales will definitely be missed. 

Overall, if you are into your Specialty Coffee and brewing, then digital scales are a perfect investment as you can use these with many other brewing methods such as the Hario V60. 

You can find a perfect set of scales like the Coffee Gator Digital Scale with Timer which we found over on Amazon, however, have a little search around as Amazon has many options available for all budgets.

Chemex Vs Aeropress

Do not get confused, the Aeropress brewing method is very different from the Chemex.

So what is better, the Chemex or the Aeropress?

Firstly, both of these are manual brewing methods, meaning you can use this specialty coffee-making method at home, while always customising as you go. 

Whether that’s the beans you use or the grind size you make, you can forever change it up and experiment.

Secondly, the taste. We love the taste of both brewing methods, however, it is important to note that Chemex and Aeropress share very different tastes from each other, all due to the extraction time and brewing techniques.

When using the Aeropress, it requires pressure, rather than dripping through.

Therefore, the Aeropress generally results in a stronger bold espresso brew, whereas the Chemex will create brews more crisp and rich. 

So our final thoughts? Well, both brewing methods are just as good as each other in their own little ways, we would recommend brewing specialty coffee with both methods.

If you are looking for that clean brew, then both methods are going to provide you that, however, if you are someone on the go, or always travelling, then the Aeropress is much more portable compared to the glass Chemex.

If you prefer your coffee strong, then go with the Aeropress, and if you need a richer and more complex coffee, then the Chemex is your go-to.

Check out: How to Brew Specialty Coffee with an Aeropress (both ways)

How to Clean A Chemex?

Surprisingly for some, the Chemex can actually be relatively difficult to clean, however, due to its design and all glass construction, you can actually give it a pretty good clean by just using hot soapy water.

We recommend doing this sooner rather than later after making a brew.

Due to the coffee oils, when left for a period of time, it can actually then become difficult to clean off and may require a scrub, which is when cleaning a Chemex becomes more difficult than it needs to be.

When you are in a rush or just feeling a little lazy, then the Chemex is also dishwasher safe, just ensure you remove its handle and then store the Chemex safely in the dishwasher as glass can break.

Conclusion: What is the Chemex coffee maker

Overall the Chemex coffee maker is highly recommended to all types of coffee brewers and is a great accessory to have at home to change up your Specialty Coffee brewing methods and skills.

With the added help of a kettle and digital scales, you will be brewing up a quality intricate cup of Specialty Coffee, all from the comfort of your home.

If you enjoyed this article, read more like this by checking out our Specialty Coffee Buyers Guides.