Brewing coffee with the Chemex is a refined, ritualistic process that produces a clean, well-balanced cup. Its design and brewing style highlight the subtle flavors of coffee, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
1. What Is the Chemex?
The Chemex is an elegantly designed, hourglass-shaped glass coffee maker that uses thick, bonded paper filters. It was invented in 1941 by chemist Peter Schlumbohm and has since become an icon in specialty coffee culture. Its ability to produce a crisp, aromatic brew with high clarity has earned it a permanent place in coffee lovers’ kitchens and cafés around the world.
2. What You’ll Need
To brew coffee with the Chemex, you’ll need:
- Chemex coffee maker (typically 6–8 cups)
- Chemex paper filters
- Burr coffee grinder
- Gooseneck kettle
- Digital scale
- Freshly roasted coffee beans
- Filtered water
Having the right tools helps maintain consistency and allows for more control over the variables that influence extraction—such as water temperature, pour rate, and grind size.
3. Coffee-to-Water Ratio and Grind
The recommended ratio is 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee to water). For example, 30 grams of coffee to 500 ml of water. The grind should be medium-coarse—similar to sea salt. This ensures proper drainage and balanced flavor extraction without over-extraction or under-extraction.
4. Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Filter
Fold the Chemex filter and place it into the top of the brewer. Rinse thoroughly with hot water to eliminate paper taste and preheat the brewer. Discard the rinse water.
Step 2: Add Ground Coffee
Add your ground coffee into the center of the filter and shake gently to level the grounds. Place the Chemex on a digital scale and tare it.
Step 3: Bloom the Coffee
Start by pouring about twice the weight of your coffee in water (e.g., 60g water for 30g coffee) to saturate the grounds. Let it bloom for 30–45 seconds. This step releases trapped gases and allows for a more even extraction.
Step 4: Continue Pouring
Slowly pour the remaining water in circular motions, maintaining a steady pace. Avoid pouring along the edges or directly onto the filter. Aim for a total brew time of 4 to 5 minutes, which typically results in a clean, flavorful cup.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the water has fully drained, remove the filter and grounds. Swirl the coffee gently in the Chemex to unify the flavors before serving.
5. Tips for the Perfect Chemex Brew
- Use freshly roasted beans and grind just before brewing.
- Maintain water temperature between 93–96°C (200–205°F).
- Preheat your Chemex and mugs to preserve heat.
- Experiment with pour technique: pulse pouring can enhance extraction balance.
- Clean your Chemex thoroughly to prevent flavor contamination over time.
Summary: Why Choose Chemex?
The Chemex method is perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate elegance and flavor clarity. It highlights delicate floral and fruity notes and removes bitterness and oils that often cloud the taste in other methods. For those who value both form and function, the Chemex offers a timeless coffee experience that blends art and science in each cup.
One of the reasons Chemex remains a go-to method in specialty coffee is the level of control it gives the brewer. The thicker filter removes oils and fine particles, allowing subtle flavor notes—like floral aromas, citrus acidity, or mild sweetness—to shine through. Unlike some methods that can mask these nuances, Chemex brewing respects the bean’s origin, roast profile, and processing method. It’s especially ideal for light and medium roasts, where clarity and complexity are most evident. The slow pour process also encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the brewing ritual itself.