Chemex®
Time to read 4 min
Table of Contents
What is Chemex®?
The Chemex® Coffee Maker is a manual brewing system, both a filter coffee maker and a designer object. It is made from very high-quality, durable blown glass. It is hourglass-shaped. The top is flared with a spout and serves as a filter holder.
The classic model comes with a heat-resistant wooden handle to which a leather strap is attached.
Other models have appeared, including the Glass Handle series with a handle instead of a handle.
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The different Chemex
The Chemex®, which has become " iconic " in popular culture, is part of the permanent collections of art and design museums, including New York's Museum of Modern Art, MoMA, and New York's Corning Museum of Glass.
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Who is the Chemex for?
The Chemex® filtration system, thanks to its thick filters, offers smooth and round coffees, very aromatic and without any bitterness.
You can play around with your grind size a bit to get different flavor profiles.
Chemex® filters are recommended. You can also experiment with different filters, disposable or reusable, to achieve different flavors with the same coffee.
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How to use a Chemex®?
You will need the following accessories:
- a Chemex® of the size of your choice
- filters, white, brown paper or fabric, corresponding to the size of your Chemex®
- freshly ground coffee
- a kettle
- filtered water
- a scale (ideally with an integrated timer)
- a preheated cup
You can also read our article on the 5 golden rules for good coffee.
Then the steps to brewing coffee with a Chemex® are really simple:
- Step 01
To begin with, your coffee/water ratio should be 1/16 .
- Step 02
Weigh 45gr freshly ground coffee, fairly coarse grind.
(see our grinding guide)
- Step 03
Fold and install the filter corresponding to the size of your Chemex® (3 layers on the spout side). - Step 04
Rinse your filter with hot water to avoid a papery taste in your coffee and empty the water.
- Step 05
Put the coffee in the filter.
- Step 06
Even out the surface of the coffee by gently moving your Chemex®. - Step 07
Place your Chemex® on your scale, turn it on and start the timer.
- Step 08
Start pouring the hot water (95 degrees) in circles for pre-infusion ( bloom) until the scale reads 90gr.
- Step 09
Mix lightly with a spoon so that all the coffee is well moistened.
- Step 10
Wait 45 seconds for the coffee to pre-infuse properly.
- Step 11
Add water slowly without overflowing until it reaches 720g on the scale.
- Step 12
All you have to do is pour the contents into a preheated cup and enjoy!
To remember
Total time : 4 to 5 minutes.
Coffee to water ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (e.g. 30 g coffee for 500 ml water).
Grinding : medium to coarse (sea salt texture).
Temperature: 93–94 °C.
Bloom : 30 seconds.
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Comparison chart Chemex vs other gentle methods
| Method | Final taste | Body | Aromatic clarity | Ease of use | Infusion time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemex | Clear, fruity notes | Light | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 4–5 min |
| V60 | Precise, lively | Light | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | 3–4 min |
| French press | Rich, round | Thick | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | 4 min |
| Italian coffee maker | Intense, full-bodied | AVERAGE | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | 5 min |
FAQ
What is the origin of Chemex?
THE Chemex was invented in 1941by the German chemistPeter Schlumbohm , which aimed to create a tool that was both aesthetically pleasing, functional, and respectful of the aromas of coffee. He filed more than 300 patents during his career, and the design of the coffee maker has remained unchanged since its launch.
Why is its shape so iconic?
The coffee maker features a hourglass design in blown glass, with a refractory wooden collar held by a leather strap, allowing an easy grip even when hot. It is part of the permanent collections of the MoMA in New York and the Corning Museum of Glass .
What makes Chemex filters special?
Chemex filters are thicker than traditional filters , which eliminates a large part of the oils and sediments, thus providing a coffee of great purity and aromatic clarity .
What is the distinctive taste of coffee brewed with a Chemex?
The Chemex method is popular for producing coffee with clean, light and detailed flavors It highlights fruity or floral notes with a clarity comparable to a “fruit salad” rather than a “smoothie”.
What tools are useful for optimizing your preparation?
For a successful and consistent experience, these accessories are highly recommended:
Kitchen scale (to dose precisely).
-
Gooseneck kettle(better payment control).
Coffee grinder (grind just before brewing)
These tools are even recommended for beginners to maximize the consistency and quality of the coffee.
Is the Chemex easy to clean?
Yes, here are some effective methods:
Rinse with hot water after each use; clean regularly with mild soap and soft brush.
-
For a deep cleaning:
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Salt + ice to remove stubborn residue.
Baking sodaOrwhite vinegarto remove stains or mineral deposits.
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The Chemex is dishwasher safe (provided you remove the wooden collar and leather).
What are the pitfalls to avoid when using Chemex properly?
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Not forget to rinse the filter , which can make your coffee taste like paper.
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Incorrect dosage or water temperature that is too high can burn the aromas. It is necessary to respect approximately 93–94 °C.
Pouring too quickly or unevenly can result in uneven extraction or over-infusion.
Gaelle, store manager & marketing
Has a big weakness for espresso, but also cappuccino with Sproud pea milk.
