The Chemex pour-over Glass Coffeemaker is one of the world’s most widely recognized pour-over coffee makers and can be found in most Coffee and kitchen stores. This brewer has a double-whammy reputation as both a beautiful kitchen tool and a high-quality coffee maker and is a near-perfect balance of aesthetics and performance. Most models (including the 6-cup version that this paper seeks to elaborate on) have a wood collar and leather tie for safe-handling and aesthetics.

The Chemex comes in two different styles, in a variety of different sizes. In terms of style, one can choose the Classic, which includes the wooden collar or go with the all-glass style, which has a glass handle.

This paper gives a profound understanding of the Chemex pour-over Glass Coffeemaker, highlighting the key improvements made to ensure you enjoy the purest flavor experience. In terms of size, you can choose anywhere between 3 cups and 10 cups of coffee. Keep in mind that the manufacturer defines a cup of coffee as 5 ounces of brewed Coffee.

The CHEMEX posses a simple, easy to use with timeless, elegant design.

• All CHEMEX Coffeemakers are made of the highest quality, non-porous Borosilicate glass, which will not absorb odors or chemical residues.
• The patented CHEMEX pour-over design allows Coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor.
• All CHEMEX Coffeemakers are measured using 5 oz. as 1 cup.

Design & Materials

The design and materials are virtually flawless in the Chemex. The primary material that makes the Chemex is glass, which may be fragile. This design-time makes it hard to retain the heat.

Ease of Use

While you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to brew with the Chemex, it does take practice. This type of coffee maker will magically make your Coffee better as one pays attention to the instructions. The best way is to use a burr grinder because it delivers a more consistent particle size, allowing for a more even extraction and a fuller-bodied coffee cup.

Coffee Quality

The coffee quality will always match the quality of the ingredients used and the method applied in grinding them. When the procedure is done right, you’ll set yourself for some of the best coffee ones that can brew.

Cleaning Ease

The Chemex is one of the most comfortable coffee makers to clean, especially if you’re using the paper filters. Usually, a quick rinse with water does the trick. A bottle brush can also be used for tougher stains, but one of the favorite methods is using Cafiza. A carefully cleaned and handled Chemex brewer will give you a lifetime of service. Remove the wooden handle and continue to hand wash with warm soap and water, or place the coffeemaker securely in the dishwasher.

Durability

This is the Achilles heel of Chemex. While it has no electronic components that can break on you, it is still made of glass. Proper handling of the coffeemaker increases its longevity.

Chemex Filters

 Most coffee enthusiasts will agree that Chemex’s filters are the authentic secret sauce, making the Coffee taste great. As pretty as the Chemex is by itself, the truth is that its design has virtually no impact on your final cup of Coffee. Some coffee snobs may say otherwise, but I’d be surprised to get any evidence beyond the anecdotal.

Of course, you’ll need to take care of some other essential prerequisites before you start brewing great Coffee, but the filters will make a difference once the basics have been addressed. There are essentially three types of Chemex filters out there, each made from different materials. Let’s break down the differences.

Natural Chemex Paper Filters

Natural Chemex filters are two options Chemex owners have in terms of the paper filters designed specifically for the Chemex.

These filters are made from thick paper and un-bleached. While “natural” sounds appealing on the surface level, my experience with these filters has been anything but pleasant. They impart a strong paper taste in your final cup of Coffee and require ample pre-rinsing to mitigate this undesirable paper flavor in your last cup of Coffee.

Chemex Paper Filters

Natural Chemex filters are two options Chemex owners have in terms of the paper filters designed specifically for the Chemex.

These filters are made from thick paper and un-bleached. While “natural” sounds appealing on the surface level, my experience with these filters has been anything but pleasant. They impart a strong paper taste in your final cup of Coffee and require ample pre-rinsing to mitigate this undesirable paper flavor in your last cup of Coffee.

Classic Chemex Paper Filters

The majority of the Chemex coffeemakers refer to the Classic Chemex paper filters as the truly *natural* choice. These white paper filters are just as thick as the natural paper filters, but they impart no paper taste in your final cup of Coffee. This feature is what makes them the winning choice for Chemex owners. You can buy them either as pre-folded or circular. I recommend the latter for the slight edge inconvenience.

Reusable Metal Filters

Third-party manufacturers like Able Brewing have come along to create reusable metal filters explicitly designed for Chemex. These are the most economical choices in the long run since you don’t have to buy Chemex’s relatively expensive paper filters continuously. Reusable filters are also the most Eco-friendly choice since you’re not contributing to more trees being cut down to filter your Coffee.

With all that said, it suffices to say that one might as well not even buy a Chemex coffee maker to begin n with if you’re not going to take advantage of the unique filters made for this coffee maker. With reusable metal filters, you’ll get many more coffee oils passing through into your final cup, which completely changes the Coffee’s flavor profile and body. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s more in tune with the Coffee you would brew with a French Press.

How to use CHEMEX Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker

Step 1: Get into the grind.

Please select your favorite whole bean coffee you want to enjoy and grind it to medium coarse ground.

Optional Tip: We suggest using a burr grinder because it delivers a more consistent particle size, allowing for a more even extraction and a fuller-bodied cup of Coffee.

Step 2: Filter up

Open a Chemex Bonded Coffee Filter into a cone shape so that one side of the cone has three layers and places it into the top of the Chemex brewer. The thick (three-layer) portion should cover the pouring spout.

Optional Tip: Dampen the filter with warm water to rinse and preheat the brewer. Once the water has drained through the filter completely, pour it out of the brewer while keeping the filter sealed against the coffeemaker wall.

Step 3: The scoop

Put one rounded tablespoon of ground coffee for every 5 oz—cup into the filter cone. Feel free to use more if you prefer it the stronger; the Chemex brewing process eliminates bitterness.

Tip: On all brewers except the pint-size model, the ‘button’ indicates the carafe is half-filled, and the bottom of the wooden collar/spout suggests it’s full. On the pint-size brewer, the button is the top marker.

Step 4: Let it bloom.

Once you have brought the appropriate amount of water to a boil, please remove it from the heat and allow it to stop boiling vigorously. Pour a small amount of water over the coffee grounds to wet them, and wait for about 30 seconds for them to ‘bloom,’ releasing the most desirable coffee elements from the grounds.

Optional Tip: Perfect brewing temperature is about 200°F.

Step 5: First pour

After the grounds bloom, slowly pour the brewing water over the grounds while keeping the water level well below the Chemex (quarter inch or more).

Step 6: Brew on

Slowly pour the remaining water over the grounds, using a circular or back-and-forth motion as you pour to ensure an even soaking of the grounds.

Step 7: Toss the filter.

Once the desired Coffee is brewed, lift the filter with spent grounds out of the brewer and discard.

Step 8: Enjoy the perfect cup

Pour your freshly made Coffee into your Chemex mug and indulge in the flavor.

Keeping Coffee warm

To keep your Coffee warm, you may place the Chemex directly on either a glass stovetop or gas flame, both at low heat. Utilize the Chemex stainless steel wire grid (TKG) between the Chemex and the coils to prevent breakage. Be sure that there is a small amount of liquid in the carafe before placing it on a warm heating element.

• Final Thoughts

While the market offers many alternatives and designs of coffeemakers, the interest of getting into Specialty coffee at home makes Chemex an excellent starting point.

‘This particular type achieves the perfect brewing temperature with functional elegance. Made from heavy-walled heat-resistant glass, It ensures a delightful boiling and brewing process. The unique design keeps the brewed Coffee at peak temperature while venting steam. With that said, it suffices to say the Chemex is still one of the few coffeemakers that remains in a regular rotation of choice.