The Chemex is an elegant glass pour-over coffee maker that brews a clean, bright and very smooth cup, perfect for sharing. Its thick paper filters hold back almost all the oils and fine particles, so you taste the coffee's flavours clearly. Here's how to use one.
What you need
- A Chemex and a Chemex paper filter
- 30g of freshly ground coffee, ground medium-coarse (a little coarser than for a V60). In our subscription, the Dripper grind works well
- 500ml of water just off the boil (about 93 to 96°C), plus extra for rinsing
- Ideally, scales, a timer and a gooseneck kettle
How to use a Chemex, step by step
- Fold in the filter. Open the filter so that three layers sit against the spout side of the Chemex, with one layer on the other side.
- Rinse it. Pour hot water through the filter to remove any papery taste and warm the glass. Pour the water away through the spout, leaving the filter in place.
- Add the coffee. Tip in 30g of ground coffee and give it a gentle shake to level it.
- Bloom. Start a timer and pour about 60ml of water, just enough to wet all the coffee. Wait 30 to 45 seconds while it bubbles.
- Pour slowly. Pour the rest of the water in slow circles, keeping the level about halfway up the filter, until you reach 500ml.
- Let it drain. It should finish at around 4 to 5 minutes. Lift out the filter, give the Chemex a swirl and serve.
Getting the taste right
- Takes much longer than 5 minutes, or tastes bitter? Grind a little coarser.
- Drains quickly and tastes weak or sour? Grind a little finer.
- Just one cup? Use 15g of coffee and 250ml of water in the smaller Chemex sizes.
A design classic
The Chemex was invented in 1941 by the chemist Peter Schlumbohm, and its hourglass shape, wooden collar and leather tie have barely changed since. It's even in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Fruity, floral coffees from Ethiopia and Kenya are wonderful in it.
For more pour-over brewing, see our guides to the Hario V60 and the best pour-over coffee makers.
New to brewing? See all our brewing guides, with the grind, ratio and brew time for every method.
Discover a new coffee every delivery
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