What is Chemex? A Guide for Coffee Lovers
Coffee lovers often ask, “What is Chemex?” Imagine combining the precision of a chemist with the creativity of a designer in a single coffee-making tool. Chemex is not just a way to make your morning coffee—it’s a sensory experience that merges art and science, giving you a cup of coffee with unmatched purity and captivating flavor. Today, we’ll explain all about it through Coffee Dew.
What is Chemex?
Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker invented in 1941 by German chemist Peter Schlumbohm. It is known for its elegant design, combining a glass funnel with an Erlenmeyer-style carafe, a shape commonly used in scientific laboratories.
It is used with thick paper filters that help remove oils and impurities, resulting in a clean, smooth coffee. Chemex is ideal for coffee lovers seeking quality and a distinctive taste.
Chemex Filters
There are two types of Chemex filters to suit your preferences: bleached and unbleached paper filters. They come in square, half-moon, or circular shapes, all pre-folded to fit easily into the Chemex.
Cloth filters and reusable metal filters are also available, although using them slightly changes the classic experience.
Also read: What is the best coffee machine for home use?
How to Set Up Chemex Filters
To enjoy the perfect coffee, install the filter correctly:
The filter usually has four layers. Open it between layers three and four into a cone shape.
Place the filter in the top of the Chemex, aligning the three-layer side with the pour spout. This acts as a ventilation hole to prevent clogging and allows smooth brewing.
Chemex vs. V60
To understand Chemex, it’s helpful to compare it with V60:
Chemex filters are 20–30% thicker than V60 filters, removing more cafestol.
Hario V60 is more portable due to its smaller size.
Chemex has a midsection insulator for a unique design.
V60 has ridges at the top of the funnel.
V60 brews faster, resulting in slightly lighter coffee.
Chemex’s thicker filter slows brewing for a cleaner taste.
V60 uses fine grind; Chemex uses coarse grind.
Also read: Best coffee accessories for enthusiasts: from essentials to professional tools.
How to Brew Chemex Coffee
Brewing Chemex coffee doesn’t require high-level expertise. Follow these tips for professional results:
Use whole coffee beans.
Grind beans just before brewing with a manual grinder.
Use a scale for accurate brewing.
A gooseneck kettle helps control pouring speed and placement.
Ingredients and Tools:
Coffee filter
Coffee beans
Water
Kettle
Steps:
Grind coffee to medium-coarse.
Place and rinse the filter with warm water. Preheat the Chemex.
Add 1 tablespoon of coffee per 5 ounces of water. Adjust for stronger taste.
Boil water, then let it cool for 1 minute.
Pour a small amount to wet the grounds; wait 30 seconds.
Pour remaining water slowly in a circular motion, keeping water level below the top.
Remove the filter and discard it.
Pour the fresh coffee into a cup and enjoy.
Also read: Best espresso coffee: Where to find top-quality beans | Coffee Dew
Coffee Selection at Coffee Dew
Los Cipreses Coffee
Platinum category, 87 points by tasters.
Grown at 1650m, natural drying, regular fermentation.
Cherry, vanilla, and brown sugar notes.
250g package.
Maytama Castello Coffee
Platinum, 87.1 points.
Grown at 1650m, honey-processed, natural fermentation.
Apple, white grape, white wine, lychee flavors.
Suitable for pour-over and espresso.
Carlos Gonzales Coffee
Gold category, 86.5 points.
Multi-varietal trees, 1830m altitude.
Notes of amaretto, praline, and almonds.
Balanced sweetness due to double fermentation.
FAQs about Chemex
What is Chemex?
A manual pour-over coffee maker with a conical glass body and a narrow neck, decorated with a wooden collar and leather tie.
How much coffee for Chemex?
Use 20g of medium-coarse coffee per 300ml of water with Chemex paper filters.
In summary, we explained what Chemex is, its filters, brewing method, differences from V60, and highlighted some premium coffees available at Coffee Dew.
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