How to Brew Great Coffee with a Chemex Filter

Ever made coffee with a beautiful glass pitcher that looks more like lab equipment than a dripper? You’re not alone—many coffee lovers love the Chemex for its looks but aren’t sure why their brews taste so clean, or how to get the best results from it. This guide explains what makes the Chemex unique, how to brew with it, and why it keeps coffee tasting great even after reheating.

To brew great coffee with a Chemex, use a medium or medium-dark roast coffee ground slightly coarser than espresso (similar to table salt), a 1:12 to 1:15 brew ratio, and a flat-bottom paper filter folded into a cone. Brew with water just off boil (90–96°C) and pour in stages to extract clean, balanced flavors without bitterness.

What Makes the Chemex Different from Other Drippers?

The Chemex isn’t just another pretty glass coffee maker. Invented in 1941 by German-born Dr. Peter J. Schlumbohm in the United States, it combines the carafe and filter into one seamless piece. Its sleek hourglass shape, wrapped in wood and leather at the waist, has earned it a spot in both the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the permanent collections of the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But its real magic lies in how it brews.

Why Does the Chemex Filter Remove Bitterness and Oils?

The secret is in the filter—and the design. The Chemex uses a proprietary, heavyweight paper filter that’s about twice as thick as standard filters. This thicker paper traps more coffee oils and bitter compounds, resulting in a cleaner, smoother cup. Unlike cone-shaped filters used in V60s or Kalitas, the Chemex filter is flat-bottomed and must be folded by hand from a square or round sheet. Most users fold it twice to create a funnel shape. It lacks the built-in ridges or “legs” found in other brewers, so thinner or poorly folded filters can collapse under the weight of the grounds and water. The result? A brew that highlights clarity over intensity.

How to Set Up and Brew with a Chemex

To brew with a Chemex, follow these steps:

• Grind: Use a medium or medium-dark roast coffee, ground to a size slightly coarser than espresso—about the texture of table salt.
• Dose & Ratio: A typical brew uses around 20–30 grams of coffee with a brew ratio between 1:12 and 1:15 (e.g., 25g coffee to 300–375ml water).
• Water Temperature: Heat water to 90–96°C (just off boiling).
• Filter Setup: Use the Chemex’s proprietary thick paper filter. Fold it in half, then in half again to form a cone. Place it in the top of the Chemex with the triple-folded side facing down.
• Bloom: Add a small amount of hot water (roughly twice the weight of your coffee dose) to let the coffee bloom for 30–45 seconds.
• Pour in Stages: Slowly pour the remaining water in stages, starting from the center and spiraling outward, avoiding the edges. Total brew time should be around 3–4 minutes.

Note: Never heat the Chemex directly on a gas stove, even if it's made of borosilicate glass. Always use a stand or tripod to reduce the risk of breakage.

Chemex-Inspired Brewers: Hario and Bodum Variations

Some brewers take inspiration from the Chemex’s design. The Hario dripper, for example, mimics the hourglass silhouette with a leather strap but replaces the paper filter with a cloth one, offering a fuller body. Bodum’s Kono series also draws from the Chemex aesthetic, using a plastic handle instead of wood and featuring a titanium filter as an alternative to paper—promising a lifetime of use without absorbing flavors. Bodum’s Bistro line includes a separable flask and filter, but when assembled, it strongly resembles a classic Chemex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reheat coffee brewed in a Chemex?

Yes. Because the Chemex filter removes excess oils and bitter compounds, the resulting coffee retains more clarity and balance, making it better suited for gentle reheating compared to other brew methods. Just avoid boiling it directly.

What grind size should I use for Chemex?

Use a medium or medium-dark grind, roughly the size of table salt—slightly coarser than what you’d use for espresso. This helps ensure proper extraction without over-extraction or clogging the thick filter.

Does the Chemex filter remove coffee oils?

Yes. The Chemex’s proprietary, extra-thick paper filter traps more oils and bitter elements than standard filters, resulting in a cleaner, smoother cup with less sediment.

Is the Chemex filter different from a V60 filter?

Yes. The Chemex filter is flat-bottomed, much thicker, and must be folded manually from a square or round sheet. It’s designed specifically for the Chemex’s unique shape and doesn’t fit V60 brewers. V60 filters are cone-shaped and thinner, meant for faster flow and more extraction.

Can I use a cloth filter in a Chemex?

No. The Chemex is designed for its proprietary paper filters. Cloth filters like those used in Hario brewers are not compatible due to the different shape and brewing dynamics.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Chemex Coffee

For Chemex brewing, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Specialty Blend for a balanced, medium-bodied cup with nutty and chocolate notes—ideal for highlighting clean extraction. The Classic Blend offers a smooth, approachable profile with mild acidity, perfect for everyday drinking. If you prefer something fruitier, the Strawberry Candy Espresso (used as espresso but diluted for Americano-style Chemex brews) brings sweet berry and creamy tones. All three roasts work well at a medium or medium-dark level, brewed at 1:12 to 1:15. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.