The Chemex is more than just a stylish coffee brewer—it’s a method that delivers clean, nuanced, and flavorful coffee with every pour. With its elegant glass design and thick paper filters, the Chemex is a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate clarity and balance in their cup.
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In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to brew coffee with a Chemex properly, so you can enjoy barista-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Why Use a Chemex?
The Chemex is renowned for its ability to produce coffee that is:
- Clean and bright, thanks to its thick bonded paper filters
- Free of oils and sediment
- Visually stunning on the countertop
- Ideal for highlighting the subtle notes in light or single-origin roasts
It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys slower, more mindful brewing and wants to elevate their morning coffee ritual.
What You’ll Need
Before you start brewing, gather these essentials:
- Chemex coffee maker (3-, 6-, 8-, or 10-cup size)
- Chemex bonded paper filters
- Fresh coffee beans (medium roast works great)
- Burr grinder
- Gooseneck kettle (for precise pouring)
- Digital scale (optional but helpful)
- Timer
- Filtered water
Ideal Coffee-to-Water Ratio
A great starting point is a 1:15 to 1:17 ratio of coffee to water.
For example:
- 30g of coffee
- 500g (ml) of water
You can adjust this based on your preferred strength, but this ratio offers a balanced cup.
Grind Size for Chemex
Use a medium-coarse grind, similar to sea salt. A burr grinder gives the best consistency. A grind that’s too fine will lead to over-extraction and slow dripping, while too coarse may result in a weak brew.
Step-by-Step: How to Brew with a Chemex
Step 1: Heat Your Water
Bring your water to about 200°F (93°C)—just below boiling. You’ll need slightly more water than your final brew to account for rinsing the filter.
Step 2: Rinse the Filter
Place the Chemex filter with the triple-fold side facing the spout. Rinse thoroughly with hot water to eliminate any paper taste and preheat the vessel. Discard the rinse water.
Step 3: Add Ground Coffee
Weigh and grind your coffee, then pour it into the rinsed filter. Give the Chemex a gentle shake to level the grounds for an even extraction.
Step 4: Bloom
Start your timer and pour just enough hot water (about twice the weight of the coffee) to saturate the grounds—usually around 60g of water for 30g of coffee. Let it sit for 30–45 seconds. This is the bloom phase, where the coffee degasses and prepares for full extraction.
Step 5: Begin the Pour
After the bloom, slowly pour the remaining water in circular motions, working from the center outward and avoiding the filter walls. Pour in stages or in a continuous slow stream. Keep the water level consistent and aim to finish pouring at around 2:30 to 3:00 minutes.
Step 6: Let It Drain
Allow the water to fully drain through the filter. The total brew time should be around 4 to 5 minutes. If it’s too fast, your grind may be too coarse; too slow, and it might be too fine.
Step 7: Remove Filter and Serve
Carefully remove the filter and grounds. Give the Chemex a swirl, then pour your coffee into a pre-warmed mug and enjoy.
Tips for Brewing Better Chemex Coffee
- Use fresh, filtered water for the best taste
- Pre-wet your filter to avoid any papery flavor
- Grind fresh for each brew to maximize flavor
- Don’t rush the pour—take your time for even extraction
- Clean your Chemex thoroughly after each use to avoid oil buildup
Best Beans for Chemex
The Chemex method excels at showcasing the complexity of light and medium roast beans, especially single-origin coffees from:
- Ethiopia (floral and citrus notes)
- Colombia (balanced and sweet)
- Kenya (berry and wine-like acidity)
- Guatemala (chocolate and spice tones)
These beans shine when brewed cleanly, as the Chemex preserves their most delicate notes.
Chemex vs. Other Pour Over Methods
While pour-over devices like the Hario V60 or Kalita Wave also produce clean coffee, the Chemex stands out because:
- It uses thicker filters, resulting in a lighter, more tea-like cup
- It brews larger volumes, making it ideal for sharing
- Its all-in-one carafe design is both functional and elegant
If you enjoy crisp, layered flavors without sediment or bitterness, the Chemex is an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts
Brewing coffee with a Chemex is part science, part art—and completely rewarding. With the right technique, equipment, and beans, you can create a cup that’s clean, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re a coffee novice or a home barista, mastering the Chemex opens the door to an elevated coffee experience that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
