Chemex Brewing Guide

The Chemex is more than a coffee brewer — it's a design icon. Invented in 1941, it uses a thick bonded paper filter that produces an exceptionally clean, smooth cup. If you love bright, tea-like clarity in your coffee, the Chemex is your brewer.

What You'll Need

• Chemex brewer (6-cup or 8-cup)
• Chemex bonded filters (square or circle)
• Gooseneck kettle
• Burr grinder
• Scale with timer
• Fresh coffee beans

The Ideal Chemex Ratio

Start with 1:16 — the same as most pour overs. The thicker Chemex filter means you may want to experiment with 1:15 for more body.

For a standard brew:

• 30g coffee to 480ml water (serves 2)
• 45g coffee to 720ml water (serves 3)

Grind Size

The Chemex filter is thicker than standard pour over filters, so use a medium-coarse grind — slightly coarser than table salt, like rough sand. This compensates for the slower flow rate through the thicker filter.

Water Temperature

Use water at 200-205°F (93-96°C) — the same as V60.

Step-by-Step Chemex Technique

Step 1: Fold and Rinse the Filter

Fold the square Chemex filter into a cone with three layers on one side. Place it in the brewer with the three-layer side facing the spout. Rinse thoroughly with hot water, then discard.

Step 2: Add Coffee and Bloom (0:00–0:45)

Add ground coffee, tare your scale. Pour twice the coffee weight in water (60g for 30g coffee). Stir gently with a chopstick to saturate all grounds. Wait 30-45 seconds.

Step 3: First Pour (0:45–1:30)

Pour in slow circles, starting from the center. Add water until you reach about half your total volume. The slurry should stay about 1 inch below the rim.

Step 4: Second Pour (1:30–2:30)

Continue pouring in a steady, slow spiral. Keep the water level consistent — don't let it drain completely between pours.

Step 5: Drawdown (2:30–4:30)

The total brew time for Chemex is 3:30–4:30 — longer than a V60 due to the thicker filter. If it runs much longer, grind coarser.

Chemex vs. V60

Feature	Chemex	V60
Filter thickness	Thick bonded	Thin paper
Cup character	Clean, smooth, sweet	Bright, complex, nuanced
Grind size	Medium-coarse	Medium-fine
Brew time	3:30-4:30	2:30-3:30
Capacity	3-8 cups	1-2 cups
Best for	Sharing, smooth taste	Single cups, flavor clarity

Tips for Better Chemex Coffee

1. Don't skip the rinse — Chemex filters have a strong paper taste if unrinsed
2. Use a medium-coarse grind — too fine and your brew will stall
3. Pour slowly — the Chemex rewards patience
4. Pre-heat the vessel — Chemex glass loses heat quickly
5. Clean regularly — coffee oils build up on the glass over time

The Chemex delivers one of the cleanest cups you can brew at home. Perfect for light and medium roasts where you want to taste every nuance.