Chemex coffee brewing method illustration

How to Brew: Chemex

Medium4-5 minutes

An elegant pour-over brewer designed in 1941 by a chemist. The thick bonded paper filter removes oils and sediment, producing an exceptionally clean, bright, tea-like cup. The hourglass glass carafe is in the permanent collection at MoMA.

What You Need

Chemex brewer (6-cup or 8-cup)Chemex bonded paper filters Gooseneck kettle Scale Timer

Step-by-Step Guide

Rinse the Filter

Place the Chemex filter with the triple-fold side facing the spout. Rinse thoroughly with hot water, then discard the rinse water.

Add Coffee

Add 42g of medium-coarse ground coffee (about 6 tablespoons). Level the bed.

Bloom

Start your timer. Pour 80ml of water at 93-96C in a spiral to bloom. Wait 45 seconds.

First Pour

Pour in slow, steady circles from center outward. Keep the water level about 1 inch below the rim.

Continue Pouring

Continue pouring in pulses until you reach 700ml total water. Target total brew time: 4-5 minutes.

Serve

Remove the filter. Swirl gently and serve.

Pro Tips

-The thick filter is key - it removes most oils for a super clean cup
-Grind slightly coarser than V60 to avoid over-extraction
-If brew time exceeds 5.5 minutes, grind coarser
-Great for light roast single-origin coffees

Interactive Chemex Timer

Step-by-step timer with pour schedule and audio cues.

Open Timer

Other Brewing Methods

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to brew Chemex coffee?▼

Chemex typically takes 4-5 minutes from start to finish, including prep and brewing time. Actual duration varies depending on grind size, water temperature, and your desired strength.

Is Chemex hard to learn for beginners?▼

Chemex is rated Medium difficulty on CoffeeTrove. It demands precise control over variables like grind, temperature, and pressure, making it rewarding for experienced brewers.

What equipment do I need for Chemex?▼

You need Chemex brewer (6-cup or 8-cup), Chemex bonded paper filters, Gooseneck kettle, Scale, Timer to brew with Chemex. A quality burr grinder and accurate scale are recommended for consistent results, though not strictly required for getting started.

What grind size works best for Chemex?▼

The ideal grind size for Chemex depends on your specific recipe and contact time. Follow the step-by-step guide above for recommended settings. Small adjustments make a noticeable difference in flavor.