Chemex Brewing Guide
The iconic brewer for crystal-clear, refined coffee
To brew Chemex coffee, fold the filter so three layers sit against the spout and rinse it well. Add medium-coarse grounds at a 1:16–1:17 ratio, bloom for 45 seconds, then pour in slow circles. The thick bonded filter draws down over four to five minutes for a clean, clear cup.
Why Chemex
The Chemex uses a thicker paper filter than any other pour-over method, producing an exceptionally clean, almost tea-like cup. It removes almost all oils and fine particles, making it the purest expression of a coffee's origin character. Designed in 1941, it's in the permanent collection at MoMA.
Coffee-to-Water Ratio
Use 1:16 to 1:17 ratio. The thick filter absorbs more water, so lean slightly heavier on water.
| 3-cup Chemex | 25g coffee / 425g water |
| 6-cup Chemex | 42g coffee / 700g water |
| 8-cup Chemex | 56g coffee / 950g water |
Step-by-Step
- 01Unfold the Chemex filter — place the triple-layered side against the pour spout.
- 02Rinse the filter thoroughly with hot water. Discard rinse water through the spout.
- 03Add medium-coarse grounds (slightly finer than French press, coarser than V60).
- 04Bloom with 2x coffee weight in water. Wait 45 seconds.
- 05Pour in slow, steady circles. Keep the water level about 1 inch below the top of the Chemex.
- 06Total brew time: 4:00-5:00. The thicker filter naturally slows the draw-down.
Best Beans for Chemex
Light roasts with floral, tea-like, or delicate fruit notes are the Chemex's sweet spot. The ultra-clean filtration reveals subtleties that other methods mask. Try washed Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Kenyan, or high-altitude Colombian for the classic Chemex experience.
Gear for this brew
The tools this method actually needs — our pick in each category. See all brewing gear →
Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper, Size 02 (White)
The cone-shaped V60 with its single large hole and spiral ribs is the most widely used pour-over dripper in specialty coffee.
Check price on Amazon →TIMEMORE Chestnut C3 Manual Coffee Grinder
A CNC stainless conical-burr hand grinder widely regarded as the best entry-level manual grinder for pour-over and French press.
Check price on Amazon →Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle
The benchmark variable-temperature pour-over kettle, with a weighted gooseneck spout, to-the-degree control, and a built-in brew timer.
Check price on Amazon →TIMEMORE Black Mirror Basic 2 Coffee Scale
A 2kg / 0.1g dual-sensor brewing scale with auto-timer and flow-rate readout — one of the most popular precision scales in specialty coffee.
Check price on Amazon →Prices and availability are shown on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Premium Roast earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. We pick gear on the merits; affiliate links never influence what we recommend.
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Frequently Asked
- Why are Chemex filters so thick?
- The thick bonded paper traps more oils and fine particles than a standard filter — that is what gives Chemex coffee its exceptionally clean, clear cup.
- What grind size does a Chemex need?
- Medium-coarse, a bit coarser than drip. The thick filter slows flow, so too fine a grind clogs it and over-extracts.
- How do I fold a Chemex filter?
- Open the cone filter so three layers sit against the spout side. The triple layer reinforces the paper and keeps it from collapsing.
Find the Right Beans
Explore our directory of roasters matched to this guide.
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