About the Chemex

Discover the elegant and timeless Chemex coffee maker, designed by German inventor Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The Chemex is a true classic, with a design that has stood the test of time for over eight decades. Originally made 100% of glass, today's version features a wooden cover and leather strap to protect your hand from the heat.

The Chemex's unique design uses a disposable paper microfilter, which captures all coffee grounds, letting through only the clearest and purest coffee. It's no wonder why this brewing method has become a favorite among coffee aficionados around the world.

To help you make the perfect cup of coffee with your Chemex, we've put together a step-by-step guide that we hope you'll find useful. We're sure that you'll appreciate the simple and beautiful design of this amazing coffee maker just as much as we do!

Interested in Purchasing a Chemex? (Amazon Link):

Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker - 6-Cup

Chemex Coffee Filters - 100 count

Coffee Scale with Timer

Freshly Roasted Coffee

A picture of a chemex coffee maker half filled with coffee alongside a double walled glass coffee mug filled with coffee.

STEP 1: GET THE ESSENTIALS

Ready to brew a perfect cup of coffee with your Chemex? Here's what you'll need:

  • Syzygy Specialty Coffee
  • Chemex Brewer + Filters
  • Scale
  • Gooseneck Water Kettle with Thermometer
  • Ratio of 15:1

What does the ratio mean? A 15:1 ratio means you'll need 15 times more milliliters (mL) of water than you have grams (g) of coffee. For example, if you start with 15g of coffee, you'll need 225mL of water.

STEP 2: GRIND THE COFFEE

Grind your coffee to a consistency similar to coarse salt. For a Chemex brew, we recommend starting with 15 grams of coffee.

This will give you a great tasting coffee and allow you to adjust to your personal taste preference in the future.

Image of a coffee kettle on top of a hot stove.

STEP 3: HEAT THE WATER

For 15 grams of coffee, heat 225mL* of water to 89°C (192°F).

It's always a good idea to heat some extra water for later use.

STEP 4: PREHEAT EVERYTHING

Pour some hot water into the Chemex with the filter on to preheat it and remove any papery taste from the filter. This is also a good time to preheat your coffee mugs. Discard the water after preheating.

STEP 5: ADD THE COFFEE

Place your Chemex on the scale and add the 15 grams of coffee. Use a gentle shaking motion to level the grounds in the Chemex. Once the coffee grounds are level, set the scale to 0.

STEP 6: BLOOM THE COFFEE

Pour twice the amount of water as the weight of coffee used. In this case, pour 30mL of water over the coffee to allow it to bloom. Wait for 45 seconds.

STEP 7: POUR, POUR, POUR

After 45 seconds, pour 65mL of water in a spiraling motion over the coffee grounds, starting from the center and making your way outwards.

Wait another 45 seconds before repeating this process 2 more times, until the scale shows a total of 225mL.
The breakdown of water poured in each step is as follows:

30mL (for blooming) + 65mL + 65mL + 65mL = 225mL.

Close up of the bottom of a Chemex coffee maker with drops of coffee dripping from the top filter.

STEP 8: WAIT FOR IT TO FILTER

After the final pour, allow the coffee to brew for about a minute. The coffee will start as a stream and gradually become a drip-by-drip brew.

Coffee from a Chemex coffee maker being poured into a double walled glass coffee mug.

STEP 9: SERVE AND ENJOY!

Once the coffee has finished brewing, carefully remove the Chemex from the scale and discard the filter. Pour the coffee into your warm mug and enjoy the clean and smooth taste of your freshly brewed Chemex coffee!

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