Why Choose a Chemex for Brewing Coffee?
There’s something special about brewing coffee with a Chemex Coffee Maker.
The hourglass design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about crafting a smooth and balanced cup of coffee with clarity in flavour.
Unlike immersion brewing methods that produce a bold, heavy bodied coffee, the Chemex’s special filter paper removes bitterness and excess oils, resulting in a cleaner and more refined taste.
If you enjoy coffee that’s delicate, nuanced, and full of subtle flavours, then a Chemex is a must-have in your brewing routine.
Just got your Chemex Coffee Maker and not sure how to use it? The Elixir Coffee experts have got you covered.
What You’ll Need
- Chemex Coffee Maker
- Chemex bonded paper filters
- 30g of freshly ground coffee (medium-coarse grind)
- 500ml of filtered water (heated to 92-96°C)
- Digital scale (optional, but recommended)
- Gooseneck kettle (for precision pouring)
How to Brew the Best Chemex Coffee
Step 1: Prepare Your Chemex & Filter
- Put a Chemex bonded filter into the top of your Chemex, ensuring the triple-fold side is facing the spout.
- Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any papery taste and warm up the Chemex. Discard the rinse water.
Step 2: Measure & Grind Your Coffee
- Weigh 30g of coffee and grind it to a medium-coarse texture—similar to sea salt.
- This grind size allows for optimal extraction without over-extracting bitterness.
Step 3: The First Pour (Bloom Stage)
- Place your Chemex on a digital scale and zero it out.
- Pour 60ml of hot water over the grounds in a circular motion, just enough to saturate them.
- Let the coffee bloom for 30-45 seconds—this allows gases to escape and enhances flavour.
Step 4: The Main Brew
- After the bloom, slowly pour the remaining 440ml of water in circular motions, keeping the coffee bed even.
- Aim to complete the pour within 3-4 minutes.
- Let all the water pass through the grounds and into the Chemex.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove the filter and discard it.
- Give the Chemex a gentle swirl to blend the flavours.
- Pour your fresh brew into a cup and enjoy a clean, crisp coffee with bright notes.
Why the Chemex is Great
✔ Aesthetic Design – Looks beautiful on any benchtop.
✔ Clean & Crisp Taste – Filters out bitterness and excess oils for a pure coffee experience.
✔ Perfect for Light & Medium Roasts – Highlights subtle flavours in specialty coffee.
✔ Ideal for Multiple Cups – Brew more than one cup in a single session.
Expert Tips for Brewing with a Chemex
- Use Freshly Roasted Beans
- Coffee that has been freshly roasted (within 2-4 weeks) will provide the best flavours.
- Pre-Wet the FilterThis ensures there’s no papery aftertaste in your coffee.
- Slow, Steady Pouring is Key
- Using a gooseneck kettle helps control water flow for even extraction.
- Avoid Over-Extracting
- If your coffee tastes too bitter, adjust your grind size to be slightly coarser.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best grind size for a Chemex?
A medium-coarse grind (similar to sea salt) is ideal for preventing over-extraction and ensuring a balanced flavour.
2. Why does my Chemex coffee taste weak?
If your coffee tastes weak, try using more coffee grounds or a finer grind to increase extraction.
3. How long does Chemex brewing take?
The full brew process should take about 4 minutes, from bloom to final pour.
4. Can I use regular paper filters instead of Chemex filters?
Chemex filters are thicker than regular filters, which helps with better extraction and a cleaner taste. Regular filters won’t produce the same results.
5. Can I make iced coffee with a Chemex?
Yes! Brew as normal, then pour your fresh coffee over ice for a refreshing iced coffee with a crisp, clean taste.