This week i went to make my normal drip coffee, and realized i was out of filters. Instead of panicking, i pulled out my Chemex coffee maker and made a delicious pour over coffee. It is smooth and clean tasting and was probably the best cup I’ve had in a while. If want to elevate you morning cup of coffee, this is the perfect time to learn how to make Chemex coffee.
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What is Chemex Coffee
A Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that was invented in the 1940s. It uses thick cone-shaped coffee filters and a slow pour method that yields a smooth, less bitter cup.
Full transparency, i use a Casori pour over coffee maker, which is about $20 cheaper than a brand-name Chemex. The Casori also comes with a metal filter, which saves you from buying filters.
Why You’ll Love Chemex Coffee
- Clean, smooth flavor: The filter removes most of the oils and particles from the coffee, leaving you with an easy-to-sip cup.
- Highlights the beans: The Chemex brewing method brings out the tasting notes in the coffee beans.
- Easy to customize: There are many ratios you can experiment with to fit your taste prerfence.
What You’ll Need
- Chemex Coffee Maker
- Chemex filters: You can buy a metal filter.
- Ground Coffee: You can grind them yourself, which will yield a fresher tasting cup, but im a busy mom, so preground coffee it is.
- Coffee grinder:
- Kettle: A gooseneck kettle will give you the best control, but whatever kettle you have on hand will do.
- Kitchen Scale: optional, but for the most consistent results, i find it essential.
- Timer: The one on your phone works perfectly.
Chemex Ratios ‘
Here are a few reliable ratios to experiment with. As you continue to brew you will figure out your favorite!
Balanced everyday brew
If you are looking for a reliable brew, this is my personal favorite
- 29g coffee: 375g water
- Ratio: 1:13
- Yield 12 oz
This is a smooth and balanced cup, not too strong, but not weak.
Lighter brew
- 25g coffee: 400g water
- Ratio 1:16
- Yield: 14oz
This ratio is perfect if you are sensitive to caffeine or need something more mellow. This higher water content makes the coffee less concentrated bringing out tea-like notes.
Bold brew
- 30g coffee: 600g water
- Ratio 1:12
- Yield: 12 oz
This is for strong coffee lovers. It is fuller bodied and perfect if you are making iced coffee.
For two people
- 42g coffee: 600g water
- Ratio 1:13
- 20oz
This gives a balanced flavorful cup that is bold, but not overwhelming, making it perfect to share.
How to Make Chemex Coffee Step by step Instructions
Boil water
Start by boiling your water, you want it around 200℉. While you wait, measure and grind your beans.
Grind beans
If using whole beans, grind to a medium course texture similar to sea salt.
Place and rinse filter
Open Chemex filter and place the triple fold side against the sprout. Pour some hot water over the filter to remove the paper taste ans warm the Chemex. If using a metal filter, skip this step.
Bloom
Start you timer and add 60g of water to saturate the grinds. Let it sit for 35-40 seconds.
Continue pouring
Continue pouring the water in slow circular motions, avoiding the edge of the filter. Do this in stages to keep the water level just above the ground. The total brew time should be about 3.5 to 5 minutes.
Remove filter and serve
Once the water fully drains, remove the filter and discard. Swirl the chemex and pour into your favorite mug, add cream, and enjoy!
Tips for How to Make Chemex Coffee
- Use fresh beans: Coffee is best if used within 2-3 weeks of roasting.
- Grind just before brewing for the best flavor.
- Use filtered water.
- Warm you mug to help the coffee stay warmer longer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chemex coffee black or with a little cream and sugar. Add cinnamon or vanilla for a fun twist.
Food pairings
- Sourdough toast with butter and jam
- Banna bread or coffee cake
- Dark chocolate
- Avocado toast
- Breakfast sandwiches
Troubleshooting Common Chemex Brewing Issues
Coffee taste bitter or overextracted
If your coffee is too bitter, your grind may be too fine, or you poured too slowly, causing overextraction. Try grinding your beans coarser and pouring a bit faster.
Coffee tastes sour or under extracted
If your coffee is sour, the beans may have been too coarse, or you may have poured too quickly. Try grinding your beans finer and pouring slower.
Filter collapsing or clogging
Make sure to use Chemex-specific filters and wet the filters before brewing to help it stick to the walls of the chemex. This prevent clogging and helps the filter stay stable.
Coffee is cloudy or has sediment
Chemex filters are designed to remove sediment. If you coffee is cloudy, you coffee may be too fine.
How to Make Chemex Coffee FAQ’s
What makes Chemex coffee different than other brewing methods?
Chemex coffee uses paper filters, which remove more oils and particles which gives you a cleaner a cup.
What grind size is the best
A medium coure grind similar to sea salt is best. If the coffee is too fine, it will drain too slow and overextract. If it is too coarse, it will be weak and sour.
How long should the Chemex take to brew?
It should take around 4-5 minutes total.
Do i need a goosenesck kettle?
No, i do not own one and i still make delicious cups of Chemx Coffee. A gooseneck kettle gives you more control over your pour and it is nice to have, however it is not essential.
Can i reheat Chemex coffee?
Yes, but it is best to consume it freshly brewed. Reheat on the stovetop rather than the microwave for better flavor.
What is the best water to coffee ratio?
My preferred ratio is 1:13, this is bold enough, but not overwhelming strong and bitter. If that is too strong for you, you can go with a 1:15 ratio.
How do i wash the Chemex?
You can wash you chemex by hand with warm soapy water. I opt to run it through the dishwasher and it has always come out fine for me .
Can i use preground coffee?
Yes, this is what i use, im a busy mom and grinding coffee in the morning is almost always out of the questions. Although grinding the coffee fresh will result in the best flavor its not an essential step.
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How to Make Chemex Coffee
A smooth, balanced pour-over coffee made with a Chemex, highlighting clean flavors and gentle acidity for a bright, satisfying cup every time.
Ingredients
- 29g (6 tbs) ground coffee
- 375g(1 2/3 cups)
Instructions
Boil water
Start by boiling your water, you want it around 200℉. While you wait, measure and grind your beans.
Grind beans
If using whole beans, grind to a medium course texture similar to sea salt.
Place and rinse the filter
Open the Chemex filter and place the triple-fold side against the sprout. Pour some hot water over the filter to remove the paper taste and warm the Chemex. If using a metal filter, skip this step.
Bloom
Start your timer and add 60g of water to saturate the grinds. Let it sit for 35-40 seconds.
Continue pouring.
Continue pouring the water in slow circular motions, avoiding the edge of the filter. Do this in stages to keep the water level just above the ground until you reach 375g of water. The total brew time should be about 3.5 to 5 minutes.
Remove the filter and serve
Once the water fully drains, remove the filter and discard. Swirl the Chemex and pour into your favorite mug
Enjoy
Add cream and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh beans and grind just before brewing for the best flavor.
Use filtered water.
Enjoy fresh; if reheating, use the stovetop rather than the microwave.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 12ozAmount Per Serving: Calories: 3Sodium: 7mg
Nutrition information is approximate and based on black Chemex coffee brewed without any added milk, cream, sugar, or flavorings. Adding any extras will change the nutritional content. Caffeine content varies depending on the coffee beans and brewing method.
