How to Brew a Chemex
The Chemex is coffee’s version of effortless elegance, a union of form and function that’s captivated design lovers since 1941. With its hourglass glass body, warm wood collar, and simple leather tie, it turns brewing into an art form. A cup that’s as refined as it is generous.
Think of it as the pour-over’s social butterfly. It has the same clarity and precision, with enough brew to serve a crowd. Use a slightly coarser grind, pour with patience, and let the ritual reward you.
What You Will Need
Whole Bean Coffee
Grinder
Chemex Carafe
Chemex Filter
Kettle
Digital Scale
How We Do It - Chemex Brew
1. Heat your water
Bring a full kettle of fresh, filtered water to just below boiling ( about 200°F ) the sweet spot for a balanced extraction.
2. Measure your coffee & grind to perfection
Use 50 grams of coffee. Grind your beans coarse, not too fine and not too chunky.
3. Prep your filter
Fold and place the Chemex filter so the triple fold sits toward the spout. This simple alignment keeps the airflow steady and prevents clogging. Rinse the filter thoroughly with hot water, then discard the rinse water. This warms the glass and removes any papery taste, setting the stage for a clean cup. Add the grounds to your filter and gently shake to level them.
4. Pour with purpose
Set your Chemex on a scale and zero it out. You’ll pour a total of 700 grams of water in four slow, steady rounds. Begin each one from the center, spiraling slowly outward and back in again. Keep your kettle about 8–10 inches above the grounds for an even extraction.
The first pour is where the magic begins. Pour 100 grams of water. The coffee will rise, that’s the bloom, releasing trapped carbon dioxide and unlocking flavor. At 45 seconds, start your next pour. Bring your total water weight to 300 grams, using five spirals out and five back in. Allow the water to pass through before moving on. At 1:50, pour again until you reach 500 grams. This is where the sweetness starts to develop. At 3:10, begin your final pour to reach 700 grams total. Stay consistent and resist rushing the process.
5. Sip and savor
Your Chemex should finish brewing around 4 minutes. Discard the filter, swirl gently, and pour yourself a cup that’s as graceful as the ritual that made it.