Chemex Coffeemaker Review 2022: How to Use it

The pour-over, manual style classy glass flask coffeemaker by Chemex is certainly one of the best options for all you coffee addicts. It was a German inventor named, Peter Schlumboh who came up with the design of the Chemex in the year 1941. After all these decades, it is still considered to be one of the top choices for coffeemakers. It is manufactured in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

What is the Chemex Brewing Method?

There are four different methods of brewing the ideal cup of coffee using Chemex coffeemakers:

The Ottomatic

This one is a clean and very common design that is made to compliment the sophistication of the Chemex glass Carafe. The top-notch quality and its functionality go together presenting the core philosophy of the Chemex that is, beauty and engineering offered together.

The Classic

This is the second series manufactured by the Chemex corporation with another classic and simple design made for the finest extraction of coffee. The series is available in different versions including 3, 6, 8 and 10 cup. Dubbed as the most elegant and multipurpose coffeemaker in the market.

The Glass Handle

The third series manufactured by the Chemex is the Glass Handle series that comes with the same elegant and simple design like the two before but with a solid handle as well. This series is also available in different cup versions ranging from 3 to 10 cups.

The Handblown

Last but most certainly not the least is the Handblow series made by the Chemex. The unique thing about this series is that is manufactured by hand. It portrays the incredible workmanship provided by the Chemex.

This series of Chemex is also displayed at a couple of museums as well because of its design, including the Philadelphia, Smithsonian Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art too. Again, this series is also available in different cup versions including a 13 cup version as well.

Note: The measurements of coffeemakers are done on the basis of 5oz. that is considered a (1) cup.

Price Range: Why is Chemex so Expensive?

Yes, the newer and bigger versions of the Chemex coffeemakers can be a little expensive but they are certainly worth it. As mentioned above, there are different versions of the coffeemaker available so you can choose the one that suits your needs best. The price range of the Chemex coffeemaker is from $38.90 to $97.90 depending on the series and version you buy.

The classic series starts from $38.90 and goes till $47.50 that is the 10 cup version. The Glass handle series is between $38.90 and $47.50 too. However, the Handblown series is a bit expensive, obviously because of the reason that it’s handmade. Its prices go from $71.90 to $97.90.

Regardless of which ever series or version of coffeemaker you buy, the elegant design and easy functioning will be provided to you. I picked the 6 cup glass handle series version that is just the perfect for my coffee addiction. The whole brewing method is really easy and if you’re looking for a coffeemaker that can easily make 3 to 4 cups in no time, this will be the best option for you.

Finding out the perfect proportions and method can take some time. There are other accessories available by Chemex as well that can make the whole coffee making process easy and awesome for you. I took some time to figure out the right grind type, volume and temperature to make it just perfect. I would personally suggest you buying the paper filter rather than those steel Kone filters as the taste was somewhat better with them. You can easily buy the paper filters for around $8.50 per box.

How do You Use the Chemex to get the Best out of it?

The brewing process is simple and easy to learn. Just follow these few steps and you’d be making perfect cups of coffee in no time.

The very first thing you should do is choose your favorite coffee (whole bean) and then grind it to a moderate coarse ground. You can use a burr mill to do that as it gives you a better consistency in the size that allows you to extract more and get a complete bodied coffee mug.

The next thing is using the filter. You can use the Chemex Bonded filter. Shape the filter into a cone shape so that it has 3 layers on one side and then place it on top of the Chemex brewer.

Now you can measure the coffee according to your need (5 oz. is one cup) and put one tablespoon of ground coffee in the cone filter. You can add more according to your liking and taste. Don’t worry about the bitterness as the brewing process will get rid of that.

Once you have the right amount of boiled water, you can then remove the heat and allow it to stop boiling. Pour some of this water over coffee and then wait for like 30 seconds. The best temperature for brewing is around 200 F.

After waiting for 30 seconds, the grounds will start to bloom and after that you can start to pour the brewed water slowly over the grounds.

To make sure you soak all the grounds, gradually continue to pour the brewing water over them.

You’re almost there. The next thing after the appropriate amount of brewing process is achieved, is lifting the filter out of the brewer and getting rid of it.

How do You Keep a Chemex Warm?

You can keep the coffee warm by putting the Chemex on a gas flame or a glass stove top at low temperature. You can also use the Chemex water kettle to get the most out of your coffeemaker. The kettle is also made of high quality glass that is resistant to heat allowing it to ensure a perfect process of brewing. There is a silicone stopper that is useful as it keeps the brewing water at high temperature while expelling the steam. This makes the neck cool so that it is safe to touch and handle.

Can You Wash Chemex?

Also, remember a clean and maintained Chemex brewer will work more effectively and for a longer period of time. You can easily wash the coffeemaker in the dishwasher. Alternatively, you can hand wash it with soap and water as well. You will have to take the wooden grip part down every time to wash the coffeemaker though if you’re using the classic or the handblown versions.

Is Chemex like French Press?

Unlike the French Press, the Chemex uses a paper filter. And yet, unlike a drip coffee machine — which also uses a paper filter — Chemex filters are made from specially bonded paper. While this adds to the expense of every Chemex cup, the special paper reduces the pass through of bitter solubles.

How is Chemex Different from Drip?

A Chemex is essentially a dripper and a coffee pot all in one. Its design and its shape make the Chemex a unique, desirable object. For the coffee extraction part, it uses its own kind of paper filter, much thicker than usual filters. It means that the Chemex filters out a lot more than other drip methods.

Why does the Chemex have a Bump?

From the hourglass shape to the heat-resilient material, everything about the design is meant to produce a high-quality cup of coffee. So what’s the weird nipple-looking thing on the bottom of the brewer? Per the manual: it marks where half the carafe’s volume is, with full volume falling at the bottom of the spout.

What’s the Difference between AeroPress and Chemex?

The Aeropress is a great choice for people on the move who are looking for something durable and portable. Chemex is better suited for stationary uses within your kitchen, such as cold brews. For a stronger, espresso-like flavor, go for the Aeropress. Or, for a richer flavors with more intricate notes, try a Chemex.

Does Chemex Coffee have More Caffeine?

Drip coffee brewing using the Chemex Coffee Brewer will give you 30 ounces with about 80 mgs of caffeine packed into an 8-ounce cup of coffee. Considering the same factors, a shot of espresso is 1-ounce. That one shot produces about fifty mgs of caffeine.

How Long does a Chemex Take?

The brew should have taken between 3.5–4.5 minutes. If the brew was too fast, consider using a finer grind or a slower pour rate next time. If the brew was too slow, consider using a coarser grind or a faster pour rate.

What Grind is the Best for Chemex?

It’s recommended to use a medium grind, which has about the same amount of coarseness as sand. Beans can be ground either really fine, almost powdery (which is really good for espresso) or really coarsely.

Conclusion

Chemex is one of the most amazing coffeemakers out in the market. It’s the cleanest of ‘em all with easy brewing process providing fresh cups of coffee in no time.

The paper filters however, are not so environment friendly. You can’t use the reusable ones as they don’t give you the same flavor. Also, the brewing process is easy yes, but can take more time than other methods.

I’d give it an 8/10.