How to Use a Chemex to Brew Coffee

Arguably the best way to brew coffee is using a Chemex. At first glance, this glass container might look like it has nothing to do with coffee. But it's designed as a pour-over style coffeemaker with the intent of removing coffee oils. The result is a cup of coffee that tastes uniquely different. Learn more about our method below, including a video demonstration.

Best coffee for Chemex?

The Chemex brings out all the nuances of flavor in coffee, so it is very important to choose the best coffee. When selecting coffee, first consider the roast and then the country of origin. You'll probably have to experiment a bit before finding the best coffee that suits your taste. Personally, we prefer medium roast coffees, generally from Ethiopia as they tend to be more bitter almost like a dark chocolate.

What's most important is to buy your coffee as whole beans. Store it in an airtight container until it's ready for use. Buying ground coffee isn't necessarily a bad thing, but you'll get the best flavor and quality by using freshly ground coffee.

Using a Chemex

There are several different methods of brewing coffee with a Chemex. The main points that vary are the tools. Many prefer to use paper filters, while others (like us) prefer using a reusable metal filter. The difference is mainly in the resulting taste and flavor. We find that metal Kone filters allow just a bit of finely ground coffee sediment to seep through. The result is a cup of coffee with more body and a richer flavor, as opposed to the coffee produced with a paper filter.

Another optional tool is a gooseneck water kettle. A regular tea kettle can work, but the gooseneck gives you more precision as you pour water.