How to Choose the Right Chemex for You

Your Guide to buying the best Chemex

Overview

The Chemex buying guide is a comprehensive resource to help you make the best purchase decision when it comes to purchasing a Chemex. We'll cover the different types of Chemex, their benefits and features, what to look for when choosing the right Chemex for your needs, and the best places to purchase a Chemex. We hope that with this guide you'll be able to find the perfect Chemex for your needs.

Key features

  1. Size - Chemex is available in various sizes, ranging from 3-cup to 10-cup. Choose the size that best fits your needs.
  2. Price - Chemex brewers range in price from around $35 to $100, depending on size and the type of materials used.
  3. Material - Chemex brewers are made of either glass or stainless steel, both of which offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.
  4. Brewing Method - Chemex brewers use the pour-over method to brew coffee, which requires a steady hand and patience to achieve the best results.
  5. Style - Chemex brewers come in a wide range of styles and colors, so shoppers should consider their own personal taste when selecting a brewer.
  6. Accessories - Chemex brewers typically come with a few accessories, such as filters, a measuring scoop, and a carafe for storing brewed coffee.

See the most popular Chemex on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Quality Materials and Design: Chemex is made with a heatproof borosilicate glass and a wood collar and tie, which makes it sturdy and durable. The unique design allows for optimal coffee extraction and removal of grounds.
  • No Metallic Taste: The glass construction prevents any metallic taste from getting into your coffee.
  • Easy to Clean: With its non-porous and smooth surface, Chemex is easy to clean. It is also dishwasher safe.
  • Versatile: Chemex is capable of making multiple types of coffee, such as French press, espresso, and cold brew.
  • Efficient: Chemex is very efficient, as it brews coffee quickly and retains the temperature for a longer duration.

Cons

  • Cost: Chemex can be a more expensive option for a coffee maker than other models on the market.
  • Size: Chemex is made for larger batches of coffee, so it may not be suitable for those who want to make smaller amounts.
  • Time: The brewing process with a Chemex can be lengthy, as it requires precision and careful timing.
  • Difficulty: Making the perfect cup of coffee with a Chemex requires some experience and understanding of brewing techniques.
  • Cleanup: Cleaning the Chemex can be a bit of a hassle, as it requires a specific kind of cleaner and multiple steps.

Best alternatives

  1. Aeropress - A coffee brewing device that uses a plunger to press hot water through coffee grounds.
  2. French Press - A coffee brewing device that uses a plunger to separate coffee grounds from hot water.
  3. Moka Pot - An Italian stovetop espresso maker that brews coffee by passing hot water pressurized by steam through ground coffee.
  4. Pour Over - A coffee brewing method that involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a circular motion.
  5. Cold Brew - A coffee brewing method that involves steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Coffee Grounds - Pre-ground or whole beans that you can grind yourself to make a coffee infusion.
  • Filter - A Chemex paper filter designed to fit your Chemex brewer, designed to trap large particles and provide a smoother cup of coffee.
  • Grinder - An appliance for grinding beans into a finer consistency for a better cup of coffee.
  • Coffee Scoop - A tool used to measure coffee grounds for a Chemex brewing.
  • Kettle - A heat source to boil water, usually an electric or gas stove.
  • Timer - A device used to track the amount of time you let the coffee steep.
  • Coffee Server - A carafe designed to hold the brewed coffee and pour it into cups.

Common questions

  1. What materials is the Chemex made from? The Chemex is made from non-porous Borosilicate glass.
  2. How large is the Chemex? The size of the Chemex varies depending on the size of the carafe; the sizes range from 3-cup to 10-cup.
  3. What type of filter does the Chemex use? The Chemex uses a proprietary, cone-shaped filter, which is 20-30% heavier than other filters.
  4. How does the Chemex work? The Chemex works by allowing hot, filtered water to drip through the grounds and filter into the carafe. The special filter prevents over-extraction of the grounds, resulting in a clean and flavorful cup of coffee.
  5. Does the Chemex come with a filter? Yes, the Chemex comes with a package of filters.
  6. What other accessories are necessary to brew coffee with the Chemex? In addition to the Chemex and filters, you will need coffee grounds, hot water, and a stirring device (such as a spoon).
  7. How do I clean the Chemex? The Chemex is safe to put in the dishwasher, but can also be hand-washed with mild soap and warm water.
  8. Is the Chemex microwave-safe? No, the Chemex should not be placed in the microwave.

Trivia

In an effort to make the Chemex process as simple as possible, the inventor, Peter Schlumbohm, designed the iconic hourglass-shaped brewer with a single hole at the bottom, so that you don’t have to worry about evenly distributing the grounds to ensure an even brew. This unique design has made the Chemex a must-have for any serious coffee aficionado. Additionally, Chemex is also the official coffee (brewed from an iconic Chemex) of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. [Source](https://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/pages/chemex-story)

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.