The Chemex is a pour-over that decided to be furniture. The thick bonded paper filters out more oils and fines than any other method here, which produces a famously clean, tea-like cup — and a slower brew, because that filter restricts flow. Buy it if you want clarity above all, or you're brewing for more than two people. Don't buy it expecting body.

Step 0: Fold & Rinse Filter

Fold the Chemex filter so the three-layer side faces the spout. Rinse thoroughly — Chemex filters are thick and need a full rinse to avoid papery taste.

Step 1: Grind

Grind 30g to medium-coarse. The Chemex's thick filter slows drainage, so you can grind slightly coarser than a standard pour over.

Step 2: Bloom

Pour 60g water, wait 45 seconds. The Chemex holds heat well — no need to rush.

Step 3: Pours

Pour in slow, steady additions every 45–60 seconds: to 200g, then 325g, then 450g. Keep the water level no higher than 1 inch below the top of the filter.

Brew too slow (over 6 min): Grind coarser. Chemex filters are already slow — a fine grind will stall completely.

Tastes weak or thin: Use more coffee. The large Chemex brews 3–6 cups — scale your dose up accordingly.

Filter collapsed: Always fold filter with three layers toward the spout for structural support.

Why does Chemex coffee taste so clean?

The thick bonded paper filters trap more oils and fine particles than any other pour over filter, producing an exceptionally clear, light-bodied cup with very low bitterness.

Which Chemex size should I get?

The 6-cup is the most versatile — brews 1–3 actual cups depending on your ratio. The 8-cup is for when company comes.