Chemex Recipe and Instructions Guide

The Chemex coffee maker is definitely one of the most visually appealing brewing methods with the dominant model made primarily of glass with a wooden grip around the neck.

The Chemex Filters are the true magic behind the Chemex. Other pour over methods may allow air in between the cone and the filter, but these thick and sturdy pieces of paper will stick tightly to the Chemex cone wall, forcing a longer extraction and more balanced cup.

There are a few different types of Chemex filters so check out this guide (coming soon) on folding them. You can consistently expect a bright, rich cup of delicious coffee with no sediment at all.

Chemex Instructions:

  • Measurements: 20g coffee : 300g water ( 10.5 oz)
  • Grind: Medium – Coarse
  • Filter: Chemex Filters

1. Bring enough water to just below a boil (~200° F / ~93° C ) in order to brew the coffee and pre-heat the Chemex.

2. Weight out 20 grams of coffee and grind it medium.

3. Pour hot water generously around the paper filter, eliminating any paper taste and pre-heating the Chemex, then throw the rinse water out – you only want brewed coffee in your final drink.

4. Pour just enough water to saturate the pre ground coffee evenly (about 40 grams) and rest for 30 seconds or however long it takes for the bloom to discontinue.

5. Start timer immediately for a 4 minute steep.

6. Pour the remaining water continuously and evenly onto the grounds and in a circular fashion, moving inward and outward within the circle to push the grounds toward the walls. The coffee level should rise just above the grounds.

7. Be careful not the pour the water directly on to the filter at any point and try to maintain a constant volume of water throughout the entire process.

8. After the coffee has drained into the Chemex carafe, typically around 4 minutes, you should be able to see consistent walls of grounds with an even bed toward the bottom of the filter.

9. Trash the paper filter and grounds.

10. Pour, enjoy.

Chemex brewing guide

Chemex Recipe Highlights:

1. 50g bloom for 40s

2. 200g continuous pour, finish by 1:00

3. Use the plunger at 1:30 for 30s

4. Dilute with 30g of hot water

Chemex Coffee FAQs:

What is the best grind for Chemex coffee?

The incredible thing about the AeroPress is that it’s so flexible. You can pair a coarse grind size with a longer brewing time (2:30). A medium grind size works well with a shorter steep (1:30). And you can even use a fine(ish) grind size with a rapid brewing time (0:45) for a quick shot-like cup.

What's the best coffee grinder for Chemex brewing?

A reliable coffee grinder is essential to delicious Chemex coffee, so we suggest either buying a sub-$50 hand grinder or saving up $100+ for an electric grinder. Here are our two primary picks:

What is the belly button on a Chemex?

Yes. Adjusting the brewing ratio in favor of the coffee is the best way to increase brew strength. Try a 1:14 ratio instead of a 1:16 or 1:17. It is also possible to increase extraction by grinding the coffee beans finer. The higher surface area should result in a higher extraction resulting in a “stronger” cup.

Just be aware that these adjustments will affect the flavor profile. Experiment with your recipe until you find a balance that works for you.

How to keep Chemex coffee warm?

Yes. Adjusting the brewing ratio in favor of the coffee is the best way to increase brew strength. Try a 1:14 ratio instead of a 1:16 or 1:17. It is also possible to increase extraction by grinding the coffee beans finer. The higher surface area should result in a higher extraction resulting in a “stronger” cup.

Just be aware that these adjustments will affect the flavor profile. Experiment with your recipe until you find a balance that works for you.

Can I microwave my Chemex?

Yes. Adjusting the brewing ratio in favor of the coffee is the best way to increase brew strength. Try a 1:14 ratio instead of a 1:16 or 1:17. It is also possible to increase extraction by grinding the coffee beans finer. The higher surface area should result in a higher extraction resulting in a “stronger” cup.

Just be aware that these adjustments will affect the flavor profile. Experiment with your recipe until you find a balance that works for you.

How do you clean a Chemex?

The AeroPress is capable of making extra-strong coffee, much like you’d find in a moka pot, but it’s not quite real espresso.

To be legitimate espresso, the coffee must be pulled with at least 8-10 bars of pressure — and the AeroPress, since it’s powered by hand, doesn’t get anywhere close.

However, you can still make some delicious faux-espresso drinks by using a fine grind setting and applying a lot of pressure to the plunger after a quick steep (make sure to use a sturdy mug!).

Chemex vs. French Press. Which is better?

The main difference between Chemex and French Press 

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Brewing Variations:

1. Many brewers prefer a coarse grind. Rely on your taste buds to tell you what’s right.

2. Pouring the final 20 grams of water directly in the center may improve final extraction and walls.

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Common Problems:

1. If your walls are constantly too thin or inconsistent in size, try limiting your pour to the center of the cone.

2. Don’t leave the  filter sitting on top of the decanter for long after brewing. The drops of water that get stuck in the ground coffee will find their way to the cup eventually and be way over-extracted.