Chemex

What Is a Chemex?

The Chemex is an iconic pour-over brewer invented by German chemist Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. Its elegant hourglass design is so beautiful it is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. But the Chemex is more than a design object — it brews exceptionally clean, sweet coffee.

What Makes It Special

The secret is the proprietary bonded paper filter, which is 20-30% thicker than standard pour-over filters. This extra thickness:

• Removes more oils and sediment for an ultra-clean cup
• Slows water flow, extending contact time naturally
• Produces a bright, tea-like clarity
• Reduces bitterness by filtering out certain compounds

Chemex Recipe

1. Dose: 30g coffee, medium-coarse grind (coarser than V60)
2. Water: 500g at 93-96°C
3. Filter prep: Place filter with three layers facing the spout; rinse thoroughly
4. Bloom: 60g water, wait 45 seconds
5. Pour: Slow, concentric circles; pause between pours
6. Total time: 4:00-5:00 minutes
7. Ratio: 1:16 to 1:17

Best Coffees for Chemex

The Chemex's ultra-clean extraction makes it ideal for:

• Light-roasted African coffees — floral, fruity notes shine
• Washed process coffees — clarity meets clarity
• Delicate, complex beans — every nuance is revealed

Tips for Success

• Always pre-wet the filter — removes paper taste and preheats the vessel
• Grind slightly coarser than for a V60 to compensate for the thicker filter
• Use a gooseneck kettle for precise pouring

The Chemex pairs beautifully with Röstschmiede's light-roasted filter coffees, producing cups of remarkable clarity and elegance.

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