Chemex brew guide

The Chemex was invented in 1941 by chemist Peter Schlumbohm. Its thick filters and elegant design produce a clear, smooth, and aromatic cup that highlights the character of the coffee.

This guide is adapted from the method popularized by George Howell.

How to brew a Chemex

You will need:

grain Fresh coffee opacity Filtered water scale Scale timer Timer blender Grinder coffee_maker Chemex + Filter
Chemex brew guide

Parameters:

  • percent Ratio: 1:13.6 (55 g coffee → 750 g water)
  • grain Grind size: Medium-coarse
  • device_thermostat Water temperature: 96 °C
  • schedule Total time: 4-5 mins

Steps:

  • Place a paper filter in the Chemex. Rinse it with hot water and then empty the water out of the Chemex before beginning.

  • Add 55g of ground coffee to the filter.

  • Start a timer and pour 250g of water slowly until the timer reaches 0:30.

  • Wait for the water to drain down until 1:00. Then slowly add more water to reach 500g at around 1:30.

  • At 2:30, commence the final pour, adding water until you reach 750g.

  • The brew should finish draining between 4:00 and 5:00. Remove the filter and serve.

Dialing the grind for pour over

If your brew takes less than 4 minutes to complete or more than 5 minutes, you may need to adjust your grind setting. For brews which drain too quickly, try a finer brew. For brews which "stall" or take longer than 5 minutes, try a coarser grind.

Chemex brew guide

Parameters:

  • percent Ratio: 1:13.6 (55 g coffee → 750 g water)
  • grain Grind size: Medium-coarse
  • device_thermostat Water temperature: 96 °C
  • schedule Total time: 4-5 mins

Steps:

  • Place a paper filter in the Chemex. Rinse it with hot water and then empty the water out of the Chemex before beginning.

  • Add 55g of ground coffee to the filter.

  • Start a timer and pour 250g of water slowly until the timer reaches 0:30.

  • Wait for the water to drain down until 1:00. Then slowly add more water to reach 500g at around 1:30.

  • At 2:30, commence the final pour, adding water until you reach 750g.

  • The brew should finish draining between 4:00 and 5:00. Remove the filter and serve.

Dialing the grind for pour over

If your brew takes less than 4 minutes to complete or more than 5 minutes, you may need to adjust your grind setting. For brews which drain too quickly, try a finer brew. For brews which "stall" or take longer than 5 minutes, try a coarser grind.