← Înapoi la BlogChemex — The Iconic Thick-Filter Brewer
Filter · Pour-Over · Schlumbohm · 1941
Chemex is the hourglass-shaped glass brewer designed by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm in 1941 — part of MoMA's permanent collection. Its proprietary thick paper filter (3x thicker than standard) traps oils and fines, producing one of the cleanest, brightest cups possible.
Classic recipe
- 30g coarse-medium ground coffee
- 500ml filtered water at 93°C
- Chemex bonded paper filter (folded with 3 layers facing the spout)
- Timer + scale
Steps (4:30 total)
- 0:00 — Bloom: pour 60g water, wait 45s
- 0:45 — First pour: spiral 200g water (total 260g)
- 2:00 — Second pour: 240g water (total 500g)
- 4:30 — Complete drainage
Why Chemex
- Ultra-clean cup — thick filter removes oils and micro-particles
- Larger batches — brews 2–6 cups in one go (great for guests)
- Beautiful object — looks gorgeous on counter, doubles as decanter
- Highlights delicate notes — perfect for floral, fruity coffees
When to choose Chemex
Chemex is ideal when you want maximum clarity and brewing for multiple people. Best with light-medium roasts featuring complex aromatics: Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda. The thick filter produces a tea-like body — not for those who want full-bodied coffee.
Common mistakes
- Filter not pre-rinsed — always rinse to remove paper taste and pre-heat
- Wrong grind — too fine clogs, extends brew to 6+ minutes (over-extracts)
- Pouring too fast — slow, steady spirals from edge to center
- Cold water — at high altitudes use boiling water; at sea level 93°C
See also