Chemex Coffee Brewing Equipment

The Chemex brewer is a modern American classic. It was designed and first manufactured in Massachusetts in 1941 and provides an easy, low tech brewing process that brews a clean cup of coffee. 

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 1

Step 1: Measure out 1000g of water (approximately 4 cups or 32oz) for a standard 5-6 cup Chemex. Tip: only 500g is needed for infusion. The rest will be used to pre-wet the filter paper.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 2

Step 2: Transfer your water to a stove-top or electric kettle. We recommend a Bonavita.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 3

Step 3: Heat your water to between 195° and 200°F.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 4

Step 4: Unfold the Chemex filter creating a cone. Position the filter in the Chemex with the thicker, 3-ply corner facing the pour spout.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 5

Step 5: Pre-wet your filter with hot water. Generously cover the lower portions of the paper where the infusion takes place. Leave about half (500g) of the water for brewing.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 6

Step 6: Measure about 30g (2 tbsp) of your favorite, freshly roasted Picacho Coffee. Tip: We recommend 30g of coffee to 500g of water.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 7

Step 7: Select a medium-fine grind setting. If the grind is too fine it will clog the filter, and over-extract the coffee. A burr grinder is a plus.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 8

Step 8: Pour out any excess water. The flavor of the paper filter is now gone, and the Chemex is warmed up to temperature. It’s time!

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 9

Step 9: Add the ground coffee, and reset your scale back to 0 grams. Shake the Chemex to level-off the grounds. Tip: Use a finger or utensil to create a small crater in the grounds to pour the water into.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 10

Step 10: Check your water temp, and slowly pour about 50g directly into the crater making sure there are no pockets of dry coffee remaining. Tip: Never pour directly on the edges or onto the paper.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 11

Step 11: This is the bloom. Wait about 30 seconds for all the grounds to become evenly wet. Tip: Take this time to indulge in the aroma!

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 12

Step 12: Slowly pour the remainder of your 500g of water in a slow, circular motion, moving outward from the center. Tip: Be careful to never pour directly on the edges or onto the paper.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 13

Step 13: Total brewing time is about 4 minutes. Tip: If you go over try adjusting your grind coarser, or vice versa if you go under.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 14

Step 14: Grab the filter paper by its top edges, lifting it up and out, grinds and all. Discard or save the spent grounds for your home garden compost.

Chemex Coffee Brewing Guide Step 15

Step 15: Sit back and enjoy!