The main difference between Chemex and Bodum pour-over brewers is the quality of coffee. Although both brewers produce tasty, complex coffee – still the mouthfeel is different. This difference in the mouthfeel comes from the filter paper being used.
Thick filter papers in Chemux pick all of the finely grounded coffee and natural oils from the brew giving you a clear and smooth cup of coffee. In contrast, permanent metal filters in Bodum allow sediments and oil to pass through, giving you a more aromatic and richer cup of coffee that offers a heavier mouthfeel.
This article will look at the main differences between Chemex and Bodum, what is unique about the two brewers, and how to make coffee in each.
Do Chemex Filters Work In Bodum?
Chemex filters do not work well with Bodum coffee brewer because it lacks the space necessary for air to pass through.
Bodum gives your pour-over unclear French press quality of coffee. But if you are a fan of a clear cup of coffee, using a Chemex filter to blend well with Bodum cannot solve your problem, unfortunately, as it will not react well with Bodum.
What’s So Special About the Chemex?
The Chemex is an emblematic pour-over coffee brewer with a sophisticated design. The awe-inspiring design of this brewer is so beautiful that it is displayed at the Modern Art Museum.
Chemex brewer comprises of modified glass and has a demountable wooden handle and a small leather belt tie.
Chemex filter papers do not come with Chemex brewer, and you have to buy these patented Chemex filter papers separately. Since Chemex filter papers are very thick, they absorb all the grounds and oils from your coffee.
Chemex brewers are available in various sizes, including large 8- and 12-cup Chemux models. Not only that, but you can turn these brewers into great vases.
These brewers are a bit expensive and are double the prices of Bodum.
What Makes Chemex Different?
Chemex’s classic design, glass construction, and shape make it a desirable, elegant, and different coffee brewer.
The thick Chemex filter papers filter out more than the other drip methods. Chemex provides you with an effortless smooth coffee cup that does not have a lot of bitterness. People who do not bother with the lack of a body of the coffee much love smooth and delicious Chemex brewed coffee.
Why Are Chemex Filter Paper Expensive?
Chemex filter paper is expensive because they are made with filter paper of lad-grad. Lad-grad filter paper is far more costly than other filter papers.
Chemex filter papers are used as folds which require more filter paler than the glued standard filter paper.
What Is Special About the Bodum?
- Bodum, also called Bodum’s Pour Over, is a high-quality pour-over brewer that gives classic French presses.
- This brewer is a carafe made of Pyrex tempered glass featuring the option of a cork handle that is held to a leather strap or a silicon handle.
- The Bodum brewer comes with a permanent filter of stainless steel. Already installed metal filters save you money as you don’t have to buy filter papers.
- Bodum has a plastic lid that aids you in maintaining heat after you detach the filter.
- One of the best features of Bodum is its surprisingly low cost. This brewer is relatively cheap compared to Chemex.
- You have got to choose among its three – 17, 34, and 51 ounces.
- Bodum is completely dishwasher-safe.
What Are the Pros And Cons Of the Chemex Coffee Brewer?
Here are some pros of Chemex:
- Captivating, classic design.
- Multiple sizes are available.
- It gives smooth, transparent coffee.
- High-end feeling with timber handle.
Here are some pros of Chemex:
- More costly.
- No permanent filter.
- You will have to buy Chemex paper filters.
- Too high maintenance is required.
- Labor-intensive.
- Non-insulated.
What Are Pros And Cons Of Bodum Coffee Brewer?
Here are some pros of the Bodum Coffee Brewer:
- Very reasonable compared to Chemex.
- High-quality fortified handle and glass.
- Stainless steel endless filter that is eco-friendly as well.
- Available in three sizes – 17, 34, and 51 ounces.
- Choice of silicone or cork handle.
Here are some cons of the Bodum Coffee Brewer:
- It may leave muck in your cup, giving French press quality.
- It has a slightly less lavish design than the Chemex.
- It does not provide any health advantages of oil-free coffee.
What Factors To Consider Before Buying Chemex and Bodum?
The following factors will help you choose which brewer you should consider buying:
- Cost – Chemex is double the price of Bodum coffee brewer. If you have a tight budget, Bodum is the best option for you to go with.
- Appearance – Though these coffee makers are somewhat identical, some formations are different. Both are glass carafes, but the handle of Chemex is wooden, while that of Bodum is cork. In addition, there is a mark halfway point on the glass bubble of Chemex.
- Coffee Quality – Chemex gives you a minimalist and chic cup of clean tasting and bright coffee. At the same time, Bodum gives you a richer French press quality of coffee.
How To Make Coffee In Chemex Coffee Brewer?
You need to have the following things to make Chemex coffee:
- Chemex 8 cup coffee brewer.
- Chemex Coffee Filters.
- Bodum Electric Burr Grinder.
- Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- Food Scale.
Here are the steps for making Chemex coffee:
- First, take filtered water and heat it in a kettle.
- Next, weigh 17 grams of coffee on a food scale and grind till you get a medium-coarse grind in Bodum Electric Burr Grinder.
- Wet all the grinds after setting on the filter paper. This will remove carbon dioxide from the coffee and make it rise and grow.
- Add 255 grams of water to make your coffee, and you have your delicious cup of Chemex coffee ready.
How To Make Coffee In Bodum Coffee Brewer?
You need to have the following things to make Bodum French press coffee:
- Bodum coffee brewer.
- Bodum Electric Burr Grinder.
- Coffee Mug.
- Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- Food Scale.
- Stirring Spoon.
Here are the steps to make Bodum coffee:
- Pour hot water into the Bodum coffee maker to preheat it.
- Weigh 8 grams of coffee on a food scale and grind to a medium-coarse grind in the Bodum Electric Burr Grinder.
- Boil four ounces of water in an electric kettle.
- Add coffee grounds to the Bodum and make a tiny hole in the middle of the ground beans.
- Pour 93-97 degrees celsius hot water over the hole and keep your motion outward in the circular motion to ensure it is evenly saturated.
- Wait for 30 seconds and pour the remaining water in the same circular motion, and your Bodum coffee is ready to enjoy.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.