Do Melitta Filters Work in Chemex?

Melitta filter does not work well with Chemex coffee brewer because it lacks durability and is susceptible to breaking apart if you brew more than three cups. 

This article will examine whether Melitta filter papers work well with a Chemex pour-over or not and if you can use other filters in a Chemex, and if Chemex is better than Melitta.

Is there any Way to Mix Melitta and Chemex?

Chemex gives your pour-over a clear, high-quality cup of coffee. But if you are a fan of a clear cup of coffee, using a Melitta filter to blend well with Chemex cannot solve your problem, unfortunately, as it will not react well with Chemex, and you get a muddy cup at the end.

Chemex filter paper suits Chemex pour-over perfectly, but it is expensive as it is 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.

Can You Use Other Filters In Chemex?

You can certainly use other filter papers in Chemex. But your brew may have a papery and dull taste. Typically regular filter papers are prepared from lower and lighter-grade paler, allowing water to filter quickly through Chemex filters, formulated to take the correct steeping time to pass through coffee grounds. 

Your coffee gets under-extracted if you use regular filter papers in your Chemex because of quicker filtration. Moreover, these filters are more susceptible to being broken apart or torn and drop grounds of your coffee into the carafe that muds up your coffee.

Chemex filter papers regulate the rate of filtration so that more prosperous components of the coffee filter out to bring in a richer flavor while making your coffee a little bitter.

What Kind Of Filters Can You Use With Chemex?

You can use various filter alternatives with Chemex as many different options are available as Chemex filter paper substitutes. However, the quality of your brew may not remain the same, and you may end up losing the unique flavor in your coffee. 

Following are the two Chemex filter alternatives:

  • Cloth Filter.
  • Stainless Steel Reusable Filter.

A cloth filter gives you a lighter, full-body French press quality brew, which is lighter than coffee from Stainless steel reusable filters. The more delicate notes make cloth filters perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy more intricate flavors.

This filter paper does not leave much sediments leftover in the carafe grounds compared to the stainless steel reusable filter.

Stainless steel reusable filter gives you the full-bodied French press quality of the brew. On the downside, you will notice some sediments leftover in the bottom of your Chemex brewer.

Is Chemex Better Than Melitta?

Melitta is better than Chemex in terms of affordability, making it an excellent go-to choice for beginners. 

While Chemex brings out more flavor, allowing you to enjoy subtle notes of your brew, Melitta makers worked to make Melitta a perfect pour-over brewer while preserving its originality. However, the original designs evolved and added various elements and colors to your kitchen.

Melitta pour-overs have various designs that vary in price so that those with a tight budget can make a practical choice.

Can I Use The No 4 Filters In a Chemex?

No 4 coffee filters do not work well with a Chemex because their flat bottom makes a wedge rather than a classic cone shape. 

As you know, the Chemex top is a circle down. Therefore you also require a circle filter that is folded into quadrants.

Can I Use #2 and #4 Filters In a Chemex?

You cannot use these filters as they will not combine well with your Chemex. 

These filter papers are made in the same way; the only things that differ are the diameter and height. Therefore, the actual paper quality of these filters is the same, and they make the same tasting coffee.

How To Make Coffee In Chemex Coffee Brewer Using Chemex Using Chemex Filter?

You have to have the following items to brew Chemex coffee:

  • Chemex coffee filters.
  • Chemex 8 cup coffee brewer.
  • An electric burr grinder.
  • A food scale.
  • An electric gooseneck kettle.

Here are the steps to make coffee with a Chemex:

  • Take filtered water and heat it in your 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 Long Do Chemex Filters Last?

Chemex Coffee Filters last up to six years, and some cost you somewhere between $6 and $60. If, for example, you have a higher-end, proper functioning filter such as the $60 filter, it lasts for seven years.

Chemex filter papers do not go bad. However, the flavors of coffee may significantly change over time and in different ways.

You have to ensure that your filters are appropriately cared for and cleaned.

Can You Use A Reusable Filter With Chemex?

Coffee users cannot reuse paper filters made for Chemex coffee brewers as they are built for one-time use only. 

Chemex filter papers are easy to use and disposable and are not created keeping longevity in mind.

The lightweight, paper Chemex filters are not designed to withstand pressure or stress as they are fragile.

What Are The Varieties Of Chemex Filters?

Chemex filters are available in two main varieties – natural Chemex filters and white Chemex filters mainly designed for the Chemex pour-over. 

The paper with which these filters are made is thicker than standard coffee filters.

Their funnel construction and funneled design help remove the hot air out from the lower chamber of the coffee brewer by releasing evaporation and CO2, giving you a better cup of coffee.