How Is Chemex Different from Drip? (Solved & Explained!)

If you’re a drip coffee lover and considering switching up your routine you may be curious about what type of coffee maker to try out next. French press, espresso machines, or perhaps a Chemex? If you’ve never heard of a Chemex it’s important to understand how it differs from a drip coffee maker. 

Chemex is a type of manual pour-over coffee maker, whereas a drip coffee maker uses a pressurized water system to mechanically make the coffee. It is easier to control the cup of coffee you get from a Chemex, however it does take more involvement on the maker’s part. 

In this article we will discuss the differences between Chemex coffee and drip coffee and compare the pros and cons of each. 

How Is Drip Coffee Made? 

To understand how a Chemex differs from drip coffee it is important to know how a drip coffee maker works. A drip coffee maker is a type of coffee brewing device that is almost fully automated. 

You simply grind your beans, place them in a coffee filter within the machine, fill the machine with water, and then the machine will do the rest. The general rule of thumb when filling your drip coffee machine is to use 1 Tablespoon of ground coffee for every 8 ounces of water. However, you can use more coffee grounds if you want a stronger cup of joe. 

It uses pressure to heat the water until it is boiling and then uses the filter-drop method to make the coffee. The boiled water goes into the filter with the coffee grounds and soaks up flavor before the coffee then passes through the filter into the pot. 

Drip coffee makers are a hit in the morning due to how easy they are. It’s essentially a completely hands-off process perfect for hectic mornings before work. 

How Does Drip Coffee Taste? 

Drip coffee generally has a pretty mild flavor due to the extraction process. It also generally has less caffeine than pour-over coffee. When the drip coffee makes coffee the hot water is pushed quickly through the beans and into the pot. 

There isn’t much time for the water to soak the beans and produce a stronger flavor. 

One way to add a stronger flavor and more caffeine to the cup brewed from a  drip machine is to “bloom” the beans before you start the brewing process. When you bloom the beans you simply add some boiling water into the filter with the beans and allow them to soak for around 15-30 seconds before turning the machine on. 

However, just because the flavor is more mild and the cup has less caffeine doesn’t mean that drip coffee tastes worse. In fact, many people actually prefer the taste of drip coffee when compared to other kinds. 

How Is Chemex Coffee Made? 

Now, onto the Chemex! The first step is that you need to manually boil your water using a kettle. Next, you need to place the specially made Chemex filter into the Chemex. Then, it’s time to grind your beans! 

It is recommended to do a medium-coarse grind when using a Chemex, however this is mostly up to personal preference. Once your beans are ground you can scoop them into your filter. It is recommended to use around 1 tablespoon for every 5 ounces of water. 

Then you can bloom your grounds! We discussed this process already, but as a reminder, you just need to pour enough boiling water over your grounds until they are damp, then let them sit for 15-30 seconds. 

And finally, you can pour the rest of the boiling water in the Chemex. You need to do this part slowly, using a circular motion to make sure the water covers the grounds evenly. 

Once the water has dripped all the way through the filter and into the carafe of the Chemex your coffee is finished! All that’s left to do is remove the filter carefully to avoid getting any coffee grounds in your finished product.

How Does Chemex Coffee Taste? 

Coffee made using a Chemex is usually much richer than coffee made with a drip machine. This is because the extraction process uses the slow-pour method which gives the beans more time to soak in the water. 

This also means that the coffee will generally have a slightly higher caffeine content than drip coffee, however this depends on the type of ground you use, how slow you pour the water, and if you remembered to bloom your grounds first. 

Which Type Of Coffee Tastes Better?

If you’re trying to compare whether drip coffee or Chemex coffee tastes better, the answer primarily depends on your personal tastes. However, we can offer some pros and cons to each type! 

Drip coffee is mild, has enough caffeine to wake you up without making you feel jittery, and the brewing process produces that signature coffee smell. 

Chemex coffee is more robust and flavourful, and you can pretty much control every aspect of the brewing process to ensure the final cup is the one you had in mind. The Chemex filters are thicker than drip coffee filters and produce a highly clarified cup of coffee. 

Plus, the filter does its job to filter out every little piece of coffee ground so it doesn’t reach the carafe in the bottom. 

Both types of coffee are delicious, but a Chemex produces a specific flavor that no other coffee maker can replicate. 

Final Thoughts: Chemex Makes A Unique Cup Of Coffee!

Chemex and drip coffee may seem similar at first glance, but if you actually sampled them one after the other, you would see they taste pretty different. Although drip coffee is delicious, it can’t mimic the unique taste that a Chemex produces. 

Chemex is a great choice for those who have a more refined palate and an extra minute to spend preparing their coffee in the morning. Even though it is a more in-depth process to make a Chemex coffee, once you get used to it, it can be a fast and easy process. 

Plus, the cup of coffee you end up with is entirely in your control! You no longer have to rely on the consistency of a machine.