Is Chemex a Pyrex? (Solved & Explained!)

Chemex Coffeemakers are made by the Chemex corporation from borosilicate glass, which is the same kind that is used for Pyrex branded glass – a product of the Corning company. Some versions of the Chemex were made with Pyrex in the past, and you can still find these for sale second hand, but new Chemex coffeemakers are not Pyrex.

The Chemex is a very popular coffee maker, particularly favoured for its stylish design and ability to make multiple cups of clean, delicious coffee in one brew. The history, design, and manufacturing of this particular device is fascinating and there is a lot to learn about this iconic coffeemaker.

This article will go into detail about what the Chemex coffeemaker is, where it comes from, how it works, and what inspired its unique design as well as more information about why this device stands out in the world of pour over coffee.

What is a Chemex?

The Chemex coffeemaker is a pour over brewer, meaning hot water is poured over coffee grounds and through a filter to drip your coffee out underneath. Pour over coffee is known to be clean and light because it doesn’t leave the water to steep for very long, so the brew isn’t too intense and fewer oils are brought through.

Who Invented the Chemex?

This device was first invented in 1941 by an eccentric chemist named Dr Peter Schlumbohm, who developed over 300 patents throughout his career – though the Chemex is perhaps his most famous invention. He was inspired to make an attractive, high-quality coffee maker because of his passion for chemistry, and utilised his knowledge of laboratory glassware in its design.

Where is the Chemex Made?

The Chemex factory is located in Massachusetts, USA, where each individual coffeemaker is produced, and it has a long history in the States as well as around the world. Chemex has been a family-owned company for over 40 years and is now run by a brother and sister who carry on the legacy of Dr Schlumbohm.

How Was the Chemex Designed?

Dr Schlumbohm combined the forms of two pieces of laboratory equipment in particular to create the Chemex: a laboratory funnel and an Erlenmeyer flask. The funnel holds paper filters and has been adjusted with a pouring channel to allow air and liquid out, and the flask acts as the receptacle for the coffee once it has brewed.

What Does the Chemex Look Like?

Its hourglass shape is perhaps the most iconic feature of the Chemex, and it still retains somewhat of a scientific aesthetic that nods towards its roots in the world of chemistry. There is also a wooden collar that rests around the neck, held in place with a rawhide tie, to protect your hands from the heat.

What Sort of Glass is the Chemex Made From?

The Chemex Coffeemaker is made from borosilicate glass, which is often used in laboratories to manufacture equipment like containers, syringes, and vials. It is highly durable, heat-resistant, and does not crack under extreme temperature changes like regular glass, so it is the sort of glass that is favoured by high-end restaurants and wineries as well.

Does the Chemex Glass Affect the Taste?

Another reason why borosilicate glass is often used in laboratories, restaurants and wineries is that it is non-porous. This means it does not impart any flavour of its own and doesn’t react in any way with the liquid that is held inside, so many people swear that drinking from this type of glass tastes better.

What Sort of Glass is Pyrex?

Pyrex is a brand name that belongs to the Corning Inc. and it has become famous the world over as a strong and reliable type of glass, particularly for kitchenware. Pyrex products are made from the same kind of glass that is used to make the Chemex, borosilicate, but manufactured specifically by Corning themselves.

Were Chemex Coffeemakers Ever Made from Pyrex?

Though the Chemex coffemakers that you can buy today are not made from Pyrex brand glass, some models in the past were. The second iteration of the Chemex was made with Pyrex and these models can be distinguished by a green stamp, as well as the fact that they have standing feet on the bottom.

Are Pyrex Brand Chemex Coffeemakers Different?

While the type of glass that is used to make the Chemex is still the same, the Pyrex model was actually designated as Flameware, indicating that it should be able to handle direct heat from the stovetop. Most of these Chemex also had a larger funnel compared to the size of the flask, and the glass was particularly thick.

Can You Still Buy Pyrex Chemex?

No Chemex that is produced today is made from Pyrex brand glass, but you can still find some of them second hand, if you are willing to spend the money. There are quite a few sellers that claim to have original Pyrex versions, but you can expect to spend around double the price to get your hands on one.

Where Does Chemex Get Their Glass Now?

The Chemex coffemaker itself is assembled and packaged in North America, but much of the glass that is used is hand blown elsewhere. Chemex don’t use branded glass for their coffeemakers anymore – all of their glass is specifically crafted for Chemex, and one single piece of glass forms each coffeemaker.

Why is the Chemex Different from Other Pour Over Coffeemakers?

Besides its unique design, which means it can house the entirety of the brewing process and produce multiple cups at once, the Chemex is characterised by its specialty filters. Dr Schlumbohm also invented the double bonded filters for Chemex, which are part of the reason why it is known to make coffee with such a distinctively clean taste.

How Are Chemex Filters Different?

The filters made by Chemex are 20-30% thicker than standard paper coffee filters, and they have a texture that is almost like fabric. This means that they are particularly absorbent and remove more of the oils and soluble elements from the brew, leaving a particularly fresh and bright tasting coffee.