What Does a Chemex Do? (Solved & Explained!)

Chemex is a convenient way for people to make a flavorful cup of coffee. The device works by using a thicker filter to hold the coffee grinds so the hot water moves through slower. People can use a Chemex to make a richer cup of coffee by the pour-over method. 

If you’re interested in learning about different ways to make a delicious cup of coffee, Chemex should be on your list of devices to check out. On this page, we’re going to discuss what a Chemex is and what it does. Keep reading to find out if this is how you’re going to want to make coffee from now on.

How does a Chemex work?

A Chemex can be used to make bold coffee easily at home. The device is designed to drip coffee into a glass carafe and has a unique shape, so it can hold the filter, coffee grinds, and hot water securely.

When hot water is added to the Chemex, gravity will slowly pull the hot water through the coffee grinds for optimal extraction. This incredibly easy technique will have a delicious cup of coffee brewed in the mug within a matter of minutes.

What makes the Chemex special?

Chemex has been getting a lot more praise than other pour-over coffee methods and this is because the way the device is made allows it to make better tasting coffee. The Chemex is made out of glass, which results in better quality coffee than plastic pour-over cups.

The unique shape of the Chemex paired with the unique filters also plays a role in how delicious the coffee ends up tasting. It results in a coffee full-body flavor without a bitter after taste.

Are Chemex coffee makers worth it? 

A lot of people are happy with the Chemex coffee maker because of how pure the coffee ends up tasting. Some coffee makers leave a funky taste in the coffee, but that never happens with a Chemex.

Chemex coffee makers are relatively affordable and well worth every penny spent. It is very easy to brew a delicious cup of coffee every time you use this device.

What type of coffee should be used in a Chemex?

The Chemex makes great tasting light and medium roast coffees. When you brew a lighter roast in the Chemex, it’s easier to identify the flavor properties.

While you can use a dark roast, the nuances are not as prominent as they are with light and medium brews. Even people who normally prefer a dark roast, choose light roasts when using a Chemex.

Why do Chemex filters cost more than regular filters?

Part of what makes Chemex coffee’s brewing experience unique is the Chemex filters. These thick paper filters cost more than the standard percolator filters you can buy at the grocery store.

These filters are made with lab-grade paper filters and cost more to make than the average coffee filter. The Chemex filter is also folded in a unique way that causes it to need more paper with each filter.

Is Chemex a pour-over coffee method?

Chemex is a type of pour-over coffee making method, with its own signature style. Hot water is poured over a filter containing coffee grinds completely saturating the grinds.

The water will stay within the grinds until the coffee has bloomed, in which it will slowly pour through the filter and into the carafe. This careful method has a rich flavor that can’t be matched by other pour-over methods.

Can a Chemex break easily?

It’s important to be careful when handling the Chemex carafe because it is made out of glass. This fragile coffee maker could break if it is mishandled or dropped.

We recommend being very careful when you wash and dry the Chemex carafe. You should also store it in an area that’s safe and you won’t have difficulty reaching. This will limit your chances of dropping it.

Can you use other filters in a Chemex?

If the Chemex filters are out of your price range, you will be able to use other types of filters in the Chemex maker. Since the replacement filters likely won’t be as thick, the coffee will have more caffeine in it. 

A lot of people prefer the Chemex coffee maker because of the pure tasting coffee it makes. One of the best alternative filters to use to replicate this flavor is the Melitta Natural Brown #2 cone filters.

How much coffee do you put in a Chemex?

When using the Chemex coffee maker, you should use one tablespoon of ground coffee for every 5 ounces of water. Make sure the tablespoon on coffee grounds has been evenly rounded for the perfect flavor.

If you enjoy a stronger cup of coffee, you can achieve this by adding an extra spoonful of coffee grounds. This is easy to do in the Chemex because the device is efficient for eliminating bitter flavor.

Can the Chemex go in the microwave?

You shouldn’t place the Chemex in the microwave because the device is not labeled as microwave safe. If you were to put the Chemex in the microwave, you are at risk of damaging the coffee maker.

If the microwave is your only option at the moment for making a cup of coffee, it’s strongly recommended to use a microwave safe dish to heat up water in. Once the water is hot enough, you can then pour it into the Chemex.

How long does it take to make coffee using a Chemex?

If you use a Chemex to make coffee in the morning, you will have a delicious cup ready in under 5 minutes. Once the water is hot and ready, the entire process of brewing the coffee will take 4 minutes and 30 seconds.

While this isn’t a long time, it also isn’t an instant process either. The Chemex process uses a slow brewing method to allow the coffee to bloom and create a brew that results in stronger flavor.