The Chemex has become a very popular coffee-making method, but many people have noticed that the filters are always sold out. According to Sprudge, the reason why is that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of paper and PPE products. This shortage is why it’s become so difficult to find Chemex and other specialty paper filters.
Every coffee drinker has a specific way they like to make their morning brew. If your coffee maker of choice is the Chemex, you may be wondering why it’s so difficult to find filters lately. On this page, we’re going to discuss why retailers are always sold out of Chemex filters and what you can do to make your morning brew without them.
Why is it Hard to Find Chemex Coffee Filters?
A lot of industries took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, and paper was one of them. When there’s a shortage of paper, it becomes difficult for brands that supply paper products to keep up with the demand.
Since there is currently a shortage of Chemex filters, people need to be cautious about where they are buying them. Many people are using this shortage as a way to price-gouge others and attempting to sell them at outrageous prices.
What is a Chemex Coffee Maker?
The Chemex coffee-maker was invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm. It is a manual pour-over coffee maker that comes in a uniquely shaped glass style.
At first sight, the Chemex may not look like an impressive coffee maker because there isn’t a lot to it. However, this unique design paired with the Chemex filters will result in a perfect-tasting cup of coffee so anyone can make high-quality coffee at home.
What Kind of Filter is Needed for Chemex Coffee Makers?
It is highly recommended to use a Chemex brand filter because they are better quality than other paper filters on the market. These filters are designed to be roughly 20 to 30% thicker than the average paper filter, which allows them to catch more particles and residue.
These filters have a very specific design that allows them to do the necessary job without affecting the taste of the Chemex coffee. People can still get a full-bodied cup of coffee without a papery or watered-down taste to it.
Is There an Alternative Filter For Chemex Coffee Makers?
If you can’t find any Chemex coffee filters, you don’t have to put your coffee maker away for another day. Instead, you can use a regular paper filter that you can pick up at the grocery store.
To ensure that the paper filter fits, you should buy a cone-shaped filter. The best cone filter to buy is a size #6, however, if you are unable to find that size, you can also use #4.
Why Are Chemex Filters More Expensive?
Chemex filters are not like average filters that you can buy for $2 or less per pack because they are made with a special lab-grade filter paper. Not only does it take more work to make these, but they are always made with more expensive paper than other types of filters.
If you are a Chemex drinker, you may notice that with the shortage, they seem more expensive than ever before. The main reason why the price is so high now is that resellers are price-gouging to get more for a product they know is in demand and hard to find.
Do You Need a Filter For Making Chemex Coffee?
You will always need to use a filter when making coffee in a Chemex. A filter is necessary to prevent coffee grinds from getting into your beverage and makes them easier to dispose of.
Coffee grinds do contain oils and sediments that aren’t good for your health, so a paper filter is used to catch those as well. This prevents them from entering your drink and allows you to enjoy your coffee without any health risks.
Is There a Reusable Chemex Filter?
When it comes to the Chemex coffee maker, everyone talks about the specialty paper filters but these aren’t the only filter options available for a Chemex. If you own a Chemex, now is the best time to start looking at reusable filter options so you don’t have to worry about price-gougers.
There are two styles of reusable filters you can use with a Chemex, a stainless steel filter or a fabric filter. Even if you prefer to use paper filters, it’s very convenient for Chemex users to own at least one of these.
What Coffee Maker is Most Similar to Chemex?
If you enjoy pour-over coffee but don’t want to spend a lot of money on filters, you may want to know what coffee maker is most like a Chemex. According to Home Grounds’ Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers list, the Walkure Pour-Over Coffee Maker and the Hario Woodneck Drip Pot are very similar methods.
Additionally, there are also many companies that make a pour-over coffee maker that you can set directly on your coffee mug. These are a very affordable coffee-making option and take up very little space in the cupboards.
Why Should I Buy a Chemex?
The main selling point of the Chemex is how well the special paper filters work. Many people believe that Chemex coffee is the perfect sipping coffee because the filters take out all the unwanted particles to leave you with a clean and clear beverage.
If you find coffee-making methods like the french press or Aeropress to be too strong, you may prefer the coffee a Chemex makes. There will be no cloudy residue leftover in your cup.
Will Chemex Filters Always Be Difficult to Find?
Although it’s difficult to say when the Chemex filters have a more steady supply, this shortage isn’t predicted to last forever. There is hope for when the paper industry bounces back that Chemex will have more paper filters for its customers.
Until then, you may have to check with local coffee suppliers to find Chemex filter resellers.
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.
