Pour Over & Brewing

Chemex

A glass flask with a bonded paper filter

Brew stage

Specification
What it does	Brews by pour over through an unusually thick bonded paper filter. The filter is the defining feature: it holds back oils and fine particles that a thin filter passes.
The result	A very clean, light-bodied cup with high clarity. If you want body and oils, this is the wrong brewer — that is what a French press is for.
Sizes	3-cup, 6-cup, 8-cup and 10-cup. The 6-cup is the common one.
Filters	Proprietary bonded filters, sold in squares or pre-folded circles. Cheaper substitutes change the flow and the taste.
Collar	The wooden collar and tie are functional — they let you handle a hot flask — not decorative.
Pour	The single large opening means you control the flow entirely. Grind is coarser than a V60.

Overview

One-piece glass brewer with a wooden collar and a very thick filter. The filter traps most oils and fines, which is why the cup tastes so clean.

Pour Over

Safety

The flask is thin glass and holds near-boiling water. Never set it on a wet counter, never pour into a cold carafe, and wash it with a soft brush rather than knocking it against the tap.

Technical parameters

At a glance
Sizes	3 / 6 / 8 / 10 cup
Ratio	1:15 – 1:17
Grind	Medium-coarse
Water	92–96 °C
Brew time	4:00 – 5:00
Filter	Bonded proprietary paper

What actually goes wrong

Rinse the filter thoroughly — a thick filter holds more paper taste.
Use a coarser grind than a V60; the thick filter already slows the flow.
Swirl the flask gently at the end rather than stirring the bed.

What it has to match up with

Gooseneck kettle
Chemex bonded filters
Coffee scale

This guide is an independent educational reference. It is not a substitute for the instructions supplied with your own equipment, and nothing here is sold, sponsored or endorsed by any brand.

Chemex

Overview

Technical parameters

What actually goes wrong

What it has to match up with

Read next

Gooseneck Kettle

V60 Dripper

French Press

AeroPress