Brewing method
Chemex
A Chemex is a glass hourglass shaped brewer with a thick paper filter. It makes an exceptionally clean, light cup.
- Dose 30 g of coffee to 500 g of water (1 to 16.7)
- Grind Medium coarse
- Time 4 to 5 minutes
Written by the KAIVO team, Mumbai. Last updated 4 November 2026. Cite as: KAIVO, "Chemex", kaivo.in/pages/brew-chemex
The Chemex is a glass brewer shaped like an hourglass, invented in 1941 in the United States. It uses a thick bonded paper filter that traps oils and fine particles, so the coffee is very clean, sweet and light bodied. It brews two to four cups at a time and can serve the coffee directly, which makes it popular for sharing.
Step by step
- 01
Open the filter so the thick side is over the spout and rinse it with hot water.
- 02
Add 30 g of medium coarse ground coffee.
- 03
Pour 60 g of water and wait 40 seconds.
- 04
Pour in slow circles up to 500 g over about 3 to 4 minutes.
- 05
Remove the filter and serve.
Taste: Very clean, light bodied and sweet, with clear fruit notes.
A KAIVO blend for this
The Leap
The Leap is a light roast with cherries, mandarin orange and lime notes, which the clean Chemex cup shows clearly.
Light roast, tasting of cherries, mandarin orange, lime.
See The LeapQuestions
Can I use a normal paper filter?
Use the filter made for the Chemex. Thinner filters flow too fast and let more fine grounds through.
How do I clean a Chemex?
Rinse with warm water, and wash with soft soap and a soft brush. Do not use a hard scrubber on the glass.