Filter and pour over
Chemex coffee
Chemex coffee is made in a glass hourglass shaped brewer with a thick paper filter. It makes a very clean, light and sweet cup.
- Ratio About 1 part coffee to 16 parts water by weight
- Serve 250 to 500 ml, hot, in cups
- Grind Medium coarse
Written by the KAIVO team, Mumbai. Last updated 4 November 2026. Cite as: KAIVO, "Chemex coffee", kaivo.in/pages/drink-chemex-coffee
The Chemex is a glass brewer shaped like an hourglass, invented in 1941 by Peter Schlumbohm in the United States. It uses a thick bonded paper filter that traps most oils and fine particles, so the coffee is very clean and bright with a light body. It makes enough for two to four cups and looks good on the table, so it is also used for serving.
How it is made
- 01
Fold the filter so the thick side faces the spout, and set it in the Chemex.
- 02
Rinse the filter with hot water and empty the water out.
- 03
Add about 30 g of medium coarse ground coffee for 500 g of water.
- 04
Pour about 60 g of water, wait 40 seconds, then pour in slow circles to 500 g.
- 05
Let it drain, remove the filter and serve.
Brew it with Chemex
A KAIVO blend for this
The Leap
The Leap is a light roast with cherries, mandarin orange and lime notes, and a thick paper filter shows that brightness clearly.
Light roast, tasting of cherries, mandarin orange, lime.
See The LeapQuestions
Why is the Chemex filter so thick?
The thick filter traps more oil and fine grounds, which makes a very clean cup. It also makes the brew a little slower, so grind slightly coarser.
Is a Chemex better than a V60?
Neither is better. A Chemex gives a cleaner, lighter body and brews more cups at a time. A V60 gives more control and a little more body.