Chemex
The Chemex is an hourglass-shaped pour-over coffee brewer invented by chemist Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. Made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass with a distinctive wooden collar and leather tie, the Chemex is both a functional brewer and a design icon — it is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
What makes the Chemex unique among pour-over brewers is its proprietary bonded paper filters, which are 20 to 30 percent thicker than standard pour-over filters. These heavy filters remove more oils, fats, and fine particles from the brew, producing an exceptionally clean, bright cup with a lighter body than most other brewing methods. The clarity lets subtle origin flavors and high-toned acidity shine.
Chemex brewing uses a medium-coarse grind and a total brew time of about four to five minutes for a full 6-cup batch. The brewer's open-ended design means the pour rate and pattern are entirely controlled by the brewer, making technique important. A slow, controlled pour in concentric circles with a gooseneck kettle produces the most even extraction.
The Chemex comes in 3-cup, 6-cup, 8-cup, and 10-cup sizes. Its single-piece glass construction makes it easy to clean, and the carafe doubles as an elegant serving vessel. The trade-off for its clean cup is that the thick filters absorb some of the aromatic oils that give coffee body and richness, which is a deliberate design choice for those who prefer clarity over heft.