Chemex

How to use the Chemex

About the Chemex

Designed by German inventor Peter Schlumbohm in 1941, the Chemex is a true classic. Originally made 100% of glass, today’s version features a wooden collar and leather strap to protect your hand from the heat.

Its disposable paper microfilter captures grounds and oils, letting through only the clearest, purest coffee — a favorite among coffee aficionados worldwide.

Brew steps

1. Get the essentials — Syzygy specialty coffee, Chemex + filters, scale, gooseneck kettle with thermometer. Target ratio 15:1 (e.g. 15 g coffee → 225 mL water).
2. Grind the coffee — Grind to a consistency similar to coarse salt. Start with 15 g of coffee.
3. Heat the water — For 15 g of coffee, heat 225 mL of water to 89°C (192°F). Heat a little extra for rinsing and topping up.
4. Preheat everything — Pour hot water through the filter to preheat the Chemex and remove papery taste. Preheat your mugs too, then discard the rinse water.
5. Add the coffee — Place the Chemex on the scale, add 15 g of coffee, gently shake to level the grounds, and tare the scale to zero.
6. Bloom the coffee — Pour twice the coffee weight in water (30 mL) to bloom. Wait 45 seconds.
7. Pour, pour, pour — After the bloom, pour 65 mL in a spiral from center outward. Wait 45 seconds, then repeat twice more until you reach 225 mL total (30 + 65 + 65 + 65).
8. Wait for it to filter — After the final pour, let the coffee brew about a minute. Flow starts as a stream and settles to a drip.
9. Serve and enjoy — Remove and discard the filter. Pour into a warm mug and enjoy the clean, smooth Chemex cup.