Chemex: thickness and clarity

Chemex Brewing Fundamentals

• Filter Thickness:

• Chemex filters are 20–30% thicker than standard paper filters.

• Trap more oils and fine particles, resulting in exceptionally clear coffee.

• Slower flow rate requires careful grind and pour adjustments.

• Grind Size:

• Medium-coarse grind (similar to sea salt) is typical.

• Too fine → long drawdown, risk of over-extraction and bitterness.

• Too coarse → fast drawdown, weak and under-extracted flavors.

• Pouring Technique:

• Bloom with 2–3× coffee dose in water, ~30–45 seconds.

• Pour in slow spirals, keeping slurry level stable.

• Avoid pouring directly onto filter walls, which can create bypass.

• Total brew time: ~4–5 minutes.

• Flavor Profile:

• Clean, crisp, tea-like cup with high clarity.

• Often highlights acidity and nuanced aromatics.

• Body tends to be lighter compared to V60 or Kalita.

• Practical Tips:

• Pre-rinse filter thoroughly to remove paper taste and warm the Chemex.

• Adjust grind slightly coarser to account for slower filter drawdown.

• Works well with bright, fruity coffees where clarity is desired.

Summary

The Chemex emphasizes clarity and refined flavors through its thick filter design. With proper grind and pouring technique, it produces a clean, elegant cup ideal for showcasing high-quality, aromatic coffees.

• Tags:
• Grind Size
• Practical Tips
• Flavor Profile
• High Quality
• Flow Rate
• Paper Filters
• Adjust Grind
• Dose Water
• Extraction Bitterness
• Requires Careful
• Medium Coarse
• Slightly Coarser
• Coffee Dose
• Coarse Grind
• Fine Particles
• Pouring Technique
• Total Brew
• High Clarity
• Size Medium
• Paper Taste
• Slower Flow
• Grind Slightly
• Remove Paper
• Brewing Fundamentals
• Adjustments Grind