How to Brew Chemex Coffee — Step-by-Step Guide | Macinare
How to Make Chemex Coffee
Elegant drip method designed in 1941. The thick filter retains 30% of sediments, resulting in an extremely clean, sweet, and aromatic cup.
What you'll need:
- 6-cup Chemex (or the size of your carafe)
- Specific Chemex filters (thicker than V60, not interchangeable)
- Gooseneck kettle
- Scale with timer
- Coffee grinder
- 40g fresh coffee (recommended: Geisha, Pacamara, Red Bourbon)
- 640ml filtered water at 93°C
Steps to brew Chemex
Fold and place the filter
Unfold the Chemex filter into a cone shape. The part with 3 folded layers should face the spout of the carafe — this better seals the airflow.
Rinse and preheat
Pour hot water over the filter to remove paper taste and preheat the glass carafe. Discard the water.
Grind and dose
Grind 40g of coffee to a medium-coarse texture (thicker than V60, like coarse salt). Pour the coffee into the filter and gently level it.
Bloom (pre-infusion)
Start timer. Pour 80ml of water (2x the weight of the coffee) in circular motions, covering all the coffee. Wait 45 seconds.
Spiral pours
Pour the remaining water in 3 stages with circular movements from the center outwards: 200ml at 1:00, 200ml at 2:00, 160ml at 3:00. Keep the water level in the middle of the filter.
Final drain and serve
The complete drainage should finish between 4:30 and 5:30 min. Remove the filter (carefully, it's hot), swirl the carafe to homogenize, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chemex
Why are Chemex filters more expensive?
They are 20-30% thicker than V60 filters. They retain more oils and sediments, which produces an extremely clean cup.
Can I use V60 filters in a Chemex?
It is not recommended. V60 filters are thinner and will break under the weight of the water. Use authentic Chemex filters.
What is the difference between Chemex and V60?
Chemex produces a cleaner, sweeter cup with more aromatic body. V60 gives more brightness and acidity. Both are excellent pour-over methods.
What Macinare coffee do you recommend for Chemex?
Chemex shines with complex and sweet coffees: Washed Geisha, Pacamara Cobán, Red Bourbon Antigua.