Chemex Brew Guide
Bright, clean cup. 15g coffee, 250g water, 3.5 minutes.
Coffee15g
Water250g
Ratio1:16.7
Temp93°C
Total Time3.5 min
Step-by-Step
Three steps, but the 90-second drawdown through Chemex's thick filter is what defines this method.
| Step | Name | Add Water | Cumulative | Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bloom | 30g | 30g | Pour 30g water. Ensure all grounds are wet. Takes 45 seconds. |
| 2 | Main Pour | 220g | 250g | Pour remaining water in a steady, continuous stream. Takes 75 seconds. |
| 3 | Drawdown | — | 250g | Wait for the thick filter to finish dripping. Takes 90 seconds — nearly double V60's drawdown. |
FAQ
Common questions about brewing Chemex.
What is the Chemex coffee to water ratio?
15g of coffee to 250g of water — a 1:16.7 ratio, the same as V60 and AeroPress. The ratio is identical but the cup tastes different: Chemex's proprietary thick paper filter removes more oils and fine particles than a standard filter, producing a noticeably cleaner, brighter cup with less body.
Why does Chemex take longer than V60?
Both use the same ratio and temperature, but Chemex's thick bonded paper filter (20-30% heavier than standard filters) restricts flow significantly. The drawdown alone takes 90 seconds compared to 45 seconds for V60. Total brew time is 3.5 minutes vs 3 minutes. The slower flow is not a problem — it is the mechanism that produces Chemex's characteristic clarity.
Do I need to rinse the Chemex filter?
Yes. Rinse with hot water before adding coffee, then discard the rinse water. Chemex filters are thick enough to impart a papery taste if not rinsed. This step is not in the timer sequence but should be done while the kettle is heating.
Time your Chemex with Gramage
Step-by-step guided timer for V60, Chemex, AeroPress and more.
Coming to iOS & Android — August 2026