chemex

Chemex is a brand of pour-over coffee maker designed by German‑American chemist Peter Schlumbohm in 1941. The device consists of a clear borosilicate glass carafe with a conical top, a wooden collar, and a leather tie. It is used with proprietary paper filters that are thicker than standard drip filters, intended to trap more oils and sediment and yield a clean, bright cup.

Brewing with a Chemex is a pour-over process. After placing a Chemex filter in the top and rinsing with hot water to preheat the carafe, ground coffee is added. Hot water is poured in a slow, circular motion to saturate the grounds, allowing a short bloom before continuing the pour until the desired brew is reached. The process generally produces a crisp cup with pronounced clarity of flavor and relatively low sediment, with typical brews taking around four minutes depending on grind size and pour rate.

History and design significance: Since its introduction in the mid‑20th century, the Chemex has been regarded as a notable example of modernist design. Its simple form and the visible coffee brewing process contributed to its enduring popularity. The brand continues to offer several sizes for different serving volumes and maintains a dedicated following in specialty coffee.

Care and notes: The glass carafe is durable but the wooden collar should be kept dry and occasionally treated to prevent drying; clean the unit by rinsing thoroughly after use and washing the carafe with warm, soapy water. The device is not designed for espresso brewing and is intended for manual pour-over extraction.