Chemex: A symphony of coffee and design
The story of the Chemex begins in 1941, when the German chemist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm invented it. Schlumbohm's goal was to make coffee preparation as simple and pure as possible. In doing so, he achieved a breakthrough: a coffee maker that combines both the brewing process and serving in a single, elegant device.
The Chemex is a coffee maker that impresses at first glance with its minimalist design. An hourglass-shaped carafe made of heat-resistant glass, a wooden collar with a leather tie, and a special Chemex paper filter are its only components. Despite its simple appearance, however, the Chemex allows for remarkable control over the brewing process.
The secret to perfect coffee with the Chemex lies in the combination of slow extraction and special filters. The Chemex filters are 20-30% thicker than conventional coffee filters, which means more oils, fats, and sediment are retained. The result is a clear, clean coffee that highlights the subtle flavor notes and aromas of the coffee beans used.
The Chemex is not only a tool for brewing excellent coffee, but also an expression of a mindful and tasteful lifestyle. It stands for an appreciation of craftsmanship, quality, and design. With its timelessness and elegance, it fits into any kitchen and offers the pleasure of experiencing the coffee-making process visually, again and again.
Over the past decades, the Chemex has won a loyal following among coffee lovers and baristas around the world. It has secured its place in coffee history and remains a consistently popular brewing tool, delighting coffee lovers everywhere with its incomparable taste experience.
Whether you're a connoisseur who appreciates the nuances of every sip, or someone who simply wants to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee - the Chemex invites you to experience coffee in its purest and most flavorful form. So take a moment, pour, and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the Chemex.
Frequently asked questions about the Chemex
Who invented the Chemex?
The chemist Peter Schlumbohm. He designed and patented it in 1941. Today it's manufactured in Massachusetts.
Is the Chemex really in the Museum of Modern Art?
Yes. MoMA lists the “Chemex Coffee Maker”, Peter Schlumbohm, 1941, in its collection - you can look this up directly with the museum. Chemex itself is vaguer about it and only speaks of “prestigious museums”.
What variants are available?
The Classic Series in 3, 6, 8, and 10 Cup, the Glass Handle Series in the same sizes and in special editions, the mouth-blown Handblown Series, plus the ChemAer, the electric Ottomatic 2.0, and the Funnex for a single cup.
What's special about the Chemex filters?
They're made from pure pine pulp and are noticeably heavier than typical filter papers. When inserted, three layers sit at the spout - this stabilizes the filter while still letting air escape.
Are the white filters bleached?
No. Chemex explicitly states that neither bleach nor chemicals are used: the white filters go through an oxygen bath and several hot-water baths, while the natural-colored ones go through hot-water baths only.
Are Chemex filters really thicker than others?
The manufacturer says “heavy weight and texture”, but doesn't give a figure. The often-quoted “20 to 30 percent thicker” appears nowhere on Chemex's own materials - anyone who reads that number is reading something passed along secondhand.
What does coffee from the Chemex taste like?
It's clear and clean, with a lighter body - the thick paper holds back more oils and fine particles than a regular filter. Whether you like that comes down to taste: some love exactly this clarity, others miss the fullness.
What grind size do I need?
A bit coarser than for the V60, because the filter drains more slowly. If the brew stalls, the grind is too fine or the filter is sitting too tightly against the glass.
Sources: Invention, place of manufacture, model ranges, and filter production according to chemexcoffeemaker.com; inclusion in the MoMA collection via moma.org. The percentage figure for filter thickness is not documented by the manufacturer.
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