Chemex

Chemex Switzerland – Pour-Over Carafe with Wooden Collar or Glass Handle since 1941

You insert the filter, three layers towards the spout, a pour of hot water to preheat – the carafe and filter warm up, the paper loses its inherent taste. You discard the water, swirl the freshly ground coffee into the filter, making a bloom indentation in the center. First pour 50 ml of water, wait 30 seconds, and you see the beans bloom. Then the second pour in circular motions, calm and even. From the carafe's spout drips the first sip of coffee – bright, clear, without any sediment. That's Chemex: a carafe that has been solving the same task since 1941, with the same minimalist geometry and with filters that are among the thickest in the pour-over segment.

Dr. Peter Schlumbohm – a German chemist who emigrated to the USA before World War II – invented the Chemex in New York in 1941. Inspiration: the Erlenmeyer flask and the laboratory filter funnel from the chemistry lab. Schlumbohm combined both forms into a single glass carafe, encased with a wooden collar held together by a thin leather tie. The shape became so iconic that the Museum of Modern Art in New York included the Chemex in its permanent design collection in 1958. Today, the Chemex Corporation continues to manufacture the carafes in Massachusetts, USA, with the same specifications as in the original patent. Coffee Coaching Club carries six carafes in two model variations plus the matching original filter – showrooms in Bern and Zurich, delivery in a few days.

What defines Chemex

Three things. First: the design. A glass carafe equipped with a wooden collar (Woodneck) or an integrated glass handle (Glass Handle). No plastic parts, no electronic components, no moving parts. A carafe that is delivered today exactly as it was in 1941, 80 years later. Second: the filter. Chemex filters are significantly thicker than typical pour-over filters – this retains not only sediments but also oils from the beans. The result: an extremely clear, clean cup with excellent aroma separation, especially with light specialty roasts. Third: multi-cup capability. At CCC, from the 2-Cup format (300 ml for one person) to the 10-Cup format (1.5 L for 10 people) – ideal for family brewing, brunch hosting, or office setups.

Comparison table: all 6 Chemex carafes in the CCC assortment

Values according to CCC product database, as of 2026-05-17. Prices include CHF. Cup volume specifications are approximate values based on the Chemex standard definition (1 Cup = approx. 150 ml). Note: Original filters for 6/8/10-Cup carafes are currently not in CCC stock and can be individually checked for availability upon request.

Understanding the Chemex Technique

Borosilicate Glass Carafe

The carafe is made of laboratory-grade borosilicate glass – heat-resistant, neutral in taste, completely transparent. A single continuous form with filter funnel and carafe in one piece. No transitions, no seals, no moving parts. Schlumbohm was a chemist – and it shows.

Conical Filter Geometry and Thick Specialty Filters

The upper half of the carafe is a conical funnel into which a folded filter is placed. Chemex filters are significantly thicker than typical pour-over filters like V60 paper, according to the manufacturer. The extra thickness retains not only sediments but also some of the bean oils – resulting in a particularly clear, bright cup with good aroma separation. Standard consumption: one filter per brew, compostable.

Woodneck vs Glass Handle: two housing variants

The Woodneck version corresponds to the original design from 1941: a wooden collar made of solid wood is placed around the constriction of the carafe and held together by a thin leather tie. The collar serves as a handle and insulation. Glass Handle is the later version with an integrated glass handle – without wood and leather, making it more dishwasher-safe and with a more modern look. Functionally identical in brewing quality. Choice depends on aesthetics and cleaning preference.

Chemex Cup Definition (important: not a teacup)

"Cup" in the Chemex context means 5 fl oz (US standard) – so approx. 150 ml of finished coffee. A 6-Cup Chemex does not yield 6 European coffee cups of 200 ml, but about 900 ml in total, which corresponds to 4–6 regular cups. This has been a marketing convention since 1941, which often causes confusion today. Rule of thumb: double the "Cup" value for persons, i.e., 2 Cup for 1 person, 6 Cup for 3–4 persons, 10 Cup for 5–6 persons – if each person drinks a normal cup.

The Chemex Family

Glass Handle Version (Glass Handle, Dishwasher-Friendly)

Woodneck Version (Classic Wooden Collar with Leather Tie)

Filters

How to Brew Chemex – Step-by-Step

1. Insert Filter: Unfold the filter and insert it into the carafe so that the three-layered side faces the spout opening (this prevents collapse and aids outflow). Rinse with hot water to remove paper taste and preheat the carafe. Swirl out the water.
2. Dose Ground Coffee: Ratio 1:15 to 1:17. For a 6-Cup brew (900 ml), this corresponds to approx. 55–60 g of coffee.
3. Adjust Grind Size: Medium-coarse. Slightly coarser than V60, significantly finer than French Press. On Comandante C40 approx. 22–27 clicks, on Kinu M47 approx. 4.5–6 turns from zero point.
4. Bloom Pour: Slowly pour about twice the bean weight (e.g., 120 g water for 60 g beans) in a spiral with 92–95 °C hot water. Wait 30–45 seconds – the beans degas and swell.
5. Main Pour: Pour the remaining water in two to three circular pours, calmly and evenly. Do not pour onto the filter rim.
6. Control Brew Time: Total time for 6 Cup approx. 4–5 minutes, for 8–10 Cup approx. 5–6 minutes. Too fast? Grind a bit finer next time. Too slow? A bit coarser.
7. Dispose of Filter: Filter with coffee grounds is compostable.

Who is Chemex for

Chemex is suitable for families and office setups with multi-cup brews where pour-over quality is important for several people. Also useful for specialty coffee setups focusing on maximum aroma clarity and a clean cup – the thick Chemex filters retain more oils than thinner V60 filters. And for design-conscious home setups where the carafe itself is an aesthetic investment – the Chemex is in MoMA and looks equally good on any kitchen counter.

For single-cup pour-over with more body and aroma depth: HARIO V60. For more modern pour-over geometry with better flow rate control: Weber Workshops BIRD. For automated multi-cup filter coffee: Moccamaster. Chemex is the classic design-oriented choice with the thickest filters for maximum clarity.

What goes well with it

For grinding: Comandante C40 MK4 or C60 Baracuda as a filter specialist, 1Zpresso K-Ultra as an all-round hand grinder, Kinu M47 Classic or Phoenix as a German premium solution. For single-dose electric: Varia VS3 or VS4 (VS4 with SCA Best New Product Award 2026). For filter-focused electric grinder: Option-O Lagom P64.

For temperature-accurate kettles: Brewista Artisan, Varia AURA, HARIO Buono. For pour-over scales: Acaia Pearl as the filter standard with a large platform, or Lunar for compact setups. For brewing water setup: Apax Labs mineral profiles (exclusive Swiss importer). For beans from our own roastery: CCC own roasts – light specialty roasts like Wild Peach and Bright Cassis come out with particular fruit clarity on Chemex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Woodneck or Glass Handle – which Chemex version?

Functionally, both versions provide identical pour-over quality. The distinction is in appearance and cleaning. Woodneck is the classic original version with a wooden collar and leather tie – looks like 1941, has a higher perceived value, and must be hand-washed (wood and leather are not dishwasher-safe). Glass Handle is the more modern version with an integrated glass handle – dishwasher-safe according to the manufacturer's recommendation, easier to clean, and has a slightly plainer design. For original look: Woodneck. For dishwasher-friendly setup: Glass Handle.

Which Chemex size is right for me?

It's important to understand: 1 Chemex "cup" = approx. 150 ml. A normal kitchen cup holds 200–250 ml – so 1 person corresponds to 1.5–2 Chemex cups. 2 Cup (300 ml): for one person, one large cup or two small ones. 6 Cup (900 ml): daily standard for a family of 2–3 people or a couple with refills. 8 Cup (1.2 L): family of 4–5 people or brunch hosting. 10 Cup (1.5 L): office, larger family, event. Rule of thumb: prefer a larger carafe and use it partially rather than a smaller carafe and brew multiple times.

What grind size does Chemex need?

Medium-coarse – slightly coarser than V60 (due to the thicker filters), significantly finer than French Press. Specific click recommendations: Comandante C40 approx. 22–27 clicks. Kinu M47 approx. 4.5–6 turns from the zero point. 1Zpresso K-Ultra approx. 70–85 clicks. Adjust according to brew time: brewed too fast = grind finer, too slow = grind coarser. Also fine-tune based on bean freshness and grinder age.

What is the coffee to water ratio?

Standard 1:15 to 1:17. For a 6-Cup brew (900 ml): approx. 55–60 g of coffee. For 8-Cup (1.2 L): approx. 75–80 g. For 2-Cup (300 ml): approx. 18–20 g. For a stronger cup, use more coffee (1:14 to 1:15), for a weaker cup, use less (1:17 to 1:18). Water temperature: 92–95 °C.

Do I need original Chemex filters, or can I use V60 filters?

You need original Chemex filters. V60 filters are shaped differently (conical instead of round) and are thinner – they do not fit neatly into the Chemex carafe and do not provide the characteristic clear cup profile of Chemex. The Chemex method relies on the specific filter thickness and geometry. At CCC, we currently carry original filters for 2-Cup carafes (round, bleached, 100 pieces for CHF 10.95). Original filters for 6/8/10-Cup carafes are not currently in stock – if needed, we can individually check sourcing and delivery time.

How do I clean my Chemex properly?

Immediately after brewing: Remove filter with coffee grounds (compostable), rinse carafe with warm water. The Glass Handle version is dishwasher safe according to the manufacturer's recommendation – however, the upper rack is recommended to protect the glass. The Woodneck version must be cleaned by hand, as the wooden collar and leather tie are not dishwasher safe. For stubborn coffee oil residues, occasionally rinse with baking soda water or Cafiza cleaner. Never use a hard scraper or steel wool, as this will damage the glass.

How long does coffee stay warm in the Chemex?

The borosilicate glass carafe naturally only keeps coffee warm for a short time – glass dissipates heat faster than double-walled stainless steel thermoses. For longer serving times: preheat the carafe (pour hot water in before brewing, also into the filter), drink coffee promptly, or transfer it directly to a thermos.

Can I see Chemex live in Switzerland before buying?

Yes – subject to availability in the showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). Not all sizes are available at all times, a quick inquiry is sufficient. You are welcome to bring your own beans – brewing a Chemex and experiencing the tactile quality of the carafe cannot be conveyed through photos.

Where is Chemex manufactured?

Chemex carafes are manufactured at the Chemex Corporation in Massachusetts, USA – where Schlumbohm's company has been located since the 1940s. The glass carafe is made according to the original patent specifications. The wooden collar and leather tie are handcrafted components.

How is Chemex delivered in Switzerland?

Standard shipping throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days. Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich. Free shipping for orders over CHF 60.

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Personal advice: +41 76 789 15 79 (Mon–Sat 9:00–12:00 and 13:30–18:00) · office@coffeecoachingclub.ch
Showrooms: Bern, Gerberngasse 44 (Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00) | Zurich Oerlikon, Hagenholzstrasse 50b (Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00)
Delivery: 2–4 business days throughout Switzerland · Click and Collect · Free shipping for orders over CHF 60

Model overview status: May 17, 2026. Sources: official Chemex Corporation product descriptions, MoMA Permanent Collection (1958), CCC product database (vendor=Chemex, status=active). Original filters for 6/8/10-cup carafes currently not in CCC stock; individually verifiable upon request.