Do you drink coffee every day? There are a lot of pour-over coffee makers on the market these days, but a classic Chemex is still one of the most popular ways.
If you're new to the Chemex coffee maker or just want to make sure you're using your Chemex to its full potential, here's a guide to the different Chemex sizes and their corresponding ratios.
With the right ratio and a bit of practice, you'll be able to brew the best coffee every time - Let's get started!
Different Chemex Sizes – Which Is Best For Your Needs?
A Chemex coffee maker is a classic choice for brewing great coffee. But with so many different sizes available, it can be hard to know which handblown series is right for you.
The six sizes of Chemex are described as 3-cup, 6-cup, 8-cup, 10-cup, 13-cup, and single-cup.
The number corresponds with how many 4oz cups the carafe will hold. For example, a 6-cup Chemex will hold up to 25 ounces of liquid and produce six cups of brewed coffee.
The Capacity
The biggest difference between the three sizes is capacity.
The 6 cup Chemex can brew up to 25 ounces of coffee, while the 8 cup can brew up to 32 ounces.
And the 10 cup Chemex? You guessed it - it can brew up to 40 ounces of coffee.
Keep in mind that the size of a Chemex brewer is based on 4-ounce cups of coffee, so you may need to adjust your brewing time accordingly if you're using a different cup size.
If you're brewing for a large group or like to have a lot of coffee on hand, the 10 cup is probably the best option for you.
However, if you're brewing for just a few people, or you don't drink coffee that often, the 6 cup might be a better fit.
The Width
Another difference between the Chemex sizes is in width. The 6 cup Chemex is 9 inches wide, while the 8 cup is 11 inches wide.
And the 10 cups? It's a whopping 13 inches wide. So if you're tight on counter space or need a coffee maker that will fit in your cabinet easily, the 6 cup might be the best choice.
On the other hand, if counter space isn't an issue, or you prefer a wider surface area for rolling out dough or performing other kitchen tasks, the 8 or 10 cup might be better suited for you.
Here is a breakdown of the different sizes so that you can choose the best Chemex size coffee maker for your needs.
3 Cup Chemex
The smallest Chemex coffee maker is the 3-cup size. This is a great option if you only need to make a small amount of coffee at a time.
It also makes a great travel coffee maker since it is compact and lightweight.
6 Cup Chemex
Considered the classic Chemex, the 6-cup Chemex coffee maker is a good option for the average household.
It can brew enough coffee for several people, or you can save some for later if you want.
8 Cup Chemex
The 8 cup Chemex is the most common size and personal preference for many.
This glass handle series can also be a good choice if you like entertaining guests since you can make a large pot of coffee all at once.
The 8 cup Chemex is perfect for larger families or those who drink more than 1 cup of coffee in the morning.
10 Cup Chemex
This larger brother is perfect for large households where you'll have multiple coffee drinkers or if you entertain often. It can brew a generous capacity, so you will always have enough on hand.
13 Cup Chemex
The handblown Chemex coffee maker is also available in a 13-cup size. This is the largest Chemex size, perfect for offices or large gatherings where you will have multiple coffee drinkers.
Funnex by Chemex
The Chemex Funnex is an attachment that allows you to use your Chemex coffee maker as a pour-over drip brewer for one.[1]
It consists of a glass funnel with a metal mesh filter, which attaches to the top of the Chemex carafe.
The Funnex brews coffee using the same principles as a classic series, but with one major difference: the water drips directly onto the grounds rather than through a paper filter.
This allows for more efficient extraction of flavor, resulting in a cup of coffee with more body and greater sweetness.
In addition, the Funnex can be a single-serving coffee maker.
If you're looking for a simple way to upgrade your Chemex brewing experience or bring your coffee to the office, the Funnex is definitely worth checking out.
Importance Of Getting The Right Chemex Size
When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, there are many possibilities. The type of beans you use, the grind, the water temperature...
All of these things can have an impact on the final product. One factor that is often overlooked is the size of the Chemex.
The ratio of coffee to water is critical when making coffee. Too much water and the coffee will be weak, while too little water will make it bitter.
The perfect cup of coffee strikes a balance between these two extreme taste profiles.
The size of your Chemex will determine the right coffee scoop to the proper water ratio you need.
If you use too much or too little, you'll have an inferior cup of coffee. That's why it's important to choose the right Chemex size for your needs.
Fortunately, Chemex offers a wide range of sizes to choose from. Whether you’re making coffee for one or ten, there’s a Chemex size that will perfectly suit your needs.
And when you get the right size Chemex, you can be sure that every cup of coffee will be just right.
Tips For Getting the Right Size Chemex
1. Think about how much coffee you typically drink in a day
If you're like me and can't get going without at least two cups, you'll want to ensure you get a Chemex that can accommodate that amount of coffee.
However, if you find that you usually only drink one cup in the morning, then you may want to consider a smaller size.
2. What type of coffee do you like?
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of coffee beans you typically use.
If you prefer your coffee strong or darker roasts, then you'll want to make sure your Chemex can accommodate that extra volume.
On the other hand, if you tend to use lighter roasts, you may want to go with a smaller size.
3. Think about how many weekday morning coffee drinkers you have
If you often have company over or host dinner parties, a larger Chemex is a good choice. However, if you typically make coffee just for yourself or your partner, a smaller size will do the trick.
4. How much space do you have?
If counter space is at a premium in your home, you might want to opt for a smaller Chemex. Conversely, if your kitchen is on the spacious side, you can afford to go with a larger size.
All About Chemex Coffee Makers (Why They Are So Popular!)
Invented in 1941 by German chemist Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker that consists of a glass carafe with conical filters.[2]
For many, the Chemex coffeemaker is the perfect choice for brewed coffee.
A classic Chemex is a type of coffee maker that uses a special filtration system to brew coffee. The coffee is placed in the top portion of the Chemex, and hot water is added.
As the water passes through the coffee grounds, it picks up the flavor and aroma of the coffee.
The grind size of the coffee beans and the duration of brewing time can be adjusted to create different results.
The filtered coffee then drips into the bottom portion of the Chemex, where it can be served.
The classic Chemex is known for its pour-over style of brewing, which makes them a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts.
In fact, many coffee shops now offer Chemex brewing as an option for customers.
Benefits Of A Chemex
This simple, hourglass-shaped brewer has a well-deserved reputation, but what makes the Chemex so special? Let's take a closer look at what we love about the Chemex brewers:
Frequently Asked Chemex Coffee Questions
Why are Chemex filters so big?
The larger size allows for a more thorough filtering process. Chemex filters are made of multiple layers of thick paper, which trap more sediment and oils than thinner paper filters.
As a result, coffee brewed with a Chemex has a cleaner flavor and brighter aroma.
The Chemex filter's large size helps to evenly distribute the hot water over the coffee grounds, resulting in a more consistent brew.
Can I microwave my Chemex?
No, you cannot. The glass carafe of the Chemex is not microwave-safe, and microwaving coffee can change the flavor and aroma of the coffee.
If you need to reheat it, pour the coffee into a microwave-safe glass.
Is the Chemex dishwasher safe?
The Chemex website says that their glasses are dishwasher safe as long you take a few precautions.[3]
First, be sure to remove the wooden collar/wooden handle and leather tie.
Then, ensure that you put the glasses in the dishwasher upside down so that the hot water can reach all the nooks and crannies.
Finally, don't use any detergent that is designed for stainless steel because it can damage the glass and cause chemical residues.
Why are Chemex makers so expensive?
Part of the answer lies in the materials used to construct them. A glass Chemex coffeemaker is made out of non-porous borosilicate glass, which provides superior heat resistance and durability.
The wood collar and tie are also made of high-quality materials, ensuring that your Chemex will last for years to come.
In addition, Chemex coffee makers come with a warranty, so you can be confident that you're making a sound investment.
What size Chemex works with the Chemex Ottomatic?
The Chemex Ottomatic is a top-of-the-line coffee maker perfect for anyone who loves a good cup of coffee.
One of the best things about the Ottomatic is that it is very versatile and can be used with different-sized Chemex.
The most popular size to use with the Ottomatic is the six-cup Chemex, but it also works well with the three-cup and eight-cup Chemex.
Keep in mind that the Ottomatic brews coffee at a slightly higher temperature than most other coffee makers, so you may want to use a slightly larger Chemex if you are planning on making a lot of coffee at once.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a pour-over coffee maker that will give you café-quality coffee every time, the Chemex is the perfect coffee maker.
With its variety of sizes, you can find the perfect one to fit your needs.
We hope this article has helped clear any confusion about Chemex sizes and shown you how easy making a fresh pot of morning joe is with a Chemex brewer.
References:
1. https://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/funnex.html
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemex_Coffeemaker
3. https://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/faq
