Looking for a simple way to make a delicious coffee at home? Chances are you're considering Chemex and AeroPress, but it's hard to know the difference between them.
Both Chemex and AeroPress are both used for making coffee at home, but they work in very different ways and it's important to pick the brewing method that suits your tastes.
In this guide we'll give the full Chemex vs AeroPress breakdown so you can decide which is best for you.
AeroPress Vs Chemex - Which Is Better At Brewing Coffee?
Because of their different styles (pour over and pressure brewing), the AeroPress vs. Chemex both produce different styles of coffee. Additionally, they both have their merits for different situations.
Header | Chemex | AeroPress |
|---|---|---|
Image |  |  |
Design | Hourglass design with a sleek wooden handle. Easily holds enough grounds for your brewing. | Two plastic cylinders designed to push air through into the water and brew very quickly. |
Grind Size | Coarse grind so that the water does not travel through the filters too quickly. | Medium to fine grind of coffee bean, for richer and stronger brews. |
Brew Time | 5 – 7 minutes brewing time, while the water filters through the ground coffee beans. | 1:30 – 3 minutes brewing time. The air pressure pushes the water through the grounds quickly. |
Ease Of Use | Can be complicated to master. The method requires patience and practice in perfecting. | Can be difficult the first time, but once used to the design, it is much easier to use. |
Servings | 6 – 10 cups of coffee. Large beaker design makes way for more brew. | Normally one cup, but can make up to four cups. Can’t produce as many because of its smaller design. |
Taste | Rich, bold flavors in a clean brew thanks to the filter. | Strong, aromatic, and clean flavors. The size of the brew means more flavor packed into your coffee. |
Additional Items | Requires a Chemex paper filter which is sold separately. Chemex recommends only using their filters as they’re thicker. | Comes with 350 filters on purchase. Also comes with a muddler and funnel in packaging. |
Portability | Fragile, best designed to stay in one place in the kitchen. | The plastic design makes it easier to carry around and take on camping trips. |
Grind Tips For Both options
Using a coarser coffee grind in AeroPress coffee makers can make them more difficult to plunge, as the air cannot escape as easily with a finer grind. Additionally, a finer grind may move too quickly through a Chemex coffee maker.
It’s all about experimentation with the coffee makers! Try a coarser or finer grind to find the most amazing coffee for your tastes.
Brewing AeroPress Coffee (Why People Enjoy It)
AeroPress coffee makers are a newer addition to the coffee scene. It was introduced in 2005 by Alan Adler, who became frustrated with the options available. Its design makes coffee making quick and easy, and with much less coffee equipment.
The coffee travels through a paper filters, removing the oils and impurities from your cup. Its fast-brewing method and low acidity means you can enjoy a full-bodied, rich coffee with a softer, smoother flavor. This is for those who want an espresso like coffee quickly and easily.
How Do You Brew AeroPress Coffee? (Barista Tips)
The AeroPress coffee maker may look complicated to a novice, but the AeroPress brewing method is more straightforward than you may think. The plunger comes in two parts; a smaller and larger cylinder.
Using a finer coffee grounds will be best for making coffee, as coarser grinds will resist the air pushing through, making it harder to extract. This makes the final brew more flavorsome.
To brew your coffee in the AeroPress, follow these steps below:
Brewing Chemex Coffees (Why People Enjoy It!)
The Chemex is a good example of manual filtered coffee. This type of coffee maker has been on the scene since 1941 – invented by Peter J Schlumbohm, an American chemist who initially designed the Chemex for other purposes. He found that it could make excellent filter coffee and branded it as such.
The Chemex coffee maker is renowned for its smooth and less acidic taste. The cloth or paper filter stops the natural oils from the ground from entering your coffee and takes minutes to brew.
These pour over coffee makers are for those coffee enthusiasts who want an alternative to French press and looking for a more sophisticated way of brewing for a group of friends.
How Do You Brew Chemex Coffee? (Barista Tips)
Getting used to a Chemex coffee maker can take some patience and skill. It's not the easiest brewing method, certainly a lot more complicated than a modern espresso machine, but once mastered makes great tasting coffee. You will find the best brew coffee is made with a goose-neck kettle.
A coarse grind is best because a finer ground will filter water through too quickly. It's recommended to only use Chemex filters once, but they can be used multiple times with a thorough rinse. The method is as follows:
Using a goose-neck style kettle for your manual brew will ensure even distribution and easier pouring. A standard kettle will still make a delicious cup, but won’t be as smooth pouring as a goose-neck.
Hario V60 Vs Chemex Vs AeroPress Differences
The Hario v60 is another new addition to brewing coffee, introduced in 2005 by Japanese glass and coffee specialists. It's a more portable version of the Chemex and is able to withstand hotter temperatures. The sides are ribbed to allow more room for blooming during the brewing process.
When comparing the two coffee makers, the Chemex initially feels superior. The design comes in ceramic, plastic, or glass (usually Borosilicate glass).
It doesn't brew as many coffees as a Chemex can, but if you're looking for yourself or traveling, this is a great way to get the benefits of a Chemex without the risk of damaging yours.
Because the v60 produces similar results to a Chemex, it would also be one of the better brewing methods for those who find the strength of an AeroPress too much. The v60 is a great addition to a coffee lovers brewing collection for a smooth, aromatic fix of coffee in your day!
People Also Ask (Chemex & AeroPress Questions)
What is the ratio of coffee to water in a Chemex?
For a standard 8-cup Chemex, you want about 45 grams of coffee in the filter. Pair this with approximately 720 grams of hot water to brew, and this should produce 8 cups bursting with flavor.
Can you use any filter with Chemex?
You can! You can use cone-shaped filters made of paper, cloth, or metal. You want to use filters based on their thickness; a thin filter isn’t going to brew the coffee as well as the water flows too quickly.
How many times can you reuse AeroPress filters?
Users report getting about 20-30 uses from a single filter. Once finished, simply rinse thoroughly, and place back into the cap to dry for the next brew.
Why does my brew taste bad?
It could be down to the extraction. If you use too much water, for example, your brew will taste bitter and strong. Too little water will result in it being sour and under-extracted. You want a balance of 1:2 on coffee/water.
Can you brew cold coffee in an AeroPress?
Yes! This process takes approximately 2 minutes instead of 24 hours. First, use a very fine grind. Next, pour over room temperature water to the #2 line. Stir for 60 seconds rather than 10. Once ready, press the cylinder slower than usual, and dilute your brew with ice-cold water. The flavors are acidic, sweet, and aromatic.
Conclusion
Manual brewing methods aren't as complicated as once thought. It’s easy to do in the comfort of your own home and produces brilliant cups of coffee.
When it comes to AeroPress vs Chemex, Chemex gives a sweeter, smoother brew, and the AeroPress gives a quicker, stronger brew.
For camping, we recommend the AeroPress as you'll have an easier time carrying it around. But whatever you choose, you'll get yourself an aromatic, flavorful brew each time. Happy brewing!
