The Chemex is a pour-over coffee maker known for its hourglass shape and its thick paper filters. It brews a clean, bright cup and doubles as a serving carafe. Different models vary mainly in size and in the type of handle, so the choice often comes down to how many cups you brew. Because the filter is thick, the coffee tends to taste smooth and light in body, with little sediment. Many coffee fans like the ritual of a slow, careful pour as much as the cup itself.
The six below are Chemex models and sizes that have been sold for years. We have not used these ourselves, and we have not tested them. Cup sizes follow the maker’s own naming, which counts small five ounce cups, so check the current listing for capacity, handle style and what is included before you buy. Chemex filters are sold separately in most cases.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size | Chemex cup counts use small five ounce cups, so size up for mugs |
| Handle | Wood-and-leather collars are classic; glass handles have no collar |
| Filters | Chemex-bonded filters are thick; check the filter shape you need |
| Heat | Pour hot water slowly and avoid sudden temperature changes |
Specs at a Glance
| Chemex | Material | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemex Classic 3-Cup | Borosilicate glass, wood collar | 3 cups (small) | Single serving |
| Chemex Classic 6-Cup | Borosilicate glass, wood collar | 6 cups (small) | Most common size |
| Chemex Classic 8-Cup | Borosilicate glass, wood collar | 8 cups (small) | Larger batch |
| Chemex Classic 10-Cup | Borosilicate glass, wood collar | 10 cups (small) | Largest Classic |
| Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 | Glass carafe, electric base | Brews about 6 cups | Automatic electric |
| Chemex Glass Handle | Borosilicate glass | 6 cups (small) | One-piece glass handle |
The 6 Best Chemex Coffee Makers
1. Chemex Classic Series 3-Cup Coffee Maker
The smallest Classic Series Chemex, suited to one or two cups. It has the familiar glass body, wood collar and tie.
Suits: one or two servings. Strengths: a compact size. Weaknesses: few cups per brew. Skip it if you serve groups.
View Chemex Classic Series 3-Cup Coffee Maker on Amazon
2. Chemex Classic Series 6-Cup Coffee Maker
The most common Chemex size and a good middle choice for a household. It brews a few mugs at a time.
Suits: couples or small households. Strengths: a versatile size. Weaknesses: two mugs may need a refill. Skip it if you brew for a crowd.
View Chemex Classic Series 6-Cup Coffee Maker on Amazon
3. Chemex Classic Series 8-Cup Coffee Maker
A larger Classic Series model for those who often brew several mugs. It uses the same bonded filters as other square-fold sizes.
Suits: families. Strengths: a generous batch size. Weaknesses: it takes more counter space. Skip it if you brew small amounts.
View Chemex Classic Series 8-Cup Coffee Maker on Amazon
4. Chemex Classic Series 10-Cup Coffee Maker
The largest of the classic series, made for serving a group. Pour carefully because the vessel is tall and heavy when full.
Suits: entertaining. Strengths: a large batch. Weaknesses: bulk and weight. Skip it if you have little storage.
View Chemex Classic Series 10-Cup Coffee Maker on Amazon
5. Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 Coffee Maker
An automatic Chemex that heats water and pours it over the grounds for you. It is designed to mimic a manual pour. Check the listing for the filter type it uses.
Suits: cooks who want a hands-off Chemex. Strengths: automatic brewing. Weaknesses: a bigger footprint and cost. Skip it if you prefer manual pouring.
View Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 Coffee Maker on Amazon
6. Chemex Glass Handle Coffee Maker
A version with a glass handle in place of the wood collar. It is easier to clean and fits cooks who dislike the tie and collar. Check the listing for the cup size.
Suits: cooks wanting easy cleaning. Strengths: a dishwasher-friendly build (confirm with the maker). Weaknesses: less classic look. Skip it if you want the wood collar.
View Chemex Glass Handle Coffee Maker on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Rinse the glass with warm water after brewing.
- Let the glass cool before washing.
- Wash the wood collar by hand.
- Store filters flat and dry.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Pouring boiling water into a cold glass quickly.
- Using regular filters in place of Chemex filters.
- Overfilling the cone.
- Brewing too small a batch in a large carafe.
Chemex FAQ
How many mugs does a 6-cup Chemex make?
Chemex counts cups as five ounces, so a six cup model makes about two to three mugs.
What grind size should I use?
A medium-coarse grind is the usual starting point. Adjust to taste.
Can I use any paper filter?
Chemex recommends its own bonded filters, which are thicker than standard filters.
Is the glass handle model dishwasher safe?
Check the maker’s advice before putting any Chemex in a dishwasher.
Does a Chemex need a gooseneck kettle?
It is not required, but a narrow spout gives you better control over the pour, which helps the grounds extract evenly.
The Short Version
For one or two cups, the Chemex Classic 3-Cup. For most households, the Classic 6-Cup. For families, the 8-Cup. For a crowd, the 10-Cup. For an automatic option, the Ottomatic 2.0. For no wood collar, the Glass Handle model.