Chemex coffee ratio
The Chemex uses a thick paper filter that holds back oils and fine particles, so the cup is clean and light. It also drains slowly, which is why the grind goes coarser than for other pour-overs. 1:16 is a good start.
Change any field and the others update. Typical range for Chemex: 1:15 to 1:17.
Coffee
30 g
Water
480 ml
Tbsp (approx.)
6
Water: 16.2 fl oz, 2 cups
The numbers
- Starting ratio
- 1:16
- Usual range
- 1:15 to 1:17
- Grind
- Medium-coarse, a little coarser than a V60
- Water temperature
- 92–96 °C (198–205 °F)
- Brew time
- 4–5:30 total
- Example
- A 500 ml pot takes about 31 g of coffee at 1:16.
Steps
- Fold the filter with the thick side over the spout, and rinse it with hot water. Pour the rinse water out.
- Add the coffee and level the bed.
- Pour twice the coffee weight in water (60 ml for 30 g), and let it bloom for 45 seconds.
- Pour the rest in slow circles in two or three pours, aiming to finish around 4:30.
Tips
- Brewing past 6 minutes usually means the grind is too fine for this filter.
- The ratio holds for any batch size the filter can hold. For a bigger pot, scale the coffee with the water and keep the pours slow.
Cup not right? Bitter or sour coffee: what to change.