The Chemex

This is part of a new, occasional series in which we take a look at the icons of coffee, the classics in the field. These will be part review, part technique, part history and story.
I hope you enjoy it!
The Chemex: www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/
Chemex in the MOMA: www.moma.org/collection/works...
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[@mikevithek]

I’m going to be completely honest with you folks. You ever get so depressed and borderline suicidal that your escape is finding something new to be completely engrossed in and passionate about? For me that’s coffee. This guys KZbin channel has given me a coping mechanism during this damn quarantine that I have desperately needed. Also I get to drink phenomenal coffee now so that’s also cool. Thanks.

[@EricTitansSmith]

Welcome home

[@4lottisintellect]

I've morphed into a coffee geek😂

[@Phd366]

Same lol

[@Glaciersfordays]

Same.

[@mastershade14]

Bro please get some help and talk to someone

[@jordan9397]

in case anyone's looking for it: 30g beans to 500g water. Grind your beans, boil your water. Put the paper filter into your chemex (3 folds towards the spout) Rinse filter with boiling water, dump the water. Add grounds, make a divot in the middle. Place on scale and zero it out. 0:00 Add 60-90g water and stir to wet all the grounds, let it bloom. 0:45 Begin adding water in a circular motion, breaking up any clumps. Goal is 300g total water by 1:15 1:15 should have 300g total water added by now. Goal is 500g total by 1:45 1:45 hit 500g in, use a spoon to give a good stir clockwise, and then another counter clockwise 2:00 give the chemex a little shake 4:10 drawdown complete. toss filter, swirl your coffee, and pour

[@Scree7ch]

Just received my chemex, thank you for this

[@amiqars]

Not all heroes wear capes.

[@chv4529]

thought you should have poured in the 500g til 2:15 and not 1:45min?

[@maribellopez2462]

How would you measure 30 grams of beans without a scale?

[@jordan9397]

@@maribellopez2462 density varies from bean to bean, but you can start with 75ml or a 2.5oz shot glass and dial in from there.

[@mattyg_hd]

One of my favorite things about the chemex is that it's materiality directly reflects the time that it was designed in. 1943 America was not allowing for the use of metal in almost anything except for the war effort, so product designers had to get creative with what was left over. Three materials that were fair game were glass, wood, and leather.

[@meshavillar]

Love this bit of history! Thanks

[@steveelder5011]

Great point. So interesting that it was designed by a German American during the war.

[@jordanbloomfield]

Ah, so I guess my reusable metal filter is not period correct 😅

[@brandonjohnson9876]

Same reason why glass doorknobs became popular during WWI (at least in the US). Metals used in doorknobs were needed to supply the war effort for the Allies, and eventually us as well when we finally entered the war. They once again became common in the 1940s during WWII.

[@ronaldmaloney9789]

I bought my Chemex almost 25 years ago at a coffee shop in Hoboken NJ. I'd lived in Hoboken immediately after graduating from college, and at the end of my block was this store front that seemed to cycle through stores and owners unusually rapidly. Nothing really took. I loved Hoboken, but hated my roommate , so eventually I moved away. Came back to NYC for work a few years later, and swung by Hoboken. The empty store front was now Empire Coffee and Tea, and I was so pleased to see such a cool business in there that I went in and bought my Chemex. And I still have it, two and a half decades later. It's in very good shape! The glass is not scratched or chipped. Still has it's original wood collar. The leather strap finally broke a couple years ago, so I use a rubber band to keep the collar in place. It is easily the oldest piece of equipment in my kitchen. Any morning I am not at work, be it a weekend, a vacation day, a sick day, I am using that Chemex. It is the key component of my morning ritual anytime my morning is my own. I can't imagine my kitchen without it. I'd immediately get a new one if this one ever broke, but tat would be a very sad day.

[@thebigstink]

Did you go to Stevens?

[@damjan6420]

I remember telling my grandma about my new super cool way of making coffee, when i showed her she laughed and said she used to have one in the 50's when my mum was a little kid who dropped it and smashed it.

[@andrericardos6554]

😂😂😂😂👏👏👏👏👏

[@me2people]

My dad is a grumpy retired guy, and I once recommended that he might like a pour over set for his birthday, and my brother immediately went "he'd never do that" and my mom corrected with "oh his precious camping coffee set is exactly that"

[@Flippin_Crazy]

Yep. My parents had one. I have one, and I love it so much. It makes the best coffee you will EVER drink. Ever.

[@Flippin_Crazy]

I also use brown coffee filter. It works. I don’t even know where you could find those filters.

[@Lughnerson]

I don't like to have things that break easily.

[@jannis300886]

James... Could you please finally start your career as a audiobook reader! Just start with an audio version of the coffee atlas 😁

[@BurgundyandBlue1111]

Yes! He has such a soothing voice. I like watching his videos at night just for that reason.

[@cathiclark7263]

The Bob Ross comparison comes to mind with every video.

[@zanemattisson]

:-D I've been saying the same thing to my coffee friends for years now. Please James.

[@canadude6401]

YES! Please do. Call it "Hoffman, James Hoffman"

[@TheWizardOfAhhz]

I literally went down to the comments to post this exact request, also my wife (who doesn't watch this channel) heard the video and said "who's that? He should read audiobooks."

[@Kabz8]

I love my Chemex. This quarantine turned me into a coffee fanatic. Crazy how many others have fallen into the same pattern

[@jimmylyu4714]

Just bought my first espresso machine, 1 month ago I would not believe I would be happy to spend so much on a machine to make 3 oz of coffee

[@jimmylyu4714]

@@John-mc8sh water, coffee beans, grinder, coffee brewing methods, type of scale, and the goddam aesthetic, it's a rabbit hole, and it doesn't seem to end. To think that I only look into buying an espresso machine bc I started drinking too much coffee during quarantine to "save" money, boy was I wrong I also got my chemex, but it's difficult to find filter for it, I would say get a Hario V60 instead, much cheaper anyway

[@dradeel]

Same. The Corona Thing turned me on to French presses, pour overs and watching hours upon hours of coffee videos. I used to enjoy my Nespresso capsules with breakfast and at work. Now I grind my coffee and do V60 pour overs into a small French press can, because it's worth it. I'm ordering a gorgeous 8 cups Chemex as we speak, simply because it'll make me look damn good making delicious pour over coffee for guests. 😏

[@MSH3423]

Hi there, I don’t know shit about coffee but now that Im working from home, i want to brew good cup of a coffee can you share the steps? Beans do you grind them? Do i need a pot with that special long pour?

[@jimmylyu4714]

@@MSH3423 what kind of coffee do you enjoy? Espresso, drip coffee, latte. Also grinder is the most important part of coffee making, I would recommend 1zpresso, it’s a manual grinder that’s capable of good quality drip coffee for $140, which is cheap in coffee industry, if you want to make espresso then get 1zpresso pro, which is like $170

[@aemaramathews272]

I don't currently drink coffee, but I've gone on a bit of (really, a lot of) a rabbit hole watching these videos. I absolutely love them, and James has made me seriously consider getting into coffee as a hobby. If I did, I think I would start on the classic Chemex, and it would be ENTIRELY because of emotional attachment. I remember as a kid getting up early in the morning before the sun rose and finding my father making coffee using the Chemex. I had no idea what it was called until watching this video; all I knew was that that shape, those papers, the smell of the coffee, THAT was what coffee was. When I think of home-brewed coffee, the Chemex is what I think of. It's amazing that I've formed such a strong emotional association with it, even though I've never even tasted the coffee that comes from it!

[@danielh12345]

I've just recently started with an aeropress. The difference between the coffee I used to drink (Senseo pad machine) and this is night and day. Sooo much fun and delicious. Like you I'm also binge watching all these videos haha. Very curious about the chemex now too haha, it looks great!

[@danieloberhoff1]

thats actually really cool and another reminder that passion matters :) good luck

[@ddgrunau]

Takes flowers out of his chemex....

[@mynameisntbobbybob]

Daryl Grunau maybe i can get one past the wife by saying i bought you a vase? 😂

[@Likeacannon]

I found a huge 13-cup Chemex at a flea market recently and the tag said "artisan flower vase" on it. $5 and it's from the late 1940's.

[@ddgrunau]

Jordan Andlovec the giant ones are best kept to flowers

[@Gramayr]

My other half keeps hinting that it would make a nice vase...

[@TheRealRealOK]

rjpull 😂

[@samsowden]

You'd never think that was an 80 year old design

[@ccttg9620]

glas looks modern but wood was normal then, now its classy.............

[@randomdude189]

Sam Sowden García you’d never think humans were an ancient design

[@samsowden]

@@randomdude189 not a design...

[@power50001562]

@@randomdude189 shh, you're going to trigger anyone who is heavily against the anthropic teleological argument

[@TheRealRealOK]

power50001562 🐒

[@pmbrig]

I started using a Chemex way back in the 1970s, hand-grinding my beans (hard to find whole beans back then). I think I figured out the trick of rotating the filter so the 3-layer side covered the pouring channel myself, but it's possible the directions that came with the Chemex mentioned it. This was all back in the days when a cup of coffee in the Boston area was at best a thin translucent brown liquid, at worst boiled and reboiled in a percolator for hours. My father had always drunk strong Medaglia d'Oro so I knew that there were alternatives. Chemex was my savior. It was really the only thing around at that point, but it was terrific. I had that glass carafe for years.

[@michaelcloresandersm.d.7050]

I have been brewing with a Chemex for only 1 month and I love it! My morning ritual with my Comandante, Mayorga Cafe Cubano, scale and Chemex is such a pleasure. Now that I am retired, I look forward to it each day. Many tips I use, I got from your videos. Thank you.

[@JoeFrogz]

There’s just something fundamentally attractive about natural wood against glass like that too.

[@marcl3928]

Indeed. While I prefer the V60, it just looks so industrial.

[@lisar3944]

totally agree. I don't have a chemex, but I do have a hario woodneck and it's so lovely to look at. Makes fantastic coffee too :)

[@EversonBernardes]

Part of it is the material contrast that blocks the brewers as 3 shapes and part of it is because, well, it's wood. It has grain, it has character. If that neck were made out of, say, matte black bakelite, it wouldn't look as good as the wooden one, but would be better than the glass handle.

[@bl6973]

Joe Beech Also the string tied around it is just so, clean.

[@dennischiapello7243]

Truly an iconic design with a very particular aesthetic. Environmentally and architecturally, I'd say its perfect setting is in any one of the original condominiums of Sea Ranch (CA)... which also suggests the best coffee cups to use: those from Heath Ceramics. If and when I get to heaven, these will be my requirements.

[@mickreynolds3065]

Love how at 8:50, he gently reminds us to "be mindful of the gap," effortlessly classing up a classic British saying. Lovely, James. Just lovely.

[@MCTVARG]

Mind the gap please! (I think they say that in London's tube)

[@annab1633]

Mind the gap between the train and the plataform

[@dianebonneau2350]

Aesthetically, the proportions and angles are perfection in the original. The collar creates an attractive mid point focus. Love it

[@miketayse]

My introduction to good coffee happened when I dated a girl in college who had one of these. For that I will always appreciate her.

[@andrewbarbour7475]

Rather than the chopstick - I use one of those bent stainless steel straws with regular coffee filters. You just put the bent bit over the lip of the brewer and it basically just hangs and doesn't reach the bottom. Works like a charm.

[@Doggieman1111]

Smort

[@donaldtrumptard2759]

My fix is using the square filters and folding over the edge that sits on the channel side. 2 fold overs helps keep that filter from sinking into the channel. works everytime! I never have to worry about this aspect of it anymore.

[@Jaqen-HGhar]

Was gonna comment that as a suggestion, glad I scrolled down

[@stevensherlag33]

If you properly seat your Chemex filter, this really is not a concern at all. Thousands of brews in, and I’ve lost airflow no more than once. When you rinse your filter and preheat your brewer, take care in reseating the filter. Simple.

[@clbmanning]

Me too! The stainless doesn’t cause a flavor change.

[@hotwhiskey]

So heartening to hear such fond sentiments about something so timeless. My father poured devotional Chemex coffee from the brink of the 1960's, before my head reached the countertop, well on into his dementia 55 years later, making brilliant Kenya coffee from Zabar's beans, relying on religiously ingrained muscle memory. My dad Max was an atheist, yet he worshiped at that hourglass altar. And what a lovely sense of resurrection in this thread; I thought Chemex has been passed by as a flawed beauty...

[@matthewhoffman7727]

I guess I'm the same age as you dad. I used a Chemex when I was in college in NYC in the Sixties. I don't know what happened to it, but now I use a glass-handled version because it's more convenient. Still beautiful and satisfying.

[@MrJhchrist]

Awesome story. It's amazing what can remain when dementia takes so much else. Thanks for sharing.

[@CuervoLetrado-]

This is so beautiful... thanks for sharing this.

[@andreacleofas2456]

What a lovely story!

[@selenalamothe997]

You must be a writer. What a careful and engaging way to write.

[@AndreaFernandez-nh5qm]

This guy makes coffee soooooo interesting, i just came by accident and i find myself watching many of his videos one after another...i guess when you are so passionate about something its just contagious!!

[@---df5sr]

I put a little glass straw (got off ebay) down that little groove when brewing to avoid the airlock whilst using standard size paper. Works a treat

[@javi117e6]

Finally, I might be convinced to buy a Chemex.

[@SuperPimpek123]

It's pretty expensive for a vase though... In all seriousness, for coffee, V60 is much better IMO.

[@javi117e6]

Jaka Šter I bought a V60 because of James. Maybe I’ll buy a Chemex too 😁

[@SuperPimpek123]

@@javi117e6 Good idea on the V60! Can't recommend chemex though. It's very impractical, and V60 brews tend to taste a lot better in my experience.

[@SuperPimpek123]

@Matt Cronin The problem with chemex in my experience is the super long drawdown, which usually leads to some astringency in the cup. You can of course still make good coffee with it, but it's a lot less consistent than a V60.

[@Ep3ForMe]

Jaka Šter I personal think the Chemex and V60 provide different results, so it’s all on a personal basis in regards to taste

[@FrogRider]

I was wondering when this video would happen. Chemex was what started my coffee journey over a decade and a half ago and it’s still with me now. Thanks for the great video James!

[@puttonyG]

Same here

[@Nikeel_A.W]

Saaame.

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

Mine was a gift from my son years ago, and looking at for the first time, I thought it would be broken in a few months. They are amazingly sturdy, despite looking so fragile.

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

@@BasenjiAdventures Nah, I use mine to pound nails now. Gave my hammer to a noncoffee drinker.

[@mesri3]

Not a word wasted. No faff. And this is the difference between James's videos and every other coffee video out there.

[@imboredofu57]

I legitimately thought he pulled out a wand and my face lit up! Only to be let down with by his audible book voice saying "a chopstick".

[@ROTlNAJ]

The first time I was introduced to the Chemex was at my first job at a coffeeshop. Before that time I only had 'bad' coffee at friends or good coffee from espresso machines in coffeeshops. During my first week working there, colleague told me that filter coffee was one of the most delicious types of coffee there is. At first I thought he was joking since I only knew filter coffee as the most avarage cup of coffee there is. The kind of coffee that people make that don't care about the taste and use the most common machines. But then he made us a Chemex, with the correct method and freshly grinded beans. The first sip I took changed my entire view about coffee and is definitely one of the reasons I still love it to this day.

[@ccttg9620]

you can completely do it you own way but never poor to much (overbrewing= i learned this from JH) clean your setup( i m to lazy) and buy a not to cheap brand of coffee............

[@jerryholland7817]

I grinded through reading your comment.

[@DJRudebox]

Yesss!!! I've been applying your V60 technique to the Chemex for a few weeks now and realized it tasted much better. Glad to see you confirm my hunch. Loving the new set by the way

[@1jennifer]

DJ Rudebox SAME!

[@dguerrero115]

Me too!

[@marziorojas]

Same here as well!

[@samuelyancy]

Same

[@spookyfm4879]

+1

[@NKWTI]

Chemex style brewing is the absolute best in my opinion. It's a work of art, down to the literal design of the Chemex brewer itself, and all the way up to the actual brewing process itself. To me, it's a very elegant way of brewing quality coffee. The whole experience is pure art. I love how the concept is so simple and minimalistic, yet the brewing process does every single thing it needs to, to extract wonderful flavor. It makes every other style of brewing coffee look like it's trying too hard.

[@macsarcule]

It looks great because it’s so cleanly filtered with that chemistry filter paper. It sparkles like a diamond. I love my chemex, but I’m not a chemex-only. It’s one of several brew methods I love 🙂

[@DanaBonn]

I had a bit of a difficult time explaining my love of specialty coffee to my dad, but it was such a great moment watching him marvel at how fantastic the Chemex coffee I ordered for him at a cafe was.

[@La_sagne]

my parents have an $850 coffee machine but everytime they visit me they want me to make them a coffee. they dont really care whether its v60, french press or moka pot. i buy great coffee, iknow my grind sizes, i rinse my paper and i let it bloom so my coffee is a lot better than theirs for a fraction of the price

[@DanaBonn]

TheLasagne What a great sentiment ♥️

[@jaysteels]

Same here! Didn't make a difference though, he still only makes instant...!

[@michaelt8682]

i have absolutely no interest in coffee whatsoever. im a dr pepper guy. yet your videos are so engaging, passionate and well informed, and you have such an agreeable manner. congrats!

[@PieceBoxHeid]

I have no real interest in Dr Pepper, baring the odd craving every 2 years. More of a whisky man myself. Yet your comment is so beautifully presented and incredibly pleasant that I had to reply. Congrats!

[@yazelkro7522]

I see you are a man of science.

[@sgringo]

@@PieceBoxHeid 😂👏👏👏

[@ChaoSpectre]

There was a coffee roaster who was also a man of science. He boiled Dr. Pepper and brewed coffee with it. And now you know that has happened.

[@yazelkro7522]

Dr pepper is excellent. I was always curious until I tried it. For some reason I started putting bananas into the microwave.

[@InktronicsBlog]

My daughter gave me a Bodum coffee maker just last month that looks a lot like the Chemex. Three main differences are the handle is made from cork, it has a reusable metal mesh filter and the tie has a quick release bead lock that makes the cord tying issue mute. My main mode of coffee making is in a French press so I can get that deeper richer flavor. Using the mesh filter gives me that deep rich flavor and it never sticks to the glass. When I want a cleaner cup of coffee, I just throw in a #2 paper cone filter inside the mesh filter and it also brews perfectly without the air lock issue.

[@MorrisDugan]

I just got a very similar "Cafe Brew" flask used, for next to nothing. It has a silicone rubber "belt" instead of wood or cork. I've been using a coffee sock with it, and I'll be looking for Chemex filter paper, as well as experimenting with doubling up (or tripling?) with conventional paper filters. With the coffee sock, I've used it both to filter ground coffee immersed in the flask, and for pour-over into the flask.

[@straightAfilms]

I am a huge fan of coffee brewers such as this one because there aren’t as many moving parts to maintain and the water in my area can be a bit hard. Therefore, the less places for scale build up, the better the coffee make is in my opinion!

[@vampire_workday]

i feel the chemex is the purest way to make coffee it’s just simple. if you prioritize it in the morning you have to slow everything down because it requires more patience to make. It’s really my favorite part of the day.

[@drmedwuast]

This video gets pre-liked by me. On to watching it now.

[@snowcarver]

Same

[@bartolucci_]

Chemex was my first jump into playing with coffee. I've always loved coffee, but now there's craft to it. During the week we make coffee in a machine, and have ourselves dialled into something convenient, but on the weekends, I make my coffee in my Chemex. It's ritualized - rinsing the filter, dumping out the boiling water, smelling the fresh bloom and seeing the light pour into the side of the carafe as the steam rises from on top. It's geeky, it's pretentious, but it's fabulous coffee and nothing comes close to the experience (for me) of the fresh, vibrant taste it produces. This video was spot-on.

[@rafiak1989]

I use a metal filter with my chemex and it is a much quicker brew now. But I do now grind the beans finer to build the resistance that the paper filter has. Would love to see reviews on different metal filters.

[@NKWTI]

Quicker brew isn't necessarily better. Keep in mind that if it is brewing quicker, it is fundamentally changing the brewing process, and thus, flavor/extraction for either the better or the worse (depending on preference). I also feel like the metal cone didn't yield as consistent of a brew. You have to keep up on maintenance of the cone and use white vinegar, because as time goes on in between thoroughly douching it, you will likely encounter a slightly different flavor each time those mineral deposits or oils build up. I dunno, I dealt with the metal cone as a newbie to Chemex back in the day, but I was never as happy as I was when I started doing it with the papers. Metal isn't horrible if you're out of papers temporarily, but being a coffee snob, I feel like it requires a bit more work/know-how to get similar results with the metal cone.

[@leo_shina]

You didn’t watch the video, did you? 😅

[@aying25]

Ive watched 4 or 5 of this channel’s videos and I don’t even like coffee

[@HigherEducationAwakening]

😂

[@snidelyabuel4138]

Well alma i think you should by now... happy brewing.

[@Byshox]

I got one as a gift from my girlfriend and I've been gifting it at weddings ever since. I think is a beautiful piece of equipment and with a little effort helps everyone make great coffee.

[@cmcken1]

This is beyond well explained by Mr Hoffman leading up to the pinnacle of process engineering mentioned at around the five-minute mark regarding the "Spiral of Up-Dosing and under-extracting" due to users not allowing adequate brew time. Consumers are in a rush, no one wants to wait for the longer process duration thus, larger and coarser grinds are used. Hats off to Mr Hoffman for explaining this out. This is really well done. Cheers.

[@waltoopoyndeaux4199]

I started using a Chemex about a year ago and absolutely love it. It's my "daily driver". As Mr. Hoffmann noted, there's something to be said for not only the taste of the coffee it makes (which is fantastic) but the device itself is absolutely beautiful. I use the large square paper filters which, in my opinion, adds to the aesthetic.

[@robertrogge5515]

The square filters are also thicker and they never get stuck.

[@philipanderson6672]

Finally! I've been waiting and hoping for a Chemex video. Got one for Christmas and was sad there wasn't a video on the channel about it. Thanks!!

[@deluxgaming6742]

Me last year.... Edit: the year before last year xD

[@mathieulanglois8790]

After viewing this video, I think I would have bought a Chemex even if I hated coffee. But I love coffee so I bought the Handblown series and I called it James. Thank you for sharing your passion so eloquently.

[@machineslave3]

This was excellent. I like the deep dive into how something works rather than just focusing on techniques. I never noticed this but my filters were confirming to that spout and causing my brew times to go crazy and my coffee would come out tasting way too over extracted. Now I know why. No technique video has even mentioned this problem.

[@luxurianttuna38]

I’ve been brewing with a Chemex for a few years now and I can honestly say I’ve never had an issue with the paper folding into and sealing the pour spout. I only ever use the square filters and having the extra length where the spout pours helps stabilize it. I find it to be quite consistent with its brew and much cleaner than my French press. Granted I almost exclusively drink light roasts, so I really enjoy the brightness that a chemex cup produces to hit the fruity notes. That said, I’ve never used a v60 so I can’t make a great comparison, but it astonishes me how up in arms people who use other techniques get about the chemex. It’s a fantastic device.

[@mjinzarli]

Same here, never had a problem.

[@the_lifeofjacob]

Same here, I really think it is the doing of the square filters. I accidentally bought the round ones one time and they did occasionally sealed the spout. Fortunately, I lost them on a trip.

[@areox27]

Yeah, I was really confused because I was like "I've literally never had that happen". Even before I learned you were supposed to put the ticker side towards the spout. Hopefully this doesn't deter anyone from buying a Chemex because they are fantastic.

[@the_lifeofjacob]

@@MaxMcDonnell0 EVERY TIME!

[@wesmac3349]

I've been using a Chemex daily for about 3 years now. Never clicked on a video so fast before! Been waiting for a James Hoffman Chemex video for a while!

[@chriscase6929]

I just got out my old Chemex and brewed the best tasting cup of coffee I’ve had in years. Three things from this channel helped: 1) the detailed brewing instructions from the pour over video; 2) rinsing the paper filter; 3) a few grains of salt in the basket along with the ground coffee. Thank you!

[@davidwilliams5497]

It depends on the bean, but for more acidic or natural process coffees, I always want the Chemex. You’re absolutely right about the “cleanness” of the taste, and it makes such a beautiful brew.

[@Ljrobison]

The clean taste you get from a Chemex is why I prefer it over any other brewing method. It's just perfect.

[@ebaghead]

I grew up with my dad always brewing coffee in a Chemex. I always admired the shape and beauty of the glass Chemex and the coffee was always delicious. My dad passed away almost 8 years ago and my mom still uses the Chemex. Such great memories of him whenever I see one.

[@DriversSide]

Chemex is my favorite brew method by far! I really like the cleanness of coffee that it produces! And it really is just a gorgeous piece of equipment. I love starting almost every day by crafting chemex coffee

[@steadric]

James, your music choices are incredibly tasteful! Just thought I'd leave a note of appreciation

[@jaduvalify]

I'm remembering that first glorious taste of fresh ground coffee my father made in his Chemex when I was little. I was too young to drink coffee, but that first sip he permitted me to sample was life changing.. It smelled wonderful, and tasted so deliciously satisfying. I watch these videos hoping I can capture that flavor and aroma again. Maybe it was so delicious because it was a 'forbidden fruit' sort of thing for a kid.

[@arcelita27]

I’ve used my chemex every week since it was first gifted to me five years ago, and the slow brewing is truly meditative. It also takes about as long to cook a fried egg sandwich so I always have a fresh cup of coffee right when my breakfast is ready

[@DarkAngelEU]

Sounds like a perfect Sunday morning breakfast. Thanks for the idea :)

[@apaullo2115]

Got a 6 cup one for Christmas and just started watching you, so this is a nice timely upload for me (:

[@evanedwards1889]

I'm an intermediate coffee weirdo and I've watched nothing on youtube but your content for the past 3 days 😂 You've convinced me to finally branch away from my chemex and try other methods.

[@steveneidig9929]

I just started using a Chemex this week. I ordered it a month+ ago as I wanted to up my coffee making skills during the quarantine. So far I love it. Thanks for this great video.

[@kapitanXbomber1989]

As a Bond fan I love Chemex because it was used by James Bond in From Russia with love novel.

[@annihilatingrhythm]

Came here to say this.

[@trmtnzr]

Chemex basicly finally brought me into filter coffee (after trying like 5 different other brewers). Fully agree with all you said! I love the “tea style” coffee it produces, so clean an fruity!

[@rileywebb4178]

I worked in the paper mill that made the chemex filters, they are a better quality and heavier weight paper than pretty much any other filter paper.

[@jonathanlatshaw2979]

The Chemex does have such a unique beauty to it! I love the way coffee looks when made in a Chemex.

[@jeffreypatterson9956]

I have a Bodum copy of the Chemex but it came with a permanent filter. I sometimes use it by itself but it lets a lot of silt through so I started putting a paper filter in the permanent one and it works great. I also use standard basket paper filters but I fold them just like the Chemex filters fold.

[@levimckay6753]

I love my Chemex. My coffee maker broke at home and I decided that I would just use my chemex every morning instead of spending money I didn't have. Needless to say, that lasted for three years and I loved it every morning. Getting to take the time to make coffee correctly really put into perspective what coffee could be in my everyday life. It is still my number one favorite method to brew.

[@gpturner0924]

James.... James, James, James... I love coffee! I have for years! However, because of you and your videos, I have come to realize how blind I was to coffee. I learned how to use a French press because of you, and that was my first branching out from instant coffee and single-serve pods. My friend made coffee for me using the moka pot, and it was probably the best coffee I ever had, although seems a bit complicated and time consuming for my schedule and taste. I have an aeropress and a burr grinder on the way, and I ordered a bag of some novelty whole-bean coffee brand that was pushed in my face from Facebook's highly stalkerish targeted ad algorithm. I purchased the aeropress because of you, and I cannot wait to experiment with it when those packages arrive. This video makes me want to try the chemex. I love the simple design and lack of electronic tech, and it looks so damn sexy on a counter. All of this because, not only are your videos informative, but they are well-shot and entertaining. I love the way you talk and describe things in general, with those short pauses periodically to allow your audience's minds catch up with what you're saying, the subtle humor that sometimes is hidden so well it's hard to catch, and the way you accent your words with expressive inflections and facial expressions. Keep the videos coming and keep teaching us more about coffee gadgets and how they work.

[@mhansl]

My wife, just this morning, came upstairs with a perfect (if a little dusty) Chemex coffee maker which was left downstairs (our appartment building has a give away bench). I was so excited. Always loved the simplicity of its design.

[@Sapoguapo]

My daily driver. I love that it is flawed, it makes me more conscientious about my brewing technique. The taste quality is incredible and as you’ve stated here, the over all aesthetics of the wood, leather and color of brewed coffee is second to none

[@wolf5821]

Can you talk about your thoughts on Turkish coffee or coffee from a cezve.

[@misselder1]

Yes Please!

[@singbeats7188]

Hey james, i just watched 1 video of your channel and absolutely love it. I like the way you talk, the way you record and edit your videos, and more importantly the fact that i see you as a coffee expert. I have never gotten a good understanding about coffee from any other coffee channel before yours. Thank you

[@rocxu71]

It's totally worth waiting just a little bit longer than other brewing methods when you smell, see, and finally taste the result out of it.

[@samnolan7670]

After watching this video I got a Chemex when first diving into independent coffee. It is a thing of beauty and so many different little ways of improving your brew. Your channel is amazing mate

[@contrabone]

Another tip for the spout problem: I forget where I saw this, but I've had great success with folding the paper down to be just even with the top of the glass.

[@mryark83]

Tyler Sellers stumptown!

[@contrabone]

@@mryark83 Ah, right! Cheers!

[@ccttg9620]

thanks for sharing............(should have figured it out years ago) do you have more tips.....?

[@makemelaughyouants]

I’ve never had the spout problem. Is it really that common?

[@ccttg9620]

@@makemelaughyouants the problem started the moment i rearranged the setup on my couter( so thats another way to fix it

[@brentroman]

My favorite British person saying “Mind the Gap” in a coffee video, made my day!

[@brucebello2049]

Thank you James, I have very clear memories of my mother serving coffee for many years from a Chemex, all great memories so naturally I have come back to it as our primary brewer in our retirement when I have the convenience of time in the morning, your two video have answered the question of why ore morning drink has been so inconsistent, cheers

[@magnusskallagrimsson6707]

I was given a Chemex just prior to the pandemic, but hadn’t used it until I took it to work. I had no idea how to use it, having used a French press for the past 25 years. So thank you for this video, your help is much appreciated. And it is the “cleanest” cup of coffee I have ever tasted.

[@ChibaCityBlues]

A Girlfriend gifted me a Chemex about 8 years ago. It got me into speciality coffee. And I always go back to it. I love the clean cup it gives me. But also the aesthetics. It just is a thing of beauty.

[@yuugatenshi]

Nice lighting! And yes - the coffee looks sexy sitting in the Chemex, somewhat like wine.

[@Mediocre_Bass_Player]

Prior to discovering your channel I would have sworn that my Chemex method was dialed and I was making a great cup of coffee. With some slight tweaks after watching this my brew is so much better! I'm now a subscriber and delving deeper I'm sure my other brewing methods will improve as well!! Thanks so much!!!

[@joshuadaponte3256]

The Chemex (and James’ techniques) have given me smooth and fully bodied brews that have been delicious. Not without some headache in finding the right grind size and experiencing stalled brews every now and then, but overall amazing.

[@NevrNewd]

Oh, come on. I just got settled on using my V60 and now I'm going to want to go back to the Chemex. Would you stop putting out videos that make me want coffee??

[@andrewfurusawa4609]

I just switched over to a V60 this past winter too and I feel the same!

[@Adre1987]

Why would you do that? V60 is better in many ways and I think also that James doesn't really like either of them, but possibly he likes V60 more

[@JewiMacca]

For me, personally, I want to be able to do a pour over every morning before going to work. Every minute counts to me and from the looks of this video - it takes twice as long vs the v60. Basically it comes down to preference: CHEMEX: pros: Looks pretty, brews a good cup of coffee cons: Little more skill to brew a good cup of coffee, slower drawdown ( per this video nearly 2x longer than v60), harder to clean due to wooden handle and shape, need to mind the gap, filters are more expensive V60: pros: arguably brews as good a cup of coffee as a Chemex, more forgiving on technique, faster drawdown, very easy to clean, filters are cheap cons: Not as pretty ( there is a carafe option or an all-glass server with ridges that is prettier than the basic server with plastic handle) For me, the v60 is the winner but I just started doing pour overs coming from drip coffee. I am satisfied with what I produce. I may think differently down the line. My 2 cents

[@hermanwillem7057]

@@Adre1987 how so? Kalitta is even better the V60 for me and Chemex is just so good when you can experimenting so many variables while using it and resulting in a fascinating different taste of coffee while just using the same beans

[@Adre1987]

@@hermanwillem7057 they are very similar but v60 has better filters, is more portable and lets the coffee speak more than chemex... Chemex is more a pretty face, v60 is the deal... And about the experimenting, you can do the same things with both

[@7oClockNews]

I started using your V60 technique with my Chemex, but I was definitely worried about the longer drawdown times. Good to know that's a feature, not a bug. Love this series/idea!

[@taibasbleu]

I LOVE my Chemex. Hell, you touched the spot when you said that people create an emotional bond with their Chemex. I even named mine Paracelsus. And it makes the most delightful start of a day and has leveled up my "cheap-quick-espresso" relationship with coffee to a whole new level of taste.

[@precisionsoundworksstudio]

Hi. “Cheap-quick-espresso.” Very interesting. What’s your formula? Care to share?

[@ERSwanger]

We use a metal reusable filter with our chemex. We literally use it every single day and love it. It makes amazing coffee and my husband and I typically hang out in the kitchen together and brew together. It's a great start to our day

[@heunec]

Hey James, I can vouch for the chemex since it is my preferred method of brewing coffee. I have also competed in the Danish brewers cup with the 6 cup version. The high score I have received for the taste of my coffee confirmed (for me at least) that it is an underrated method for brewing in competition and it might not be the easiest way to brew, but when mastered it can produce excelent results. We also use the chemex for hand-brews in our coffeeshop. If you want to hear some of my insights into competing with a chemex let me know, I would be more than happy to share with the coffee community. Regards, Robert

[@CEBS13]

What makes the chemex a chemex? Isn't the essence of the chemex just the thick paper filters? I brew in my chemex and i love it but i still dont get it and when i buy the filters i feel ripped off.

[@revums]

Any advice for brewing in the 13 cup? I was not prepared for how difficult it is to brew pourover at this size.

[@deluxgaming6742]

Please share Robert ^^

[@JS-jy6yq]

Wait, is your shop on the nose of Jutland, Robert? I remember talking to someone there who was in the DBC with the Chemex.

[@gunnarbjarkiii]

Hi, i own a small chemex (i dont use it) and i own v60 and 2 versions of the kalita wave and the aeropress, but i kinda want a big chemes because i just think it looks freaking cool, is it good using a 19vs300g ratio in a big chemex? And isnt there more than one type of the big chemex? And what filters should be used

[@bluemystic7501]

The Chemex took me weeks to dial in. First there was the grind size, then the temperature, then the pouring technique, and finally the duration of the brew. Now that I'm dialed I really enjoy the coffee that comes from my Chemex. I choose to brew more balanced coffees with a medium course grind, temps around 204F, one single slow-ish pour, and a brew time of around 3:30 for the 3 cup.

[@pawel8365]

Bought this thing today, I was hesitant at the price but the coffee it makes and how one makes it is simply superb.

[@jamesohlhausen7869]

I've been an avid coffee enjoyer for maybe 5-6 years now, never really wanted to deal with big bulky home brewers that were hard to clean and never really considered other options, cue James Hoffman video at the start of November this year. In the last month or two I have learned more about coffee than I could ever imagine! I had been considering some options when at my local grocery store I found a gem, its a Chemex style brewer with a metal filter, it has cork instead of wood for the handle and is fairly easy to use, clean, etc. I am lucky to have avoided the air lock problem that happens with paper filters (at the cost of using metal) and have been making it up as I go (no scale or pouring kettle) but I feel like the coffee I make in mine has been astounding all things considered! Cheers! and thanks for all the info!

[@purecharm]

How is his audio so good? Anyone who can make audio this clean must make an equally clean coffee.

[@christianbyard3913]

Discovered and subscribed yesterday, this video drops today. Chemex is our mainstay. Perfect timing 🥰

[@joshuadaponte3256]

Thanks for the all the great coffee tips. Between this and the V60 video I’ve finally got a morning coffee that consistently puts a smile on my face. Balanced, flavorful, aromatic, and delicious.

[@natewiebe7815]

I sometimes have issues with the filter not being completely seated after I rinse it. I've found that holding it down until I first pour water into it has been helpful and prevents me from having to mess with it and try to line it up after it's wet. I've been using mine for about 4 months now and it's far and away my favorite brewer to use for more than one cup. Thanks for the content!

[@jestonhopper5137]

I absolutely adore my chemex. When I really want to get the notes from a coffee that is my go to. to really experience and slow down and enjoy the craft. The cup is delicious from start to finish. My main jam is espresso for weekdays. But pour over is my weekend treat and to be honest I gravitate more toward my chemex especially with a difficult coffee. Chemex just makes it easy in those instances to make an incredible cup of coffee. If I had one method to choose for the rest of my life although I love the ritual of espresso hands down I would have to go with chemex. Love your videos James. You've helped me improve and grow to love coffee even more but love the process and hard work and dedication from the farms to cup. Cheers!

[@Shalloworldmx]

I have never clicked on a video so fast!

[@zacbramante16]

Thank you so much for making this video. I just got a classic wood collar chemex for Christmas and just learning how to PROPERLY use it.

[@hamfastgamwich]

I use a reusable metal mesh filter instead of bothering with the paper. Haven't had any issues in the 4 years of use. Still making great coffee almost every day

[@Mooza1]

What a way to start a day! Great video as usual. I literally just saw one at a store and was wondering a bit about it - all my questions have been answered

[@devilpizza123]

As a Melbournian, my city is obsessed with espresso style coffee and filter coffee didn't become mainstream until the 2010s. I myself bought the Chemex due to it's beautiful aesthetic design and given how coffee obsessed Melbourne was, I was surprised how few shops actually stocked them when I looked for them in the late 2000s. However, the main benefit of living in a coffee mad city is how easy it was to find phenomenal roasters and how absolutely incredible coffee tastes using freshly roasted beans with the chemex. With big name roasters such as Seven Seeds, Dukes and Proud Mary, it's so easy for me to make a great tasting cup without even trying My personal favourite bean origin for the Chemex is Ethiopian as the brew method lends itself well to bringing out the fruity notes so elegantly. I've had my Chemex for over a decade and I have yet to run into any of the problems mentioned in the video such as the seal and washing. The only down side has been the amount of filters that I need to buy for my daily cup.

[@TheSchnerby]

Melburnian, mate. No 'o' in there. Have you tried Inglewood? I like their stuff.

[@Eoin1082]

Hi James. Santa got me Chemex. I love it so far! I have been watching your videos since lockdown 1.0 in Ireland. I would say my coffee enjoyment has gone up immeasurably from following your tips. It has gotten the house through some tough lockdown days. Thanks 🙂

[@markvaccaro9605]

I've been using a Chemex almost every day for the last two years now, and I've noticed that with even putting the thicker side of the filter towards the spout, it would still collapse. So what I started to do was set the corner of the triple side just little off-center of the spout, and I've had WAY fewer collapses since I started to do that. It does occasionally happen still, but not nearly as often as it used to.

[@sebastien.jubinville]

The chemex/V60 are CLEARLY my « Go to » as far as brewing methods goes. The routine, the taste, the look, everything! ☕️❤️

[@ollieking3538]

At the start of the pandemic in March last year, I bought a Chemex and Wilfa Svart off the back of these videos; I'd previously used a rubbish grinder and an Aeropress to varying results. Yeah, it's a bit faffy, and there are probably more consistent brewers out there, but the Chemex makes me smile every morning. It looks great on my countertop, the coffee I make looks (and tastes) great, and it gives me a chance to slow down and start my day in a calm, methodical way. I've so enjoyed spending the last year getting to know this thing, and getting to know coffee better. Thanks for your videos, James!

[@AFTimeLord]

Got really into coffee during self quarantine, and recently got myself a gooseneck kettle and chemex. Took three tries to get it right, really not the brightest bulb in Home Depot, but getting the thumbs up from my wife and grabbing the biggest mug in the house felt fantastic.

[@boygenius538_8]

I use a straw, it’s light so it never touches the coffee but it keeps the air flowing.

[@kcgunesq]

That was sort of my thought. Instead of steel chopsticks, why not stainless steel straw.

[@GilbertNS]

I think it's because chopsticks are way easier to clean well, because if you're using a stainless steel Straw, some of the coffee residue might or will stuck inside the straw, to clean it really well it just needs extra effort for the straws, it's just my personal observation tho

[@etatsopa]

I was going to suggest a steel straw too. Tip: I use them and I just put them in the dishwasher. I’ve never had a problem with getting them clean that way.

[@rameking1]

Yep, stainless steel straw works perfectly for air flow problem. I agree that it's 100% a problem though. They need to add a venting hole at the top of the basin.

[@rameking1]

@Ross Noonan The heat of the water/coffee could cause the bamboo to leach a woody flavor into your brew. I wouldn't. The hot liquid will also degrade your straw much faster than a cold beverage.

[@RebeccaShores]

I love the clean cup a chemex gives. I find washing it annoying with the wooden collar, but I love how beautiful the design is and the way the coffee looks in the brewer so that aspect makes my morning routine a bit nicer and worth the cleaning annoyance.