How to Make Chemex Pour Over Coffee

Wondering how to make pour over coffee? Not only does a Chemex produce a clean and well balanced cup of coffee, it also looks great on the brunch table. The Chemex is timeless. It’s easy to use and easy to look at. What’s not to love?

A batch of coffee in a Chemex coffee maker sits on a table right after being brewed.

What you’ll need to make Chemex pour over coffee:

  • Chemex
  • Chemex filter
  • Prime Roast coffee, ground medium (#5.5  commercial grinder)
  • Hot water just off the boil

Time needed: 5 minutes.

How to Make Chemex Pour Over Coffee

  1. Place and rinse the filter.

    Place the filter in the brewer. Rinse the filter with hot water to preheat and create a seal between filter and brewer. Pour out rinse water while keeping the filter sealed to the brewer’s walls.
    A coffee roaster demonstrates how to rinse a Chemex coffee filter.

  2. Add coffee grounds.

    Add two Tablespoons of ground coffee (medium grind) per 8 ounces of water. This can vary depending on desired strength. It’s best to grind the coffee as close to brewing as possible.
    A coffee roaster demonstrates how to add coffee grounds to the filter of a Chemex coffee maker.

  3. Boil and pour the hot water.

    Boil water and then let it sit 2-3 minutes after boiling. Ideal temperature is 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is too hot it will result in bitter coffee. Pour hot water just until coffee grounds are wet.
    A coffee roaster demonstrates how to pour water into a Chemex coffee maker.

  4. Let coffee bloom.

    Allow the coffee grounds to bloom for 30 seconds.
    Coffee grounds bloom in the filter of a Chemex coffee maker.

  5. Pour the remaining water.

    Slowly pour the remaining water over the grounds until desired amount of coffee has been brewed. You can use a gooseneck kettle for precise pouring.
    A coffee roaster demonstrates how to pour a second batch of water into a Chemex coffee maker.

  6. Toss the filter, pour, and enjoy!

    Discard the filter, pour the coffee, and enjoy hot!
    A coffee roaster pours coffee from a Chemex coffee maker into a mug.

What type of coffee should you use in a Chemex pour over coffee maker?

It is best to use coffee beans that have been ground to a medium grind in a Chemex. You can browse all of our coffees to find a roast or flavor that best suits your taste. At checkout, just select “Medium (Drip, Paper Filter)” as the grind type, and you’ll have freshly ground coffee ready to be used in your Chemex delivered to your doorstep in no time!