Chemex Pour Over (Wooden Collar)

The Chemex Classic Series pour-over coffee maker is one of the most celebrated brewing devices ever created. Invented in 1941 by Dr Peter Schlumbohm, a German-born chemist with over 300 patents to his name, the Chemex was designed to deliver the perfect cup of coffee through precise extraction and superior filtration. Its elegant hourglass silhouette, crafted from a single piece of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, has earned the brewer a permanent place in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Brooklyn Museum. The Illinois Institute of Technology named it one of the 100 best-designed products of modern times.

What sets the Chemex apart from other pour-over brewers is the clarity and depth of flavour it produces. The non-porous borosilicate glass imparts no chemical residues or unwanted tastes, ensuring you experience only the coffee's true character. When paired with Chemex Bonded Filters - which are 20-30% thicker than standard paper filters - oils, sediment and bitterness are removed entirely, leaving a remarkably clean, sweet and nuanced cup. Whether you're brewing a bright, fruity East African single origin or a rich, chocolatey Brazilian blend, the Chemex allows the subtle tasting notes to shine through in a way few other brewing methods can match.

The Chemex Wooden Collar Series is available in four sizes to suit every household. The 3-cup (CM-1C) is perfect for solo brewing or a quick morning cup, the 6-cup (CM-6A) offers versatility for couples or daily use, and the 8-cup (CM-8A) and 10-cup (CM-10A) let you brew for a crowd without compromising on quality. Each size features the signature polished wooden collar and leather tie, which acts as an insulated handle for safe, comfortable pouring. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What grind size should I use for a Chemex? A medium to medium-coarse grind works best for Chemex brewing. The consistency should resemble coarse sea salt. If your coffee tastes bitter or over-extracted, try a coarser grind; if it tastes weak or sour, go finer. Our grind size guide has more detail on dialling in your perfect brew.

How long should a Chemex brew take? A typical Chemex brew should take between 3.5 and 4.5 minutes from the first pour to the last drop. If it's draining too quickly, your grind may be too coarse; if it's taking much longer, the grind is likely too fine.

Can I put my Chemex on the hob to keep coffee warm? The Chemex can be placed on a glass-top or ceramic stove on a low setting. However, it should never be placed directly on a gas flame or electric coil without a wire grid, as this can cause the glass to crack. For best results, we recommend brewing fresh or using a separate carafe warmer.

Is the Chemex dishwasher safe? Yes, the glass carafe is dishwasher safe. Simply remove the wooden collar and leather tie before washing. The collar can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and should not be submerged in water.

Why does the Chemex produce such clean-tasting coffee? The Chemex Bonded Filters are 20–30% heavier than standard paper filters, removing more oils, sediment and bitter compounds during brewing. Combined with the non-porous borosilicate glass, which doesn't absorb flavours or odours, the result is an exceptionally pure and clean cup.

How much coffee does each Chemex size actually make? The "cup" measurements refer to 5oz American coffee cups, not standard mugs. In practical terms, the 3-cup makes roughly one large mug, the 6-cup makes two to three mugs, the 8-cup makes three to four mugs, and the 10-cup makes four to five mugs.

Can I brew tea in a Chemex? Absolutely. The Chemex works beautifully for loose-leaf tea. Simply place the tea leaves in a rinsed filter and pour hot water over them as you would with coffee. The result is a clean, sediment-free brew.

Master the Method: Want to perfect your pour? Follow our step-by-step Chemex Brew Guide for expert tips on water temperature, bloom time, and pouring technique.

Useful Chemex

1-3 Cup (CM-1GH)

• Unfolded Half Moon Filters (FP-2)

3-6, 6-8, and 8-10 Cup (CM-6GH, CM-8GH, CM-10GH)

• Pre-Folded Filter Squares (FS-100)
  
• Pre-Folded Filter Circles (FC-100)
  
• Unfolded Filter Circles (FP-1)