Chemex Coffee Maker

Few brewers have earned their place in design history quite like the Chemex. Invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, a German chemist who applied the same precision he used in the laboratory to the art of brewing coffee, the Chemex has remained virtually unchanged for over 80 years. Its iconic hourglass silhouette, hand-blown from non-porous borosilicate glass and finished with a polished wood collar and leather tie, is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, a fitting recognition of a brewer that is as elegant as it is functional.

The Chemex produces a remarkably clean, bright cup of coffee. That's largely down to the proprietary Chemex paper filters, which are 20-30% thicker than standard coffee filters and based on laboratory-grade bonded paper. They remove oils, fine sediment, and bitterness that most other brewing methods leave behind, allowing the true character of the coffee to come through with real clarity. Brew and serve from the same vessel, and if you have any left over, the carafe can be covered and refrigerated without the coffee picking up any unwanted flavours from the glass. For a full walkthrough of grind size, water temperature, and pour technique, our Chemex brew guide has everything you need to get started.

Available in two sizes, the 3-cup suits solo brewers or those with limited counter space, while the 6-cup is the most versatile option, comfortably serving two to three people or giving a single drinker enough for several cups across the morning. Ozone is an official Chemex distributor in New Zealand, so you can be confident you're getting a genuine product with full support. Chemex paper filters are sold separately.

• Brand: Chemex (USA)
• Brewing method: Pour-over
• Material: Non-porous borosilicate glass (same grade as laboratory glassware)
• Collar: Polished wood with leather tie
• Country of manufacture: USA (handcrafted in Massachusetts)
• Dishwasher safe: Yes (glass carafe only, collar and leather tie must be removed)
• Filters required: Chemex Bonded filters (sold separately)
• 3-cup (Classic Series)
  • Product code: CM-1C
  • Capacity: 15oz / 1 pint
  • Height: 8.25" (21cm)
  • Diameter: 3" (7.5cm)
  • Compatible filters: FP-2 / FP-2N (halfmoon, unfolded)
• 6-cup (Classic Series)
  • Product code: CM-6A
  • Capacity: 30oz
  • Height: 8.5" (21.6cm)
  • Diameter: 5.125" (13cm)
  • Compatible filters: FS-100, FSU-100, FC-100, FP-1

What is the difference between the 3-cup and 6-cup Chemex? The 3-cup (CM-1C) has a capacity of 15oz and is ideal for solo brewing or compact spaces. The 6-cup (CM-6A) holds 30oz and is the more versatile option, well suited to brewing for two or three people, or for making a larger batch for yourself across the morning. Note that Chemex measures a "cup" as 5oz, so the 6-cup brewer produces 30oz of coffee, not six standard mugs.

What filters do I need for the Chemex? The 3-cup Chemex uses the FP-2 halfmoon filter, which requires a simple fold before use. The 6-cup uses the FS-100 pre-folded square filter. Both are available from Ozone. It's important to use genuine Chemex Bonded filters; standard paper filters are too thin and won't perform correctly in the Chemex brewing process.

Does the Chemex come with filters? No, filters are sold separately. You can pick up the correct filters for your brewer on our Chemex paper filters page.

What grind size should I use with a Chemex? A medium-coarse grind is recommended, roughly the texture of coarse sea salt. Too fine and the brew will slow significantly and taste bitter; too coarse and it will run through too quickly and taste weak. Aim for a total brew time of around 3.5 to 4.5 minutes as a starting point, and adjust from there. Our Chemex brew guide covers this in detail.

Is the Chemex dishwasher safe? The glass carafe is dishwasher safe once the wood collar and leather tie have been removed. To avoid breakage, make sure the carafe is secure and not knocking against other items in the machine. Hand washing is always a safe option if in doubt.

What kind of coffee works best in a Chemex? The Chemex's thick filters and clean extraction make it particularly well suited to highlighting the more delicate, nuanced characteristics of lighter roasted, single-origin coffees. Floral, fruity, and tea-like coffees tend to shine through beautifully. That said, it's a flexible brewer and will produce an excellent cup with a wide range of roast profiles.

Can I keep brewed coffee in the Chemex? Yes. Because the Chemex is made from non-porous borosilicate glass, it won't absorb flavours or chemical residues. Brewed coffee can be covered and refrigerated in the carafe and reheated without any off-flavours from the vessel.

Does the Chemex have any plastic or metal parts? No. The Classic Series is made entirely from borosilicate glass, polished wood, and leather. There are no plastic components and no moving parts, which is part of the reason a well-cared-for Chemex can last a lifetime.

Why is the Chemex in the Museum of Modern Art? The Chemex was recognised by MoMA as one of the finest examples of modern design, a brewer whose form is inseparable from its function. Dr. Schlumbohm's background in chemistry informed every element of the design, from the hourglass shape to the proprietary filter system, and the result is a piece that is as visually compelling as it is practical.

Is Ozone an official Chemex stockist? Yes. Ozone is an official Chemex distributor in New Zealand, meaning all products are genuine and come with full manufacturer support.