Chemex Classic pour-over coffee maker, Wooden Collar Series
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Invented in 1941 by Dr Peter Schlumbohm, a German-born chemist with over 300 patents to his name, the Chemex is one of the most recognisable pieces of coffee equipment ever made. Its hourglass silhouette, blown from a single piece of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, sits in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Brooklyn Museum. In 1958, 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. What you taste is the coffee itself. Paired with Chemex Bonded Filters, which are 20-30% thicker than standard paper filters, oils, sediment and most of the bitterness are filtered out, leaving a clean, sweet, nuanced cup. Whether you're brewing a bright, fruity East African single origin or a rich, chocolatey Brazilian blend, the Chemex lets those tasting notes shine through clearly.
The Chemex Wooden Collar Series comes in four sizes, from solo brewing to a crowd. The 3-cup (CM-1C) suits solo brewing or a quick morning cup. The 6-cup (CM-6A) is the everyday size for two. The 8-cup (CM-8A) and 10-cup (CM-10A) scale up for a crowd. Each size features the signature polished wooden collar and leather tie, which acts as an insulated handle for safe, comfortable pouring. Ozone Coffee is the official UK importer and distributor of Chemex. All products are genuine and sourced directly from the manufacturer in Massachusetts, USA.
Chemex 3-cup (CM-1C)
- Capacity: 1 pint (approx. 473ml)
- Height: 8¼ inches (21cm)
- Diameter: 3 inches (7.6cm)
- Recommended brew ratio: 18g coffee to 300ml water
- Compatible filters: FP-2, FP-2N (half moon)
Chemex 6-cup (CM-6A)
- Capacity: 30oz (approx. 887ml)
- Height: 8½ inches (21.6cm)
- Diameter: 5⅛ inches (13cm)
- Recommended brew ratio: 30g coffee to 500ml water
- Compatible filters: FS-100, FC-100, FSU-100, FP-1
Chemex 8-cup (CM-8A)
- Capacity: 40oz (approx. 1.18 litres)
- Height: 9⅛ inches (23.2cm)
- Diameter: 5 inches (12.7cm)
- Recommended brew ratio: 36–42g coffee to 600–700ml water
- Compatible filters: FS-100, FC-100, FSU-100, FP-1
Chemex 10-cup (CM-10A)
- Capacity: 50oz (approx. 1.48 litres)
- Height: 9¼ inches (23.5cm)
- Diameter: 5⅛ inches (13cm)
- Recommended brew ratio: 48–54g coffee to 800–900ml water
- Compatible filters: FS-100, FC-100, FSU-100, FP-1
All sizes
- Material: Non-porous, heat-resistant borosilicate glass
- Collar: Polished wood with leather tie
- Dishwasher safe: Yes (remove wooden collar first)
- Made in: USA (Massachusetts)
- BPA-free: Yes
- Does not absorb odours or chemical residues
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.
Which Chemex filters do I need?
The 3-cup Chemex (CM-1C) uses half moon filters (FP-2 or FP-2N). The 6-cup, 8-cup and 10-cup models all use the larger square or circular filters (FS-100, FC-100, FSU-100 or FP-1). Filters are sold separately and you can browse our full range of Chemex filters on site.
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.
What's the difference between bleached and unbleached Chemex filters?
Bleached (white) Chemex filters are oxygen-cleansed for a neutral taste. Unbleached (natural) filters are slightly more environmentally friendly but may impart a subtle papery taste if not rinsed thoroughly before brewing. Rinse either one well and you'll get a clean cup either way.
Why does the Chemex produce such clean-tasting coffee?
The Chemex Bonded Filters are 20–30% heavier than standard paper filters. They hold back more oils, sediment and bitter compounds during brewing. Combined with the non-porous borosilicate glass, which doesn't absorb flavours or odours, you get a clean, pure 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 just as well 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.
Is Ozone Coffee an official Chemex stockist?
Yes, Ozone Coffee is the official UK importer and distributor of Chemex. All our Chemex products are genuine and sourced directly from the manufacturer in Massachusetts, USA. If you're a café or wholesale customer interested in stocking Chemex, get in touch with our wholesale team.
To achieve the best results, use Chemex Bonded Filters designed for your brewer:
3-cup (CM-1C)
6, 8 and 10-cup (CM-6A, CM-8A, CM-10A)
- FS-100 (Pre-Folded Filter Squares)
- FC-100 (Pre-Folded Filter Circles)
- FSU-100 (Pre-Folded Natural Filter Squares)
- FP-1 (Unfolded Filter Circles)
Filters are sold separately. You can explore our full range of Chemex filters here.
Ozone Coffee is the official UK importer and distributor of Chemex, offering the full range of brewers and official Chemex filter papers to suit a variety of brewing setups. If you're looking to use Chemex in your café or become a wholesale partner, get in touch to explore trade options and support.
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Chemex Brew Guide
View all brew guidesHow to brew a Chemex
Coffee: 30g - Medium grind
Water: 500g, 95ºC
- Add 60g water to coffee and leave to bloom
- Wait 30-45 seconds, then add 200g water, add the remaining 240g in stages
- Stir, then remove filter when water has passed through (this should take 3.5-4.5 mins)
Read the full Chemex brew guide