Chemex 6-cup: how to use it and which coffee to choose

Do you want to prepare a filter coffee to enjoy slowly or share at the table? The Chemex 6-Cup combines manual preparation and serving in a single borosilicate glass coffee maker. It is a choice to consider if you are looking for an alternative to espresso and want to explore the aromas of single-origin coffees.

In this guide, you will find what to consider before purchasing, a starting recipe, and two coffees from our catalog to pair with your Chemex.

Discover the Chemex 6-Cup and buy it online.

Why choose the Chemex 6-Cup

The Chemex in our catalog has a capacity of approximately 900 ml, is made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass, and features the characteristic wooden collar with a leather tie. The size is suitable for those who want to prepare multiple servings in the same extraction, without repeating the process every time.

The name “6 cups” does not indicate six large mugs: to understand if it is the right size for you, consider the capacity in milliliters and the amount of beverage you usually serve.

Choose it if you like to dedicate a few minutes to preparation and adjust the dose, grind, and pour. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a short coffee with crema, the result is different from that of an espresso machine: here, the star is filter coffee.

What you need to get started

In addition to the coffee maker, prepare Chemex-compatible filters, coffee, hot water, a scale, and a timer. A kettle that allows for a controlled pour helps distribute the water over the coffee bed. If you choose beans, you will also need a coffee grinder.

Before completing the order, check the product details in the Chemex 6-Cup product page. Do not assume that filters and other accessories are included.

Which coffee to buy for the Chemex?

We offer two single-origin coffees with different profiles, so you can choose based on the aromas you want to explore. For both, you can start with the bean version and adjust the grind for filter coffee.

Honduras Marcala: grapefruit, honey, and chocolate

The Honduras Marcala Special Preparation Coffee features notes of grapefruit, chocolate, honey, and yellow flowers, with citric acidity and a light body. It is our recommendation if you are looking for a citrus profile accompanied by sweet nuances.

The product page also recommends filter methods and offers a Light roast in beans. It is a pairing to start with to explore this single-origin coffee with the Chemex.

Choose the Honduras Marcala size.

Ethiopia Sidamo: citrus, berries, and floral notes

The Ethiopia Sidamo Grade 2 Coffee is a washed Arabica with notes of citrus, berries, jasmine, and bergamot. We recommend it if you want to explore a floral and fruity profile.

For filter coffee, you can choose the Light Roast bean version, also indicated on the product page for Chemex. Pay attention to the selection: the “Ground for Moka” variant is not a grind specific to this method.

Discover Ethiopia Sidamo and select Light Roast in beans.

How to use the Chemex: a starting recipe

To start, try 30 g of coffee and 500 g of water. It is a base to adapt to the chosen coffee, not a universal rule: write down the result and change one variable at a time.

1. Prepare the filter. Insert it following the manufacturer's instructions, rinse it with hot water, and empty the coffee maker before adding the coffee.
2. Grind and weigh. Start with a medium-coarse grind, distribute the 30 g in the filter, and gently level the coffee bed.
3. Choose the temperature. Follow the coffee's instructions: for Honduras Marcala, our product page suggests 90–92 °C for filter methods.
4. Wet the coffee. Pour a small initial amount of water to evenly moisten the grounds and wait about 30 seconds.
5. Complete the pour. Gradually add the remaining water, with controlled movements, until you reach a total of 500 g.
6. Taste and adjust. Let the water finish passing through, remove the filter, and serve. Use the first taste to refine the grind and recipe in subsequent preparations.

Frequently asked questions before purchasing

Does the Chemex 6-Cup make about one liter of coffee?

The capacity indicated on our product page is approximately 900 ml. There is no need to fill it completely: you can start with the 500 g water recipe described above.

Is it better to choose coffee beans or coffee ground for Moka?

If you have a coffee grinder, choose beans so you can adjust the grind. Do not select coffee ground for Moka thinking it is equivalent to that for Chemex.

Which of the two coffees to choose to start?

Start with Honduras Marcala if grapefruit, honey, and chocolate intrigue you; choose Ethiopia Sidamo if you prefer to explore floral notes, citrus, and berries.

Prepare your next filter coffee

The starting point is simple: choose the coffee maker, check that you have the necessary filters and equipment, and pair it with a coffee that reflects your tastes.

Buy the Chemex 6-Cup and complete your choice with Honduras Marcala or Ethiopia Sidamo. On the product pages, you will find updated sizes, prices, and availability.