Looking for the best Chemex equipment in 2025? The Chemex Classic 8-Cup ($49) tops our list for its iconic design and superior brewing quality, while the Bodum Pour Over ($20) offers excellent value for beginners. These glass pour-over makers deliver clean, flavorful coffee when paired with the proper filters and brewing technique.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Chemex Coffee Makers
| Rank | Product | Capacity | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chemex Classic 8-Cup | 40 oz | $49 | Most versatile size |
| 2 | Chemex Pour-Over 6-Cup | 30 oz | $47 | Small households |
| 3 | Bodum Pour Over 34oz | 34 oz | $20 | Budget-friendly brewing |
| 4 | Chemex 3-Cup | 15 oz | $41 | Single servings |
| 5 | Bodum 17oz Steel Filter | 17 oz | $18 | No paper filters |
| 6 | Chemex 6-Cup Glass | 30 oz | $47 | Classic design |
| 7 | Chemex Classic 10-Cup | 50 oz | $51 | Large batches |
| 8 | Chemex Pour-Over Glass | 40 oz | $49 | Entertaining guests |
| 9 | Chemex 6-Cup Bundle | 30 oz | $62 | Complete starter kit |
| 10 | Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 | 40 oz | $350 | Automatic brewing |
1. Chemex - Chemex Classic Series 8-Cup Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker
The 8-cup Classic Chemex remains the gold standard for pour-over coffee. Its thick borosilicate glass won't absorb odors or chemical residues, ensuring pure flavor in every brew.
The patented design lets you refrigerate leftover coffee and reheat it without losing flavor—something cheaper glass carafes can't match. The wooden collar and leather tie give you a secure grip while brewing.
Best for: Coffee enthusiasts who want the original, most versatile Chemex size.
2. Chemex - Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker - 6 Cup
This 6-cup version brings classic Chemex quality to smaller households. The hourglass design with wooden collar looks stunning on any countertop while brewing smooth, clean coffee.
Made from the same non-porous borosilicate glass as larger models, it delivers identical quality at a smaller scale. Perfect for 1-2 daily coffee drinkers who don't need bulk brewing capacity.
Best for: Couples or small households seeking premium pour-over quality.
3. Bodum - Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker - 34oz Glass Carafe
This pour-over maker offers excellent value with its permanent stainless steel filter—no need to keep buying paper filters. The mesh filter lets natural oils through for fuller-bodied coffee compared to Chemex's paper filters.
The cork grip band stays cool during brewing and provides secure handling. At $20, it's perfect for testing whether pour-over brewing suits your routine before investing in premium equipment.
Best for: Budget-conscious coffee lovers who prefer reusable filters.
4. Chemex - Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee Maker - 3 Cup
The smallest Chemex model brews 15 ounces—perfect for solo coffee drinkers or testing new beans. Despite its compact size, it delivers the same clean, flavorful extraction the brand is known for.
The reduced brewing volume means faster morning routines without sacrificing quality. Store it easily in small kitchens or take it to the office for fresh-brewed coffee away from home.
Best for: Single-cup brewers who want Chemex quality without bulk.
5. Bodum - Bodum 17oz Pour Over Coffee Maker with Steel Filter
This compact pour-over maker combines affordability with practical features. The permanent steel filter eliminates ongoing filter costs while preserving coffee oils for richer flavor.
Both carafe and filter are dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless after your morning brew. The 17-ounce capacity hits the sweet spot for 1-2 cups without excess.
Best for: Eco-conscious brewers who want minimal waste and easy maintenance.
6. Chemex - Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker - 6-Cup
This 6-cup variant delivers Chemex's signature brewing quality with elegant design. The non-porous glass preserves every subtle flavor note while the paper filters remove oils and sediment for exceptional clarity.
Brew coffee directly in the carafe, then serve at the table—the timeless design doubles as beautiful serving ware. Perfect for weekend mornings when you have time to enjoy the brewing ritual.
Best for: Design-conscious coffee lovers who appreciate form and function.
7. Chemex - Chemex Classic 10-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker
The largest classic Chemex handles serious coffee volume—50 ounces for entertaining or high-consumption households. Despite its size, it maintains the same precise extraction that smaller models deliver.
The larger capacity requires more attention during brewing, but rewards you with consistent quality across the full batch. Store brewed coffee in the fridge and reheat without flavor loss.
Best for: Large households or frequent entertainers needing bulk brewing capacity.
8. Chemex - Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
This timeless Chemex model showcases why the design has remained unchanged for decades. High-quality borosilicate glass ensures no absorption of odors or residues, batch after batch.
The 8-cup capacity serves most households comfortably. Whether brewing for guests or meal-prepping coffee for the week, this model handles it with consistent results.
Best for: Those seeking proven Chemex quality in the most popular size.
9. Chemex - CHEMEX 6-Cup Classic Series Bundle with Filters
This complete bundle includes everything needed to start brewing immediately—6-cup Chemex, bonded filters, and instructions. No hunting for compatible filters or guessing grind sizes.
The included filters are specifically designed for Chemex's paper thickness and cone shape. This bundle removes the guesswork from getting started with pour-over brewing.
Best for: Pour-over beginners who want a complete, ready-to-brew setup.
10. Chemex - Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 Electric Coffee Maker Set
This electric brewer automates the classic Chemex method for consistent results. One-touch operation delivers hot or iced coffee without manual pouring, perfect for busy mornings.
The 40-ounce water reservoir makes up to 8 cups automatically. While significantly pricier than manual Chemex models, it offers convenience without sacrificing the clean, flavorful extraction Chemex is known for.
Best for: Coffee lovers who want Chemex quality with automatic convenience.
Brewing Perfect Chemex Coffee
Getting the best results from your Chemex requires attention to three key factors:
Water temperature: Heat water to 200°F (just off boiling). Too hot causes bitter over-extraction, too cool leaves you with weak, sour coffee.
Grind size: Medium-coarse works best—similar to sea salt texture. Fine grinds clog the filter and create bitter coffee, while coarse grinds under-extract.
Brew ratio: Start with 1:15 coffee to water (30g coffee to 450ml water). Adjust based on taste preference—more coffee for stronger brew, less for lighter cups.
Essential Chemex Technique
- Rinse the filter with hot water to remove paper taste and preheat the carafe
- Add ground coffee and create a small well in the center
- Bloom by pouring twice the coffee's weight in water—wait 30-45 seconds
- Pour remaining water in slow, circular motions from center outward
- Total brew time should be 3.5-4.5 minutes for optimal extraction
▶ What size Chemex should I buy?
▶ Can I use regular coffee filters in a Chemex?
▶ How do I prevent bitter Chemex coffee?
▶ Are Bodum pour-over makers as good as Chemex?
▶ How often should I replace Chemex filters?
Final Thoughts
The Chemex Classic 8-Cup ($49) remains the best choice for most coffee lovers, offering versatility and proven quality. For budget-conscious buyers, the Bodum 34oz Pour Over ($20) delivers solid performance with reusable filters.
Start with quality equipment, fresh beans ground to medium-coarse, and proper technique. The Chemex brewing method rewards attention to detail with exceptionally clean, flavorful coffee that highlights each bean's unique characteristics.
