8 Best Chemex Alternative That Matches Quality & Performance

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 2nd, 2023

The Chemex brews better coffee than many of the alternatives, despite the fact that the optimal coffee-making manner is a personal preference. Chemex is likely to produce the best-tasting coffee for many individuals.


But are there any alternatives?

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Before we get into that… here’s something to know about Chemex.

Chemex brewing refers to manually making coffee with a Chemex coffee maker. The Chemex coffeemaker is a pour-over coffeemaker with an hourglass-shaped vessel and a custom-designed filter.

Chemex has been operating since 1941 and is one of the more traditional brewing processes. The Chemex Coffee Maker comes in several sizes and has two distinct handle options.

Even though this coffee maker resembles many of its competitors, it is the thick filter that distinguishes this brewing method. Compared to ordinary coffee filters, Chemex filters are substantially more tightly woven.

They help to regulate coffee flow while also removing a significant amount of body fat and coffee oils. 

The filter slows the passage of water through it, allowing the flavor to develop more fully. 

You can read more about Chemex just below our alternative suggestions to compare if an alternative or Chemex is the right one for you.

Best Chemex alternatives

Technivorm Moccamaster 59616 KBG Coffee Brewer, 40oz

Your brew will be enhanced by the Moccamaster’s beautiful combination of style and consistency.

All you have to do now is measure out your coffee and throw it in. With volume measurements on the water reservoir, accurate brew temperature control with a copper heating element, and a choice of heat plate temperatures to keep your coffee warm, all you have to do now is measure out your coffee and throw it in.

It not only gives any kitchen a contemporary design, but it also makes the greatest drip coffee brew conceivable. 

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

Bodum is a well-known name in the world of coffee accessories, and they know how to produce a great French Press. It necessitates meticulous attention to detail, such as a robust filter plunger that fits snugly to prevent debris from escaping and is simple to clean.

There’s also no need to be concerned about breaking the glass. A shatterproof carafe is available as an alternative. There is a size that is suitable for everyone. Choose from sizes of 12 ounces, 17 ounces, 34 ounces, and 51 ounces. You’ll more than likely be able to feed everyone. 

Bialetti Venus Induction 4 Cup Espresso Coffee Maker

Bialetti is the world’s most popular Moka Pot brand. Bialetti has developed and upgraded its design with the Venus Stainless Steel Moka pot throughout the years, thanks to their knowledge.

Stainless steel is an ideal choice of metal for two reasons: it does not react with the water or coffee inside it, and it works on any type of burner or cooker. This also applies to induction hobs. 

Moke Pots allow you to make espresso-like coffee at home with no effort. Simply pour some cold water into the chamber below the little valve in the bottom chamber. Fill the center coffee basket gently. Attach the top chamber and place it on top of your stove. 


Remove the pot from the heat as soon as you hear the pot’s classic spurting noise, and enjoy.

Melitta 36oz. Pour-Over Coffee Brewer with glass carafe

Melitta, the company, known for making some of the greatest paper coffee filters in the world, has created a two-part pour-over system that works just like a Chemex. The Melitta Pour-Over Coffee Brewer’s primary selling point is how adaptable it is. 

Serve some hot have to your guests using the filtration cone that comes with it over the glass carafe that comes with it. It works with standard flat-bottomed filter papers found in most supermarkets.

As a result, you’ll have no trouble finding the appropriate filter sheets. It’s a tasty concoction. It’s a fantastic option with a lot of flexibility. 

Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker

The Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker is a great way to make coffee at home. It functions in the same way as a Chemex and is, in essence, a Chemex.

The jug has a bulbous base and a wide conical neck for the filter, similar to a Chemex. The Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker, unlike the Chemex, comes with a reusable filter. 

If you use the same quantity of coffee and water in this Bodum as you would in a Chemex, at the same temperature and grind, it will taste exactly like a cup of Java from a Chemex.

This tried-and-true design gives you maximum control over your cup of Joe. Simply place your ground coffee in a filter on top, fill it with hot water, and enjoy a great brew. It is available in a range of sizes and colors for you to select from. As a result, you’ll undoubtedly find a style that suits you. 

Nespresso Pixie by Breville-Titan

We can’t forget about pod machines, especially Nespresso, the king of coffee pod machines. In just 25 seconds, these tiny barista machines are ready to use. Simply place a capsule on the top, slam the lever down, and enjoy instant espresso bliss. 

Holding down one of the two brew buttons for the duration of the pour is all it takes. When you push that button again, the machine will remember how long it poured the previous time and pour for the same amount of time. 

Hario V60 Coffee Dripper

Hario, Japan’s king of coffee devices since 1921, has only recently introduced the V60. Hario’s worldwide fame has been fuelled by this tiny little cone since then.

The simple 60° conical form, which does not have a flat bottom like other filter cones, is ideal for even coffee extraction. This basic design is considerably more successful at brewing coffee than other coffee makers, which may seem hard to believe.

The spiral ribs on the inner side of the cone ensure that as the coffee grounds become wet and absorb the hot water, you’re pouring on it, they have a little amount of space to grow into. This prevents the filter from becoming blocked. 

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

While it is marketed as an espresso maker, it does not produce espresso. Espresso is produced at roughly 9 bar of pressure. Only about 0.7 bar can be produced by AeroPress. The AeroPress is a fantastic portable coffee maker.

Whether you keep it at your office, travel with it, or simply store it in a kitchen drawer out o the way, it makes a fantastic brew without taking up too much space. 

It’s simple to use. Simply fill it with coffee and water, set it on top of your mug to brew for a few minutes, then press the plunger down. 

How to use the Chemex coffee maker?

A kettle, a burr grinder, and a scale are required to use the Chemex coffee machine. You can get away without one of these elements, but your experience will be more difficult to duplicate and will likely take longer.

Pour water over the grounds in circular motions while brewing in the Chemex, keeping the water level slightly above the level of the grounds. It should take at least 4-5 minutes to complete the process. 

The grind is too fine and is managing the flow of water rather than the filter if the brewing process lasts too long. This will result in bitterness and over-extraction, so make your initial effort with a coarse grind. 

What coffee-to-water ratio should I use for the Chemex?

Most other coffee makers use the same ratio of coffee to water as Chemex. For every 6 ounces (or 150 grams) of water, start with 10 grams (or about 2 teaspoons) of coffee. This is a one-to-eight ratio. 

How long does it take to make Chemex coffee?

It should have taken 3.5-4.5 minutes to brew. If the brew went too quickly the first time, try a finer grind or a slower pour rate the next time. If the brew is too slow, try a coarser grind or a faster pour rate.

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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.