There’s a quiet magic in the morning coffee ritual, especially when it’s shared. It’s the gentle start to a weekend, a moment of connection before the day’s chaos, a silent conversation over two steaming mugs. And when it comes to crafting that perfect shared experience, few brewers can match the elegance and excellence of the Chemex.
But brewing for two can feel like a guessing game. Too little, and you’re left wanting more. Too much, and you’re wasting precious beans.
Fear not. This is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of Chemex coffee for two. We’ll demystify the process, dial in the perfect recipe, and transform your kitchen counter into a bona fide specialty coffee bar for you and your favorite person. Whether you’re a complete beginner captivated by the Chemex’s hourglass figure or a seasoned brewer looking to perfect your shared cup, you’re in the right place.
Why the Chemex is Perfect for Two
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” What makes this simple glass vessel the ideal choice for a duo?
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Unparalleled Clarity and Cleanliness: The secret to the Chemex lies in its proprietary bonded paper filters. They are 20-30% thicker than standard filters, removing virtually all sediment, oils, and bitter compounds. The result is an exceptionally clean, bright, and nuanced cup of coffee. When you’re sharing high-quality beans, you want to taste the delicate floral notes or the bright citrusy acidity, not the brewing process. The Chemex lets the coffee’s origin story shine.
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The Ideal Batch Size: While Chemex comes in various sizes, the 6-Cup Classic Chemex is the undisputed champion for two people. It comfortably brews up to 30 ounces (about 900ml), giving you two generous 12-15 ounce mugs without pushing the brewer to its limits. It’s the Goldilocks of coffee makers—just right.
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An Object of Beauty: Let’s be honest: the Chemex is gorgeous. Designed by chemist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm in 1941, it’s a piece of functional art that has a permanent spot in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Its elegant hourglass shape, wooden collar, and rawhide tie make it something you’re proud to leave on your counter. The process itself is a visual delight, making the ritual of brewing as enjoyable as the drinking.
Gearing Up: Your Chemex Toolkit for Two
Consistency is the key to repeatable, delicious coffee. Having the right tools will take the guesswork out of your morning ritual and guarantee a great cup every time.
The Essentials
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A 6-Cup Chemex Brewer: This is the perfect size for brewing between 500ml and 800ml of coffee, which is the sweet spot for two people.
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Chemex Bonded Filters (Unbleached or White): Specifically, the square (FS-100) or pre-folded circle (FC-100) filters designed for the 6, 8, and 10-cup models. Don’t skimp here; generic filters won’t deliver the signature Chemex clarity.
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A Digital Kitchen Scale: This is the single most important tool for improving your coffee. Brewing is about ratios, and measuring your beans and water by weight (in grams) is non-negotiable for consistency. Eyeballing is a recipe for disappointment.
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A Quality Burr Grinder: Freshly ground coffee is paramount. A burr grinder provides a consistent grind size, which is crucial for even extraction. A blade grinder smashes beans into a mix of dust and boulders, leading to a brew that’s simultaneously bitter and sour.
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Good Coffee Beans: You can’t make great coffee with bad beans. Choose a fresh, whole-bean coffee from a local roaster if possible.
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A Kettle: Any kettle will work to heat your water, but for a significant upgrade in control, see below.
The Nice-to-Haves (That Make a Big Difference)
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Gooseneck Kettle: The long, slender spout of a gooseneck kettle gives you pinpoint control over the speed and placement of your water. This allows for a more gentle and even saturation of the coffee grounds, leading to a better extraction.
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A Timer: Your phone’s stopwatch works perfectly. Timing your brew helps you diagnose any issues and repeat your successes.
The Golden Ratio: Nailing the Numbers for Two
Let’s get down to the data. The world of coffee brewing revolves around the coffee-to-water ratio. A great starting point for most pour-over methods, including the Chemex, is a 1:16 ratio (1 part coffee to 16 parts water).
For two generous mugs, we’ll aim to brew 700g (or 700ml) of coffee.
Here’s the simple math:
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Total Water: 700g
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Coffee Dose: 700g ÷ 16 = 43.75g
We’ll round that up to a clean 44 grams of coffee. This will yield approximately 600-620g of brewed coffee, as the grounds will retain some water. This is perfect for two 10-11 ounce (300g) servings.
| Chemex for Two: Recipe Card | |
| Brewer | 6-Cup Chemex |
| Coffee Dose | 44g |
| Water | 700g (plus extra for rinsing) |
| Grind Size | Medium-Coarse (like kosher salt) |
| Water Temperature | 195-205°F (90-96°C) |
| Target Brew Time | 4:00 – 5:00 minutes |
| Ratio | ~1:16 |
The Ritual: A Step-by-Step Brew Guide
With our gear and numbers ready, let’s begin the ritual.
Total Time: 5-7 minutes
Step 1: Prep & Rinse
Heat about 1000g of water in your kettle. You’ll use 700g for brewing and the rest for rinsing. While it heats, place the Chemex filter in the top of the brewer. If you have the square filter, ensure the triple-folded side is facing the pouring spout.
Once your water is hot, pour about 200-300g of it through the filter, wetting it completely. This serves two crucial purposes:
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It rinses away any paper taste from the filter.
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It preheats your Chemex, preventing your coffee from cooling down too quickly.
Swirl the hot water in the bottom of the Chemex and carefully discard it through the spout.
Step 2: Grind & Dose
Measure out 44g of whole bean coffee and grind it to a medium-coarse consistency. It should look and feel similar to kosher salt or coarse sand.
Pour the grounds into the rinsed filter and give the Chemex a gentle shake to level the coffee bed. You can even use your finger to create a small divot in the center, which will help ensure even saturation during the bloom. Place the entire setup on your digital scale and tare it to zero.
Step 3: The Bloom (The Magic Moment)
This is where the magic begins. Start your timer and gently pour about 90g of water over the coffee grounds, starting from the center and spiraling outward. Ensure all the grounds are saturated.
You’ll see the coffee bed puff up and bubble. This is called the bloom, where trapped CO2 gas from the roasting process is rapidly released. A vibrant bloom is a sign of fresh coffee!
Let the coffee bloom for 45 seconds. This step is vital for a balanced extraction.
Step 4: The Main Pour
After the bloom, it’s time for the main pour. The goal is to pour slowly and steadily to maintain an even water level. We’ll do this in two stages.
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First Pour: Begin pouring again in a slow, circular motion, avoiding the very edges of the filter. Pour until the scale reads 400g. Let the water level drain about halfway. This should take you to about the 2:00 minute mark.
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Second Pour: Resume pouring gently until the scale reaches the final weight of 700g. The aim is to have all the water in by the 3:00 minute mark.
Step 5: The Drawdown & Serve
Now, let the water drain completely through the coffee bed. This final phase is the “drawdown.” The entire process, from the first pour of the bloom to the last drip, should take between 4:00 and 5:00 minutes.
Once the dripping slows to about one drip every few seconds, lift the filter (carefully—it’s hot!) and place it in your sink or compost bin.
Give the brewed coffee in the Chemex a confident swirl. This iconic “Chemex swirl” aerates the coffee slightly and ensures the brew is homogenous. Pour into two of your favorite mugs, find a cozy spot, and enjoy the flawless coffee you just crafted together.
Troubleshooting Your Brew for Two
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If your coffee tastes bitter or harsh… this usually means it’s over-extracted.
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Solution: Your grind was likely too fine, or your brew time was too long. Try a coarser grind setting next time. This will allow water to pass through more quickly.
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If your coffee tastes sour, weak, or thin… this usually means it’s under-extracted.
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Solution: Your grind was likely too coarse, not giving the water enough time to extract the delicious flavors. Try a finer grind setting next time. This will slow down the brew and increase extraction.
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If your brew finished too fast (under 4 minutes)… your grind is too coarse.
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If your brew choked and took too long (over 5:30 minutes)… your grind is too fine.
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Chemex Game
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Explore Different Beans: The Chemex is a showcase for delicate, complex coffees. Try a light-roast single-origin from Ethiopia or Kenya to experience incredible floral and fruity notes you might have never tasted in coffee before.
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Water Matters: Your coffee is 98% water. If your tap water doesn’t taste great, your coffee won’t either. Using a simple carbon filter (like a Brita) can make a world of difference.
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Play with the Ratio: Our 1:16 ratio is a fantastic starting point. If you prefer a stronger, more robust cup, try a 1:15 ratio (44g coffee to 660g water). For a lighter, more tea-like body, try a 1:17 ratio (44g coffee to 750g water).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size Chemex is best for two people?
A: The 6-Cup Chemex is the ideal size. It provides ample room for a 700g brew without being cumbersome, yielding two perfect mugs of coffee.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee in my Chemex?
A: You can, but you will see a massive improvement in flavor by grinding fresh. Pre-ground coffee loses its aromatic compounds quickly and is often ground for a generic drip machine, which may not be the right size for your Chemex, leading to a poor extraction.
Q: Do I really need a scale and a gooseneck kettle?
A: You can make coffee without them, but they are the two biggest upgrades to your brewing consistency and quality. The scale is more important than the kettle. If you have to choose one, get the scale first. It eliminates guesswork and is the key to a repeatable recipe.
Q: How do I clean my Chemex?
A: It’s easy! Remove the wooden collar and tie. You can then hand-wash it with warm, soapy water and a bottle brush, or simply place it in the dishwasher.
The Chemex is more than just a coffee maker; it’s an invitation to slow down, to be present, and to create something beautiful. By mastering this simple ritual for two, you’re not just making better coffee—you’re crafting better mornings, together.
