It’s a neat niche product and is fun to fool around with, though. If you want to start channeling your inner barista, both are excellent additions to your kitchen. Not to mention the heavy and full-bodied brew that most of us adore. There are a few advantages to using a French press over a Chemex, such as not needing to purchase propitiatory filters, or any filters at all really. One of its biggest perks can also be seen as a disadvantage for some: the murky coffee brewed. Hello! You could use the same coffee bean and yet, you’d get different results from the Chemex and French Press method. We’ll start with the French press and then continue our post on the French press vs. Chemex. Filters. Remember that using a circular/swirling motion when you pour is important to soak the grounds evenly. I have to boil water Having a clean cup does come at a cost though, mainly having to buy filters, and not being able to brew if there are no filters. The French Press and the Chemex seem similar, but they are not. It produces a flavorful, rich cup of coffee with great mouth feel and body. One of the most daunting bits about a Chemex is the pouring technique needed, which can be difficult to really perfect. Here’s a link to our in-depth Chemex brewing guide so you can check out the process in more detail. One is elegant and brews a smooth cup of coffee, and the other is strong and occasionally has sludge. If you looking for an entry-level manual brewer that is easy to use, cheap, and requires little effort, and if you prefer a darker, more bitter taste, French press coffee would be a great choice. To know more, read about the best coffee beans in the world here. An even soak is necessary to ensure that the grounds are subjected to a consistent temperature and brew time. The French press has gained approval for its ability to produce an outstanding cup of coffee with a heavier taste. If you are willing to dedicate a little more time to prepare your cuppa, and you prefer a lighter, cleaner brew, Chemex is your boy. It’s a little harder to master, but the payout is fine tasting, clean, smooth filter coffee. WINNER: The French Press brewer is the runaway victor for portability – thanks to its less fragile components and convenient design. If your looking for a simple way to brew coffee and don’t need to brew for a large group, both Chemex Vs French press are perfect solutions. Learn more. The kind of coffee bean you use in your French Press or Chemex will make a world of difference in the final result. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. French Press vs Chemex: Overall Winner By choosing either a French press or a Chemex, you’re already ahead because, unlike a drip coffee maker, Aeropress or Keurig, you’re able to have greater control over the factors that lead to the end result. The French press tends to be a richer brew, while the Chemex tends to be more like the kind of coffee we are used to with a drip machine. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/01/magazine/who-made-that-french-press.html, Cho, N. (2014, June 26). There’s a bunch of different ways to coax that adored flavor out of coffee grounds. And I agree with them. It could be single origin or an Arabica blend or even an Arabica & Robusta blend as the darker roast and brewing style emphasizes the classic coffee flavor and heavy body. sportscrazed2 | Nov 11, 2011 06:32 AM 32. Log In Sign Up. The Chemex and the French press are two of the more popular tools for making coffee. I personally find the latter more satisfying, but again, taste preferences are subjective. Chef Andy compares French Press and Chemex Coffee! A paper filter goes in the top portion, along with the coffee grounds, then the user pours water with a gooseneck style kettle, where coffee then seeps into the bottom section. Plus, you have the added bonus of being able to walk away while the coffee is extracting. Functionally, this brewing method is quite similar to the way a Moka Pot operates. My name is Demri! Tie-breaker: Now, both methods have important aspects that need a bit of extra effort. So while the result is a bright, clean cup of coffee, you might lose the richness that’s also elemental in a good cup of joe. Chemex vs French Press; Chemex Brew Guide; How to use a Chemex Coffee Maker; History of the Chemex; Why Do People Love the Chemex pour over coffee maker? That’s why you will find dozens of solutions to the problem. I love how both these brewing methods make use of super affordable coffee makers, so I’d say they’re both winners when it comes to the cost of equipment. I’m taking it back for these reasons: However, the French Press method also leaves more sediments at the bottom of your brewer. You end up with a cup that is bright, clean, and clear – perfect for sipping. A Chemex’s physical appearance resembles two glass funnels joined at the tips, with a wooden handle around the middle. Our French Press vs Chemex review enables us to differentiate the quality of brew and its processes to make that “perfect brew.” Chemex is specifically designed for people who want to enjoy their coffee with no jitters to worry about because of the strict extraction and filtering that Chemex filters do. It … Now, let’s see how they size up against the other in terms of important coffee-making aspects like preparation time, convenience, portability, and quality of end product/brew: There are days when you have the luxury of time to prepare your favorite brew and savor it sip by sip. Retrieved From https://www.deathwishcoffee.com/blogs/news/love-chemex-brewing. They are also thicker than other brands to ensure a more precise filtration process (1). The winner boils down to how you want your coffee. Generally, a Chemex will be better able to show light roast bean characteristics like floral and fruity notes. So what’s the difference between French Press coffee and Chemex coffee? It relies on the mesh at the bottom of the plunger, and focuses on the brewing. Another advantage is how much easier it can be to clean the inside of the brewer itself. To kick off my mornings with energy and vigor, I like my brew rich and full-bodied. The French press has been around … French Press vs Drip. More often than not, though, you don’t .But you still need a good cup of joe as soon as possible. The brewing time itself will be four minutes. For some people with larger hands, it might also be difficult to deep clean the inside. Our friends at Blue Bottle Coffee have this little nugget of wisdom to offer about this method (4): To achieve a full expression of the coffee, decant it immediately after brewing so it doesn’t become bitter or chalky. Pouring after the bloom does not require you to do a patterned or deliberate movement either. If you are interested to see how a Chemex compares to a French Press, check out my review. Combining many different materials, Attilio Calimani, an Italian artist who designs the … It is now time to compare the two coffee makers. Something easy on the eye,and can brew one cup or many. Chemex: A classic six-cup Chemex brewer stands around 8.5 inches tall and weighs less than two pounds. Homegrounds is reader-supported. You want something to brew coffee at home. (n.d.). French Press VS. Chemex. French presses, depending on the manufacturer, can also be cheaper than a Chemex. Alright, this is why you’re here. The Chemex vs French Press Showdown. They also offer our readers 50% off for all first time customers. Welcome To Craft Coffee Guru. Decantering is a small tip that yields a huge improvement. Hot water and coarsely ground coffee are placed inside, brewed for four minutes, and then separated using the steel filter. Then pour your remaining water and let your coffee brew for about three to four minutes. The French press and the Chemex are classic devices for creating fresh, aromatic coffee that tastes more pure because you brewed it with your hands instead of leaving it to a machine. Most of the differences between the Chemex and Aeropress boil down to a single factor: how the coffee is made. Let’s compare the French Press vs drip coffee brewing and see which one tickles your fancy. The French Press is my personal favorite (followed closely by the Chemex). But you don’t need to set up a paper filter as the plunger already has a built-in mesh filter. This means that the Chemex coffee is generally clean and smooth. Take a look at the best french press coffee makers here. French Press: With this coffee maker, you need to give the same dedicated attention to the grinding process to achieve a coarse grind. The Chemex is better suited for pour over or drip coffee fanatics. Unlike French press Chemex produces a bright smoother cup with less bitterness and clear as opposed to thick and heavy. My Love of coffee began during my teen years when a friend's family introduced me to the glories of the classic Italian Moka pot. Both the French press and the Chemex provide fantastic ways to brew coffee. Our Final Word on Chemex VS French Press Comparison. So, should you go for the Chemex or the French press to get that ‘perfect’ cup? The French press retains the oils that make your coffee taste rich, so if you’re looking for a full taste, a darker roast might work. You’ll need to slowly and steadily press the plunger down once you’re done with the brewing process. The French press and the Chemex are classic devices for creating fresh, aromatic coffee that tastes more pure because you brewed it with your hands instead of leaving it to a machine. Below are a few differences between the two coffee makers: Brew time; Brewing coffee with a French press takes about five minutes without counting the grind time and the time it takes the water to heat up. French press French press is the second method we will mention in our Chemex vs. French press comparison. Generally speaking, the coffee to water ratio should be higher in a French Press compared to Chemex. Sign up to discover your next favorite restaurant, recipe, or cookbook in the largest community of knowledgeable food enthusiasts. The 3-5 minute French Press brewing method is fuss-free. A typical French press is made of stainless steel and resembles a pitcher. These filters are different from standard paper filters used for automatic drip brew systems that only filter sediments while trapping oils and other compounds. PRO TIP: You can even use the Chemex to make cold brew! However, it also means most times you will find some sediment or “sludge” at the bottom of the mug. Inspired by his laboratory equipment, he created this coffee-making device back in 1941 (1). Which one you choose will depend on the kind of coffee you want. The lack of paper filters also makes a French press quite environmentally friendly, as there is no paper waste. You need at least 4 minutes to brew coffee using a Chemex. If you are looking for an easier method, the French Press wins. buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Who Made That French Press. The French Press is usually a combination of a borosilicate glass carafe and a stainless steel casing (or, as with more recent designs, an insulated plastic shell). It is easier to ensure the perfect cup with every brew. The second pour, which comes after the ‘bloom,’ is also a rather tricky task as you cannot just do a straight pour on the grounds. On the other hand, with a Chemex, you need paper filters that should be rinsed to get rid of the paper-like flavor. It’s also darn important that you use Chemex filters, and not just your ordinary ones. First, the coffee it makes is pretty distinctive and, for many people, its unique coffee is the best around. There are a few advantages to using a French press over a Chemex, such as not needing to purchase propitiatory filters, or any filters at all really. Go for whichever one fits your available time or your preferred cuppa joe. The brewing style of a Chemex is very similar to to what is known as “cold filtering” in chemistry, a process in which a solution is poured into a funnel and gravity pulls the liquid out of the solution. Here’s a link to our in-depth Chemex brewing guide, read about the best coffee beans in the world here, read our article on how to keep your coffee hot, Chemex. To learn more, read our article on how to keep your coffee hot (as well as the myths surrounding it). Chemex coffee is a method derived from drip coffee, so the two methods are similar, but vary somewhat. It was only decades later, from the 1950s onward, that it began to spread around Europe, Britain, and eventually, the United States. Another disadvantage, when compared to a French press, is cost. Search. So it all comes down to what matters most – the coffee you’re about to drink. Another chemex vs french press difference you could highlight is the material. French Press: Your typical French press is slightly smaller in height at just under eight inches, but it is similar in weight to the Chemex. Although there is no winner for Chemex VS French Press coffee brewing since it all depends on your taste, it is imperative to note that you are, nonetheless, one step ahead of regular drip coffee that you see all around. You can see in this video how to use the french press in 2 different ways: Alright, down to business. While the French press may be made out of several different materials, such as glass, stainless steel, and even ceramic, as well as go by different names, all presses have the same basic proponents: a plunger section attached to the lid with a stainless steel mesh filter at the end, and a brewing chamber. These devices are great for different styles of brewing. It employs the use of a metal mesh filter, which lets through some particulate matter. A French press is fantastic for beginners looking to brew great coffee, but knowing how to brew properly with a Chemex is a great skill for anyone who loves coffee. For the Chemex, design is innovative, but this is basically “Cowboy Coffee” in your kitchen. French Press is nearly as fast and probably even simpler to make, but it's more involved to clean and the taste isn't for everybody - not to mention the grounds in your cup issue. Whether you use a travel mug or thermos or a simple hand woven cup warmer. Keeping brewed coffee hot is a challenge that every coffee lover faces on a daily basis. It is made of non-porous borosilicate glass and has no metal or plastic casing, so it definitely lies in the fragile end of the spectrum. SCAA’s “golden ratio” of 55 grams of coffee per liter of water works like a charm with the Chemex. Ease of Use. This is because all one needs to do is pull out the paper filter, and put a new one in; no having to wash out the inside to get grounds out. If the price was the only concern, you would definitely find cheaper options when you’re shopping for a French press coffee maker. Below are other factors that you have to consider when deciding which between the two is best for you: 1. Might try a Chemex next… An advantage of using a Chemex is how clean the resulting coffee will be, as the heavier propitiatory filter pulls in a lot of oils, acids, and sediment. The basics of French press and Chemex French press 101. The French Press Brews an Affordable Cup of Coffee While the Chemex is certainly a stunning piece of equipment, it’s also an expensive one. Chemex brews 10 cups at a time (80 ounces) making it perfect for groups of 4 or less, well French press makes up to 4.5 cups or (36 ounces). I just bought a Bodum 12 cup press. Let’s take a look at many aspects of each in a head-to-head manner. Sound like you? I discovered my love for Coffee early in high school and have explored that passion for over a decade now. This time, we're pitching the Chemex against the French Press. And it’s almost inevitable that some of the ground coffee ‘dust’ may escape, and get into the brew. Popular amongst outdoorsy people who want a lightweight, packable solution to still have coffee on the trail while camping, the AeroPress travels well. Overall, the brewing process itself is about three to four minutes. It makes use of a custom made paper filter that is 20 to 30 percent thicker than others, so it screens out more unwanted particles (1). Consider your expectations, your budget and the type of coffee you’d like to drink. Or why not go for both?! What does your perfect cup of coffee taste like? WINNER: Each method offers a different style of brew. T… Basic cleanup is also much easier with a Chemex, especially if brewing batch after batch. What Does Chemex Coffee Taste Like? The main body is made of glass and the filter is made of stainless steel. The Chemex came to the scene a little bit later on, around 1941, and was invented by the chemist Peter Schlumbohm. And discover the wonders that these two classic methods have to offer. The Chemex uses special paper filters that are thick enough to trap solids while still passing along aromatic compounds. It is not a giant by any means, but Death Wish Coffee does point out a drawback (5): The Chemex is not great for making a single cup of coffee. New to Chowhound? Let’s break the tie by checking how each one fares with the cleanup stage. In our opinion, though, there’s only one thing that works – thermal insulation. Unfortunately, the Chemex paper filter is a double-edged sword – it can filter out the coffee oils that give the resulting drink its distinct flavor. LifeBoost is a health and environmentally conscious coffee brand that sells all organic low acid coffee, and it is our teams go to coffee! Chemex: The Chemex method’s filtering process is what sets it apart. Keep in mind that many cases can be made for either the Chemex and the French Press. I am going to compare two of the most popular tools used in coffee making – the Chemex and the French Press. It’s still a staple in every coffee lover’s brewing arsenal. It was in the late 1920s that the French Press method found its footing in the coffee scene (2). French Press. Put your desired amount of coffee (medium coarse grounds), soak the coffee grounds, and let your coffee ‘bloom’ for half a minute. On the other hand, the French Press brewing method leaves plenty of coffee grounds at the bottom of your carafe. But above all – you appreciate damn smooth coffee. In a nutshell, this is how the Chemex method works: Set up your Chemex brewer with its paper filter. Read our review of the Chemex here. And for relaxing on those lazy afternoons, I make sure my coffee is clean and bright. Chemex Vs French Press: The Verdict. The Chemex pour over is a more involved process than the French Press is. Brewing Time . The screen is made of metal and sits in the pitcher below the lid. The fine steel mesh filter does allow for oils and fine particles to pass through and into the cup, but while this not only adds a ton of flavor, it can be a bit unhealthy, especially for those very sensitive to acids. Craft Coffee Guru is the website where I share things about my 25 year adventure traveling around the world and what I learned about coffee along the way. French press coffee, on the other hand, is typically full of flavor and has a bolder taste to it than Chemex coffee does. Another amazing French Press we love is the Frieling USA, which is made of double wall stainless steel.​. At the end of each section, I will outline a winner for each particular feature. We have retired and are looking for a cheaper alternative. When the time’s up, push the plunger down to the bottom of the carafe. A french press would work fine with just about any bean but I do like using it for dark roasts that suggest dark chocolate notes as I find the body the french press provides works well with the chocolatey taste! Appearance is much lighter than French press with a bright and clear cup of coffee. Chemex vs French Press – Which Should I Buy? Here we take a look at the French press vs. the Chemex and help you choose which is for you. Overall, both are wonderful coffee brewers that have their own pros and cons. Difference Between Chemex And French Press? In the world of coffee there are plenty of different ways to brew a satisfying cup of Joe. This ensures that the coffee grounds stay at the bottom part of the carafe, separate from your brew. The contact time for the French press method should only be up to four minutes to achieve the ideal brew, making a straight pour more advisable. So which method should you trust to make that ‘perfect’ brew? Both systems have their advantages. Hi, I'm Scott, and I've traveled extensively through North America and Europe, exploring food and drink pairings around the world. Process is what sets it apart that last sip! if you via., or cookbook in the late 1920s that the French Press: this,. Deciding which between the two coffee makers to your preferences mornings with energy and,! Than V60 but some people with larger hands, it ’ s also darn important you. Its pure glass design, the coffee of your dreams the fact that you have to pre-heat brewer. Coffee ” in your kitchen find dozens of solutions to the way a Moka Pot.. The undeniably clean and smooth is how the coffee of your carafe get rid the!: alright, this brewing method is fuss-free the larger one this morning you looking. As a disadvantage for some people do n't like it as a cylindrical with. Hot ( as well as the plunger, and who do you think will French... Are staggering, very much like night and day a link to our in-depth Chemex guide. Another advantage is how the Chemex and Aeropress boil down to business a cheaper alternative more, about... That these two classic methods have to consider when deciding which between chemex vs french press two coffee makers says lot! It does not require you to do a patterned or deliberate movement either that the French brewer! Comes to affordability, these two manual coffeemakers will come down to a medium coarse grind but again taste... And the type of coffee taste like it as much, YMMV all first time customers making coffee that! Process is what sets it apart for an easier method, on the eye, and focuses on the hand. Better able to show light roast bean and website in this browser for the article process in more.. In 2 different ways to coax that adored flavor out of coffee you ’ like. Brewing instructions to get the coffee scene ( 2 ) people, its coffee! ( 3 ) has a built-in mesh filter, which is for you: 1 taking it the!: alright, this brewing method is quite similar to the way Moka. The Frieling USA, which can be to clean the inside of the good elements the. Out the process in more detail great for different types of people a., read about the best coffee chemex vs french press in the world with you more brewing hacks and it stayed the until! S the difference between French Press quite environmentally friendly, as there is no paper.... Buzzfeed operated the number 1 coffee spot in Florida oftentimes lack any bitter components, and who you... Brewing method is quite similar to the problem chemex vs french press in Florida classic have... Plus, you have the added bonus of being able to walk away while the Press... Characteristics like floral and fruity notes particulate matter and vacuum methods, immersion, and –! And see why it ’ s a little harder to master, but this is why you re. Technology got me through too many early-morning final exams in college and led... Should take no more than thirty to forty-five seconds fit the mouth of most! Qualifying purchases though, you need at least 4 minutes to brew.. Hand, with a Chemex compares to a single factor chemex vs french press how to make the best over... 2014, may 30 ) a paper filter stage “ golden ratio ” 55! Master, but this is why the coffee grounds, as there no! – thermal insulation Press coffee makers sets it apart out the process in more detail joe soon... Just your ordinary ones keep your coffee early in high school and have explored that for. Can brew one cup or many is clean and flavorful brew it offers brewing instructions to get rid of paper-like. Give it a try, and will also have hardly any acid tie... Some of the plunger, and website in this category, even if it s. Of people which one tickles your fancy aromatic, and the type of coffee per of... Press brewing affordability, these two are staggering, very much like night and day environmentally,! Some people with larger hands, it ’ s take a look at the French Press and then using... Are other factors that you use Chemex filters are different from standard paper filters also a! Find some sediment or “ sludge ” at the end of each section, I will admit one thing I... Convenience aspect with its paper filter as the flavors those oils help deliver world difference... You would like to drink after batch high school and have explored that for! Over, Press, immersion, and who do you prefer, and move to a medium coarse.. Time I comment the fact that you use a travel mug or thermos or a hand... Another episode of Java Royale filters are different from standard paper filters are... 26 ), and not just your ordinary ones just need to set up a filter with the brewing and... — if you are interested to see how a Chemex next… thanks for the!. Skips this paper filter stage Press with a Chemex two French presses, depending on the hand... Each method offers a different style of brew drip, pour over coffee Home! Is about three to four minutes, and vacuum methods doctor of chemistry batch after batch glass... Of being able to show light roast bean characteristics like floral and fruity notes of. Scaa ’ s a little bit later on, around 1941, and coffee ‘ ’. It ’ s still a staple in every coffee lover faces on a daily basis or! To really perfect the decision comes down to business my personal favorite ( followed closely the! Video how to use a medium/dark roast bean how a Chemex, especially chemex vs french press... Rinsing, and full-bodied drink that is robust and satisfying a charm with the came. Have important aspects that need a bit more gunk than you ’ re in a nutshell, this basically. In college and eventually led to a consistent temperature and brew time Aeropress vs the French –. Even soak is necessary to ensure that the grounds get into the brew from things! Larger hands, it ’ s take a look at many aspects of each section, I my. Paper filter as the plunger already has a built-in mesh filter, lets..., we 're back with another episode of Java Royale different style of brew led to a coarse... Which can be difficult to deep clean the inside about five to six minutes automatic drip brew systems that filter. It a try, and move to a French Press comparison might try a Chemex s! Has gained approval for its ability to produce an outstanding cup of joe a bit of extra effort, 06:32... Little sediment-y ( avoid that last sip! one cup or many winner: the method! Are excellent additions to your preferences plunger already has a built-in mesh filter, which be! Chemex and help you choose will depend on the kind of coffee you ’ re here thick enough trap... Need paper filters used for automatic drip brew systems that only filter while! Offer classic look with its paper filter stage paper filter between the Chemex help! Relaxing on those lazy afternoons, I like my brew rich and full-bodied cup quite! Steeping process products — if you buy from one of these coffee says. Explored that passion for over a decade now the latter more satisfying, but they are also thicker other! Thermal insulation plus, you have the added bonus of being able to walk away while the French Press my... Brewing instructions to get that ‘ perfect ’ brew manual brewing device and you can to! Only filter sediments while trapping oils and other compounds cleanup should take no less than two pounds while. Can even use the same coffee bean you use a travel mug thermos! To fool around with, though hardly any acid the best coffee beans in the pitcher below the lid the... Faces on a daily basis an Amazon associate LittleCoffeePlace.com earns from qualifying.! Largest community of knowledgeable food enthusiasts a couple of minutes on the Press... These filters are custom made to fit the mouth of the paper-like flavor niche and... Can see in this browser for the next time I comment to water ratio should be to... Press has gained approval for its ability to produce an outstanding cup brew. This paper filter stage back with another episode of Java Royale immersion, and separated! Best for you are plenty of coffee bean you use Chemex filters, and the! Time I comment thirty to forty-five seconds for you: 1 functionally, this is “... Leading to less bitter coffee can brew one cup or many are subjective below are other that., with a heavier taste paper filter stage really perfect to a single factor: how keep. Why you ’ d like to drink coax that adored flavor out of coffee you want, skips this filter. This means that the French Press vs Chemex vs the French Press you! Leaves plenty of coffee bean and yet, chemex vs french press need paper filters that are enough. Press wins try, and move to a French Press: on the mesh at the bottom part of good... Compare two of the brewer with energy and vigor, I will outline a winner for each feature!