Chemex vs. French Press: Which One Brews Better Coffee?
Choosing a coffee brewer can be a complex decision for enthusiasts. The Chemex and the French press are two popular manual brewing methods that produce distinctly different results. The fundamental difference lies in their design and brewing process: the Chemex is a pour-over method using a thick paper filter, while the French press is an immersion method using a metal mesh filter. This guide examines the differences between these two brewers to help you decide which one best suits your preferences.
At a Glance: Chemex vs. French Press
| Feature | Chemex | French Press |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing Method | Pour-over / Gravity-fed Drip1 | Full Immersion / Steeping2 |
| Filter Type | Thick, proprietary bonded paper filter1 | Reusable metal mesh filter2 |
| Flavor Profile | Clean, bright, nuanced, with highlighted acidity1 | Rich, robust, bold, and chocolatey3, 8 |
| Body & Mouthfeel | Light, smooth, and tea-like8, 11 | Full, heavy, and creamy with a thicker mouthfeel2, 11 |
| Clarity | Very high; filter traps oils and fine sediment1 | Lower; oils and some fine sediment are present in the cup2 |
| Grind Size | Medium-coarse6 | Coarse6 |
| Brew Time | Approximately 3.5–5 minutes1 | Approximately 4 minutes2 |
| Ease of Use | Requires more technique and precision in pouring1 | Simple and forgiving for beginners2, 12 |
| Cleanup | Easy; simply remove and discard the paper filter1, 2 | More involved; requires scooping grounds and washing the mesh plunger2 |
The Brewers: Design and History
Chemex
The Chemex coffeemaker is an iconic, hourglass-shaped glass flask, distinguished by its polished wood collar and leather tie.4 Invented in 1941 by chemist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, its elegant design is celebrated as a piece of functional art and is featured in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.4
French Press
The French press, also known as a press pot or plunger pot, typically consists of a cylindrical carafe made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. It includes a lid and a plunger with a fine metal mesh filter attached. Coffee is brewed by steeping the grounds directly in water and then pressing the plunger to separate the liquid from the spent grounds.2
Brewing Principles and Process
Chemex: The Pour-Over Method
Brewing with a Chemex is a meticulous process that highlights control and precision. After placing a special, thick paper filter in the cone, medium-coarse coffee grounds are added. A common starting ratio is 1 gram of coffee to 15–17 grams of water.1 The process begins with the "bloom," where a small amount of hot water is poured to saturate the grounds, releasing trapped gases. The remaining water is then poured slowly and evenly in a circular motion, with the entire brew taking 4-5 minutes. The thick filter is key to the Chemex's unique character, as it traps nearly all oils and fine sediment.1, 5
French Press: The Immersion Method
The French press offers a more straightforward, forgiving brewing process. Coarsely ground coffee is placed in the carafe, followed by hot water, typically at a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 to 1:17.1, 2 The coffee and water are steeped together for approximately 4 minutes, allowing for full immersion. After steeping, the metal mesh plunger is pushed down slowly, trapping the coarse grounds at the bottom of the carafe. Because it uses a metal filter, the natural oils and some fine particles remain in the final brew, which is central to its flavor profile.2, 6
Flavor, Body, and Recommended Coffees
Chemex Coffee: Clean and Nuanced
The Chemex produces a remarkably clean, bright, and clear cup of coffee. By removing the oils and sediment, the paper filter creates a lighter, tea-like body and a smooth mouthfeel. This clarity allows the subtle and nuanced flavors of the coffee beans to shine through. This method is exceptionally well-suited for highlighting the delicate characteristics of single-origin coffees, especially those with bright, acidic, floral, or fruity notes, such as beans from Ethiopia or Kenya.1, 14
French Press Coffee: Rich and Robust
The French press creates a rich, bold, and full-bodied coffee with a heavy, creamy mouthfeel. The presence of natural coffee oils and fine sediment, which pass through the metal filter, gives the coffee a robust flavor and a texture that coats the palate. This method is ideal for those who prefer a strong, heavy cup of coffee. It pairs well with medium to dark roast coffees that feature deep, chocolatey, and nutty flavor profiles, such as beans from Sumatra or Brazil.3, 15
Health and Caffeine Considerations
The choice of filter has potential health implications. The thick paper filter of the Chemex is effective at trapping cafestol and kahweol, two compounds known as diterpenes. Studies have linked these compounds, found in coffee oils, to an increase in LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.9, 10 Because the French press's metal filter allows these oils to pass into the cup, health-conscious drinkers may prefer the Chemex.
Regarding caffeine, the content per cup is largely similar when using an equal dose of coffee. However, the longer, full immersion of the French press can sometimes lead to a slightly higher caffeine extraction compared to a pour-over.2, 5
Equipment and Cost
The initial and ongoing costs for these brewers differ. A Chemex brewer typically costs around $45, but it requires proprietary paper filters that add an ongoing expense of about $0.10 per brew.13 French press brewers are generally more affordable, with models starting around $20, and they do not require any disposable filters, making the long-term cost lower.13
Conclusion: Which Brewer Is Right for You?
The best brewer is the one that makes the coffee you love to drink. Your choice ultimately comes down to personal preference for taste, texture, and the brewing experience itself.
- Choose the Chemex if: You value a clean, bright, and sediment-free cup that highlights the subtle, delicate flavor notes of single-origin beans. You appreciate aesthetic design, enjoy the ritual of a pour-over process, and prefer a coffee with lower levels of diterpenes.
- Choose the French Press if: You prefer a rich, bold, and full-bodied coffee with a heavy, creamy mouthfeel. You want a straightforward and forgiving brewing method that consistently produces a strong cup and want to avoid the recurring cost of paper filters.
Works Cited
- Cafely. (n.d.). Brew Guide: Chemex (Pour-Over Coffee).
- Epicurious. (n.d.). How to Use a French Press.
- Sabbath Coffee Roasters. (n.d.). Brewing with the French Press.
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Chemex Coffeemaker. Retrieved from wikipedia.org.
- GetFlask. (n.d.). “Chemex vs French Press: What's the Difference?”
- Perfect Daily Grind. (n.d.). From French Press to Pour Over: What You Need to Know.
- The Kitchn. (n.d.). How To Make French Press Coffee (Step-by-Step Guide).
- McGill University Office for Science and Society. (n.d.). Is Filtered Coffee Better for You?.
- NutritionFacts.org. (n.d.). Paper-Filtered Coffee and Cholesterol.
- EatingWell. (n.d.). Does Drinking Coffee Increase Your Cholesterol?.
- Sagebrush Coffee. (n.d.). Chemex vs French Press: What’s the Difference?.
- First Coffee Then. (n.d.). French Press vs. Chemex: Which One is Right for You?.
- The Spruce Eats. (n.d.). The 8 Best Non-Electric Coffee Makers.
- BigCupOfCoffee.com. (n.d.). These Best Coffee Beans For Chemex Are The Secret Ingredient Behind Amazing Pour Over Coffee.
- Colipse. (n.d.). 8 Best Coffee Brands for French Press.