Man brewing Chemex using a white paper filter

7 Best Chemex Filters (Metal + Reusable + Paper Filters)

Henry
Henry Muller
Barista

Have you ever found those sediments once you brew coffee using a Chemex?

The culprit may be the filter that you are using while brewing.

The Chemex brewing method is famous among coffee enthusiasts for its clean and flavorful cup of coffee. The filters you use during coffee-making are crucial in keeping your coffee clean.

In this article, I will provide a list of the best filters for brewing Chemex and include a buying guide to help you choose the right filter.

Let’s start.

Things to consider when buying a coffee filter for Chemex

1) Size of the filter

Different sizes of Chemex coffee makers are available, such as 3-cup, 6-cup, 8-cup, and 10-cup models, so choosing a filter that suits your specific model is essential.

Using the right size filter is essential for efficient brewing. Too large or too small filters can result in uneven extraction.

2) Filter material

These filters come in different materials, including paper, metal, and reusable cloth. Each material has its pros and cons. For example, if you want filters that can be easily disposed of and produce a cleaner cup, paper filters are feasible.

Metal filters are reusable and environmentally friendly, so you can choose them for a full-bodied cup with more texture and flavor. To balance paper and metal filters, cloth filters that allow some coffee oils and fines to pass through can be used.

3) Thickness

Thicker filters yield a cleaner cup of coffee with fewer oils while thinner filters result in a more decadent and delectable cup.
Thus, the Chemex filter's thickness can strongly affect your coffee's flavor and texture.

4) Shape

Chemex filters come in different shapes, including square and circular.

Square filters are folded into a cone shape when positioned in the Chemex, while circular filters are pre-folded and require no effort. The choice varies according to individual preference.

7 Best Chemex Filters

1. Paper Filters

1) Viante cone

Viante cone paper filters

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These bamboo filters stand out for their purity, made from unbleached, organic bamboo for a chemical-free brewing experience.

Their cone shape enhances coffee richness through optimal extraction, providing an ideal surface area for even water flow.

Sustainable and eco-friendly, these filters reduce your carbon footprint. The natural brown color authenticates your coffee ritual and complements Chemex aesthetics.

Free from harmful chemicals, they are suitable for small and large brewing needs, adding functionality and style to your pour-over setup.

2) Chemex-bonded

Chemex-bonded paper filters

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The FSU-100 filters stand out for convenience, being pre-folded for easy use in your Chemex, saving you time and effort.

These filters are made from compostable and biodegradable materials, making them eco-friendly.

Their cone shape ensures a uniform extraction of coffee grounds, resulting in a balanced flavor profile.

Oxygen-cleansed for purity, these filters are 20–30% thicker than many competitors, making them durable for multiple uses.

The specialty fiber filter design holds bitter elements, oils, and grounds in place, resulting in a smoother cup of coffee.

Compatible with most Chemex coffee makers, these filters are unsuitable for CM-1, CM-1C, and CM-1GH models.

3) BYKITCHEN

BYKITCHEN’s paper filters

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Chemex filters are square-shaped and made from natural food-grade wood pulp.

They are unbleached, ensuring no unwanted chemicals or contaminants touch your coffee.

These filters remove bitter elements, oils, particles, and foam, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful cup of coffee.

They are compatible with various brewing methods and ideal for Chemex pour-over coffee makers, brewers, and drippers for 3 to 10 cups.

After use, dispose of the filter for easy cleanup.

Each pack contains 50 filters, ensuring a long-lasting supply for your daily brewing needs.

2. Metal Filters (Reusable)

4) Barista Warrior

Barista Warrior stainless steel filter

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The metal Chemex filters offer versatility, fitting Chemex coffee makers (6, 8, and 10 cup sizes), Hario V60 02 and 03 drippers, and most standard coffee drippers.

They enhance your coffee while positively impacting the environment.

Choosing a metal filter saves money and reduces your ecological footprint. Unlike paper filters, metal filters don't impart a paper taste, resulting in a bolder, more flavorful cup.

The dual filtration system uses high-quality stainless steel mesh inside and a precision laser-cut layer outside to keep ground in the filter.

Its cleaning is easy too. You just need to rinse under warm water. For optimal performance, describe every 2-3 weeks.

The metal used in this Chemex filter is of high quality so you can use this filter for a longer time.

5) Apace Living

Apace Living metal filters

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This Chemex metal filter stands out for its compatibility, fitting Chemex coffee makers in 6, 8, and 10-cup sizes with an extra-wide top base.

The unique mesh design enhances filtration and your Chemex's aesthetics, making it a stylish addition to your kitchen.

The double-layer mesh with perfectly sized holes ensures ideal extraction without clogging, resulting in a clean and flavorful cup every time.

Using sealed-tip technology, this filter ensures complete coverage of coffee grounds during brewing, leading to total extraction for a rich coffee experience

6) Able KONE

Able KONE stainless steel coffee filter

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The Kone metal filter lets you brew cafe-quality coffee at home without the fuss or waste of traditional paper filters.

It is designed to fit perfectly with your Chemex coffee maker, the Kone makes brewing effortless and efficient.

You can enjoy a full-bodied cup rich with oils and flavors that paper filters often trap. It's an eco-friendly choice, producing no paper waste. Cleaning is easy with a simple rinse.

The Kone's unique design ensures an even, controlled water flow through the coffee grounds for better extraction and consistent flavor.

Made from precision-welded, photo-chemically etched stainless steel and an injection-molded, food-safe polymer support ring, the Kone is built to withstand daily use in cafes and homes.

Its robust construction ensures durability and easy maintenance with a quick rinse and occasional scrub.

7) OVALWARE

OVALWARE stainless steel pour-over filter

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This coffee filter is designed to fit seamlessly with most branded coffee carafes, including 6, 8, and 10-cup Chemex Coffee Makers and Hario V60 02 and 03 drippers.

Its removable silicone grip enhances stability and ease of use, complementing your wooden or glass Chemex.

Made from superior-quality 18/8 304 stainless steel, it features dual filter technology with a superfine mesh inside and a precision laser-cut filter outside.

This design prevents coffee grounds from entering your brew and retains the coffee's essential oils and nutrients.

After use, dispose of the grounds and rinse the filter under warm water. Every couple of weeks, descale the filter by soaking it in a solution of white distilled vinegar and warm water.

What is a Chemex filter?

The Chemex filter is the heart of the brewing process. It creates a symphony of flavors by eliminating impurities from coffee grounds, resulting in a pure and exquisite brew that dances gracefully on your palate.

Types of a Chemex filter

1. Paper filters

When discussed about chemex filters paper filters are the first one that tops the list. They stand out as they are easily disposable and biodegradable, which makes them a convenient and eco-friendly option.

2. Metal filters

Another option favored by coffee lovers is metal filters known for their reusability. They can be easily washed and reused numerous times. By opting for them you can do your part for nature and also save money in the long run.

3. Reusable cloth filters

To strike the perfect balance and maintain a flavorful taste you can pick reusable cloth filters. It’s another viable option made from natural materials and can be washed and reused several times.

Benefits of using a Chemex coffee filter

1) Clean and flavorful cup

The magic of Chemex filters lies in their ability to remove impurities and sediments from the coffee, leaving behind the pure flavor with the coffee notes singing with clarity and richness.

2) Eco-friendly

Chemex filters are biodegradable and easily compostable, which makes them a favorable option.

3) Convenient

Chemex filters can be disposed of easily which makes them a reliable option for individuals who cherish a delectable cup of coffee without any fuss.

Paper vs. metal: Which filter is better for Chemex?

It is challenging to decide between paper and metal filters. Both are favorable depending on personal preference.

You can use paper cups if you want disposable filters and some sediments.

But if you crave a rich and flavorful cup of coffee and want reusable filters, then metal filters are the better choice.

Wrapping up

Here, I have got you covered with the top Chemex filters that are available in the market.

Using the right coffee filters in pour-over brewing methods like Chemex and others is very important as the overall cleanliness of the coffee depends on it.

However, identifying the right filter can be a challenging task for a beginner. I hope this article will help you choose the right suitable filter for your Chemex.

FAQs

1) How do you shape a Chemex filter?

Shaping a Chemex filter is simple. Unfold the filter, shape it as a cone, adjust the seam, flatten the bottom, and place the filter in the Chemex.

2) Do Chemex filters go bad?

Chemex filters do not have a specific expiry date like other edibles. But, they can degrade with time if not stored properly.

3) Why do you need to wet the paper filter first?

Paper filters are wet before being used to remove any papery taste.

4) What is the best material for the Chemex filter?

The best material for a Chemex filter depends on your preferences. It is available in three materials: paper, metal, and cloth with each having its own advantages and considerations.

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Henry Muller

Team TAB
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I am a barista by profession hailing from NC. My journey began in my late teens when I started working as a barista in a local coffee shop. My passion for coffee quickly became evident as I immersed myself in the art of espresso extraction, latte art ...