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The Chemex pour-over coffee maker is excellent if you are considering upgrading your old drip coffee maker. Interestingly, the Chemex has an hourglass design made from borosilicate glass that contributes to an incredibly clean, light-bodied cup of coffee with crisp flavors.
You can change the style and taste of your Chemex brew by simply changing the filter, so when selecting a filter, look for the one that will create the cup of coffee you enjoy. The Chemex filter is available in paper, metal, or cloth.
Provided you have the correct filter for your taste profile, brewing the perfect cup of coffee is easy. There are many options available. To assist you in choosing the right filter, we will review the top choices in each category.
at a glance: Best Chemex Filters
Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Filter for Chemex
When looking for the best Chemex filter to suit your taste profile, it is necessary to understand the significant pros and cons of paper, cloth, and metal filters. This buyer’s guide will help you to choose the best filter for your taste and lifestyle.
Chemex Paper Filters or Alternative Metal or Cloth Filters
Chemex sells only the Classic double bonded paper filters that are available either bleached or unbleached. They produce the crisp, complex light-bodied cup of coffee that Chemex is renowned for brewing.
If you enjoy a coffee with a heavier body and more robust flavor, there are several options. Many reusable cloth and metal filters are designed to be compatible with the Chemex coffee maker. To avoid purchasing a cheap knock-off, we have suggested suitable quality alternatives.
How Filter Material Affects Coffee
The choice of a filter can significantly impact the flavor, ease of brewing, the cost of a cup of coffee, and the ease of cleaning filters to ensure a consistent brew.
Impact of Filters on Flavor
Coffee filters impact the flavor of the final brew as it dictates how much coffee oils and finely ground coffee it lets through into the cup. The amount of coffee oils and fines allowed to filter through into the cup affects the taste and body of the resultant brew.
Paper Filters
The thick Chemex filter traps most of the coffee oils and all of the fines, thus yielding a coffee with no sediment that is light-bodied with a crisp mild flavor. Paper filters are often recommended for lighter roasts.
Chemex filters are available as bleached (white) or unbleached (brown) options. There has been much speculation as to which is the best to use.
If not adequately rinsed before brewing, the natural unbleached brown filter can impart a woody papery taste to your coffee that can be unpleasant. Bleached, white filters do not impart that papery flavor, although it is still advisable to rinse them before use.
Cloth Filters
A cloth filter will allow most coffee oils to pass through, but no fines, thus producing a clean, aromatic cup of coffee with a medium body. It brews an excellent middle-ground coffee if you want a taste profile ranging between a paper and metal filter.
Metal Filters
A metal filter will let all the oils through and a certain amount of fines producing a coffee with a bold flavor and a heavy body. The coffee style is similar to a French Press, although not as robust due to the different brewing methods.
Durability and Cost Effectiveness
The cost of filters must be considered when choosing the best and most economical filters.
Paper Filters
Disposable paper filters are designed to be used only once; therefore, they are the most expensive filter option from a cost standpoint. Chemex bonded filters are 20% – 30% thicker than most paper filters and will cost 18 -20 cents per filter.
If you are brewing coffee daily, the annual cost of Chemex paper filters will be more than $60. In addition, there is concern about paper filters’ impact on the environment due to them only being used once, but Chemex filters are biodegradable and compostable.
Cloth Filters
If thoroughly cleaned and properly stored after each use, cloth filters are durable and should last for as many as 100 brews; however, sensitive coffee drinkers who brew light, delicate coffees claim that the cloth starts imparting flavors after as few as 50 brews.
Metal Filters
Although stainless steel filters will be more expensive to purchase initially, they are built to last if correctly cleaned and maintained, and many come with a lifetime guarantee. Therefore, it can be a considerable saving if you prefer a coffee with a bold flavor and the possibility of some fines in your brew.
Ease of Cleaning
While the strength and flavor of the coffee will ultimately determine your choice of a filter, the ease and speed of cleaning a filter can be a factor to consider.
Paper Filters
Paper filters are easy to clean. Once the brew is complete, remove the filter with the used grounds and place it in a compost bin.
Cloth Filters
With cloth filters, the used grounds must be removed, and the cloth thoroughly rinsed to remove all the coffee grounds and then stored in cold water. If not properly cleaned after every brew, the cloth filter will not last as long and will impart undesired flavors to the coffee.
Metal Filters
Metal Chemex filters are relatively easy to clean. Knock the coffee grounds into a compost bin and then rinse the filter. In addition, metal filters are dishwasher-friendly, enabling you to do a more thorough cleaning of your filter occasionally.
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Best Chemex Filters
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Chemex Bonded Pre-folded Unbleached Coffee Filter |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Able KONE: The Original Reusable Stainless Steel Coffee Filter |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | CoffeeSock ‘The Original’ Reusable Cotton Coffee Filter |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Bolio Organic Hemp Reusable Coffee Filter |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Barista Warrior Compatible with Hario V60 Pour Over Coffee Filter |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
The Five Best Chemex Filters
We have selected what we consider the best in all styles and materials, whether you prefer the crisp, clean coffee produced from a paper filter or the more full-bodied brew of a metal filter.
1. Chemex Classic Coffee Filters
If you own a Chemex coffee maker, then it is recommended to use a Classic Chemex filter. These bonded filters are 20 – 30 percent thicker than traditional paper filters. The thicker paper absorbs more coffee oils and prevents all the coffee grounds from passing through.
These thicker paper filters give Chemex coffee that recognizable light body with crisp, complex flavors. In addition, the Classic Chemex Filter is available in bleached white or natural brown.
Bleached or Unbleached
Whether to choose bleached or unbleached filters is a matter of personal preference. Some Chemex coffee lovers prefer bleached white paper as the unbleached filter can impart a woody taste to the coffee if not adequately rinsed before adding the coffee granules.
White bleached filters carry the stigma of the word “bleach,” which concerns specific consumers from an environmental and health standpoint.
The concern is unfounded as Chemex does not use chlorine but a more environmentally friendly process involving hydrogen peroxide to whiten the paper, followed by several hot water baths to remove all traces of the chemical.
Round or Square Shaped
The Chemex filters are available as round or square-shaped filters, and there is no difference between the quality of these filters. They are made from the same material, and there will be no difference in the taste of your coffee.
Which filter to choose becomes a matter of personal preference regarding personal aesthetic preferences. However, when it comes to practical differences in everyday use, some people find it easier to remove the square filter than the round one.
Chemex Filters are available as follows
For 6, 8, and 10-cup pre-folded filters
- Square White
- Square Brown
- Round White
The 3-cup unfolded filter
- Round halfMoon White
- Round halfMoon Brown
Pros
- Easy to clean and use
- Do not tear when removed
- Available in multiple sizes and shapes
- Comes in packs of 100. The pack should last up to 3 months
- Compostable and biodegradable
- Delivers full-bodied taste with no grinds
Cons
- More expensive than most paper filters
2. Able Kone For Chemex
The Able Kone Stainless Steel coffee filter is designed to fit your Chemex coffee maker and make life easier for those who enjoy a full-bodied cup of coffee and is ideal for both French Press and pour-over coffee lovers.
Chemex paper filters are designed to absorb coffee oils leading to a light-bodied crisp flavor. The Able Kone is a reusable filter that replaces paper filters, thus eliminating paper waste. In addition, its perforated design allows the right amount of oils and flavor for a full-bodied brew.
Design
The Kone coffee filter has a simple but functional design comprising a perforated stainless steel sheet shaped into a cone and topped with a plastic rim that allows the Able Kone to sit more snuggly in your pour-over brewer.
The Kone now has a flat tip rather than reaching a point as it did in the older versions. This safety improvement was implemented after reports of users accidentally stabbing themselves with the sharp pointed tip.
Quality of Coffee
If you enjoy a pour-over or a French press style of full-bodied coffee, then the Able Kone will deliver a happy medium that most should enjoy. In addition, the perforated metal allows more oils to pass through than with paper filters.
The Kone allows less sediment seepage than the French press, resulting in a clean, robust, flavored brew.
Built to Last
The Able Kone filter is a laser-cut sheet of stainless steel wrapped into a cone shape that is much longer lasting than a typical metal mesh permanent filter. In addition, it will not rust or warp.
Cleaning
The Kone is easy to clean, although not quite as simple as removing the paper filter. Knock the used grounds into the garbage and give it a quick rinse with water. It is recommended that a more thorough wash is done with soapy water once a week to prevent the buildup of oils in the holes.
Value for Money
While the Able Kone is more expensive than most coffee filters on the market, its sturdy structure and design to brew a great-tasting coffee make this a filter well worth considering.
You should never need to buy another filter if adequately maintained. It is easy to clean, and there is no added cost of purchasing paper filters.
Pros
- Is compatible with a variety of coffee makers
- Yields a rich, full-bodied coffee
- Sturdy construction and design. It will last a long time
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Expensive
3. Coffeesock ‘The Original’ Reusable Organic Cotton Coffee Filters – Chemex
If you do not want to replace Chemex filters daily, cloth filters are a great alternative to single-use paper filters. They are easy to clean and store and provide the same extraction process and flavor as any other Chemex filter.
The Coffeesock Reusable Organic Cotton coffee filters are one of the best-known cloth filter brands in the US, and are made in the USA with organic cotton and have been making cloth filters for more than ten years. These large filters can brew up to 13 cups at a time.
Quality of Coffee
Coffeesock cloth filters brew an excellent cup of medium-bodied, smooth-tasting coffee that can be described as a cross between the flavor you get from Chemex paper filters and a reusable stainless steel filter.
The cloth does not let fines through as metal mesh filters would but lets more oils through than a Chemex paper filter.
Cleaning
Before using the cloth filter for the first time, it is advisable to boil the sock for 10 minutes. After each use, remove the coffee grounds from the Coffeesock, rinse them, and leave them
To be on the safe side and to avoid the accumulation of mildew, especially if you live in an area where the humidity is high, it is advisable to rinse the filter well after every use, place the filter in a container filled with water, and store it in the fridge.
When you are ready to make another cup of coffee, remove the filter from the fridge, rinse it, and start to brew your next cup. If you do not use the filter daily, it is recommended to place the filter in a zip lock bag once rinsed and placed in the freezer. Run it under hot water before using
By following the proper cleaning and storing procedures, you will extend the longevity of the Coffeesock filter.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Produces a quality medium-bodied brew
- Easy to clean out
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Filters will only last 6-9 months.
4. Bolio Organic Hemp Coffee Filter
Bolio Organic Hemp Cone Pour Over coffee filters are another eco-friendly cloth product manufactured from hemp. They are an excellent product for those looking for a more eco-friendly alternative to a disposable paper filter for your Chemex.
Hemp will last considerably longer than cotton filters and has a lower carbon footprint to grow and process. They are also a more cost-effective solution to the original Chemex paper filters, which are expensive and must be replaced after each brew.
Brew Quality
The No.4 and the Square Bolio filters work with the Chemex 6-,8- and 10 cups. Bolio filters let in slightly more sediment and coffee oils than the Chemex paper filter, giving you a fuller-bodied cup of coffee.
Users have commented that the Bolio Hemp filter can easily clog and become challenging to filter your coffee through. To combat this, you must adjust your Chemex coffee grounds to achieve the perfect extraction.
Cleaning
It is easy to use. Boil the filter for 5 minutes before your first brew and rinse and hang to dry after each use.
Pros
- Durable and reusable
- Eco-friendly
- Brews a natural, full-bodied tasting coffee
Cons
- Users have commented that the filter can easily clog.
5. Barista Warrior Reusable Gold Titanium Coated Filter
The Barista Warrior Reusable Filter is a pour-over coffee filter designed to fit Chemex coffee makers with 6,8, and 10-cup carafes. It is made of stainless steel and comes in three different finishes allowing you to choose the filter that best suits your style.
Construction
The Barista Warrior has two walls providing dual filtration ( a high-quality stainless steel mesh on the inside and a laser-cut layer outside) that prevents coffee grounds and grit from entering your cup.
The double-wall mechanism’s downside is that it clogs up more quickly. To avoid the filter from clogging, make sure that you rinse the cone directly after use. Also, the size of the coffee grounds could prevent clogging. A medium to course grind is recommended.
Coffee Flavor
The stainless steel Barista Warrior filter allows the natural coffee bean oils to filter through to your cup, resulting in a bolder, more flavorful brew than would be achieved using the Chemex paper filters.
Cleaning
It is easy to clean the Barista filter. Remove the used coffee grounds and rinse the filter under warm running water. It is recommended that the filter is cleaned directly after use. It is advisable to de-scale the filter every 2-3 weeks by soaking it in vinegar and warm water.
Value for Money.
The Barista Warrior is a budget coffee brand that has developed an impressive line of thoughtfully designed and affordable coffee products. The double-layer stainless steel cone delivers a balanced, full-bodied coffee with a robust flavor.
It is easy to clean, and there is no added cost of purchasing paper filters. You should never need to buy another filter if adequately maintained. It is worth the money and is one of the best reusable alternatives to Chemex paper filters.
Warranty
If you are unsure if you will enjoy the flavor of coffee brewed from a double-layer filter, the Barista Warrior is the perfect one to try risk-free, as they offer a lifetime warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like it, return it.
Pros
- Double wall filter design aids in additional filtration
- Compatible with all Chemex carafes (6,8, and 10-cup)
- Three different finishes allow you t choose the filter that best suits your style
- Great value for money
- Durable and long-lasting
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Double wall filter design tends to clog quickly
- Requires a lot more work to keep clean
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the Best Chemex Filter is the Chemex Classic Coffee Filter, as it is the Original Classic Coffee Filter designed for the Chemex coffee maker and produces that crisp, clean coffee that Chemex is renowned for worldwide.
The four other filters reviewed are alternatives that can be used with the Chemex Coffee maker. These filters are quality products and, dependent on the filter, will offer the following:
- A more cost-effective option due to not having to replace the filter after each brew.
- A richer, more robust, full-bodied brew due to allowing more coffee oils to pass through.
- Be environmentally more friendly.
If these factors are important, select one of the alternatives listed here. However, if you are looking for that crisp, clean coffee that Chemex is famous for, then there is only one filter to use: the Chemex Classic Coffee Filter.
