Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Ibrahim Bat
Chemex and French press… Both are great ways to make a perfect cup of coffee. However, the tastes of the coffees produced by these two methods are quite different.
In this article by Bestcoffeeathome.com, we will look at Chemex and French press. We will reveal their similarities and differences so that you can decide whether Chemex or French press is more suitable for you.
Before we begin, I want to say this: Both methods are equipment that has proven themselves in the coffee industry and are frequently used. However, due to their differences, one of them is probably more suitable for you.
But which one? Let’s find out!
Chemex Coffee Maker 101
Chemex was designed by a chemist, Peter Schlumbohm, inspired by laboratory equipment.
Thanks to its design and success in making coffee, it has gained an important place in the coffee industry since 1941, when it was first introduced to the market.
On the other hand, Chemex has a very iconic design. It is almost impossible to confuse it with any other coffee equipment. This iconic and elegant coffee maker produces a clean and bright cup of coffee.
Also, using Chemex is simple:
- Place a specially produced paper filter for Chemex in your Chemex.
- Pour the medium-coarse coffee grounds into the paper filter and add the hot water.
- Serve when the water is completely drained. That’s it!
The whole process is simply that. However, some details need attention. For all this and a more detailed brewing guide, read this: How to use a Chemex?
French Press in a Nutshell
Although the history of the French press, also known as cafetière, dates back to the 1850s, it was patented in the 1920s in the form that we know today. While it is used for many purposes, such as frothing milk and brewing herbal tea, it is primarily coffee brewing equipment.
Moreover, French press is one of the first coffee equipment that comes to mind regarding simplicity and minimalism. In addition, French press produces rich and full-bodied coffee.
Making coffee in a French press is simple:
- Add coarsely-ground coffee beans to your French press.
- Pour hot water over it.
- Place the metal filter in its place.
- Wait for 4 minutes for it to brew.
- Then push the plunger down and serve it.
This is the basic process, but for a more detailed guide on how to make coffee in a French press, read: Discover the Art of French Press Coffee Making.
Comparison: Is Chemex or French Press Better?
Chemex and French press are both different brewing methods. Chemex is a specific pour-over coffee maker, while French press is an immersion brewing method.
It is impossible to say that one of these pieces of equipment is good and the other is bad since they use different brewing methods. It depends on what you want.
Chemex | French Press | |
|---|---|---|
| Brew Method | Pour Over | Immersion |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Medium |
| Brewing Time | 4-5 min. | 4-5 min. |
| Coffee Taste | Light and Bright | Heavy and Rich |
| Silt in Coffee | No | Yes |
| Brew Capacity | 12-40 fl oz | 12-50 fl oz |
| Available Materials | Glass | Stainless steel, ceramic, glass, plastic |
| Portability | Difficult | Portable Models Available |
Ease of Brewing
French press is the easiest to use among Chemex and French press. I say this not because Chemex is very difficult to use but because of the advantages the French press provides during brewing.
Indeed, while you need to use a special paper filter for Chemex and rinse it after placing it in Chemex, the French press is self-filtering.
Moreover, when making coffee in Chemex, you need to pay attention to the speed and shape of pouring water and stay close to Chemex throughout the brewing process. However, in French press, you can pour the water once and attend to other tasks until the coffee is brewed.
Cleaning
Cleaning a French press by reaching all its parts with a cloth is quite easy. However, Chemex is shaped like an hourglass, and its middle part is quite narrow. Therefore, you need to use a brush to scrub the inside.
On the other hand, cleaning the coffee grounds after brewing is easier in Chemex. All coffee grounds are already in the paper filter. However, coffee grounds can be a problem in French press. Pouring them down the drain can cause clogging.
Taste Differences between Chemex and French Press
Chemex uses a thicker paper filter, different from other pour-over methods. This filter removes more of the coffee’s natural oils.
French press has a metal filter. This filter doesn’t remove as many natural oils from the coffee, letting more of them into your cup.
This difference in filters between Chemex and French press changes the coffee’s taste. Chemex gives you a bright and clean flavor. French press gives you a rich, full-bodied coffee with a fuller feeling in your mouth. Coffee from the French press is also more acidic and bitter compared to Chemex.
The metal filter in the French press can’t catch coffee grounds, as well as Chemex’s paper filter. So, you might find some sediment in your cup with the French press.
In short, choose French press if you like full-bodied coffee.
Choose Chemex for a smoother coffee taste.
But remember, with a French press, it’s hard to keep coffee grounds out of your cup. Keep this in mind to avoid disappointment later.
Portability
If you are looking for coffee equipment for camping or travel, you should choose French press. Chemex only has glass models and has a fragile structure.
On the other hand, Chemex has a single-piece structure and is not very suitable for transportation. However, you can easily carry a small French press with you.
Cost
I cannot say that Chemex or French press is more expensive than the other because French press has a wide range of products and prices. There are dozens of types and prices ranging from travel to camping, from metal to glass and ceramic models.
However, both Chemex and French press are generally priced at affordable prices. The only thing to pay attention to here is that while a one-time payment is enough for French press, you should regularly buy paper filters for Chemex, depending on your usage, because Chemex paper filters are for single use.
Size
There are models with various brewing capacities for both French press and Chemex. Generally, you can easily find 12-50 fl oz (360-1500 ml) models for French press and 12-40 fl oz (360-1200 ml) for Chemex.
When it comes to the French press, finding the size you want is easier because there are more varieties. You can see the Best French press models we selected here.
On the other hand, the sizes you can find for Chemex on the market are as follows:
| Chemex 3 Cup | 360 ml | 12 fl oz |
| Chemex 6 Cup | 720 ml | 24 fl oz |
| Chemex 8 Cup | 960 ml | 32 fl oz |
| Chemex 10 Cup | 1200 ml | 40 fl oz |
Chemex vs. French Press Conclusion
I’ve looked at both Chemex and French press from all angles. Your choice depends on how you like your coffee and how you plan to use the equipment.
If you want my opinion, I use both as a big coffee fan. Each has its special place for me. I love the elegant look of the Chemex and the classic, practical style of the French press.
I like relaxing with the gentle coffee from Chemex during quiet times and starting my mornings with the strong coffee from the French press.
