Best Reviewed
One-Cup Coffee Makers
- Best budget one-cup coffee maker Black & Decker Brew 'N Go DCM18S *Est. $20
- Best pod coffee maker Keurig Special Edition B60 *Est. $150
- Best manual one-cup coffee maker Aerobie AeroPress *Est. $30
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Chemex Three Cup Classic Glass Coffeemaker
- Inexpensive
- Allows users to control brewing process
- Needs advance preparation
- Uses special filters
- Time consuming
Although the Chemex Three Cup Classic Glass Coffeemaker resembles a science lab beaker more than a coffee maker, reviewers say it couldn't be simpler to use. Available in three other sizes in addition to the three-cup version (six-, eight- and 10-cup), the Chemex requires no pods, capsules or discs. Instead, you place a conical filter in the heat-resistant flask, add ground coffee and lightly pour hot water over the grounds before slowly adding more water. The only caveat is that proprietary Chemex filters, which are designed for longer saturation, must be used with this coffee maker. Third-party and standard drip filters will not work, according to the manufacturer. But, unlike pod coffee makers, the Chemex coffee maker allows users to adjust brew strength to personal taste, depending on grind and coffee amount. However, reviewers say it takes some practice to calibrate optimum brewing temperature and measurements. Others complain that the brewing process is tedious. If you want a faster manual brew tailored to your tastes, the Aerobie AeroPress (*Est. $30) makes a single cup of coffee in less than a minute.
We found credible Chemex reviews at The New York Times, Food & Wine magazine and Popular Mechanics. We also found a useful review at SlashFood.com (now HuffPost Food), which offers positive feedback but doesn't compare the Chemex to other manual coffee makers. We also consult about 45 owner-written reviews at Amazon.com.
| Chemex 1 to 3 Cup Hand blown Glass Coffee Maker - One to Three Cup Coffee Maker | |
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Our Sources
1. PopularMechanics.comDetails/Subscribe
In their comparison of eight single-serve coffee makers, editors describe the Chemex as a "favorite of coffee connoisseurs" and say it delivers a stronger-tasting cup than a standard coffee maker. They also love the fact that users can adjust brew strength to suit their taste.
Review: Single-Serve Coffeemaker Showdown: 8 Brewers Put to the Test, Jeremy Repanich, April 2010
Comparing two different types of ground coffee, writer Oliver Strand provides informative background on his efforts to determine whether the natural or oxidized Chemex filters provide a better taste. After several tests, he concludes that the oxidized filter is superior, but concedes that both filters make "beautiful" coffee.
Review: Ristretto -- Chemex, Oliver Strand, April 2010
3. Amazon.com
About 45 owners contribute to an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. Owners say there's a learning curve to using the Chemex, but once you have the procedure down, the taste is worth the time it takes to use this device. A few mention trouble cleaning the water reservoir, but one reviewer suggests using a baby-bottle brush.
Review: Chemex Drip Coffee Carafe – 8 Cup, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. Food & Wine MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Editors provide an exhaustive compendium of 67 coffee makers and are wowed by the low-tech, "foolproof" simplicity of the Chemex coffee maker. Though testers give it top billing, they don't outline strengths and drawbacks of the unit. We wish this review had been updated more recently.
Review: An Obsessive's Guide to Coffee, Ray Isle and Lily Barberio, March 2006
An avid fan of the Chemex coffee maker, HuffPost Food (formerly SlashFood.com) writer Erin Meister gushes about its sleek, hourglass curves and says that Chemex's gradual pour-over method makes "fantastic" coffee that's best enjoyed during idle Saturday mornings.
Review: Chemex Drip Coffee with the CoffeeMeister, Erin Meister, June 2009
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