NicksMaint Senior Member Joined: 7 Feb 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Syracuse, NY Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Zassenhaus Drip: Chemex Roaster: Wagner Power Stripper
Posted Sat Jul 5, 2008, 3:38am Subject: Chemex and reusable filters
I looked over the forums to see if there were any suggestions on using a reusable filter (ie. hemp, cotton) with a Chemex pot. The information I found was a little dated, so I thought I would try asking again. I use hemp filters with my Melitta filter cone when backpacking and found it to work well. I know that the Chemex and paper filters are made to work together and use them at home, but I was wondering if anyone has found a reusable filter that works well also? I have tried the larger hemp filters that work in larger Melitta cones, but that is not a real smooth operation probably because of the shape of the filter (made for Melitta cone).
If you are willing to spend the dime, both a Swiss Gold and a Bodum Gold Filter (my approach) both fit the Chemex. I admit to not caring for the taste with the unbleached filters.
Nothing, other than its size (it is larger than the Bodum I had) and its aesthetics. Looks sharp and always draws interest when I bring it into the dining room for guests. As well, I pop it into the dish washer once a week and it cleans up like a dream.
NicksMaint Senior Member Joined: 7 Feb 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Syracuse, NY Expertise: I love coffee
Grinder: Zassenhaus Drip: Chemex Roaster: Wagner Power Stripper
Posted Sun Jul 6, 2008, 3:20am Subject: Re: Chemex and reusable filters
I have only used a Melitta cone filter and now the Chemex, so I can't say I have a great deal of experience with different coffee makers. However, I was posing the question because I did go ahead and try one of my larger cone shaped hemp filters (which work in my old Melitta just fine). The problem I ran into was that the filter not only adhered to the sides of the Chemex (as the Chemex paper filters do), but because the hemp filter is not as rigid as the paper filter, it conformed to the shape of the spout on the pot also. Hence there was no place for air to escape as the coffee dripped down into the pot (the filter sort of formed a quasi seal with the water and wet grounds). So the pot started to let air escape wherever it could as the pressure built and I ended up with coffee spurting out the sides and over the top. Not a big deal, but sort of messy. Like I said, I am not experienced with many coffee makers, but I believe the Chemex depends on the filter adhering to the sides of the cone and the paper filters are stiff enough to leave an air passage on the spout, therefore you don't run into the "seal and spurting" problem. I did another trial run this morning and turned the hemp filter so the seam did not line up with the spout and it seemed to work better.
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