What is the best coffee for chemex brewing in the UK? The best chemex coffee in the UK is the Balance single origin taster pack. It offers a fruity, floral, sweet taste with notes of milk chocolate, hazelnut, and fig on the finish
As an obsessive coffee lover with 10+ years expertise and experience in the coffee industry, I'm always searching for the perfect cup of coffee. And as any coffee enthusiast knows, quality of the coffee beans is a crucial factor in achieving that perfect cup.
I'm excited to share my top 10 picks for the best coffee beans for Chemex UK. But before we dive into the list, let me tell you a short story.
Note: Use the below SKIP LINKS to navigate to the section majority of the 2000 readers focus on.
In 2012, I struggled to make a decent cup of coffee. I read as much as possible, experimented with tons, and sought advice from colleagues working within the coffee industry.
I tried different brewing methods with some of the best coffee beans in the UK, but I rarely achieved that beautiful clean brew I sought. That is until I truly understood the Chemex brewer and realised the importance of using the right coffee beans.
But what is the Chemex technique? The Chemex maker is a manual filter coffee brewing method that produces a very clean, bright, and flavorful cup of coffee.
I learnt that if you want the cleanest brews on the planet, the Chemex is the ticket to sensational filter-coffee. But equally important to know it's not just solely about the brewing method.
Using the right coffee beans can make all the difference, and that's why I've compiled this list of the top 10 best coffee beans for Chemex brewing in 2024.
As any coffee lover knows, choosing the right coffee beans for Chemex can be overwhelming with many brands. But don't worry, I've got you covered.
I've tried and tested a handful of coffee beans to bring you this list of brands available in the UK.
So, whether you're a coffee nerd like me or looking to up your coffee game... Stay with me as we explore the world of the best coffee beans for Chemex brewing.
But first, where can you buy Chemex coffee beans? Well, the next subheading covers exactly this.
Where To Buy Coffee Beans For Chemex Online
It's time to get into the good stuff - my top 3 picks for the best coffee for Chemex brewing.
The 3 brands in the table below made it to thee top because of the following reasons.
During my research phase I discovered that these three brands offer FREE shipping at a certain price point.
Their beans were speciality grade and offer super FAST delivery to your door step.
And brand like Balance Coffee offer a £5 discount to 1st time customers to enjoy a smooth, rich chemex cup of coffee without mould, pesticides or mycotoxin. Get your £5 discount here.
| Product | Benefits | where to buy |
|---|---|---|
Agata Brazil Single Origin |
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Save £5 Today |
Flavelio Bastianello |
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Shop Now |
Mount Blend |
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Shop Now |
What Coffee Is Best For Chemex?
I recommend trying out these Filter Coffee, which is perfect for French press but works beautifully with Chemex.
Our Single Origin Taster Pack offers a fruity, floral, sweet taste with notes of milk chocolate, hazelnut, and fig on the finish. It is easily the best for you if chemex is your preferred brewing method.
It's a light roast, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a well-balanced cup of coffee. It will take your Chemex brewing game to the next level.
I even wrote about the best filter coffee beans and since Chemex is your preferred brewing method, it's a must-read.
Also, the coffee beans are 100% healthy because it is tested for toxins like mould, mycotoxin and pesticides. Plus they are sustainably and ethically sourced.
10 Best Chemex Coffee Beans Brands In The UK
Finally, let’s dive into the complete list since you have been able to discover our top 3 picks above.
Mind you, I picked the top 3 for you while factoring the best grind for coffee beans suitable for Chemex into the mix. This way, I am ensuring you get only the best Chemex coffee beans.
Balance Coffee
I love Balance Coffee brand because it focuses its attention on the important things coffee lovers care about.
And that is; sustainable and ethically sourced coffee that's free from toxins like mycotoxins, mould and pesticides.
I spent eight long years in the coffee industry before dreaming of creating a healthy coffee brand. The goal was simply to inspires coffee-loving folks to drink healthy coffee at home.
So, with a mission to help coffee lovers make conscious, healthy coffee choices, Balance Coffee came to life.
Our coffee is about creating the perfect home barista experience, bringing the coffee shop to you. With our sleek and modern branding, you know you're in for a treat.
We're not afraid to showcase our unique origins and always search for the most exclusive speciality coffee to bring you that perfect cup.
At Balance Coffee, we don't just think about ourselves. We also care about the livelihoods of coffee farmers, ensuring we have a sustainable supply of coffee for the future.
In addition, we do a great job but don't take our word for it. The Independent featured us in 2023 for 'Best Healthy Coffee' - so if you care about what ingredients you put into your body, Balance Coffee is a good place to start.
The Evening Standard praised us for being one of the best coffee subscriptions in 2023.
Now, let's discuss our incredible coffee options that are perfect for the Chemex brew method. We have four excellent coffee options.
Our Single Origin Taster Pack allows you to sample our most expensive and limited-edition single-origin coffees.
For our decaf lovers, we have our popular Halcyon Decaf coffee, with a medium roast taste of milk chocolate, pecans, and brandy snaps, which works brilliantly with a Chemex too.
Lastly, our Agata Brazil is roasted light to give that flavour of chocolate, hazelnut and peach sitting in your mouth.
Click on the "Shop Single Origin Taster Pack & Save £5" button below to save as high as 20% on you chemex coffee purchase to brew a rich health cup of coffee.
Visit Balance Coffee shop to try out our filter coffee.
Assembly Coffee Roasters
These guys are committed to quality and always put the customer first, which shows in every aspect of their business. They're constantly pushing boundaries and taking speciality coffee seriously.
Their roastery is based in a 19th-century fire station and boasts a Loring roaster, a state-of-the-art coffee sensory lab, and event spaces to hold cuppings.
Assembly is a big global player, launched in 2015 during the annual London coffee festival. What's impressive to me is their collaborations. They build strong relationships with their customers and keep up with trends in the speciality coffee industry.
Their Flavio Bastianellon is one of the best coffees for Chemex brewing, with walnuts and milk chocolate notes. While it's only available as whole bean, their Efrain Carhuallocllo and La Palta COE Lot 3 are great for pour-over.
Equally important, they offer whole beans as standard. But they will grind the coffee for you if you specify it in the comments box at checkout.
Visit Assembly's Coffee to try out their Flavio Bastianellon coffee.
Volcano Coffee Works
Volcano Coffee Works is a true gem, mate. Their menu is a masterpiece that will attract everyone, from the curious beginner to the seasoned coffee pro.
Kurt, the founder, grew up in coffee-crazy New Zealand and started Volcano to share the exquisite coffee he had grown up with while supporting the communities that grow and produce it.
What started as a coffee cart has become a team of 30 coffee enthusiasts working out of their kick-ass coffee roastery in Brixton. And let me tell you, they don't mess around. Kurt personally roasts the first batch of the day and ensures that every cup of coffee is of the highest quality.
These folks are not only passionate about their coffee but also about their customers and farmers. They believe in Supply Transparency and ensure they know exactly where their coffee is from, and they visit many of their farmers annually.
Volcano's best coffee grind for Chemex is "The Mount Blend". It has a medium roast profile full of tasty notes like milk chocolate, caramel, and red grapes.
So, if you'd like to experience some of the best coffee in the UK for Chemex, visit Volcano Coffee Works to try out their Mount Blend.
Rounton Coffee
Rounton Coffee is a team of coffee enthusiasts based in North Yorkshire. They roast their coffee in a converted old granary in East Rounton, and boy, do they know how to make a great cup of coffee.
Their first few years of farmers' markets and scribbling down roast profiles by hand taught them much about coffee, business, relationships, and hard work.
But most importantly, they discovered a community surrounding them that cared about sustainability, transparency, and delicious coffee!
Today, Rounton Coffee is a multi-award-winning roastery, working with some of the world's most forward-thinking minds and celebrated producers.
And when it comes to Chemex brewing, their "Two Stories Coffee" is a must-try, with tantalising tastes of blueberry and whiskey notes that will make you want to cheer with every sip. But if you're looking for something chocolatey and sweet, their Granary Blend is one of the best coffee blends for Chemex in the UK.
The dynamic little team at Rounton Coffee is fiercely passionate about coffee, people, and making positive changes in the world around them.
And after trying their coffee, I can confidently say they're doing an excellent job.
Visit Rounton Coffee to try out their Granary Blend.
Pact Coffee
This company doesn't believe coffee should be considered a boring pantry staple like flour or sugar.
What sets Pact apart is its direct trade model. They take pride in directly sourcing their beans from farms and cutting out the middlemen who take a cut from coffee producers. No shady business here!
Pact offers both blends and single-origin coffees, all roasted on the darker side of medium.
Now, you want to know which of their coffee is best for your Chemex, right? Of course, one of their top picks is the "El Cairo," which will have your taste buds dancing with its orange and mandarin notes. But if that's not your thing, try their San Jerónimo blend with honey and lemon.
So, whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a casual drinker, Pact is one of the best brands of coffee for Chemex.
Visit Pact Coffee to try out their San Jerónimo blend.
Redemption Coffee
These guys make a difference by helping juvenile offenders reduce recidivism through coffee roasting and barista training programs. That's right; coffee can change lives!
I want to mention that one of their premium Chemex coffee beans is their full-bodied espresso blend called "The Block." It has hints of cocoa, fudge, and baked apple that will sing your taste buds!
And, if you're looking for a filter coffee option, check out their single-origin EL Faldon from Guatemala, which has notes of green apple, cherry, and cardamom.
So, not only can you enjoy some fantastic coffee from Redemption Roasters, but you can also support a great cause.
Visit Redemption Coffee to try out their EL Faldon coffee.
Roasting Plant
It all started with the founder, Mike, who came up with the crazy idea of making coffee from scratch in-store while working in his garage in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. And you won't believe what he used to build the prototype of the roasting machine - his grandma's old vacuum cleaner!
What sets Roasting Plant apart is their unique method of using air pressure in transparent tubes to roast and distribute coffee around the shop mechanically. So you can watch the whole process from the beans to your cup.
One of their amazing quality coffee for Chemex is their Brazilian Single Origin Coffee with hints of toasted peanut brittle, milk chocolate, and citrus.
It's a real party in your mouth! And if you're looking for something with floral notes, you can try their "Ethiopia Reserve" with hints of Jasmine, Peach, and black tea.
The Roasting Plant is not your ordinary coffee roastery, making it unique.
Visit the Roasting Plant to try out their Brazilian Single Origin Coffee.
Monmouth Coffee
Monmouth Coffee is a brand that sources and roasts coffee from single farms, estates, and cooperatives.
The Monmouth Coffee Company crew is always on the move throughout the year, visiting farmers and cooperatives and looking for unique coffee varieties and new farms to purchase from.
In 1978, Monmouth started roasting and selling coffee from their basement in Covent Garden on Monmouth Street, using old-fashioned, direct-flame equipment.
But let's cut to the chase and talk about their amazing coffee options. One of the brand's best coffee beans for Chemex is their FINCA GALERAS, which has hints of plums and muscovado sugar.
Also, you can't go wrong with FINCA EL CHINITO, which tastes like marmalade and honey. Trust me; you won't regret trying them!
Visit Monmouth Coffee to try out their FINCA EL CHINITO.
Kiss the Hippo
These guys are the new kids on the block, but don't let that fool you - they know their beans. Their founder, Can Eren, has assembled an all-star management team that includes the 2020 UK Barista Champion, Paul Ross, and the 2018 UK Barista Champion, Joshua Tarlo. These guys are so good; they make latte art look like child's play.
You can spot Kiss the Hippo from a mile away thanks to their funky logo - a bright red hippo on a white background. But the team's passion for coffee goes beyond cool graphics.
They're also environmentally conscious, using 100% renewable energy to power their roastery and roast all their coffee carbon-neutral.
Kiss the Hippo offers a fantastic option for Chemex brewing with their Panama Rocky Mountain Gesha. This coffee has hints of mango, melon, and a lovely jammy finish that will have you smacking your lips.
And if you want to take your Chemex brewing to the next level, check out their "Chemex Bundle", which includes a Chemex, Chemex filters, and a bag of roaster's choice coffee. It's the perfect way to up your brewing game and impress coffee-loving friends.
Visit Kiss the Hippo to try out their Chemex Bundle.
Workshop Coffee
It all started with James Dickson, who was made redundant by the estate agency he worked for. With a big vision to create a coffee destination dedicated to an integrated approach to truly excellent coffee, he founded the company in 2011.
Their first cafe opened its doors that same year, and soon after, another one popped up. Word of their quality beans spread fast, and soon other independent cafes were stocking Workshop's coffee.
Fast forward to today, and they now have five cafes across London and their own dedicated production space in their new roastery.
Now, let me tell you about their coffee. If you're a fan of Chemex brewing, you should check out their "Filter Tasting Pack", which includes four seasonal coffees from different origins.
You'll get to experience the unique flavours and aromas from each one.
Visit Workshop Coffee to try out their Chemex Bundle.
Guide For The Best Coffee For Chemex
Now that we've gone through our list of the best coffee for Chemex in the UK, this guide will be half-baked if you don't know how to choose the best coffee beans for Chemex brewing.
Here, we'll talk about the right roast profile selection, which is crucial for achieving a bright and flavorful cup of coffee.
I'll also give you some tips on picking the right coffee type and why you should consider ditching ground coffee in favour of whole beans regarding the Chemex brew technique.
I hope you're still with me?– let's take a quick look.
Right Roast Profile Selection
As a coffee nerd with years of experience, let me tell you - the type of roast is a BIG deal in your morning cup of joe.
It's like the captain of the coffee shop, steering the taste, bitterness, and acidity in a particular direction. And trust me, you want to aim for the port, not the iceberg!
I have even written extensively on the different brewing methods in my article espresso vs filter vs french press vs filter coffee. It is worth your time.
Here are the different types of roasts to choose from:
Medium Roast
It's the perfect balance between light and dark roast, with just the right amount of bitterness, acidity, and sweetness. It's like the Goldilocks of coffee roasts, not too strong or light - and rightly takes the spot for the most popular roast style for its versatility.
Light Roast
Now, let's talk about the light roast. It's like a shy kid, keeping all its unique flavours to itself. It can be tricky to extract those flavours, but it's a palette explosion once you do.
Light roast beans aren't oily so you won't find any residue on the surface. And did you know that light roast beans have slightly more caffeine? It's true! Perfect if you're ready to kick-start the day with focus and energy.
Dark Roast
Finally, we've got the bold and beautiful dark roast. It's more bitter and oily than the other roasts but less acidic and contains the least caffeine. I'll call it the Beyoncé of coffee, full of flavour and smoothness.
And don't worry, even with Chemex brewing, the thick coffee filter picks up more oils and fats, so even dark-roasted coffee won't taste too bitter.
By the way, I took the time to talk extensively about each of these roast types in the blogs below:
- Best Medium Roast Coffee Beans
- Best Light Roast Coffee Beans In The UK
- Best Dark Roast Coffee Beans In The UK
In addition, We also wrote an article on the different roast types if you want to learn more about this.
Pick The Right Coffee Type
The type of coffee you choose is just as important as the roast profile. Let me break this down for you.
First, we've got single-origin coffee. Single-origin coffee is perfect for those who want to explore the different flavour notes of coffee worldwide. It's like a solo artist showcasing its unique flavours from a specific region.
Then, you have coffee blends. It's like a band, with different coffees coming together to create a beautiful blend of artistic talents to produce a balanced flavour profile.
Of course, we have flavoured coffee. These are more like spicy cabinets, with different flavours added to the coffee. These aren't our personal favourites because, as healthy coffee enthusiasts, we're all about bringing you a naturally clean, sweet coffee without additives. However, everyone is different, so if you want to switch things up and enjoy a sweeter coffee, it might be for you.
For Chemex brewing or pour-over, I recommend going for coffees labelled single-origin that are light or medium roasts. The reason?
The shape of the Chemex brewing device plus the material of the filter papers purposefully let fewer coffee oils pass through the dripper, and single-origin coffee is the perfect match for that.
The result is a clean brew with high clarity for a mouth-watering experience.
Abandon Ground Coffee In Favour Of Whole Beans
So, let's dive into why you should abandon ground coffee in favour of whole beans for Chemex brewing.
I'd like to start with freshness. Whole beans stay fresher for longer because they retain their natural oils and flavours. Ground coffee, on the other hand, has more surface area, which makes it more vulnerable to oxidation - a fancy word for losing its flavour.
My favourite analogy is using bread: leave it out on the side for a short time, and that beauty begins to lose its aroma, freshness, quality and texture - the same principle applies to coffee.
Plus, pre-ground coffee is often not ground to the right consistency for Chemex brewing, which can lead to over-extraction or under-extraction. Therefore, buying a coffee grinder and grinding your beans fresh is the ultimate hack for coffee shop standard coffee at home.
Now, I know what you might be deep in thought - "but James, grinding coffee beans is such a hassle!" But hear me out. Grinding your beans gives you complete control over the grind size, which is crucial for perfect Chemex brewing.
Also, you get to grind just the amount of coffee you need for each brew for accuracy.
Ingredient & Tools Needed For Brewing With Chemex
As a professional barista with years of experience, I know first-hand the importance of having the right coffee equipment. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the ingredients and tools you need for Chemex coffee.
Chemex
First up is Chemex itself. The Chemex is a beautiful glass carafe explicitly designed for pour-over coffee. It features a unique hourglass shape that allows for the perfect extraction of coffee, resulting in a clean and delicious cup. Plus, it's a work of art and looks great in any kitchen.
Chemex Filters
Chemex filters are thicker than regular filters to collect more oils produced during extraction. This results in a cleaner coffee with less body - so if you appreciate sipping on coffees from around the world that give your taste buds a splash of joy, you're in for a treat. Plus, the filters are biodegradable and compostable, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Speciality coffee beans
The number of coffee beans you use will depend on the strength of the coffee you prefer, but 30g of coffee to 500g of water is a good starting point for two cups. Our Discovery Subscription or Single Origin Taster Pack should be a great choice.
When selecting coffee beans for your Chemex, it's crucial to choose a light or medium roast and look for freshly roasted beans that have a date stamp and are roasted within just a week or so.
Quality grinder
A good grinder is essential for Chemex brewing, especially if you're not using pre-ground coffee. This is because the grind size of the coffee beans is crucial to achieving the perfect cup of coffee. The wrong grind size can result in under-extracted or over-extracted coffee, which can be bitter or sour.
I recommend investing in one of the best burr coffee grinders out there. This type of grinder is of premium quality as the burrs grind the particles consistently compared to blade grinders, so look at our range of coffee grinders for Chemex brewing and thank me later!
500ml of fresh filtered water
Fresh filtered water is an essential ingredient for any cup of coffee, and the Chemex is no exception. For example, you'll need 500ml of fresh filtered water for a 2-cup serving of Chemex coffee.
The water quality will significantly impact how your coffee tastes, so it's essential to use filtered water for coffee free of impurities and contaminants.
Pouring kettle
A pouring kettle or 'gooseneck' is another essential equipment for making Chemex coffee. A pouring kettle allows complete control of the flow and direction of the water, allowing you to pour the water evenly over the coffee grounds.
It is important to achieve an even extraction and ensure all the coffee is saturated with water for brewing to perfection.
Digital Scales
Scales are also a crucial piece of equipment for Chemex brewing. To make the perfect cup of coffee, you need to use the right amount of ground coffee and water, and the only way to ensure that you're using the right amount is to weigh everything accurately.
Don't skip this step because if you want to master the same cup time after time, then it's the only way.
Scales allow you to accurately measure the coffee beans and water, ensuring you get the perfect brew every time.
How To Brew With Chemex
Ready to make some excellent coffee with your Chemex? It's nothing too tricky, I promise! All you need is your trusty Chemex, some filter papers, hot water, and some speciality coffee beans!
- First things first, rinse your filter paper with hot water. Not only will this eliminate any papery taste, but it will also warm up your brewing device so it's ready for action. Win-win right? Be sure to discard that water before you start brewing.
- Now, put your freshly ground coffee into the filter. The ideal method is to brew an initial amount of water equal to double the amount of ground coffee added. For example, For the 2 cups, with 30g of coffee added, pour approximately 60g of hot water onto the coffee bed and wait about 40 seconds for it to pre-infuse. This helps to release some Co2 created during the roasting process, which aids all the delicious flavours and aromas.
- Next, pour the rest of the water slowly in concentric circles. Don't hold your kettle too high, or you might end up with a big mess (trust me, I've been there!). Once you've poured all the water, give your Chemex a little swirl in a circular motion to even out the coffee bed and ensure a perfect extraction.
- Finally, be patient and wait 4-5 minutes for your coffee to finish brewing, depending on how many cups you make. Pour it into your favourite mug and enjoy the rich, delicious flavours and aromas. Ahh, coffee bliss!"
Frequently Asked Questions
With all the information I've shared, I understand you might have questions about this topic. If you have a specific question, please ask us via our online chat or contact form.
In the meantime, we've compiled some of the most common questions coffee lovers like you have asked us about the Chemex brewing technique.
How many spoons of coffee for Chemex?
Chemex's coffee amount depends on how much coffee you want to brew. An excellent approach is to use 18g of coffee for 250g of water, which will get you one cup. So, 36g of coffee for 500g of water should get you two delicious cups of joe.
How much coffee-to-water ratio per person Chemex?
A good starting point for brewing coffee with Chemex is 30 grams for every 500 ml of water, which can serve two people. But you can adjust this ratio to your taste preferences.
What's a good coffee for Chemex?
The best coffee for Chemex coffee maker is a high-quality, single-origin, freshly roasted coffee with a light or medium roast profile. And if you're looking for a specific recommendation, our Single Origin Taster Pack with fruity notes is an excellent choice for Chemex brewing.
Conclusion
Wow, we've covered a lot of ground in this article! From choosing the right coffee beans to the specific tools and techniques for brewing with a Chemex, we've explored everything you need to know to make the perfect cup of coffee.
I hope this guide has helped you to find the best coffee for your Chemex maker in 2023. Remember, the key is experimenting and finding the roast profile and flavour notes that best suit your taste.
And, if you're looking for a great recommendation, you can't go wrong with our Single Origin Taster Pack. Remember that we offer one of the best coffee subscriptions In the UK.
And remember, with a bit of practice and the right ingredients, you can make a cup of coffee that will make even the most discerning coffee snob smile.
Cheers to great coffee in 2023 and beyond!
