Chemex vs Bodum - Pour Over Coffee Makers Compared

We take a look at two pour over coffee makers - one twice the price of the other.

My coffee gear:

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[danswaney]

With Chemix, you have to put the 3 sheets on the spout side or it will pour slow because the paper will be weaker with the pour spout if you don't. It's easy to remember.

The benefit of paper over metal screen is the paper will filter out all the impurities from the coffee so no grounds and no excessive oil elements will appear below in the Chemix Jar.

I like the Jar because we have the larger version and no oils get through to the coffee.

The wooden and leather rope is a nice touch with the Chemix and you can get a Jean Jacket with zipper to keep coffee warmer for longer. You get what you pay for.

[TomSestilio]

My solution for the paper filters in the Bodum: I use #4 raw paper filters INSIDE of the metal filter. If you pour brewed coffee, from a french press, into the Bodum with just the metal filter you'll see that it doesn't filter out the silt. That's kind of the point of the paper filters, in addition to capturing those oils. I'm surprised it doesn't say within the instructions to do this, as I figured this would be the best way to mitigate the lack of a channel on the side of the glass

[richpontone]

I got the 20 buck Bodum and it makes the best coffee ever.
Several points.
1. I bought a stove pot with a thermometer set on top. I used filter water and heat the water to 190 degrees and no more. Boiling water destroys the flavor of the water and boiling water destroys the delicacy of the coffee. I usually make four cups of coffee each morning.
2. While heating the water, I grind my coffee with one enclosed serving scoop, one scoop of coffee per 5 ounces of water. I used one half already grounded coffee and one half just grinder coffee beans. Medium ground is how my coffee is grinded.
3. I use the metal filter only as I use the sediments to give a more earthy taste to the coffee. Previously I had used a paper filter with the metal filter and it makes a more bland tasting coffee. I put a half ounce of olive oil into the pot before pouring the hot water. Funny thing, it reduces the bitterness or acidity of the coffee. Starbucks is now doing this too.
4. I pour three ounces of hot water at a time into the filter and wait for it to go completely down, and then add another two ounces, repeat until I get the full 4 cups poured into the coffee pot. Takes about ten minutes for all of it to be poured.
5. Once done, I immediately pour the coffee into a thermos bottle as it rapidly loses its hot temperature. At the end, I pour half the sediment into the thermos.
6. Cleaning is simple. I shoot a spray of Dawn Power Clean detergent into the Bodum pot and it’s metal filter, and use a small brush to agitate the cleaning solution. I put them upside down on my drying rack. Takes about four hours to drain all the water out. Please remember, the glass pot is delicate and can easily break.
I usually drink five to six cups of coffee per day but this Bodum perfectly satisfies my craving to four cups and no more per day.

[doctaC]

Been using the Bodum for years, I use a #4 filter in the Bodum basket. I believe that recommendation was on the box but could be wrong. Doesn't slow flow much if at all, great clean cup.

[jensmertes]

For the Chemex, always place the three-sheet side of the paper on the spouts side. Because if you want to pre-wet/rinse the paper, it allows you to drain the carafe.

[skaterpunk]

This video was much more informative than I expected. Thank you!

[sergeantpaul]

Actually u can use Bodum with Melitta paper filters. The only extra thing to do is to put a chopstick in there so the air can escape. Not the most ideal solution, but the result is not bad at all.

[JohnArktor]

I own a bodum and I find 2 disadvantages to the metallic filter: 1st it lets too much particles through, leading to gross sediments, and 2nd it passes the water too quiclkly, leading to watery coffee.
I use a paper filter inside the metallic filter, and problems solved.

[BryanCDonaldson]

Add a cone filter to the Bodum and you'll get a much clearer, less harsh coffee.

[nephthysakaneffy]

I know I am late to this. I have a Bodum and I replaced the original filter with a double wall metal filter and it definitely filtered the grounds better and gave it a smoother taste. I just don't like using paper filters because I am trying to cut down on using disposable items that won't help me save money in the long run. There's a bunch of different replacement filters on the market.

[ZonalJump]

I just put a #4 filter over the metal filter and brew from there
Less mess to deal with

[Ferrerman]

I had no idea you also have a coffee channel! Home brewing and coffee, you’re great! I use bodum, I put a small paper filter on top of the metal mesh. This helps the coffee grinds from not getting down into the coffee and making it astringent. I like a finer grind

[Monietheseamonster]

I have both. I have had the Cemex for almost 2 years new in the box because I couldn’t find the filters. When I did find the filters they were so expensive…
I like the bodum. I use a regular coffee filter in the mesh filter for easier clean up and smooth taste.
Bodum does make a double wall edition.

[KevinvanDiest]

You should put the chemex filter 3 layers towards the opening. (Twist it 180 degrees)

[williamfosnaugh]

Just put a paper filter in the basket of the Bodum?

[lumberjakmatt]

I have both and use the same filter for both there is literally zero difference in flavor

[wordslikebugger]

I love the Chemex; it’s fun to brew in and aesthetically looks gorgeous and the coffee that comes out is refined and full of origin characteristics. However, my go-to is the ever dependable 02 size Hario V60 as a) the filters are far cheaper b) it’s quicker for morning coffee and c) you do get more of that oil in your cup. It’s less refined than a Chemex, but for everyday use it’s great. As for the Bodum - I think I would just stick to a French Press for that kind of coffee.

[ItsBugtronic]

The color of the resulting brew is enough proof that these devices do not make the same cup of coffee, wow. Did you note the amount of time it took to brew the coffee with the Bodum? I hypothesise that the amount of total steep time may also be a big factor, since the metal mesh is a more permeable allowing for a faster drain. Very entertaining video as always. Helpful in deciding what things to buy for what experience. It really is a pleasure to see your logic/understanding and presentation style on the topic of coffee, I look forward to more exciting videos.

[Matoro]

The Chemex comes with filters, they are just under the cardboard bottom stopper in the box.

[CM-xgvm]

It is not steam that would be the issue, when you pour water through the filter and it goes in to the Chemex then the air that is displaced by the water is able to go through the gap that is left by the spout, in the Bodum it would probably struggle, it is nothing to do with steam or condensation, it would just take ages for the water to pass through.