When it comes to coffee makers, there are many different options to choose from. Two of the most popular options are the Chemex and the Bodum. Both of these coffee makers have their own unique features.
There are a few key differences between Chemex and Bodum coffee makers. Chemex uses a thicker paper filter, which results in a slower brewing process and a cleaner cup of coffee. Bodum uses a thinner paper filter, which allows the coffee to be brewed more quickly but can result in a harsher taste.
So, which one is the better option? In this article, we will compare both Chemex and Bodum coffee makers, and see which one comes out on top.
What Is a Chemex Coffee Maker?
The Chemex is a hand-blown, glass coffeemaker with a wood collar that looks like something out of the 1950s. The beauty of the Chemex is that it allows you to control every step in the process: from the grind to the pour.
However, the problem with this method is that it takes longer than an automatic drip coffee maker.
The Chemex comes in two sizes: 3 cups (500 ml) and 6 cups (750 ml). The filter fits into a cone-shaped glass vessel with a wooden collar. You then put ground coffee into the filter, pour hot water over it and let it drip into your cup.
Dr. Peter Schlumbohm invented the Chemex in 1941 to search for an alternative to filter paper.
He had been working on creating a new kind of brewing device when he discovered that by swirling boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans in a conical filter holder, he could achieve an exceptional flavor without any paper taste getting through at all.
What Is a Bodum Pour Over?
Bodum is a company with a long history in the coffee industry and other kitchen products. They have been making pour-over coffee makers for many years now.
A pour-over coffee maker is an effortless device that allows you to make delicious coffee at home. You only need some loose-leaf coffee and water, and you can make your coffee!
The Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker is designed to be used with paper filters. The filter sits on top of a glass or plastic carafe holding the water. Then place your ground beans on top of the filter and slowly pour hot water over them.
This allows the water to seep through the grounds into your cup below. You can adjust how much water goes through by controlling how fast or slow you pour it. It’s not just for making coffee; this device can also be used for making tea or even hot chocolate.
The Differences Between Chemex and Bodum
Chemex and Bodum coffee makers are some of the best options on the market if you’re looking for a coffee maker that will provide you with a rich, flavorful cup of coffee every time.
They both have pros and cons, but they also share many similarities. Here are the differences between Chemex vs Bodum:
Size
The size of these two coffee makers is one of the most significant differences between them. The Chemex is taller than it is wide, making it perfect for brewing large batches of coffee at once. On the other hand, the Bodum is more comprehensive than tall and can be used for smaller batches at a time.
Filter Basket
The filter basket in a Chemex has larger holes than those found in a Bodum, allowing more oils and sediment to pass through into your cup during brewing. This means your cup will taste better when using a Chemex than a Bodum.
Bodum filters are made of nylon or cotton fibers; they’re disposable and can’t be cleaned or reused like the ones used in Chemex brewers.
Design
The next difference is design. The Chemex has a curved spout that makes pouring easier than other products on the market today. If you prefer an elegant design over functional features, you may want to consider getting this product instead of Bodum.
Purpose
The main difference between Chemex and Bodum is the purpose for which they were designed. The Chemex was designed as an alternative to other coffee makers, including the French press because it has some advantages over them.
The Chemex doesn’t require electricity or batteries so it can be used anywhere in the world with just water, beans, and some filters. The Bodum was designed as an alternative to drip machines because it produces less waste than most other types of drip machines do.
It also makes strong coffee quickly because it uses less water per cup than most other types of drip machines do.
Materials Used in Construction
The Chemex is made of glass, while the Bodum is made of plastic. The glass is more durable than plastic, though it’s also heavier and more prone to breakage if mishandled.
Shape
While Chemex and Bodum are made of glass, they have very different shapes. The Chemex has a classic hourglass shape, with the top being more comprehensive than the bottom. The Bodum is more like an hourglass with just one tapering side.
Both shapes make it easy to see how much coffee is left in the pot while brewing, but they also mean that they take up more space on your countertop or table.
The Shape of the Filter
The Chemex uses a proprietary paper filter with a flat bottom, while the Bodum uses a standard metal cone filter with a circular base. The difference in shape affects how much coffee each brewer can hold and how much sediment ends up in your cup.
The Chemex can hold up to 4 cups of coffee at once (each cup being about 8 ounces), while the Bodum can hold only 2 cups (8 ounces each).
The Material Used for Brewing
Both brewers are made from heat-resistant glass, but the Chemex has an extra advantage: its lid has a silicone band around it that makes it easier to remove when hot water is inside without burning yourself or dropping hot liquid on yourself if there’s no countertop nearby.
Pros of Chemex
The main benefit of using a Chemex is its ability to make a smooth cup of coffee with no bitterness or acidity. This is because it filters out more of the sediment than other types of coffee makers. The simplicity of the design also makes cleaning straightforward. The following are three pros of using a Chemex.
- It produces flavorful coffee without the bitter aftertaste.
- It’s easy to clean.
- Its simple design makes it aesthetically pleasing.
Cons of Chemex
The Chemex coffee maker is made from heat-resistant glass and looks elegant on your kitchen countertop. It’s easy to use and makes great-tasting coffee, but there are some cons that you should consider before making this purchase
- You can only make one cup at a time.
- The Chemex is an expensive coffee maker and cannot be easy to find in stores.
- Not dishwasher safe.
Pros of Bodum
In the market today, there are a lot of coffee makers to choose from. However, you must buy the best products available to get the best experience out of your coffee drinking.
Bodum is one brand that should always be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a good quality coffee maker. Here are three pros of using Bodum products:
- Durability: One of the most significant advantages of using Bodum products is that they’re incredibly durable. They can withstand harsh conditions and still last for long periods.
This means they’re ideal for use in homes with children or pets who might accidentally break them or cause other damage to the items.
- High Quality: Bodum products are also very high quality, which means they’ll last longer than other brands’ products at the same price or even higher prices.
This makes them great investments if you want something that will last a long time without breaking down on you unexpectedly during use.
- Affordability: Another benefit of buying from Bodum is how affordable their products are compared to other brands that sell similar items but at higher prices because their name is more well-known than Bodum’s brand name.
Cons of Bodum
Bodum is a famous brand of coffee makers, teapots, and other kitchen items. Their products are well known for their quality and durability. But like any other company, there are some downsides to buying from Bodum.
- Price: Bodum products are not cheap by any means. If you’re looking to save money on your coffee maker, this isn’t the brand for you.
However, if you don’t mind spending more money on something that will last longer than cheaper ones, then Bodum is worth considering.
- Limited Choices: Bodum doesn’t offer many choices regarding the design and style of its products; this can be good or bad depending on what type of person you are!
If you like to have options when it comes to your kitchen appliances, then Bodum may not be the best choice for you.
On the other hand, if you like simple and elegant designs, Bodum might be just what you’re looking for!
- Quality Control Issues: Unfortunately, there have been some reports of quality control issues with some models of Bodum coffee makers; these include leaking water tanks and malfunctioning switches which can render a new machine useless until it’s fixed or replaced by the manufacturer.
Final thoughts
The Chemex coffee maker is the better choice for those who want a quality cup of coffee. It is more expensive than the Bodum, but it is worth the investment. The Chemex brews coffee evenly and slowly, resulting in a cup that is less bitter and has more flavor.
The Bodum maker is a good choice for those on a budget, but it does not produce as good of a cup of coffee as the Chemex.
For more information on brewing the perfect coffee using a Chemex or Bodum check out our ultimate guide to coffee brewing. This will help you make a cup of coffee that tastes exactly how you like it.
Alex is a self confessed coffee addict – but he takes his love of caffeine seriously in a completely responsible way. He loves trying new coffees and testing the latest machines and is not usually fan of one button pod machines. Alex is happiest when he is tinkering with settings and milk temperatures to create the perfect cup. When not obsessing over coffee, Alex is a keen musician and plays weddings and other social events (usually fuelled by… yes, you guessed it… coffee).