Chemex
Chemex Bonded Filters Pre-Folded Circles (FC-100) - For 3-Cup Brewers
Laboratory-Grade Filtration for Your 3-Cup Chemex
The Chemex Bonded Filter is the secret to Chemex's legendary clean, pure coffee flavor. Based on laboratory-grade filter paper and engineered by chemists, these white pre-folded circle filters are 20-30% thicker than standard coffee filters, removing undesirable oils, fats, bitterness, and even the finest sediment particles that other filters leave behind.
Specifically designed for 3-cup Chemex brewers, these pre-folded circles deliver the full-bodied, rich flavor Chemex is famous for—without any bitterness, regardless of brew strength. Perfect for individual brewing or small-batch coffee.
Key Features:
- 100 Filters Per Box - Economical bulk packaging
- Designed for 3-Cup Chemex - Perfect fit for compact brewers
- 20-30% Thicker - Superior filtration vs. standard filters
- Pre-Folded Circles - Ready to use, no folding required
- Oxygen-Cleansed White - Bleach-free, no chemical taste
- Laboratory-Grade Paper - Removes oils, fats, bitterness, sediment
- Made in USA - From sustainably harvested North American materials
- Compostable & Biodegradable - Eco-friendly disposal
- Won't Burst or Break - Guaranteed durability during brewing
- Perfect Infusion Time - Engineered filtration rate
- Also Fits Other Cone Brewers - Works with most cone-shaped pour-overs
Compatible Chemex Models
Designed Specifically for 3-Cup Chemex Brewers
✓ Compatible With:
- 3-Cup Classic Series - Wood collar and leather tie
- 3-Cup Glass Handle Series - Elegant glass handle design
- Most cone-shaped pour-over brewers - Universal cone filter compatibility
Perfect For:
- Individual daily brewing (1-2 servings)
- Small households
- Single-serve coffee lovers
- Compact kitchen spaces
- Travel or office brewing
- Testing new coffee beans in small batches
Also Available for Larger Chemex: If you have a 6, 8, or 10-cup Chemex, you'll need different filters:
- FS-100 or FSU-100 (Pre-folded squares for 6/8/10-cup)
- FP-1 (Unfolded circles for 6/8/10-cup - requires folding)
Note: The 3-cup Chemex brews approximately 15-17 ounces (450-500ml) of coffee, which equals about 2-3 standard cups.
Why Chemex Filters Are Superior
Laboratory-Grade Engineering Since 1941
Chemex filters aren't ordinary coffee filters—they're precision-engineered laboratory paper designed by a chemist for one purpose: brewing perfect coffee.
The Science Behind the Filter:
20-30% Thicker Paper The extra thickness creates a denser filtration barrier that traps undesirable elements while allowing pure coffee flavor to pass through. This isn't just marketing—it's measurable science.
Bonded Construction Multiple layers are bonded together to create exceptional strength. The filter won't burst under the weight of water during brewing and won't break when you lift out the spent grounds.
Precise Filtration Rate The formulation regulates water flow—not too slow (which creates over-extraction and bitterness), not too fast (which creates under-extraction and weak coffee). The result is optimal infusion every time.
What Gets Filtered Out:
- ✓ Coffee oils (cafestol and kahweol) - reduces bitterness and acidity
- ✓ Fine sediment particles - creates clean, clear coffee
- ✓ Undesirable fats - eliminates oily mouthfeel
- ✓ Bitter compounds - allows stronger brewing without bitterness
What Passes Through:
- ✓ Desirable flavor compounds
- ✓ Natural sweetness
- ✓ Aromatic oils (in appropriate amounts)
- ✓ Full-bodied richness
White vs. Natural Filters
Oxygen-Cleansed White Filters (This Product: FC-100)
Oxygen-Cleansing Process: White Chemex filters undergo an oxygen-cleansing bath followed by hot water baths. This is a bleach-free process that whitens the paper without using chlorine or harsh chemicals.
Benefits:
- Absolutely no chemical residue or taste
- Bright white appearance
- Some users prefer the aesthetic
- Identical performance to natural filters
Best For: Users who prefer traditional white filters or want the cleanest visual appearance
Natural Brown Filters (Alternative: FSU-100)
Natural Processing: Natural filters skip the oxygen-cleansing step and go through only hot water baths, retaining the natural brown wood color.
Benefits:
- Minimal processing
- Natural aesthetic
- Eco-minded choice
- Identical performance to white filters
Best For: Users who prefer unprocessed appearance or minimal manufacturing steps
The Bottom Line: Both white and natural Chemex filters function identically. The choice is purely personal preference—there's no difference in taste, brewing performance, or quality.
Circle vs. Square Filters
Pre-Folded Circles (This Product: FC-100)
Design: Round filters that fold into a perfect cone with a smooth, circular top edge.
Benefits:
- Flush with carafe rim
- Sleek, clean appearance
- Easy to position
- No corner points
Best For: Users who prefer the top of the filter to sit flush with the Chemex carafe for a streamlined look
Pre-Folded Squares (Alternative: FS-100)
Design: Square filters with pointed corners when folded into cone shape.
Benefits:
- Corner points for easy removal
- Easy to grab when hot
- Some find them easier to handle
Best For: Users who want corner "handles" for convenient filter removal after brewing
The Bottom Line: Both shapes function identically and fit the same Chemex models. Choose based on handling preference and aesthetics.
Product Specifications
Package Details:
- Quantity: 100 filters per box
- Model Number: FC-100
- Filter Type: Pre-folded circles, white (oxygen-cleansed)
- Shape: Cone (when opened)
Filter Specifications:
- Material: Bonded laboratory-grade filter paper
- Thickness: 20-30% thicker than standard coffee filters
- Color: White (oxygen-cleansed)
- Construction: Multi-layer bonded
Manufacturing:
- Made in: United States
- Materials: 100% North American materials
- Sustainability: SFI, FSC, and PEFC certified
- Processing: Oxygen-cleansed (bleach-free)
- Cut: Each filter individually cut at Chemex factory
Environmental:
- Compostable: Yes
- Biodegradable: Yes
- Recyclable: Yes (as paper product)
- Chemical-free: No bleach or harsh chemicals used
How to Use Chemex Filters
Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filter
- Remove one pre-folded filter from the box
- The filter is already creased into quarters
- Gently open the filter with your fingers
- Separate the layers so 3 leaves are on one side, 1 leaf on the other
Step 2: Position in Chemex
- Place the filter in the top of your Chemex brewer
- Position the 3-layer side against the spout/groove
- The groove is the air vent and pouring spout
- The thicker 3-layer side prevents vacuum-sealing and provides stability
Step 3: Rinse the Filter (Recommended)
- Pour hot water through the empty filter
- This removes any paper taste and preheats the Chemex
- Discard rinse water through the spout
Step 4: Add Coffee
- Use 1 heaping tablespoon (about 7-8g) per cup
- For 3-cup Chemex (15oz): 21-25g coffee (about 3 tablespoons)
- Adjust to taste after first brew
- Ratio: approximately 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee to water)
Step 5: Brew Your Coffee
- Follow standard Chemex brewing method
- Bloom: Pour twice the weight of coffee in water, wait 30-45 seconds
- Pour in circular motion to ensure even saturation
- Total brew time: 3.5-4.5 minutes
Step 6: Remove & Discard
- Grab the filter (careful—it's hot!)
- Lift out grounds and filter together
- Filter won't break or burst
- Compost the filter and grounds
Brewing Tips for Best Results
Getting the Most from Your Chemex Filters
Water Temperature
- Ideal: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
- Boil water, then wait 30-60 seconds before pouring
Coffee-to-Water Ratio
- Standard: 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee to water)
- Stronger: 1:13 to 1:14
- Lighter: 1:17 to 1:18
Grind Size
- Medium-coarse (similar to sea salt)
- Not too fine (causes over-extraction)
- Not too coarse (causes under-extraction)
Pour Technique
- Start in center, spiral outward
- Avoid pouring directly on filter walls
- Keep grounds evenly saturated
- Pour slowly and steadily
Brew Time
- Total: 3.5-4.5 minutes
- Faster = under-extracted (weak, sour)
- Slower = over-extracted (bitter, harsh)
- Adjust grind size to control brew time
Filter Positioning
- Always place 3 layers against spout
- This prevents vacuum lock
- Ensures proper airflow during brewing
- Provides structural support
Frequently asked question
Choose 3-cup if: You typically brew for yourself, have limited counter space, or want a travel/office brewer. Makes 1-2 standard mugs.
Choose 6-cup if: You brew for 2 people, want the most versatile option, or like having multiple cups throughout the morning. Makes 2-4 standard mugs. This is the most popular size.
Choose 8-cup if: You have a family of 3-4, entertain regularly, or want to brew larger batches. Makes 3-5 standard mugs.
Choose 10-cup if: You have a large family, brew for an office, host frequent gatherings, or want maximum capacity. Makes 4-6 standard mugs.
Remember: Chemex measures in 5 oz cups, while most coffee mugs hold 8-12 oz.
- 3-cup Chemex: Makes 1-2 standard mugs (15-17 oz total)
- 6-cup Chemex: Makes 2-4 standard mugs (30 oz total)
- 8-cup Chemex: Makes 3-5 standard mugs (40 oz total)
- 10-cup Chemex: Makes 4-6 standard mugs (50 oz total)
3-cup Chemex: Requires square Chemex bonded filters (available in natural or bleached)
6, 8, and 10-cup Chemex: All use the same circle Chemex bonded filters (available in natural or bleached)
You cannot use regular coffee filters—only genuine Chemex bonded filters will work properly.
Bleached (White) Filters:
- Oxygen-bleached (not chlorine), environmentally safe
- No paper taste
- Preferred by most coffee professionals
- Slightly easier to use
Natural (Unbleached) Filters:
- Less processing
- May impart slight paper taste if not rinsed well
- Preferred by eco-conscious users
- Require thorough rinsing
Both produce excellent coffee. It's a matter of personal preference.
No, Chemex filters are sold separately. We recommend ordering filters at the same time as your Chemex so you can start brewing immediately. Subscribe & Save for automatic filter delivery and discount pricing.
No. Regular coffee filters are too thin and will not properly filter the coffee or maintain the structural integrity needed for the Chemex brewing process. Only genuine Chemex Bonded Filters are designed to work with Chemex brewers.
Yes! The polished wood collar is designed to be removable. Take it off before putting your Chemex in the dishwasher or for thorough hand washing. This extends the life of both the glass and the wood.
Yes, the glass carafe is dishwasher safe. However, always remove the wood collar and leather tie before washing. We recommend hand washing to preserve the beauty of your Chemex for generations.
Chemex produces cleaner, brighter coffee because the thick bonded filters remove more oils and fine particles than standard drip machine filters. The pour over method also gives you complete control over water temperature, saturation, and brew time—variables that automatic drip machines can't match. The result is a more nuanced, complex cup that highlights your coffee's unique characteristics.
With proper care, your Chemex can last a lifetime. The borosilicate glass is extremely durable and heat-resistant. Many Chemex owners have used the same brewer for 20, 30, or even 40+ years. The wood collar and leather tie can be replaced if needed, but the glass carafe is built to last generations.
The Classic Series features the iconic polished wood collar and leather tie—this is the original design from 1941.
Other Chemex models include:
- Glass Handle Chemex: All-glass design without wood collar
- Chemex Ottomatic: Automatic pour over brewer
The Classic Series is the most recognized design and what most people picture when they think of Chemex.
Use a medium-coarse grind, similar to the texture of sea salt.
- Too fine = over-extracted, bitter coffee and slow brew time
- Too coarse = under-extracted, weak coffee and fast brew time
- Just right = balanced extraction in 3.5-4.5 minutes
A quality burr grinder is highly recommended for consistent results.