The History of the Chemex Coffee Maker

The Chemex coffee maker was invented in 1941 by a German chemist named Peter Schlumbohm. Schlumbohm was inspired by the Bauhaus movement, which emphasized functional, minimalist design. He wanted to create a coffee maker that was both beautiful and practical.

The design of the Chemex is simple yet elegant. It consists of a glass vessel with a narrow neck and a wooden collar tied around the middle with a leather cord. The glass is thicker than that of most coffee makers, which helps to retain heat and prevent breakage.

The Chemex uses a special filter that is thicker and more porous than standard coffee filters. This filter removes more of the coffee oils and sediment, resulting in a clean, smooth cup of coffee.

During World War II, the Chemex became popular among American soldiers stationed in Europe. After the war, Schlumbohm moved to the United States and began producing the Chemex in Massachusetts. The Chemex quickly became popular with coffee aficionados and was featured in museums and design exhibitions.

Today, the Chemex remains a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate its simple, elegant design and the clean, flavorful coffee it produces. It has been recognized with numerous design awards and is included in the collections of several museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.