How to Make the Perfect Cup of Folgers Coffee with a Chemex

Quick Answer

To brew Folgers coffee in a Chemex, use a medium-coarse grind and a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. Preheat the Chemex, rinse the filter, and pour hot water in stages for a balanced, clean cup.

The Chemex is a classic pour-over brewer that highlights the clean, bright notes in coffee. Pairing it with Folgers medium roast creates a smooth, balanced cup that's perfect for slow mornings or afternoon breaks.

This guide walks through the entire process—from choosing the right Folgers blend to dialing in your grind and pour. You'll learn the key ratios and techniques to avoid common pour-over mistakes and get the most from your beans.

Choosing the Right Folgers Coffee for Chemex

The Chemex filter removes most oils and sediment, so the coffee's flavor profile really shines. For a balanced, classic taste, a medium roast like Folgers Classic Decaf or 1850 Pioneer Blend works well. If you prefer a richer cup, a medium-dark roast like 1850 Trailblazer adds depth without overwhelming bitterness.

Because Chemex brewing highlights acidity and brightness, lighter roasts can taste more vibrant, while darker roasts may come across as smoother and more chocolatey. Choose based on your flavor preference—there's no wrong answer, just different profiles.

• For a smooth, mild cup: Folgers Breakfast Blend
• For a balanced medium roast: 1850 Pioneer Blend
• For a bolder, richer cup: 1850 Trailblazer

Coffee-to-Water Ratio and Grind Size

The standard Chemex ratio is 1:16—one gram of coffee for every 16 grams (or milliliters) of water. For a 12-ounce cup, that's about 21 grams of coffee and 336 grams of water. Adjust slightly to taste: use 1:15 for a stronger cup or 1:17 for a lighter one.

Grind size is crucial. A medium-coarse grind—similar to sea salt—works best for Chemex. Too fine and the coffee over-extracts and tastes bitter; too coarse and it under-extracts, leaving a weak, sour cup. If you're using pre-ground Folgers, it's often a medium grind, which can work, but you may need to adjust your pour time.

• Use a kitchen scale for consistent results
• Grind just before brewing for maximum freshness
• If using pre-ground coffee, reduce steeping time slightly

Step-by-Step Chemex Brewing with Folgers

Start by placing a Chemex filter in the top of the brewer, with the thicker side against the spout. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and preheat the glass. Discard the rinse water.

Add your ground Folgers coffee, then pour a small amount of hot water (just off the boil, about 200°F) over the grounds to saturate them. Let it bloom for 30 seconds. Then, pour the remaining water in a slow, circular motion, keeping the water level below the top of the brewer. Aim for a total brew time of 3.5 to 4.5 minutes.

• Use water just off the boil—about 200°F
• Pour in stages, not all at once
• Keep the coffee bed level for even extraction

Brewing Steps at a Glance

1. Heat water and prep filter: Heat water to about 200°F and place a Chemex filter in the brewer. Rinse with hot water to remove paper taste and preheat the glass. Checkpoint: The filter should be fully wet and clinging to the glass.
2. Add coffee and bloom: Add your ground Folgers coffee (medium-coarse grind) to the filter. Pour just enough water to saturate the grounds, then wait 30 seconds for the bloom. Checkpoint: The grounds should swell and release gases—this ensures even extraction.
3. Pour in stages: Slowly pour the remaining water in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Keep the water level below the top of the brewer. Checkpoint: Total brew time should be 3.5–4.5 minutes. If it's faster, grind finer; if slower, grind coarser.
4. Serve and enjoy: Once the water has drained through, remove the filter and give the coffee a gentle swirl to mix. Pour and enjoy your clean, flavorful cup. Checkpoint: The coffee should taste balanced—not bitter or sour. Adjust ratio next time if needed.

Folgers Options for Chemex Brewing

• 1850 by Folgers Pioneer Blend Medium Roast Coffee, 10 Keurig K-Cup Pods (Pack of 2): Medium roast coffee with a smooth, balanced flavor profile This balanced medium roast is an excellent choice for Chemex, as it highlights the coffee's natural sweetness without overpowering acidity.
• 1850 by Folgers Trailblazer Medium Dark Roast Coffee, 10 Keurig K-Cup Pods (Pack of 3): Medium dark roast coffee with a rich, smooth taste If you prefer a bolder cup, Trailblazer's medium-dark profile stands up well to the Chemex's clean extraction, delivering a full-bodied brew.
• Folgers Breakfast Blend Mild Roast Coffee, 72 Keurig K-Cup Pods: Mild roast offers a gentle, balanced flavor that's perfect for any time of day For a lighter, more delicate cup, Breakfast Blend's mild roast lets the Chemex produce a smooth, easy-drinking coffee that's ideal for mornings.

Brewing Folgers coffee in a Chemex is a simple way to elevate your daily cup. With the right grind, ratio, and pour technique, you'll enjoy a clean, flavorful coffee that highlights the best of Folgers' roasts. Experiment with different blends to find your favorite, and don't be afraid to tweak the ratio to suit your taste.