7 best Chemex filters alternatives (our top choices reviewed + more information)

Filters play a crucial role in your brewing and ensure you get bright and clean coffee. Chemex filters are the best in the field, but there is a shortage of these filters. So, what are the best Chemex filters alternatives?

The best alternatives of the Chemex coffee filters include the coffee sock reusable cotton Chemex filters, the able kone coffee filter, and the bolio organic hemp coffee filter, among others. These filters are equally competitive with the Chemex filters and will give you a clean cup of coffee.

I am a big fan of Chemex coffee filters because whenever I use them, I feel my cup of coffee is more full-bodied and rich in flavor. However, these filters are not easily available in the market now. So I have tried several filters that could give me the same coffee type as when I use the Chemex filters. I came up with a list of a few coffee filters that I found to be the best alternatives to the Chemex coffee filters. Keep reading to learn more.

What is so special about Chemex filters?

Chemex filters are exceptional as they are designed to remove even the tiniest impurity from your coffee. They filter out unwanted oils, sediments, and even fats to give you a pure cup of coffee with a rich flavor. Furthermore, Chemex filters are thick and heavy compared to other filters in the market, hence why they are a great filter option for your coffee machine.

How much are Chemex filters?

Chemex filters are a bit pricy compared to other filters in the market. However, their prices can be justified by their role in giving you great coffee. A packet of these filters will cost you around $15.90 to $20.00, depending on the store you purchase them from.

Why is there a shortage of Chemex filters?

Chemex filters started disappearing from the market after the coronavirus disease hit the ground. The shortage of these filters is associated with the disrupted production due to covid-19, yet the demands were still high. Therefore, Chemex was unable to meet the demand of customers.

How we choose the best Chemex filters alternatives

We chose the best Chemex filters alternatives based on their durability and effectiveness. When going for anything, value for your money is what leads you. Therefore, the filters in this article will last you long, even years, before you need to replace them. Furthermore, Chemex filters are highly effective and with the ability to trap the tiniest of sediments from your coffee and ensure you have a clean and smooth cup of coffee with well-defined flavors. Therefore, when choosing the alternatives, we went for filters that will give you an almost similar experience.

Seven best Chemex filters alternatives

Able KONE for Chemex

If you are looking for a filter for your Chemex coffee maker or one whose performance nears that of Chemex filters, you should consider getting this Able Kone reusable filter. These filters are reusable; you can have them for several years before needing a replacement. This machine comes with a rim attached to the top of it and sits on the Chemex glass when brewing, making it easy to pull out the filter once you are done.

These filters are also dishwasher safe hence easy to clean. The holes in these filters are designed in a way that they trap few oils and minimize clogging. Therefore, knock the filter gently against a bin to remove the grounds and rinse.

Another stand-out feature of this filter is that it does not impart the flavor of your coffee. It is also safe to handle and equipped with welding technology, resulting in a flawless and tight seal. These filters work well with medium-coarse grind-size coffee. You can check the price for this coffee filter here.

Barista Warrior Coffee filters

If you are looking for a coffee filter that you won’t have to restock regularly, then this stainless steel filter is the best alternative to Chemex filters. This filter is cheaper in the market compared to its competitors and uses a different filtering system from that of Able Kone.

This coffee filter features two walls, with the inside one made of stainless steel to prevent coffee grounds from getting into your mug. It works best with medium-coarse grind size. After use, ensure you rinse it thoroughly to avoid clogging. All in all, it is more durable than most coffee filters. You can check the price for this coffee filter here.

Coffee sock reusable organic cotton coffee filters

This coffee filter is the closest thing you will get to the Chemex coffee filters, as it is made of organic cotton and yields superior coffee compared to other filters in the market. You are assured of a sediment-free cup of coffee with balanced acidity, flavorful, and no bitterness. The coffee you get from using this filter is fuller-bodied compared to what you would get when you use a paper filter. For its price, it is relatively durable as you can reuse it for one year before having to change it. You can check the price for this coffee filter here.

Apace living pour-over coffee filter

This coffee filter features a wide metallic base with a rubber ring that fits on the rim of your coffee maker. It is also double-layered to ensure no sediments get into your coffee cup. Furthermore, it is dishwasher safe hence easy to clean. The only core complaint from those who use this filter is that the rubber ring tends to dislodge easily. However, you can do the fixing without requiring professional assistance. It is a good alternative for those looking for a one-time filter investment, as it is durable. You can check the price for this coffee filter here.

Bolio Organic Hemp Reusable Coffee filter

If you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative, then look no further. This coffee filter is environmentally friendly as it is made of 100% organic material and performs an equally better job. Though it lets a few sediments slide into your cup, the sediments that escape are not enough to alter the taste and flavor of your beverage.

Furthermore, these filters are pretty affordable and fantastic for someone who is working on a tight budget. The only downside with this filter is though it is durable, it becomes wrinkly over time. Though this wrinkly might not affect its performance, the filter would not be able to trap all the coffee oils from your beverage. You can check the price for this coffee filter here.

Zulay Reusable Pour Over Coffee filter.

This coffee filter is durable as it is made of stainless steel materials. It is relatively thick and porous hence able to trap more sediments from your cup of coffee, which results in a richer and full-bodied beverage. Furthermore, this filter is dishwasher safe hence easy to clean. It is also compatible with most Chemex coffee makers. However, you might face difficulties cleaning this filter on the first few trials if you have not mastered its flexible design. You can check the price for this coffee filter here.

OVALWARE paperless stainless steel pour-over coffee filter

The ovalware coffee filter is versatile and of simple design hence compatible with all sizes of Chemex coffee makers. This coffee filter features a silicone grip at the top, which allows it to fit well in most brewers. However, if you find a coffee maker that this silicone grip does not fit well with, you can just easily remove it.

This filter is double-layered hence keeping most sediments from your coffee. The result is a full-bodied cup of coffee with rich flavor and taste. However, this coffee filter cannot trap coffee oils from your beverage. The internal of this coffee filter is made with a fine mesh and a laser-cut design on the outside. You can check the price for this coffee filter here.

Informative section

Do melitta filters work in Chemex?

Though melitta filters are designed to be used in pour-over coffee makers, you can use them in your Chemex coffee maker. However, you will notice a difference in your coffee when you use Melitta filters, as they are less porous and thinner compared to Chemex filters which are thicker and more porous and result in a clean and smooth cup of coffee with well-defined flavors.

Why is there a shortage of Chemex filters?

Customers started experiencing a shortage of Chemex filters when the coronavirus hit the ground and disrupted a lot of production. Therefore, Chemex could not meet the demand of customers as they could not produce as much as they used to before corona.

Do Chemex filters need to be rinsed?

Yes, you should consider rinsing Chemex filters before use to remove any paper test that may be present in the filter. To rinse a Chemex filter, simply fold it in half and place it in the Chemex coffee maker. Run hot water over the filter for a few seconds until it is fully saturated. Then let the water flow out of your coffee maker and discard it.