About Us
The secret to perfect coffee... every time.
The CHEMEX® coffeemaker was designed and then patented in 1941, by the eccentric chemist and inventor Dr. Peter Schlumbohm. Throughout his career he developed over 300 patents, ranging from cocktail shakers to automobiles. His focus was on making everyday objects more functional, attractive and enjoyable to use.
When designing the CHEMEX® coffeemaker, Schlumbohm desired to make brewing the perfect cup of coffee at home simple and beautiful. As a chemist, he studied and understood the chemical reactions occurring during the extraction of flavor and caffeine from coffee beans. It was this knowledge that led him to invent the Bonded CHEMEX® paper filters for perfect extraction every time.
For the carafe, Schlumbohm was inspired by the Bauhaus school of design and the non-porous labware used for his Chemistry experiments. Blending these elements, he fashioned the hourglass shape that has now become an iconic part of American history. Made from one piece of borosilicate glass and adorned with a wooden collar and rawhide tie or glass handle, the CHEMEX® is pure in both form and function.
The CHEMEX® has been recognized and awarded by the scientific, art and design communities. The coffeemaker and other CHEMEX® products can be found in the permanent collection of some of the most prestigious museums worldwide. The CHEMEX® coffeemaker was also selected by the Illinois Institute of Technology as one of the 100 best designed products of modern times.
CHEMEX® Corporation has been a family owned and operated company for over 40 years. We are honored to carry on the legacy of Dr. Schlumbohm and his CHEMEX® coffeemaker. Led by a brother and sister who grew up on the factory floor, CHEMEX® Corporation is made up of a team of people who are passionate about bringing superior brewing equipment to the global community.
We take pride in what we do. At our factory in Massachusetts, each coffeemaker is inspected, polished and hand tied, before getting boxed up for shipping. Each filter is cut in house on a machine operated by one of our team. Our filter paper is compostable and manufactured in the USA from USA materials only, adhering to responsible and sustainable practices.
Our mission is to make brewing excellent coffee easy, approachable, and enjoyable. As a family-owned business with nearly 85 years of experience, we design and craft premium coffeemakers, filters, and glassware that deliver perfect brews every time. We are dedicated to taking care of our employees and customers, ensuring exceptional service and fostering lasting relationships. From sourcing high-quality, sustainable materials to meticulous assembly, every step we take is guided by our commitment to superior design, and the ultimate user experience.
