(Here are the CM-10A and the CM-6A side by side. We stocked the 8 cup model CM-8A but it was too close in size to the 10 cup. We thought offering the 6 cup model (perfect for 1-2 coffee drinkers) and the 10 cup would be a better fit.)

New Item!

The New Glass Handle Chemex

Okay, I loved the '70s too. I loved my Schwinn Stingray, I loved my Matchbox cars, I loved "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters." (Am I dating myself here?) But that wood collar with the leather band on the traditional Chemex models is a bit anachronistic. I mean, it serves a function; you do need some insulation for your hand as you pour your Chemex coffee.

But now you have an option, as Chemex as come out with a new, elegant, simple, all-glass design. We carry the 8 cup (40 ounce model) that has the lovable moniker "CM-8GH". It's sleek, it's clear, it makes coffee same as the other Chemex models. The handle is thick and sturdy but hey, it's glass. My estimation is that you would probably crack the carafe itself long before you would crack the handle, so this model is no more or less fragile than the others.

CM-8GH 8 cup (40 oz.) Chemex Brewer: $36.50 (2.3 lbs ship wt.)

We have the Hand-Blown Glass Chemex brewers in the 8 cup size and the 13 Cup Size. These are what you would have purchased if you bought a Chemex in the '70s. Here is what I have noted about them that differs from the machine-made ones:

• The shape is slightly different, more of a true hourglass shape. with sharper bends at the bottom and a wider, flatter bottom.
• The glass seems very dense and heavy, clearly a higher quality than the machine-made. It has a slight greenish cast. Ironically, it seems more perfect in form than the machine made --don't expect to see bubbles in the glass, or irregularity of handcrafted glass here! It is hand-blown into a mold...
• The size: The CM-3 Handblown 8 Cup by all appearances this is larger than the CM-10A. It certainly stands taller and is heavier. It appears to hold as much as the 10A so I am really not sure why this is called an 8 cup. The CM-4 13 Cup is the largest brewer Chemex makes, ideal for 4-6 people.
• It comes in a plain box. Don't be disappointed. The brewer includes the one-piece glass coffeemaker, and wood collar handle with leather tie. (You will need to buy filters separately.)

You need Chemex filters for your brewer, and the Chemex type (pre-folded squares) are only pennies more than the bleached, and do not impart a "paper taste" to the coffee. I like the square pre-folded best because they are strong, and when it comes time to toss the filter (into your compost, of course!) The square type give you neat "handholds" on the corner. You will have trouble using non-Chemex filters in one of these brewers. The "neck" between the top and bottom is a large diameter for regular cone filters and they tend to split at the seam under the weight of the hot water. It's not fun to clean that up. But Chemex brand filters are readily available and reasonably priced. There are 100 in a box. These fit all Chemex models except the small 3 Cup size that we don't offer.

Chemex WHITE Filters (FS-100) $7.50(+1.6 lbs shipping)

Chemex makes a small glass cover to maintain heat in ether brewer after you have made your coffee and removed the paper filter. This is a better technique to keep coffee hot than any type of reheating or keeping it on a stovetop burner (which is never recommended with the Chemex anyway). Click on the thumbnail image to see how it is placed in the brewer. This fits all sizes of Chemex. Remove cover before pouring.

Chemex CoffeeMaker Cover: $5.75 (+ .4 lb shipping)