For Chemex sizes, choose the 3‑Cup for single‑mug brewing; pick the 6‑Cup if you want bigger batches and easier sharing.
Chemex 3‑Cup
Chemex 6‑Cup
Budget & Solo Brewer
- One large mug at a time
- Small footprint and easy storage
- Half‑moon paper fit
Chemex 3‑Cup Classic
Household & Guests
- 2–4 mugs per batch
- Sharing without re‑brewing
- Pre‑folded squares or circles
Chemex 6‑Cup Classic
The size choice sets your daily routine. Both carafes brew the same clean, bright cup with Chemex’s thick bonded paper. One favors a single‑mug rhythm; the other suits households and guests. You’ll get a fast verdict, the trade‑offs that matter, and a clear path to the right pick.
In A Nutshell
The smaller carafe is a space saver that nails one or two mugs without leftovers. It pairs well with compact kettles and tight counters. The larger carafe doubles capacity, brings more filter options, and makes it easier to pour for a table. Flavor stays the same because the filter tech is shared.
Side‑By‑Side Specs
ℹ️ Good To Know: Chemex measures “cup” as 5 fl oz. That’s why the small carafe is 15 fl oz and the larger one is 30 fl oz. See the maker’s cup chart for reference (cup sizes).
Chemex 3‑Cup — What We Like / What We Don’t Like
✅ What We Like
- Tiny footprint that fits narrow shelves and van‑life nooks.
- Perfect for a single large mug; no leftover coffee to stale.
- Fast rinse and dry; collar comes off in seconds for a wipe down.
⚠️ What We Don’t Like
- Half‑moon paper is unique to this size, so stocking squares won’t fit.
- Guests arrive? You’ll likely brew twice.
- Narrow opening makes deep cleaning brushes handier than sponges.
Chemex 6‑Cup — What We Like / What We Don’t Like
✅ What We Like
- Enough coffee for a couple or guests without a second brew.
- More paper choices: pre‑folded squares or circles for quick setup.
- Wider mouth is easier to reach with standard bottle brushes.
⚠️ What We Don’t Like
- Takes up more counter space.
- Brewing one mug can feel wasteful unless you adjust your recipe.
- Full pot is heavier to handle for small hands.
Chemex 3‑Cup Or 6‑Cup: Which Fits You Better
Power & Throughput
Both brewers rely on gravity and a thick paper cone to deliver clarity in the cup. The small carafe is tuned for one or two mugs at a time, which makes dialing a recipe painless. The larger carafe suits back‑to‑back pours for a couple or a table. Either way, flavor stays crisp because the paper design is identical across sizes.
If you plan to pair a carafe with the maker’s countertop brewer, you’re covered either way. Ottomatic 2.0 fits both classic sizes listed here, so you can automate your morning on either path (Ottomatic 2.0 fit).
Noise & Comfort
There’s no pump hum or burr whine here—only the hush of a kettle stream. The small carafe feels lighter in the hand and pours with less wrist angle. The larger carafe’s weight arrives only when you fill it to the brim. If you regularly carry a pot to the table, the bigger size pours extra cups without a second trip.
Cleaning & Parts
Both carafes are made from borosilicate glass. Remove the wood collar and rawhide, and you can place the vessel in the dishwasher; hand‑washing works too if you prefer a gentle brush (care note). The wider mouth on the larger carafe makes brush access easier, but the smaller model rinses fast and dries quickly because there’s less glass to hold heat.
Paper fit is the one real difference. The small model uses half‑moon paper (FP‑2/FP‑2N). The larger carafe accepts pre‑folded squares, pre‑folded circles, or the unfold‑and‑fold circle (FP‑1). The options behave the same; pick by setup style and storage space (filter series info).
Safety & Standards
Borosilicate resists thermal shock, but don’t slam a hot carafe onto a cold counter. A small silicone or cork coaster under the base adds a buffer. Always wet the paper, seat the three‑layer side over the spout, and pour steady. The brew process is the same across both sizes, so your technique travels with you if you switch sizes later.
Warranty & Service
Glass is glass—treat it with care. Collars and rawhide ties are replaceable, and filter supply is easy to find from the maker’s store. If you brew daily, keep a spare pack on hand so you’re never stuck mid‑pour.
Pricing & Packages
No subscription or add‑on fees. Both carafes are one‑time buys, with the small model falling in the $ tier and the larger one in the $$ tier. If you think you’ll want automation later, Ottomatic 2.0 pairs with these sizes, which may tilt the choice toward the size you plan to leave on the counter (compatibility). For full specs, tap the maker’s product pages: 3‑Cup Classic and 6‑Cup Classic.
Cleaning & Parts: Paper Details
Pick paper based on setup speed. Half‑moon sheets save space in a drawer and fold in a snap once you learn the crease. Pre‑folded squares and circles pop straight in with no prep. The maker’s guide lists which codes fit which sizes, and confirms that “cup” means 5 fl oz (official cup chart).
Price, Value & Ownership
Think of ownership like this: the small carafe saves space and trims waste on slower mornings; the larger one saves time when friends drop by. Paper supply is easy for both, with the larger size offering the widest set of pre‑folded options.
Where Each One Wins
🏆 Brewing For Guests — Chemex 6‑Cup
🏆 Filter Options — Chemex 6‑Cup
🏆 Travel Friendly — Chemex 3‑Cup
Decision Guide
✅ Choose Chemex 3‑Cup If…
- You brew one large mug and rarely need refills.
- Your kitchen favors compact tools and quick cleanup.
- You like the idea of half‑moon papers that pack flat.
✅ Choose Chemex 6‑Cup If…
- You make coffee for two or more on most mornings.
- You want pre‑folded paper options for quick setup.
- You’d like headroom for guests, iced brews, or weekend refills.
Best Fit For Most Kitchens
Pick the small carafe if your routine is a single mug and you want a brewer that tucks anywhere. Go with the larger carafe if your counter has room and you pour for more than one person on a regular basis. Both give you the same bright, paper‑clean cup, the same borosilicate build, and the same graceful pour. The choice is about batch size, not flavor.
Helpful references from the maker: the official 5‑oz cup chart and filter fit details confirm the capacities and paper options linked above (cup sizes, filter series info).