Square and circle Chemex filters produce identical coffee. The choice is purely about folding preference.
Square filters fold into a cone shape with one side having three layers. Circle filters fold symmetrically. Neither affects extraction or taste.
About The Chemex Square Vs. Circle Filters
The search for the perfect coffee taste involves only getting the best that the market can offer. So, it’s okay to worry about filters. However, when it comes to shape, I must emphasize this–the shape of your Chemex filter does not impact the taste of your coffee.
The filter papers undergo the same process and are then cut into different shapes. The shape you choose solely depends on your personal aesthetic preference. They weigh 4.5 grams and are among the heaviest and thickest coffee paper filters you’ll find on the market.
Chemex Square Vs. Circle Filters: Bleached, Oxidized, Or Natural?
The white Chemex filters are bleached through an oxidizing cleaning bath and a series of hot baths after. The brown version doesn’t go through the oxidizing process. That’s why they keep their natural brown color.
I tried both white and brown filters, and the natural filters seemed to give my coffee that papery flavor. For me, this is a disadvantage. However, you can beat this papery taste by rinsing your unbleached filter with hot water several times before using it.
It is also worth noting that Chemex manufacturers reached out to the concerned people to address the bleach claims. They confirmed that they do not use bleach or chlorine to whiten their filter paper.
Instead, they use a food-grade hydrogen peroxide oxygen cleansing process. However, if you try both bleached and what Chemex claims to be using, you will notice only a little difference in taste.
Chemex Square Vs. Circle Filters: The Differences
Let’s look at a brief comparison between the two shapes.
|
Chemex Square Filters |
Chemex Circle Filters |
|
Easier to take out using the edges |
It can be challenging to take out without edges |
|
Cheaper |
Slightly expensive |
|
It can be used on bigger brewers |
Best used by smaller brewers |
|
Give a more sophisticated feel |
They’re less complicated. |
What’s Better About Chemex Square Filter?
The main reason why Chemex manufacturers produce square paper filters is to make removal easier, especially if you’re dealing with a sizeable Chemex brewer. The tips allow you to pick the filter paper easily and dispose of the grounds easily, which also makes cleaning easier. The folded square filter paper produces exceptional results with well-pronounced notes, fine, smooth, and low-acid coffee.
What’s Better About Chemex Circle Filters?
If you’re a Chemex user, you must already know the reason why Chemex has its paper filters. Other paper filters are often too thin and may rip during the brewing process.
The circle-shaped Chemex paper filter fits so well on your Chemex to guarantee consistent extraction without worrying about the paper bursting under the weight of your pour or during disposal. For a better coffee experience, I highly suggest getting pre-folded circle filters that can withstand any kind of pressure.
Who Should Get The Chemex Square Filters?
The square filters should be your ideal choice if you’re constantly preparing large amounts of coffee for guests in your home or people at the office. It allows you to make the perfect cup of coffee in the shortest time possible and clean it with ease by disposing of the ground safely without making a mess or burning your hands with the hot coffee grounds.
Many Chemex users are happy with the square-shaped paper filters, and some think they are more stylish and affordable than the round-shaped filters.
Who Should Get The Chemex Circle Filters
The Chemex round-shaped filters have been around for decades, particularly natural ones. They are most commonly used by coffee enthusiasts who have been using Chemex for the longest time as they work perfectly fine. Those who use them say they have no problem holding them once done brewing.
The round option should excellently work if you own a 3-cup Chemex. If you are using a larger brewer than the filter, it’s prudent that you pour the water slowly to avoid overwhelming the filter. However, I would highly recommend buying your filters based on the amount of coffee you make every day.
Chemex Comparisons
Chemex Ottomatic Vs Ratio Eight
Our Testing Notes
We’ve tested this brewing method extensively in our coffee lab, and here’s what the data doesn’t always tell you:
Water temperature matters more than most guides suggest. We found that 200-205°F consistently produced better extraction than the often-recommended 195°F. The difference was especially noticeable with lighter roasts—underheat them and you get sour, underwhelming coffee that wastes good beans.
The grind size recommendations online are a starting point, not gospel. Your specific grinder, beans, and even altitude affect optimal grind. We keep a brewing journal and adjust by one click finer or coarser until dialing in a new bag. Takes about 3 brews to nail it.