Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker, Glass Handle Series, 8-Cup Review (2026)

What this coffeemaker is

This is the 8 cup size in Chemex's Glass Handle Series, model CM-8GH, which uses the same hourglass silhouette as every Chemex but with a handle molded into the borosilicate glass instead of the brand's classic wood collar and leather tie. At 40 ounces of capacity, using Chemex's own measurement of 5 ounces per cup, it is one step up from the 6 cup Glass Handle model and suited to brewing for more than two people at a time, whether that is a household that drinks a lot of coffee or entertaining guests with a full carafe.

Build and materials

Like the rest of the Glass Handle line, the carafe is one continuous piece of borosilicate glass, standing about 9 inches tall with a 5.25 inch diameter base, without any separate wood or leather parts attached around the neck. The handle grows out of the glass itself rather than being a wrapped collar, so there is nothing to slip, retie or replace over the life of the piece. Borosilicate glass is chosen for its heat resistance and because it does not absorb odors or flavors from earlier brews, keeping the taste of each pot consistent regardless of what was brewed before.

Brewing and filter compatibility

This model brews exclusively with Chemex's own Bonded filters rather than standard cone filters, and works with the same FP-1, FC-100, FS-100 and FSU-100 filter formats used across the Chemex lineup. The thick paper of Bonded filters is a major reason Chemex coffee comes out notably clean and free of sediment compared to metal mesh brewers, since the paper traps fine particles and some of the coffee's natural oils along with them. Brewing a full 40 ounce batch takes a slower, more deliberate pour than smaller sizes simply because there is more water and grounds to work through in stages.

Care, cleaning and everyday handling

Because there is no collar to remove, the entire carafe can be washed in the dishwasher, and Chemex still suggests hand washing with a dedicated brush as an alternative for anyone who wants to avoid it knocking against other dishes. The handle area, where the glass narrows and curves outward, is generally considered the weakest point structurally on any Chemex, so lifting and pouring a full 40 ounce carafe should be done with a firm two-handed grip rather than relying on the handle alone when the vessel is at its heaviest. Some retailers list a one year manufacturer warranty against defects on this model, separate from the short return window for unopened purchases.

Who should buy the 8 cup size

This size makes the most sense for larger households, offices or anyone who regularly brews for three or more people at once, since a smaller Chemex run at full capacity would need refilling more often. Buyers who mostly brew alone or for one other person are better served by the 6 cup Glass Handle version or the smaller Classic Series sizes, since a large carafe brewed only partway tends to pour and extract less evenly than one closer to its rated capacity. As with the smaller sizes, the appeal here over the Classic Series is skipping the wood collar upkeep, at a higher price than the wood collar equivalent.

Frequently asked questions