Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker, Glass Handle Series, 6-Cup Review (2026)

What this coffeemaker is

This is Chemex's Glass Handle Series in the 6 cup size, an all-glass version of the brand's iconic hourglass pour over brewer. Where the original Classic Series uses a wood collar and leather tie to protect hands from the hot glass, this model has a handle molded directly into the borosilicate glass body, so there is no separate collar to attach or maintain. It holds 30 ounces, and Chemex measures its cup sizes at 5 ounces each, putting this size in the middle of the lineup between the smaller 3 cup and larger 8 and 10 cup versions. Chemex has sold the classic hourglass shape for decades, and this glass handle option is a newer variation on that same original design.

Build and materials

The carafe is made from pure borosilicate glass, which Chemex says does not impart any flavor or chemical taste into the coffee, and the glass handle comes in a few finish options such as clear, gold, sapphire and a few tinted twist styles depending on which listing you buy. Standing about 8.5 inches tall with a 5.125 inch diameter, it is a similarly sized vessel to the Classic 6 cup, just without the wood and leather collar wrapped around the neck. Since the whole piece is one continuous material, there are no separate parts to loosen, slip or wear out the way a tied collar can over years of use.

Brewing and filter compatibility

Like every Chemex, this brewer only works properly with Chemex's own Bonded filters, which are thicker than standard paper filters and are what gives Chemex coffee its notably clean, sediment-free cup. This model is compatible with the FP-1 pre-folded circle filters, FC-100 pre-folded squares, FS-100 natural squares and FSU-100 unfolded half moon filters, so buyers have a few filter format choices depending on preference. The filters are biodegradable and compostable, which fits with Chemex's general presentation of itself as a simple, low-waste brewing method compared to machines that rely on pods or plastic parts.

Care and cleaning

Because this version has no wood collar or leather tie to remove, the whole carafe can go straight into the dishwasher, which is the main practical advantage over the Classic Series beyond looks. Chemex still recommends hand washing with a coffeemaker brush for anyone who prefers to avoid the dishwasher, mainly to avoid the carafe knocking against other dishes and risking a chip or crack. As with any glass brewer, care during dishwasher loading matters more than with metal or plastic kitchenware, since a hard impact against another item is the most common way these carafes get damaged.

Who should buy the glass handle version

This model suits buyers who like the Classic Chemex look and function but want to skip maintaining a wood collar and leather tie, or who simply prefer the cleaner all-glass appearance for a minimalist kitchen. It costs more than the equivalent Classic Series 6 cup, so buyers mainly motivated by price and not bothered by wiping down a wood collar occasionally may be better served by the cheaper original. For anyone brewing for one or two people who wants dishwasher-safe simplicity without giving up the Chemex brewing method, this is a reasonable size and version to start with.

Frequently asked questions