In 1941, chemist Dr. Peter Schlumbohm set out to perfect the daily coffee ritual. His philosophy was simple: everyday objects should be functionally flawless, scientifically sound, and beautifully designed. Guided
by a precise understanding of extraction, he combined laboratory glass, a wooden collar, and a leather tie to craft a new iconic vessel.
Eighty-five years later, that iconic silhouette remains unchanged. It stands as a testament to achieving design perfection while staying true to our foundational values. In a world of fleeting trends, we remain anchored to our original standards of pure materials and honest craftsmanship.
We aren't just looking back at history—we are celebrating the shared morning routines and passion for pure taste that connect us. It is alongside you, our incredible community, that we celebrate eighty-five years of brewing perfection and unwavering heritage. Welcome to our celebration!
From very first patent drawings in 1941 to the global design icon on your counter today, we invite you to view the CHEMEX timeline. Explore the history, the engineering, and the milestones that shaped eight and a half decades of flawless functional design.
Identified all of the components that ground coffee contains, and declared that there were only two desirable elements that one should have in their cup after the brewing process.
“The importance of filtration cannot be exaggerated.” - Dr. Peter Schlumbohm
Dr. Schlumbohm continues inventing superior, logical products designed to solve everyday inconveniences and enhance daily life. Following the success of the CHEMEX, he applied his scientific approach to create diverse household solutions. His inventions included unique items such as an iceless bottle chiller and a frying pan designed to never require washing.
The CHEMEX Corporation is one of the first exhibitors at the well-known Chicago Housewares Show.
The Chemists Kitchen is displayed in store front window at Hammacher Schelmmer. Take a closer look to see these classic Schlumbohm inventions.
CM-6A, CM-8A, CM-10A
CM-6GH, CM-8GH, CM-10GH
CM-1C, CM-1GH
At our factory in Massachusetts, each coffeemaker is inspected, polished and hand tied, before getting boxed up for shipping. Each filter is cut in house on a machine operated by one of our team. Our filter paper is compostable and manufactured in the USA from USA materials only, adhering to responsible and sustainable practices.
More to come!
Showing year 1941 of 24 milestones
Our community is our greatest inspiration. For 85 years, the CHEMEX Coffeemaker has been part of countless kitchens, conversations, and daily rituals. Now, we'd love to preserve your place in that story.
Become part of the CHEMEX Archive by sharing your original story, photograph, or artwork. Tell us how CHEMEX found its way into your life, who introduced you to the ritual, or what makes it part of your daily routine. Share photographs you've captured that celebrate your unique CHEMEX moments, or original artwork you've created inspired by CHEMEX.
Together, these stories, photographs, and works of art will help preserve the living history of CHEMEX. Select submissions will be featured in our future online gallery, celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and rituals of the CHEMEX community.
Step Into the Lab as
Dr. Schlumbohm
Put on the lab coat and step into history as the Doctor himself! I
In our Brew Perfect video game, you are the inventor. Select the raw laboratory materials to assemble the iconic CHEMEX vessel from scratch, then put your scientific filters to the test. Race against the clock to trap unwanted impurities like bitterness, acidity, and fats, leaving behind nothing but pure taste.
Bring a piece of our 85th anniversary into your home, office, or coffee nook. Download our exclusive, commemorative anniversary poster for free. A perfect print-at-home celebration of timeless design.
Size: 8.5" x 11"
