Coffee may be brewed in innumerable different ways, but some are more dramatic than others. Investing in a siphon vacuum coffee maker is the way to go if you want to wow your visitors or get a dose of fascinating science first thing in the morning.

The siphon or vacuum brewing process is one of the most intriguing brewing techniques. These coffee machines are also known as siphon pots, siphon brewers, vacpots, and vacuum brewers. All of them use the same method to draw water up, through the coffee grounds, and back down again as a clean cup of coffee.

Will walk you through all the information you need about siphon coffee maker. Let’s get going!

History of Brewing with a Siphon

In the 1830s, a man named Loeff from Berlin came up with the idea for the siphon or vacuum brewing process. Since then, the coffee brewer has traveled a winding and eventful path to where it is now. During the 1960s, vacuum coffee brewers went out of favor due to the complexity of their brewing process and convenient coffee makers became more widely accessible. During this time period, a significant number of coffee brewer manufacturers discontinued manufacturing of these types. Only a few companies, like Bodum, kept making these unique brewers. Since the 1970s, Bodum has consistently made high-quality siphon pots. During this time, the number of people using these coffee makers also decreased.

Near the end of the 1990s, the siphon pot started to become more popular. This was likely because of a small group of hard-core coffee brewing fans on the internet. In recent times, specialized coffee brewers have begun emphasizing the use of the siphon pot as either one of, or even their preferred technique for, the brewing process. 

There are several types of siphon pots available today, with choices to meet the demands of every coffee enthusiast.

How Does Siphon/Vacuum Coffee Maker Work

Among the earliest “automated” coffee makers are siphon coffee brewers, often known as vacuum brewers. They use the best features of both immersion and filter brewers to provide a beverage with robust taste, a full body, and no grit.

A siphon coffee maker is one of a kind since it uses a brewing method that involves total immersion for the coffee grounds. It appears like something out of a science fiction film, and it is interesting to look at. 

Because it is based on the physical principles of how liquids behave in response to expansion and contraction, the siphon technique of preparing coffee is not difficult to explain. The expansion of water does not need a particularly high temperature to take place, which is one of the many advantages of the siphon method.

A siphon has two parts, which are the two vessels that move the fluids at different times. The water is drawn up into the upper vessel from the lower vessel, which contains the water. A tiny tube connects these two vessels, which permits water to enter the top vessel. The water is heated to a boil by a heat source situated underneath the lower vessel. A result of the expansion is that some of the water has been pushed into the upper part. This is where the coffee grinds are kept and where your coffee will be brewed. At this time, the lower vessel’s temperature starts to cool down as the heat source is switched off.

As it cools, this creates a vacuum that pulls the coffee down through capillary action. Gravity and a vacuum do the rest to pull your coffee through a filter that covers the top draining section. After that, you may enjoy your freshly brewed coffee.

Why Is Coffee Brewed Using a Siphon a Preferable Option?

1. It makes a cup of coffee that has a wonderful flavor.

The most important thing about the way you make coffee is how it tastes and smells, and the siphon method does well in this area. It makes flavors that are rich and savory. If you’ve ever had siphon coffee, you know that it has a balance and smoothness that can’t be matched.

2. It emits a stronger aroma.

In comparison to other brewing methods, siphon coffee yields a more robust fragrance and taste. In addition to satisfying your taste sensations, the resulting coffee will also make your nose pleased with its clean, bright aroma.

3. It gives you complete command over the brewing process.

The vacuum pot is preferable to standard pod coffee since it allows you to tailor the coffee’s intensity by adjusting the number of grounds brewed. You may make a weak or strong cup of coffee by changing the amount of ground and the temperature of the water. For this reason, many coffee experts recommend siphon brewing.

4. A siphon is a great way to wow your guests.

Using a Siphon to brew coffee at home is the best method to wow visitors with your unique brewing technique. The brilliant fusion of the visual arts and science creates a breathtaking experience, not only for the brew maker but also for the audience.

Kinds Of Siphon/Vacuum Coffee Makers

Because of how they look, it can be hard to figure out at first how each model works. To clear up any questions, we’ll talk about the different kinds of siphon pots and the numerous methods for heating your brew. There are two primary kinds of siphon coffee makers: standalone and stovetop.

1. Standalone Siphon Pot

A standalone siphon pot is a siphon pot meant to be used with an external heat source, such as a butane or alcohol burner. There are also standalone siphon coffee makers that include a built-in heating element in the stand.

2. Stovetop Siphon Pot

Simply said, a stovetop siphon pot is a pot designed to be used on top of a gas or electric stove. This is because the bottom bowl is created with a flat surface that enables the complete pot to be laid on a flat burner, yet this does not indicate that the design is drastically different from a standalone siphon pot. 

What Filters Can Be Used in Siphon Coffee Makers?

When you buy a brand-new siphon brewer, the kit will also include a filter and other replacement components. Different kinds of filters were used to remove sediments from the finest, richest brew. If you are unhappy with the filter included with your coffee machine, you may purchase one of these filters.

1. Paper Filters

You are familiar with the flavor of coffee that has been filtered through paper; it is fresh, pure, and velvety. This is also true for coffee prepared using a siphon.

2. Metal Filters

Stainless steel filters provide a strong taste by enabling fragrant coffee oils and tiny coffee grinds to pass through. This results in a strong scent and a heavier, satisfying body.

3. Cloth Filters

Cloth is the ultimate siphon filter, allowing natural coffee oils to pass through while keeping grounds out of your cup. This results in a cup with strong fragrances and a smooth, velvety texture.

What Are the Various Heating Options Available When Using a Siphon?

The coffee is brewed by bringing the water to a boil in the bottom bulb and then allowing it to ascend to the higher chamber, where the coffee is brewed. The coffee may be brewed using almost any source of heat, but these four devices are by far the most popular and efficient. 

• Butane Burner. Butane, a pressurized gas, may be inserted into the burner’s bottom hole. It is neat, fast, and there is no risk of alcohol getting all over your counter. This kind of burner includes a lever igniter that ignites the gas and is very simple to operate. By regulating the gas release speed, you may regulate the intensity of the flame.
• Alcohol Burner. You must pour denatured alcohol into a tiny chamber and ignite the wick with a lighter to use these affordable burners. The flame it produces is generally exactly perfect for brewing coffee.
• Halogen Lamp. This high-tech heat source employs light rays to boil water and make coffee. Yes, it’s very high tech and cool to look at. Halogen lamps are pricey, though.
• Electric-Powered. A lot of new siphons have an electric heater similar to that found in a water kettle. It’s built for siphon brewing and performs the job reliably most of the time, although you lose some control over the temperature.

Advantages of a Siphon/Vacuum Coffee Maker

The features that set a syphon coffee brewer apart from others are also the reason why you should consider investing in one. Here are some of these benefits:

1. Process Of Total Immersion

During brewing, the vacuum coffee maker employs the process of total immersion. This indicates that the coffee grinds and water remain in constant contact throughout the brewing process. Due to the total immersion of the coffee grounds, vacuum-brewed coffee is always clearer and has a milder taste.

2. The Vacuum

This is what sets the siphon coffee machine apart from others, and it’s also what gives vacuum coffee its signature purity. In order to attain this level of cleanliness, the filtered coffee liquid is sucked back through the filter, where any remaining taste from the coffee grounds is removed.

3. Constant Heating

Vacuum brewing allows for tighter control of the brew’s quality thanks to the constant heat application. The coffee grounds in the gravity coffee maker need constant heat, unlike in other brewing techniques.

This is a fantastic feature since temperature is an essential factor in deciding brew quality.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Siphon Coffee Maker?

When looking to purchase a siphon or vacuum coffee machine, the following are some crucial considerations to keep in mind:

1. Cost

This is a very important thing to think about before you buy a siphon coffee maker. You care about your budget, so you should stick to it as much as possible. There is a wide choice of siphon coffee makers available to suit your budget and personal taste.

2. Vacuum Brewing Device

The choice between the two kinds of brewers relies on individual preference. Apart from the stovetop siphon coffee brewer being more reasonably priced, the main difference between the two is that the standalone siphon coffee brewer is more aesthetically pleasing and includes a built-in burner that is located below the bottom chamber. The stovetop kind, on the other hand, is designed to be used atop a burner. But the end product, in terms of the quality of the brew, is same.

3. Brewing Capacity

Similar to other brewing methods, the siphon/vacuum coffee maker employs varying sizes throughout the brewing process. When choosing a type of siphon coffee brewer, it is important to think about how much you and your family like drinking coffee in addition to the number of people in your household. A typical brewing range is 3–8 cups, therefore make sure to check the specifications of your preferred device carefully.

Final Thoughts 

Do you want to start your day with the best cup of coffee possible? If you like the multisensory experience that coffee provides, you will adore a siphon pot. The brewing process is fascinating to see and listen to. Seeing the water rise from the bottom pot, observing the coffee brew in front of your eyes, and then observing the lovely, clean brew being poured back into the bottom pot will make you smile every time you have a cup of great coffee.