Vacuum (Siphon) Coffee Makers

October 10, 2017

Dating back to the 1830s, the vacuum method of brewing coffee is considered by many coffee experts to be one of the best. While plenty of vintage vacuum coffee makers can still be found, new ones with that same vintage appearance are also widely available. These coffee makers consist of two pots, usually made of glass, a siphon tube, a filter (glass tube or cloth, paper, or metal screen ), and a gasket.

Many vacuum coffee makers are designed for stove-top use, but some are electric or come with their own special burner. Water is heated in the lower chamber and creates pressure which forces it up the siphon tube to the upper pot, where it mixes with the coffee grounds. The coffee maker is removed from the heat and the vacuum pressure draws the brewed coffee back into the lower chamber.

Vacuum coffee makers operate at what is considered the ideal temperature range for brewing coffee, between 190 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, and tasters feel they produce superior cups of coffee. These systems are very affordable, with most coming in around $80. The drawback is the lack of convenience, as they require a more involved set-up and need to be monitored during the brewing process.

French Press

A French press, also known as a coffee press, allows coffee and water to steep together in one container. Then a metal plunger is used to filter the grounds from the coffee. The French press is a quick way to make a cup or two of freshly-brewed coffee. The full contact between coffee and water results in more of the rich flavors being extracted from the grounds. Other benefits include the ability to control the water temperature as well as the steeping time. This method of brewing is best suited to coarsely ground coffee and is the method typically used at professional coffee tastings. French press coffee makers are economically priced, with many models costing less than $40.