Siphon coffee makers use a sealed heat source to heat the water in a lower chamber and push it up to the top chamber, creating a vacuum. Then, the vacuum is broken and the brewing process begins.
But what type of coffee makers are siphon coffee makers, and are they really that different from other coffee makers? Well, to be honest, they’re not that different.
However, they do have some distinct advantages over other machines.
Siphon coffee makers are much more involved than pour-over coffee makers and they're much more easily clogged. Luckily for you, we've done some research, and we've got a few tips to help you make the best brew you can.
Name | Category | Product |
---|---|---|
Yama Glass | Best Overall | ![]() |
Bodum PEBO Coffee Maker | Budget Pick | ![]() |
HARIO Technica Three Cup Coffee Siphon | Upgrade Pick | ![]() |
1. Yama Glass
Pros:
- Endorsed by Gourmet Coffee Maker
- Heat-Resistant
- Stainless Steel, Stovetop Syphon (Auto Siphon) Coffee Maker, Clockwise or Counterclockwise
- Perfect Pour
- Recyclable
- No Plastic
- Tempered Glass
- Made in USA
- Borosilicate Glass
Cons:
- Heat-Resistant
- 8 cup Capacity
Instructions in the coffee making are not as helpful as they should be for beginners making their first cup.
This siphon-percolator is recommended for coffee connoisseurs. It makes 1 PM, the full-bodied cup of coffee that experienced baristas can create at their best. It is made with heat-resistant glass with a chromium nickel.
It looks like it belongs in the lab of an alchemist like you would find in the Harry Potter movies. If you want to impress your friends with your new coffee maker, then you can buy this one.
2. HARIO Technica Three Cup Coffee Siphon
Pros:
- Can make a big batch of coffee in one session
- Can brew coffee fast
- Easy to clean
3. Bodum PEBO Coffee Maker
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Filter keeps coffee grounds out of coffee
- Easily makes 8 cups at a time
- Wide, screw on top
- Coffee is ready in about 3 minutes
- No need to wait for it to cool down
- Good looking
- Allows for high volume of strong coffee
- Enjoy freshly made cups of coffee
- Easy to use
Black (BO8 CHW3).
This is a very popular, sturdy and beautifully designed vacuum coffee maker from Bodum, a company that has been producing quality coffee products for a long time.
The PEBO's design is both extremely attractive and practical. The feature that is probably most distinctive about it, is that it makes coffee with an immersion brew method that gives a good bodied cup of coffee.
4. KitchenAid KCM0812OB Siphon Coffee Brewer
Pros:
- Quickly makes 2.3 liters of coffee
- Maximum temperature of 211 degrees Fahrenheit
- 800 watts of power
The KCM0812OB coffeemaker, sometimes referred to as a vacuum brewer, has been around for a very long time. The first of its kind was invented in the 1840s by British inventor Sir Benjamin Thompson, the Count of Rumford.
These brewers actually use gravity rather than pressure to push water up into the top chamber thereby "siphoning" the brewed coffee down into the bottom part where it is collected for drinking.
This version produced by KitchenAid is substantial in every way, from its all-metal build, which includes a solid glass jug or carafe that you won't need to worry about breaking, to its large capacity, about twice the size of most other siphon brewers. The water is heated in the bottom portion of the coffeemaker and then rises into the top portion where it is left to sit for a while to ensure full extraction.
5. Yama Glass Tabletop w/Ceramic Base
Pros:
- Uses butane as its heating source, which makes it affordable and convenient
- Extremely simple to use and does not use electricity
- The device has a great design.
- Produces a high quality brew in a very short amount of time
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- Glass walls can be removed easily and hand-washed.
- Glass design see brew happen in a brew as it brews and complete view of coffee grounds.
- Safe and secure thanks to a built-in flame guard.
- It is made from high quality, durable parts that they Yama Glass Tabletop has in it.
- The parts of the Yama Glass Tabletop are very durable and made to last a long time!
Cons:
- Coffee siphons require someone who is a little more interested in coffee and willing to spend a few minutes preparing the coffee.
- Takes time to master registering the siphon.
- Not for people in a hurry to get a hot cup of coffee!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best siphon coffee maker?
The French press is the most known type of vacuum coffee maker, but perhaps one of the least understood. The process of extracting a coffee using siphon coffee makers is not only interesting, but highly effective.
The vacuum coffee maker does not use paper filters and can deliver a better tasting coffee without the grit that may be present in other coffee choices. The vacuum coffee machine also uses less equipment than other types of coffee makers. In most cases the vacuum coffee maker is comprised of only three essential parts. These are the carafe, the base and the top.
The main difference between models is in the shape and construction of the carafe with the base and top remaining constant.
The siphon coffee maker has its origins in 17th century Spain. The design of the vacuum coffee maker allows water to be heated, forced up through the grounds and return to the carafe.
Is siphon coffee better?
Siphon coffee is unique because it doesn't use the drip method to brew coffee. Also, it uses a very precise timing to keep the water hot without boiling. Coffee enthusiasts think it makes a better tasting cup of coffee. It is also highly prized for the artful presentation that it makes of the coffee. Coffee makers who brew this way are coveted by many coffee aficionados. There are only a few on the market, which makes this coffee maker very special.
How does a vacuum siphon coffee maker work?
A vacuum or siphon coffee maker uses the pressure created by water boiling to pull the water through a coffee grind. As the water boils, it creates a vacuum in the chamber beneath, sucking the coffee through the grind and up to the top chamber. This type of brewer often come with a glass carafe that has a filter on top to hold the ground coffee, and the vacuum created by the boiling water forces the water through the grinds.
These brewers are known for creating a brilliant cup of coffee, and the even heating of the water across the entire pot allows for a more full-bodied cup.
How do you use a Yama coffee siphon?
What should I know about using one?
Siphon coffee makers (or vac pots) are super cool and fun to use, but there are a few things you should know before brewing with one. When buying a siphon, it’s important to know a few key things.
You need a heat source of about 60 ºC, (140 ºF) to heat the water. We would suggest using a butane or propane burner to heat the water, but the maker will come with instructions. The pot can be heated directly on a stove or with a heating pad.
Next, you need to understand how to use the siphon. First, you detach the top half of the siphon from the bottom half, and fill your bottom piece with ground coffee.
Conclusion
We aware of the many choices and thought of putting this page together to save time and research for our future purchases. The best dripper isn't always going to be the best choice. For instance. you might be looking for something that does not let your grounds touch the filter or you might be looking for something that doesn't have the burn risk during the pour.
Our Recommendation
Name | Category | Product |
---|---|---|
Yama Glass | Best Overall | ![]() |
Bodum PEBO Coffee Maker | Budget Pick | ![]() |
HARIO Technica Three Cup Coffee Siphon | Upgrade Pick | ![]() |