Brewing coffee with a Siphon Coffee Maker, otherwise known as a vacuum pot, is a fun way to make coffee, whether its just for yourself or when you have friends or family over. When you brew coffee with something as ornate as the siphon coffee maker, you want to know exactly how to make a great cup of coffee with it.
A Siphon coffee maker (vacuum pot) uses a flame to boil water from the bottom bowl. It forces the water to the top bowl where the grounds are completely immersed in water. The brewed coffee is then forced back down to the bottom bowl and ready to drink.
In this article we will be discussing, with a step by step guide, how to brew coffee with the Siphon Coffee brewer ( vacuum pot) so that you can consistently get a great cup of coffee time and time again. Let’s dive in!
What is Siphon or Vacuum Pot Brewing?
The Siphon or Vaccuum pot brewing method has been around a long time. It was invented in the 1830’s and uses a combination of pressure and gravity to brew the coffee.
The basic way it work is the water in the bottom glass jar is heated by a flame that forces boiling water up into the jar above where the ground coffee is.
This starts the brewing of the coffee in the top jar. When the heat in the bottom jar has cooled enough after turning off the flame, the brewed coffee is forced back down to the bottom jar. The result is a coffee that ready to serve and drink.
Siphon Coffee or Vacuum Pot Brewing Process
Immersion brewing which the type used with this brewer is simply a brewing process whereby the coffee is completely immersed in the water for a set period of time, giving the grounds a uniform extraction. The result of this type brewing is a lighter tasting coffee that can accentuate the flavors of the type of coffee you use. Here is what you will need and a step by step guide to making coffee with this brewer.
Essentials Needed For Brewing
- Siphon Pot Coffee Brewer
- Alcohol or Gas Burner
- Either a Metal or Paper Cloth
- Fresh Roasted Whole Bean Coffee
- Coffee Grinder
- Water
- Bamboo stirring paddle
- Scale
How to Brew Coffee in Siphon (Vacuum Pot) Coffee Brewer – Step By Step
Step 1. Soak the filter in warm water for around 5 minutes.
Drop the filter to the bottom of the Siphon upper bowl, also known as the hopper. Set the hopper into the holder.
Step 2. Fill the bottom component of your siphon with 300 grams of hot water.
The amount of water to use depends on the amount coffee that you want to make. A gram scale comes in handy in measuring the exact quantity of water that you need.
Step 3. Insert the hopper into the bottom component of the siphon, also known as the bulb.
Don’t press too hard. The idea is to make sure that it’s evenly and securely positioned. Place all the mixture above your heat source.
Step 4. As the water heats up, measure out 25 grams of coffee and grind it.
Use a gram scale for you to be sure that you are using the right quantity of coffee for the brew. Use the coffee grinder to grind the coffee beans to the required size and coarseness.
The grind should be a little bit finer that the coarseness of normal drip coffee. It’s worth noting that the amount of coffee depends on the brewing ratio you will use. For best results, ensure that you use your preferred ratio of water to coffee. ( I like a 16 to 1 ratio)
Step 5. The water in the bulb will start boiling and go up into the hopper.
You will notice that some little water will remain at the bottom. Don’t be too concerned about the water that remains at the bottom.
Step 6. Once you are certain that the water has risen to the hopper, regulate your heat source so that the temperature of the water goes down to 185-195 degree F.
You can use a thermometer to make sure that the temperature of the water is at the level where you need it to be.
Step 7. It is at this point that you add coffee and soak it with a bamboo stirring paddle.
Do this exercise gently but make sure that it’s thorough.
Step 8. Once you have fully submerged the coffee, let it brew for one minute and 10 seconds.
Step 9. In a quick rapid motion, take your siphon away from its heat source.
Mke sure that you turn the burner off, then Stir it ten times with a bamboo stirring paddle.
Step 10. In a minute or so, your coffee should go downward and rest in the bulb.
When you notice grounds forming at the top of the filter and the coffee at the bottom begins to bubble, this is an indication that it’s ready. In case you notice that the coffee is taking longer to be ready, it is because it has been ground too finely.
At this point, remove the hopper and pour into your favorite mug. To remove the hopper, push it back and forth as you twist and pull it out of the bulb. Remember to do this in a gently so that you don’t cause any damage. Finally it time enjoy your cup of fresh brewed coffee!
Maintenance
Rinse the filter and use a towel to dry it. For effective storage, you can put the filter in resealable plastic bag and then keep it in a refrigerator. If you usually make your coffee now and then, the best place to keep the siphon filter is in a covered bowl full of water and a quarter teaspoon of espresso cleaning detergent.
You can hand wash the upper and lower siphon bowls. You don’t have to take the lower bowl from the stand when cleaning it.
Final Thoughts
As you can see and read, Siphon coffee brewing or vacuum brewing is not rocket science. It’s something that you can actually do at home and make a nice cup of coffee for yourself, friends and family. You don’t have to be the best barista for you to make a tasty and memorable cup of coffee.
Recommended Siphon Coffee Brewers
These are some of the best siphon coffee maker options out there and they are in no particular order. The links are to Amazon but you may be able to get one from a local coffee shop. Its always good to support local!