Siphon Coffee Brewing

How to use siphon coffee maker for an extraordinary coffee experience 

Some coffee lovers claim that the siphon coffee maker delivers one of the best cups of coffee out there. If you want to find out how to make coffee with a siphon vacuum pot, you are in the right place. In this article you will find:

  • Siphon coffee maker description
  • The way vacuum pot works explained
  • Description of how siphon coffee tastes
  • Step-by-step siphon coffee brewing instructions
  • Recommended coffee dose, grind, extraction time and beans for the vacuum coffee brewing
  • Siphon troubleshooting tips
  • Answers to frequently asked questions about vacuum coffee brewing
  • Equipment you will need to brew coffee with a siphon

Let’s start with the basics

Vertical coffee siphon

What is a siphon coffee maker?

The siphon coffee maker looks like it belongs to a different era or a chemistry lab rather than a coffee shop or kitchen. A siphon, also called vacuum pot, vacuum coffee maker or siphon coffee maker, uses a full immersion coffee brewing, where the coffee grounds are in contact with water throughout the whole vacuum brewing process.

How does the vacuum or siphon coffee brewing method work?

The siphon uses the properties of gases expanding and contracting due to the temperature changes. The water is pushed through the coffee and the filter by the force of changing pressure. This is not the easiest coffee making method, but it’s very entertaining to watch and you can certainly impress your guests! 

How does vacuum pot coffee taste?

The vacuum siphon gives a smooth, clean, full-bodied, aromatic and vibrant coffee cup. It’s actually one of the best tasting coffees, if done properly! 

Belgian balance coffee siphon

Vacuum coffee making guide

How to make coffee with siphon coffee maker

First, we need to point out that different vacuum coffee pots may vary in the way they work, so we recommend checking the manufacturer’s instructions. These instructions are for the vertical siphon – the most popular one. 

How to use vacuum coffee maker? Here is how:

Step-by-step instructions to make coffee with the siphon

  1. Prepare everything you will need for the brewing beforehand
    If you are using a fabric filter, soak it in warm water for 5 minutes before placing it on the siphon chamber. This will remove any unwanted smells and form a seal improving filtration. 

  2. Attach the filter to the funnel and pull the chain down

  3. Turn your heat source on and set it to medium

  4. Add water to the bottom chamber
    If you want to speed up the process, you can use pre-heated water.
    Dry the outside of the bottom chamber, so that it doesn’t crack under the heat.

  5. Put the bottom chamber on the heat source

  6. Loosely place the stem of the top chamber in the lower chamber 

  7. Grind your coffee beans medium

  8. When the water comes to a boil, it will start entering the top chamber

  9. Once the top part stops pulling in the water or you hear a gurgling sound, add the coffee.
    (There will always be some water left in the bottom chamber). 

  10. Stir the coffee
    Some coffee experts recommend a second stir after about 45 – 60 seconds of brewing. 

  11. Put the lid on the top chamber

  12. Leave it to brew for 1.5 minute

  13. Turn the heat off after 1.5 minutes of brewing

  14. The coffee will start dripping back to the bottom chamber

  15. Both chambers need to be attached tightly together. 

  16. When all of the brew is in the bottom chamber, remove the top bulb with the stem

  17. Your coffee is ready so serve! 

 

This video shows how to brew coffee with the vacuum pot, have a watch:

How to make outstanding coffee with a siphon?

Here are some more details which will help you to perfect your siphon coffee brewing technique:

The dose

How much coffee should you use for a vacuum coffee pot?

The recommended coffee to water ratio is approximately 1:15.
E.g. you can use 27 grams of coffee per 400 g of water, this will give you two cups of coffee. 

The grind

What grind is best for the vacuum pot coffee maker?

As this coffee maker uses a full immersion brewing method, the recommended coarseness of the grind is medium. 

Extraction time

For how long should I brew coffee in the vacuum pot?

The steeping time in the vacuum coffee pot should take about 1.5 minutes.

What coffee roast type is best for the siphon brewer?

Medium and light roasted coffee will give you the best cup brewed in the siphon coffee maker. You will be able to extract a full range of delightful tastes and aromas without over extracting the grinds. 

Vacuum pot coffee maker troubleshooting and tips

Coffee grinds bits in the brew

If you find coffee bits in the brew, this may mean that you are using too fine a grind size. Use a coarser grind, the optimum grind for siphon in medium. Also, if you are using a plastic or metal filter, unfortunately this is what’s going to happen, it won’t filter out the smaller bits completely. 

Coffee bits in the brew may also mean that your grind size isn’t consistent (you get smaller and larger grounds). A solution to this is upgrading your coffee grinder in order to get a consistent grind. 

The filter doesn’t stay in place when the pot is boiling

Solution: hook the filter onto the bottom of the upper chamber. Pull down the chain attached to the filter firmly and latch the end onto the glass bottom. This will keep your filter in place.

Coffee stays in the top chamber

If the brew stays in the top chamber, this probably means that you use too fine a grind and the filter gets clogged up because of that. Try a coarser grind. 

More tips on vacuum coffee brewing

Provide consistent heat

Another tip we have for you is to keep a consistent heat. It is a crucial element of producing a great-tasting coffee – this is a unique feature that siphon coffee makers can offer. Thanks to this siphon can consistently deliver a fantastic, full of flavor cup of coffee. 

Frequently asked questions about vacuum coffee brewing

Which coffee is best for the siphon?

The best coffee beans for the vacuum siphon brewer will be light roasted or medium roasted with fruity, citrusy and floral notes. Sweet and chocolatey flavors also come out well in the siphon. 

In terms of the countries of coffee origin, try out coffee from Ethiopia or Ecuador for your siphon brewing.

Is siphon coffee less acidic?

Yes, siphon coffee is less acidic than drip coffee and some other types of brews. It is easier on the stomach and can be a good option for those with stomachs sensitive to acidity.

Siphon or syphon?

Both spellings, ‘siphon’ and ‘syphon’ are used in English. The difference is between American English and British English. In the United States, there is a preference for ‘siphon’, whereas in the United Kingdom ‘syphon’ is used more often. 

Siphon brewing equipment

And finally, here is a list of equipment you need for siphon coffee brewing:

Summary

Many coffee fans love the coffee that the vacuum pot produces. The siphon coffee brewing is also very theatrical and enjoyable to watch. It’s ideal when you want to entertain your guests and make them feel special preparing coffee for them in this way. However, it’s not very practical – definitely not for a quick cup of coffee on a busy weekday morning. 

You may love the aesthetics of the siphon (and understandably so), but in the end you may decide that siphon brewing is too much of a hustle.

Have you tried siphon coffee? Did you think it was better than coffee from other makers? Do you think it’s worth the effort? Share in the comments!