5 Best Siphon (Vacuum) Coffee maker [June-2023]-Complete Buying Guide

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Thedrinksmaker-Best Shipon Vaccum Coffee Maker

A siphon coffee maker is basically a two-chamber device that brews coffee using a vacuum and vapor pressure. It has an upper chamber and lower chamber, and it works by heating and cooling the water gases (vapor) from the lower vessel (carafe chamber) to the upper vessel (infusion chamber) and letting air pressure and gravity push back through a filter as brewed coffee to the carafe chamber.

This type of coffee maker is commonly made of glass. When you see it for the first time, you will feel like you are in your school chemistry lab for its appearance. If you brew coffee yourself, you will not only drink the best quality coffee but also enjoy the coffee brewing show.

In the beginning, you may find this as a complex coffee brewing process but it will not be complicated anymore to you when you will understand how this method works and do it yourself. Of course, almost all siphon coffee maker has a learning curve and it is easy enough to learn with minimal effort and time.

Siphon coffee making is an old-age method of brewing coffee but it is still an effective method using worldwide for its unique advantages-it produced the purest coffee without any sediments in the cup.

Do not confuse yourself if you hear such names like Vacuum coffee maker, vac pot, vacuum, or siphon coffee maker, etc since siphon coffee maker is also recognized by these names.

Some world-famous barista also uses siphon coffee maker as their secret weapon because the coffee it brews is the purist coffee that is hard to bead.

SIPHON COFFEE MAKERS: WHAT’S SO SPECIAL?

I wish I had known about this unique coffee maker earlier in my life, might not miss delicious coffee for several years. So, let’s go directly to the useful benefits of siphon coffee maker before getting into much detail on the best top 10 coffee makers listed here. 

Pros of Siphon brew method:

  • Reusable cloth filters which mean you do not have to spend money on filters
  • User temperature control that means you are the captain of the ship
  • Evenly & fully saturated grounds
  • User-controlled agitation of grounds
  • User-controlled brew time
  • Visually & aromatically stimulating
  • Produce excellent quality of coffee that is pure and aromatic
  • Vacuum coffee maker produce clean and crisp coffee (no grounds or sediment in it)
  • Vacuum coffee maker produces the purest coffee that is sediment-free coffee, unlike french press coffee.

Cons of Siphon brew method:

  • Extra clean up time with flame as the heat source (soot)
  • Open flame unless you buy an expensive halogen heat source
  • Fragile instruments can break during handling, brewing, and washing
  • Special care must be taken: Do not use soap or toxic cleaning products

FACTOR 1: WATER IS IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE GROUNDS

The siphon brewing method is similar to the french press method and water will be in contact with the grounds through all the brewing process. So, you will get more clear and more consistent brew all the time.

However, this method is not as good for extracting every last bit of flavor like the drip method.

FACTOR 2: CONSISTENT HEATING

It is not difficult to understand that heating is one of the most important factors for brewing the coffee properly.

Preheating water to a certain temperature is a common practice for different brewing methods like a French press, drip, and even espresso before coming into contact with the coffee grounds.

But, for vacuum brewers, water need not be preheated.

Because…

Heat is continuously applied to the lower chamber so it remains uniform throughout the entire brewing process.

FACTOR 3: THE REAL VACUUM

As heat creates water forces to push it all up into the upper chamber and a relative vacuum is created in the lower chamber. So, when you remove the heat from the lower chamber, there will be no more force that will push water towards the upper chamber and this vacuum sucks all the coffee-soaked water back down. This brewing process is far effective in extracting solubles from the grounds. This vacuum plays a key role in perfect brewing and that is why it is called the vacuum method.

FACTOR 4: Elegant Design

Siphon vacuum coffee maker has an elegant design and looks sophisticated on any kitchen counter. Having one of these in your kitchen is a definite conversation starter, and a conversation is an awesome excuse to put another brew on, agree?

To brew coffee in siphon coffee maker, you require caution and effort – yes, but the process is so entertaining that I won’t be surprised if it turns into a new-found hobby.

Top 5 Best Siphon Coffee Makers 2020 comparison

PictureNameFeaturePriceRating
Yama Glass Stovetop Coffee SiphonProduced excellent quality coffee$$4.9
HARIO Technica Three Cup Coffee SiphonSimple and easy to use$$4.8
Bodum PEBO Coffee Maker- beginner friendlyBrews coffee rich in flavor$4.6
Yama Glass 5 cup Tabletop Ceramic 20oz SyphonBrews excellent cup – better than French Press coffee$4.6
KitchenAid KCM0812OB Siphon Coffee Brewer – Highest Quality Pick Brews full-bodied coffee$$4.5

Best Vacuum Coffee Makers of 2020 – Top 5 Reviews

Here is a quick comparison table of the top 5 best vacuum coffee makers that’ll help you choose the one that fits your needs.​

Without further any ado, let’s delve into the reviews of siphon coffee makers one by one.

1. Yama Glass 8 Cup Stovetop Coffee Siphon – Our Top Pick

Click here to see more details on Amazon

Yama Glass Stovetop Coffee Siphon is at the top of our favorite list because it is affordable, inexpensive and makes farley delicious coffee.

If you are fond of vintage design, you will love this vacuum vintage coffee maker for its simplicity design (Elegant design). As this coffee maker is entirely made up of borosilicate glass, the coffee-making process is completely transparent that must fascinate you. No plastic parts are used to put this coffee maker together, so no harmful plastic will end up in your final cup and unluckily glass has made the siphon pretty destructible. You must be mindful while you use this coffee maker, otherwise, one careless move can break it into pieces.

You must not make the mistake of thinking it is complicated because of making “bells and whistles” in the brewing process.

This is fully manual coffee-making process works like other most non-electric coffee maker and the main difference with other coffee maker is using a butane burner as ah heating source. More importantly, it allows you to customize your cup to your liking and you have the choice to do everything from the amount of coffee to the steeping time. As the heating is much slower that reduces the possibility of burning your coffee grounds.

With a little bit of a learning curve, you’ll perfect the art of coffee making in your most comfortable place- home. The coffee you brew is richer than a drip coffee maker, and some even claim that siphon coffee maker is the secret of famous baristas!

Pros
  • Produced excellent quality coffee
  • You have total control on brewing
  • Simple, classic and elegant design
  • High-quality construction
  • Durable
Cons
  • Needs to be handled with care
  • Has a learning curve
  • Sometime Seal fails
  • Gasket stuck in the carafe

What’s the Bottom Line?

To brew coffee using a vacuum pot, patience is the key – and so is not different for Yama Glass Stovetop Coffee Siphon. It makes excellent coffee, but you need a little practice to get there. And once you reach that level, you won’t be looking at another coffee maker for life! That’s simply how good it is.

2. HARIO Technica Three Cup Coffee Siphon

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Hario Technica Tree cup coffee achieved 2nd position in our top 10 list based on our selection criteria. 

Hario, a Japanise company, has been very popular for design, quality, and production of heatproof glass since it was founded in 1921. When it comes to quality issues, you can 100% rely on Japanise Hario manufacturing companies because they achieved the trust of clients for a couple of years.

This elegant and efficient coffee maker uses reusable cloth filter and it is made of heat resistant borosilicate glass that means you must not worry about its quality and lifetime and it must be durable. Plus, the glass makes it possible to transcend, letting you sit back and enjoy the science behind the coffee.

To speed up the brewing process lot faster, you can easily preheat the water and then reheat it once you pour it into the siphon. Importantly, you remember it is made of glass (no matter how strong it is), and you must not expose it all of a sudden into either too hot or cold water.

Patients is a virtue when it comes to taste coffee brewing like siphon coffee brewing.

As it is a nonelectric siphon coffee maker and you have to use an alcohol burner that sometimes fails to produce adequate heat for perfect brewing. So, you consider a small Butane burner to your cart along with your buy.

This coffee grinder is good enough for a cup of joe. However, it is not suitable for brewing a large amount of coffee at once.

Pros
  • Sturdy and durable construction
  • Brews full-bodied coffee
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Looks classy
Cons
  • The burner isn’t as powerful
  • Nonelectric so it needs an external heat source
  • A little bit risky (Must be handled with care)

What’s the Bottom Line?

HARIO Technica is the best investment for individuals and couples looking to brew coffee in an old-school yet delicious way and want to cut the wire connection from Starbucks. No wonder it’s still one of the best to go.

3. Bodum PEBO Coffee Maker- beginner-friendly

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This siphon coffee maker is the top-rated and trending coffee maker available in the market. If you are a serious coffee drinker, then this is perfect for you. The Bodum PEBO Coffee Maker, which has a list of notable features with the ability to enter any user, is built as a complement to just about any kitchen

It is no wonder that is is a slow brewing process relatively different and complex process compared to other coffee-making processes. So, like every siphon coffee maker, the Bodum Pebo too has a learning curve. With a little passion and practice, you’ll be able to brew a perfect cup of coffee quickly. Giving this effort to learn the basic brewing is worth enough since it will provide you the best coffee-that will have more addictive flavor than French press coffee.

What can you expect from this coffee maker and what’s special about the Pebo, is that it can brew delicious coffee (which is full of aroma) up to 8 cups at a time – and takes no more than 10 minutes. This coffee-making process is fully sealed off so that you will not have any aroma from your favorite coffee and your whole family as well as your guests wouldn’t have to miss a cup or two from it!

You will be excited to see the cool looking coffee maker that must please your heart and you will be more excited seeing that it comes with a reusable plastic filter, instead of a cloth filter. So, it will be super easy to clean.

Undoubtedly, your guest will be impressed with the magical coffee brewing show and you will get a lot of positive comments. Of course, you will get a huge appreciation for a better-tasting cup of coffee.

While use siphon coffee maker always bears in mind, the coarser the coffee beans, the better the coffee taste and should completely avoid finely powder bean.

Specifically, you need to be mindful while you handle this brewer for cleaning at the sink. Otherwise, a simple clumsy move or careless handling may cost you this delightful brewer.

Some manufacturers provide burner with siphon coffee maker, but no burner is included with Bodum PEBO Coffee Maker- which isn’t a deal-breaker. However, it’s user-friendly and super compatible for both gas and electric burners – as long as it’s placed on top of a diffuser.

Finally, you must carefully consider the size of Pebo before you place a purchase order because all sizes might not fit into most kitchen cabinets, or underneath for that matter.

Pros
  • Brews coffee rich in flavor
  • Elegant design
  • Good quality
  • High capacity
  • Interesting brewing process
Cons
  • Seal fails
  • Large footprint
  • Easy to break during washing
  • Must consider personal safety

4. Yama Glass 5 Cup Tabletop Ceramic 20oz Siphon

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You will feel like a pleasant surprise when you first see Yama Glass 5 cup tabletop ceramic siphon coffee maker because of its attractive outlook appearance and unique design.

For a true french press lover, Yama Tabletop Syphon will be the game changer because it will prove you wrong if you ever think that French Press coffee can’t get any better.

It is no wonder that it takes a little bit of extra time and work than regular drip coffee but provides an excellent result-delicious cup of coffee. After all, you will appreciate this extra work more when it comes to payoff a great cup of coffee.

One of the most important factors is its high quality sealed interior that perfectly captures most of the flavors of coffee unless you will miss the aroma and could not extract its potential fully.

Siphon coffee brewing is no more complex brewing process because Yama utilizes its learning from 40 years journey in the coffee industry to improve the design and considered barista and home brewers requirements carefully to develop useful features. 

You have no reason to worry in case of troubleshooting because you can fix it easily as spare parts are available in the market.

This coffee brewer is absolutely perfect for both family use or office use as it can brew 20 ounces at a time, and you can also utilize the 5-cup measurement is given in terms of espresso cups. 

The manufacturer designed it more classically than other types of siphon coffee makers available in the market and they use a glassblowing technique so that it built to last.

Siphon coffee maker is more than just an ordinary coffee maker-that only brew coffee. Besides this, it has a high-quality design and scientific look, it also will be a part of your vintage collection that decorates your home beautifully and obviously impress your guest.

It is worth to invest in such a coffee maker because you will get fruitful results for the long run. More to it, you need not spend any additional money for filter replacement as it will come with 5 clothe filters that can be used for quite some time. The most important factor for siphon coffee maker is a useful burner and you will get a high-quality useful butane burner within the package.

Even though the siphon coffee maker is comparatively heavy but still easier to use and can be adjusted in very small increments. Another good news is that it is fully compatible with gas stoves so that it will make your coffee life hassle-free.

As this coffee maker is made of glass so it looks very attractive and it is very handy. Importantly,

it must be handled carefully while brewing at home/office or washing in the sink. Otherwise, the siphon could not survive if it falls from the tabletop or if it hits the sink.

Pros
  • Brews excellent cup – better than French Press coffee
  • Looks attractive for elegant and vintage design
  • Comes with 5 cloth filters
  • High-end quality
Cons
  • Little bit expensive
  • Sometimes rubber seal fails

What’s the Bottom Line?

Simply, it is not possible to pull your eyes away from this coffee maker when you see it for the first time. If you have ever wished to drink the world’s best purest coffee, then look nowhere and go for this awesome coffee maker. 

5. KitchenAid KCM0812OB Siphon Coffee Brewer – Highest Quality Pick

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This is a leading and trending coffee maker when it comes to siphon coffee brewing.

KitchenAid Siphon coffee brewer is the modern standard quality coffee brewer that uses no plastic for its construction so obviously it has a lesser weight that is good for handling.

This high-quality coffee maker is made of a special type of glass, and stainless steel accents, along with a stainless filter. The most coffee brewers must agree that siphon coffee maker filter cleaning is a difficult task but stainless steel made coffee filter is the exception. 

The best part of this coffee maker is its different functionality and features you will receive with the minimum budget when compared to other coffee makers.

If you feel the siphon coffee brewing process is the most complex coffee making process ever, then this model is an answer to your prayers because it is automated. Thanks to the engineering team who improved its design

And make the brewing process more complex to super simple. This is why the siphon coffee maker is getting popularity worldwide.

The good news is that you can easily impress your valuable guests or clients by serving them the best quality coffee without fear of offering foul-tasting coffee.But, bear in mind that you must drink it right after the brew because no heating element is included with his coffee maker that might keep the brew warm for longer. 

KitchenAid coffee maker introduced a siphon magnetic locking mechanism that seals securely fastens the brew and carafe together. Though this mechanism works perfectly, it traps a few drops of water when emptying the pot. Similarly, some soapy water may get trapped there. So, it is better to use additional rinses to get it completely removed.   

Pros
  • High-quality construction
  • Stylishly designed
  • Brews full-bodied coffee
  • Automation saves time
Cons
  • High-quality construction
  • Stylishly designed
  • Brews full-bodied coffee
  • Automation saves time

What’s the Bottom Line?

A serious coffee lover who wants to explore the best quality coffee must not miss this one. It is worth to invest some extra bucks where you can depend and it will brew a delicious cup of coffee each and every time.

Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Siphon Coffee Maker

If you want to improve your coffee test to the next level, the siphon (vacuum) coffee maker is the best choice to go because it produces the purest coffee that is full of aroma. Since this brewing process is different from other brewing processes, you have to invest some time to start brewing to a certain level.

In the beginning, this brewing process might look complex and messy, but you will find it is a lot easier than it seems. The resource packed buying guide will give you a complete understanding of important factors while choosing you one.

So, read this article thoroughly, you know exactly what kind of siphon you want, what type of heat source would work best for your unique setup and how to do it perfectly.

With the help of a siphon coffee maker, anyone can easily brew Starbuck’s quality at home or office without any barista training.

Without further any ado, let’s start with the basics.

Types of siphon coffee makers

Heating is the most important factor for brewing perfect coffee. Siphon coffee makers are considered two types based on their heating source; Stovetop and Standalone.

Stovetop

Siphon coffee maker does not use electricity but it uses heat sources. Based on heating sources, you will find two types of siphon brewers; stovetop and standalone. It can be easy to understand from their names how do they work.

Stovetop brewers can not be kept on top of your gas or electric stove unless you use a diffuser. Placing a diffuser in between is critical because it will minimize direct exposure to heat which would otherwise increase the risk of cracking. 

Standalone 

Standalone coffee maker heat source is different from the stovetop coffee maker. Here, coffee maker receives heat from an external heat source such as butane or alcohol. External heat sources like butane have extra advantages; it burns hotter,  produces your coffee faster and it is often easier to find at a nearby location.  

Stovetop vs Standalone siphon coffee maker

Stovetop coffee makers are pretty much easy to use but not as stylish as the standalone. It is not convenient for moving to a certain location.

Standalone coffee makers are portable and can be used where you want – in your kitchen or outside of the kitchen. Sometimes, you can brew your delicious cup of coffee in front of your guest at a dinner party.

What is Vacuum Brewer Made Of?

Since siphon coffee maker invention at the ’80s, initially they were made with metal like brass and stainless steel, these types of coffee makers are still available but they’re used more likely as an ornament in luxury mansion than a coffee brewer.

Modern science has advanced a lot and today most of the siphons coffee makers are usually made of a type of glass called Pyrex (Borosilicate Glass) because it withstands heat shocks proficiently. (This material has the ability to resist three hundred percent more abrupt temperature changes than conventional glass).

Even though the upgrading body material from metal to glass has significantly made the look beautiful and attractive, but it would not survive in case of a fall from the countertop. So, careful use during brewing and washing is mandatory to ensure a long life.

Types of filters

Manufacturers are basically using four types of filter such as Metal, cloth, paper, and glass type. All coffee filters are not made equally and they have different impacts on the coffee brewing process.

Metal filter — Commonly stainless steels are used in siphon coffee maker and produce a robust flavor by allowing aromatic coffee oils and microscopic coffee grounds through to your final mug. You can clean stainless steel filters effortlessly.

Cloth filter — Cloth coffee filter lets through all those natural coffee oils but keeps every single coffee ground out of your mug. When you decide to go with cloth filters, you must wash them skillfully between brews, and you must not dry out too much or stay too moist.

Paper filter — This filter works like absorbent, and it filters out most of the oils and micro grounds. The brewed coffee becomes thinner and free of sediments and tastes like crisp, clean, and smooth.

Glass filter — Cona Glass Filter Rod has dozens of tiny holes that let liquid coffee through, but not large grounds. Produced coffee tastes similar to a metal filter.

Different types of Heat burners for vacuum coffee maker

Choosing heating sources is one of the most critical for perfect coffee brewing whenever use vacuum coffee maker. Not all types of burners are compatible with every siphon coffee maker. Most of the common burners are ALCOHOL, BUTANE, HALOGEN, OR ELECTRIC, etc.

  • Alcohol Burner — These inexpensive burners create a steady flame, but it is not easy to control unless you have experience of dealing with an alcohol burner. It produces soot underneath the siphon and you have to clean it-that is not much fun.
  • Butane Burner — This burner uses pressurized butane gas that placed at the bottom of this burner. Not only you can easily ignite the gas using lever igniter but also you can control the intensity of the flame by adjusting the release speed of the gas. This the best choice though its price is higher than the alcohol burner.
  • Halogen Lamp — This high-tech burner uses light rays to boil the water and brew the coffee efficiently. However, halogen lamps are relatively expensive—like, $150 expensive—but it is worth to invest in.
  • Electric-Powered — Nowadays, many new siphons use an electric heater that works like a heater in a water kettle. This specifically designed electric heater works consistently for siphon brewing, but you have less control over the heat level.

In the beginning, you will feel siphon coffee brewing is hard but after a while, you will discover that this brewing isn’t as hard as people say it is. Of course, I do agree that it is a bit time-consuming process – but you will surely enjoy the full brewing process from its start to finish. End of the process, you will sipe the best and purest cup of joe that pleases your heart.

A Few Final Words

As a coffee conscious person, you certainly want to improve your coffee taste to top-level and quality siphon coffee maker would suit your needs without any hassle. And I’m pretty sure you will find your one on our above list. So, simply go through the list and check your preference and pick one that you like most.

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