Welcome...
Ok, I drink a LOT of coffee! I don't have many vices, but if I have one, it is definitely coffee. I've tried many different brewing methods over the years and have stumbled upon what is, in my opinion, by far the best method for brewing coffee. Read on to find out more...
The Coffee Syphon / Vacuum
In my humble opinion, the best method for brewing coffee is with a Coffee Syphon, sometimes known as a Coffee Vacuum. The design and construction of the unit varies, but essentially it consists of two connected chambers with a filter in between, and requires a heat source to operate. The two connected chambers are made of either heat-proof glass, metal, or plastic. The filter can be a glass rod, cloth, paper or nylon screen.
Using a Coffee Syphon to brew your coffee gives best possible flavor, purity and lack of bitterness. The reason for this is the exquisite control of the temperature at which the coffee brews. The brewing temperature will usually be about 2 degrees Celsius below boiling point, without ever actually boiling. The unit will work just as well on gas or electric hotplates. Just bear in mind that the coffee syphon must be able to sit level. When the vacuum has done it's thing and all the coffee is up the top the unit is top heavy and can easily fall over (Not good!)
The Coffee Syphon / Vacuum
In my humble opinion, the best method for brewing coffee is with a Coffee Syphon, sometimes known as a Coffee Vacuum. The design and construction of the unit varies, but essentially it consists of two connected chambers with a filter in between, and requires a heat source to operate. The two connected chambers are made of either heat-proof glass, metal, or plastic. The filter can be a glass rod, cloth, paper or nylon screen.
Using a Coffee Syphon to brew your coffee gives best possible flavor, purity and lack of bitterness. The reason for this is the exquisite control of the temperature at which the coffee brews. The brewing temperature will usually be about 2 degrees Celsius below boiling point, without ever actually boiling. The unit will work just as well on gas or electric hotplates. Just bear in mind that the coffee syphon must be able to sit level. When the vacuum has done it's thing and all the coffee is up the top the unit is top heavy and can easily fall over (Not good!)
How Does it Work?
The 2 main components are a funnel and a bowl. The filter , either a grooved plastic plate or a metal disc covered by a cloth filter, sits in the funnel and acts as a valve. It must be hooked onto the funnel by the spring before brewing.
It will allow water (or Brewed Coffee) to move freely but traps the grounds in the funnel.
First step is to boil the water and measure out medium grind coffee into the funnel. Put about 10g or one rounded dessert spoon, of ground coffee per 200 ml cup. Obviously the amount of coffee used can be adjusted to your own personal taste. I usually turn the on the hotplate at this stage as well so that everything is ready to go at the same time. Only a low heat is required. This is important. I have had a unit crack because I had the heat turned up too high. Once the water has boiled pour the desired amount into the lower section, then insert the tube from the funnel into the bowl.
The assembled unit is then placed on the hotplate and this is where the magic starts to happen. The build up of steam in the lower bowl forces the water up into the funnel, where it mixes with the ground coffee. Give the grounds a quick stir into the water and allow the coffee to brew for a couple of minutes. A small amount of water will be left behind in the bowl which keeps the steam rising and the temperature constant. 2 minutes is ample time for brewing ( it can go longer but you don't get any more flavor). If you let it brew too long eventually all the water in the lower part will turn to steam and rise up to the top part and you will be left with an empty jug. This can cause damage to the unit if left for too long. At this stage you can go ahead and take the syphon off the hotplate.
With no more steam being produced, a vacuum forms in the bowl, which sucks the brewed coffee down through the filter. This part only takes 30 seconds or so.
Now you simply remove the funnel and place it in a stand, and voila! You now have nothing more to do than sit back and enjoy the most delicious coffee you are ever likely to taste!
There are many different brands on the market but they all do essentially the same thing. Some operate electrically rather than using a hotplate. Below you will find some links to some units currently being sold on eBay. Please note that I am not actually selling any of these myself. I wish you all the best of luck in your quest for the perfect coffee!
It will allow water (or Brewed Coffee) to move freely but traps the grounds in the funnel.
First step is to boil the water and measure out medium grind coffee into the funnel. Put about 10g or one rounded dessert spoon, of ground coffee per 200 ml cup. Obviously the amount of coffee used can be adjusted to your own personal taste. I usually turn the on the hotplate at this stage as well so that everything is ready to go at the same time. Only a low heat is required. This is important. I have had a unit crack because I had the heat turned up too high. Once the water has boiled pour the desired amount into the lower section, then insert the tube from the funnel into the bowl.
The assembled unit is then placed on the hotplate and this is where the magic starts to happen. The build up of steam in the lower bowl forces the water up into the funnel, where it mixes with the ground coffee. Give the grounds a quick stir into the water and allow the coffee to brew for a couple of minutes. A small amount of water will be left behind in the bowl which keeps the steam rising and the temperature constant. 2 minutes is ample time for brewing ( it can go longer but you don't get any more flavor). If you let it brew too long eventually all the water in the lower part will turn to steam and rise up to the top part and you will be left with an empty jug. This can cause damage to the unit if left for too long. At this stage you can go ahead and take the syphon off the hotplate.
With no more steam being produced, a vacuum forms in the bowl, which sucks the brewed coffee down through the filter. This part only takes 30 seconds or so.
Now you simply remove the funnel and place it in a stand, and voila! You now have nothing more to do than sit back and enjoy the most delicious coffee you are ever likely to taste!
There are many different brands on the market but they all do essentially the same thing. Some operate electrically rather than using a hotplate. Below you will find some links to some units currently being sold on eBay. Please note that I am not actually selling any of these myself. I wish you all the best of luck in your quest for the perfect coffee!
Coffee Syphons / Vacuums available to buy now on eBay!
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