The Stylish Vacuum Coffee Maker

The vacuum coffee maker is stylish, a pleasure to watch while brewing, and it produces a rich full bodied cup of coffee.

Created in the '50s by Peter Bodum, the original model was the Mocca. Bodum's creation made it possible to brew excellent coffee on the stovetop or by using a special spirit burner right at the dinner table. Today these vacuum coffee machines are still a delight to watch.

You'll be captivated as you watch the water rising into the funnel and return as rich, black coffee dripping into the server.

As the vacuum brew coffee maker reaches an equal balance of temperature (200°) with the perfect brewing time, it supplies the ideal extraction of the coffee beans. The aroma is remarkable during the process and the results are excellent tasting coffee.

These all glass vacuum coffee machines are ideal because there is no contact with other components made of metal and that eliminates any bitter taste in the coffee.

The vacuum coffee machines are excellent to use for more delicate coffees. Although the coffee produced by this brewer is very clean, it may seem weak compared to a French press. Preferences in taste vary, but if you want a very clean cup of coffee, this brewer will definitely work for you.

How Vacuum Coffee Makers Work

Although different brands may work slightly different, they consist of two glass containers, a siphon tube and a filter. The upper glass bowl is the glass infusion chamber, which is also known as the funnel, and has the filter in the base. Filters are usually glass, rewashable cloth, or plastic, however some vacuum coffee machines do have a metal filter.

The Basic Instructions

   - Fill the bottom carafe with water up to the maximum line mark.

   - Place the filter inside the funnel with the chain hanging down into the funnel.

   - Pull the chain down gently until you can hook it to the bottom of the siphon tube.

   - Add the desired amount of coffee to the filter and then place the funnel into the bottom carafe.

   - Using a heat diffuser or trivet (a wire trivet for electric stoves), place the carafe on the stove top.

   - The heat or flame from the stove top should only cover the bottom of the carafe.

Now the fun starts as you watch the water boil, it will rise up into the funnel and mix with the coffee grounds. Approximately one-half inch to three quarter of an inch of water will stay in the bottom carafe. You want to keep that much in the bottom carafe. If it goes below that amount you have the heat too high and you risk breaking the carafe.

Once the water has risen into the funnel, remove the vacuum coffee maker from the stove top onto a dry trivet or dish towel. The coffee will start funneling back into the carafe. Once the coffee has reached the carafe, remove the funnel and serve.

Cleaning the Funnel

Once you have removed the funnel, dispose of the coffee grounds. Release the filter hook from the siphon tube and wash it in mild soapy water. These are the basic instructions for this type of brewer. Make sure you read the exact instructions for the vacuum coffee machine you purchase so it works properly.

The cup size varies anywhere from one cup up to twelve cups. Keep in mind that the size of the cup is approximately four to five ounces and not the standard eight ounces we think of in terms of measurement.

Bodum, Cona and Yama are the major distributors of vacuum coffee machines. You'll find excellent quality in these brands.