Siphon Coffee

Vacuum-brewed clarity

The siphon (or vacuum) coffee maker is a brewing device that seems to belong more in a chemistry lab than a cafe, combining theatrical presentation with scientific precision. This method, developed in the 1840s, uses vacuum and vapor pressure principles to brew coffee. When heat is applied to the lower chamber, water vapor pressure forces hot water up through a tube into the upper chamber where it mixes with the coffee grounds. As the device cools, gravity and vacuum pressure pull the brewed coffee back down through a filter, creating a clean, full-flavored cup.

The siphon method is celebrated for its ability to bring out the most delicate and complex flavors in coffee. The full immersion brewing process, combined with the precise temperature control and the clean filtering, results in a cup that's known for its clarity and brightness. The lower brewing temperature compared to other methods, typically around 185°F (85°C), helps extract the coffee's subtle notes without introducing any bitter compounds. This makes it particularly well-suited for highlighting the nuanced flavors of single-origin coffees.