Last Updated on November 6, 2021 by John Moretti
We are all familiar with espresso machines, plungers, and drip machines. Still, many people may not be friendly with the siphon coffee maker or vacuum coffee brewer as they are also known.
Of all the known ways to brew coffee, the siphon system delivers the best tasting coffee of all. This is considered the ultimate method of brewing coffee for many coffee connoisseurs, and the process itself is visually captivating!
Let’s take a look at the best 8 Siphon Coffee Makers according to my research.
1. Hario Glass Technica Siphon Coffee Maker (5 Cup)
One of the more durable siphon coffee makers, this product from well-known brand Hario has a 5-cup brewing capacity and is made from borosilicate glass. The Hario company is from Japan. They have been around since 1921.
The burner cover, stand and filter are made from stainless steel, and this design is easy to use and clean, and adding coffee grounds is just as simple. The design keeps the water at the ideal temperature, allowing expansion and dispersion in the cylindrical-shaped full vessel.
The seal is high-quality, and detaching the pot to pour coffee is also an effortless process. This unit is priced in the medium range and is well worth the investment.
2. KitchenAid KCM0812OB Siphon Coffee Maker
As one of the more expensive ones featured in this discussion, the Kitchenaid siphon coffee maker has several notable benefits that justify the price.
One of those is the easy-to-clean stainless steel reusable filter, and it has a massive eight-cup brewing capacity. Then dual-purpose lid seals tight to prevent spillage and keep the temperature constant, and the lid doubles up and can be used as an extra serving stand.
This is an electric siphon brewer and is fully automated and eliminates the need to refuel or replace wicks which is a definite plus if the inconvenience of remembering to buy fuel or wick would be too much.
The magnetic base secures the coffee pot and gives the unit excellent stability, and it is a compact coffee maker that can store and stand easily. While it doesn’t have the flair of some of the other brands, it is tremendously reliable and robust, and with one-touch brewing, it makes the experience of siphon coffee much less effort.
3. Yama Glass Siphon Coffee Maker (20oz)
Another product from Japan is a superbly made quality coffee maker with hand-blown borosilicate glass. Like its counterpart from Japan, the Hario, this unit also features the cylinder-shaped top vessel. The elegant non-protruding handle makes the design sleek and adds an edge of sophistication.
The glass is non-porous, so it doesn’t absorb any flavors that could compromise your coffee’s taste and allow the temperature to remain consistent. The broader circumference of the upper chamber makes stirring and adding coffee grounds effortless.
This siphon coffee maker is well priced, easy to clean, compact, and stylish, and will bring your guests clamoring for great coffee as well as watching the process unfold.
4. Bodum Pebo Coffee Maker
Scandinavian manufacturer Bodum makes this stovetop brewer, and you would have seen this brand’s French Press systems being promoted by Starbucks. Bodum has focused on useability with this product by making the top chamber bell-shaped for easy access to stirring and adding coffee.
The minimal clean design is characteristic of Bodum, but it still retains full functionality. The heat knob is large and allows for precise heat control, and the stainless steel stand is sturdy and robust.
This siphon coffee maker has an eight-cup capacity, and the seal ensures that no coffee leaks during the brewing process. It is also straightforward to clean, and the compact design fits neatly into any kitchen.
While not as elaborate or stylish as some other coffee makers, this siphon coffee maker will deliver a great cup every time.
5. Kendal Glass Tabletop Siphon Coffee Maker
Of all the units in this discussion, the Kendal is the cheapest and, as such, is a great option to kick off your siphon coffee adventure.
The Kendal offers good durability and simplicity with both the upper and lower chambers made from borosilicate glass and stainless steel stand construction.
This is an alcohol-based burner system. The reusable cloth filter and bamboo stirrer are included and this machine has a five-cup capacity. To get going and experience the flavor and taste of siphon coffee, this is the ideal option.
6. Yama Glass Stovetop Coffee Siphon
The second offering from Yama, this stovetop siphon maker, has excellent heat source options as it works on both gas and electric stovetops. It also comes with an included wire diffuser for usage on electric coil burners.
Its chambers are made from non-porous hand-blown borosilicate glass, so it doesn’t absorb any excess flavor and affect the taste of your coffee, and the lid doubles as a serving stand as well.
This unit is also one of the smallest available, so if you need a compact maker but one that still delivers outstanding coffee, then the Yama could be the one for you. It also comes in 22oz and 40oz options, so whether you need more or less, the Yama has a model for you.
Like other products in this price range, the glass is slightly thinner, making it prone to cracking under temperature if not monitored, but this is the case with any non-automatic brewing system.
7. Nispira Belgian Balance Siphon
Now we get to some of the more elegant designs of siphon coffee makers, and this one is a beautiful harmony of style and elegance. It will undoubtedly captivate your guests with its gold and wooden contrasted appearance.
The mostly metal design makes this siphon maker a bit more robust and durable than the plastic and steel construction of some other makers featured here.
This machine is unique in its appearance, but the highly reliable mechanism is part of the charm and also enthralling to watch in operations. One of the significantly noticeable differences is that the chambers are placed side by side rather than vertically.
As one of the more expensive siphon makers, it is a replica of some early siphon machine designs and brings that sense of history with every cup.
This is a premium quality build and will give you a lifetime of superb quality coffee.
8. Diguo Belgium Luxury Syphon Coffee Maker
This siphon maker is nothing short of visually spectacular and has a similar side-by-side configuration resembling the older design styles. But it delivers more than just good looks, and there are some very definite design advantages.
For starters, the rose-colored stainless steel ensures a durable and robust machine, plus this provides very good and even heat distribution through the brewing and immersion stages.
The stand and handle design makes it easy to use, pour and fill and the material used is top grade, as you would expect. This coffee maker exudes an innate sense of quality, style, and luxury, from medical-grade silicon for the seal to the Borosilicate Brewing Flask glass and beautiful wooden base.
This siphon maker can serve three to five people. Despite the elegance of design, this machine produces exceptional coffee, with the barista controlling all the critical elements involved.
The Diguo presents all the best elements, from beauty and style to efficient and superb quality coffee, and while some may resist the price tag, this masterpiece of design and function is well worth the extra bit of cash.
A Brief History Of Siphon Coffee Makers
While the modern siphon coffee makers may not be well-known, this brewing method has been around for more than 200 years! Early forms of brewing coffee often boiled all the flavor out, leaving a very bitter-tasting cup of coffee.
As people looked for ways to brew coffee and retain the flavor, the siphon system emerged. The first siphon originated in Lyons, France, and then perfected in Germany in the 1830s.
The goal with coffee is to bring water to just before boiling, and this releases the full flavor of the grounds; this same goal is used today in conventional espresso machines and other coffee makers.
How Does A Siphon Coffee Maker Work?
As the name suggests, coffee is brewed using a siphon or vacuum system to move water between an upper and lower vessel.
To start with, water is added to the lower vessel, and this is usually a glass pot or chamber that sits on the base. Then a second pot is connected on top of it using a tube that is sealed and leak-proof. Coffee grounds are then added to the top pot.
Using a heat source like a gas burner or another type of heating device, the water in the lower vessel is brought to a boil, and the top chamber is then sealed off from the bottom one.
Steam from the boiling water is pushed into the top vessel by pressure and immerses the grounds in the full chamber as the water level increases. Then heat is then lowered, and the grounds become fully immersed in the near-boiling water.
The heat is shut off, and the vacuum created by the change in pressure causes the coffee to be drawn down to the lower pot, which is poured once the process is completed.
One of the reasons that siphon coffee tastes better is that the immersion of the grounds at a high temperature in the water is longer and draws more flavor and caffeine from the coffee during brewing.
Features To Consider When Buying A Siphon Coffee Maker
There are a few aspects to consider before buying siphon coffee maker.
1. Construction Material
Initially, most siphon makers were made from copper or brass, and while you can still get some of these today, most siphon coffee makers are made from more modern materials.
Consider finding one that has borosilicate glass as this is a very tough and durable material designed to be heat resistant. Whether you opt for a standalone or stovetop maker, choose the material with less chance of cracking under heat.
2. Standalone Or Stovetop Heat Source
With siphon makers, you have a choice of either stovetop or standalone systems. The main difference is the heat source. The standalone would use a gas burner or similar independent heat source, while the stovetop would make use of your stove.
You can use a butane, gas, or even an alcohol burner for standalone heating systems, but electric and even halogen heating systems are available.
Gas is far easier to use and control the heat from a control perspective, which is a critical aspect of perfect coffee. Gas is less messy than alcohol, for example, as it won’t leave soot after use.
Also, standalone systems come with stylish stands where the burner integrates into the base, but these tend to be more expensive than stovetop systems. Still, you will need a diffuser with stovetop units as exposure to direct high heat could damage the unit.
3. Brewing Capacity
Depending on the strength of coffee you want or how many people you are making coffee for during the day will determine the size of the brewing pot you need. An average siphon coffee maker is between 3 and 8 cups.
4. Filter Types
Most siphon coffee machines come standard with cloth filters, which do the job but are a handful to clean. Looking for stainless steel filters will take the hassle out of cleaning the filters once used.
5. Fuel Or Burner Source
With siphon coffee makers, there are a variety of burners available, from butane, gas, and alcohol burners to stovetop and electrical options.
The stovetop removes the risk of open flames while also needing a diffuser to be used. Individual burners allow for more precise heat control during the brewing process.
The electric options are usually automatic, while the standalone burners require manual control.
Summary
Siphon coffee makers deliver the best quality coffee available, and if this is your sole focus and standard, then one of these may well find its way into your home for life.
With a range of prices, burner options, and designs ranging from simple to elegant, there is no excuse why you shouldn’t experience the wonder of siphon coffee for yourself.
