Siphon coffee makers, also known as vacuum coffee makers or vacpots, offer a visually captivating and intriguing brewing experience. It may look like magic, but this method combines the simple scientific principles of steam pressure followed by a vacuum process to extract coffee with rich, full-bodied flavors. Let's take a closer look at how it works, then, look at the surprisingly affordable options Yama offers.
First of all, why Yama?
We partner with Yama because of a rich history, going back to 1978, of creating hand-blown, heat-resistant glass. The glass takes center stage in their designs with a touch of steel and wooden accents. A Yama coffee brewer also happens to make an exceptional cup of coffee.
The science behind a siphon coffee maker
A siphon coffee maker typically consists of two chambers: an upper chamber where the coffee grounds are placed and a lower chamber that holds water. These two chambers are connected by a tube. Which has a filter. When you begin the brewing process, you start by heating the water in the lower chamber using a heat source, usually alcohol, butane or stovetop heat. As the water heats up, it creates steam, which in turn builds up pressure in the lower chamber.
This pressure forces the hot water up the tube and into the upper chamber, where it mixes with the coffee grounds. At this point, you can stir the mixture to ensure even saturation and proper extraction of flavors from the coffee grounds. Once the brewing is complete, you remove the heat source. This causes the steam in the lower chamber to cool and condense, creating a vacuum. This vacuum then pulls the brewed coffee back down through the tube, filtering it through a fine mesh or cloth filter as it returns to the lower chamber.
What results is a clean, smooth cup of coffee, free of most sediment thanks to the fine filtration process. The flavor profile is unique and can often be more nuanced compared to other brewing methods, as the siphon method allows precise control over brewing variables such as temperature and extraction time. While siphon coffee makers can be more involved and time-consuming compared to other methods, many coffee enthusiasts enjoy the ritual and the exceptional flavors that are achieved.
Choosing your Yama Syphon coffee maker
Yama offers two Siphon (Syphon) options that are both available in two sizes. The tabletop, or alcohol burners come in a three or five cup size, with one cup being about 3-4 ounces. The stovetop models are a five or eight cup size.
Tabletop
These brewers are meant for use on a table, on a counter, or really anywhere you want to take them! Just be sure to be safe no matter where you use it because an open flame always requires caution. While an alcohol burner might be slower than a stove burner, this may not be a bad thing if you are brewing on a relaxing day outdoors. For extra speed, you can start with water that is already hot, or if you really want to put it in high gear, invest in a butane burner. These will build up your steam in a hurry, maybe even more quickly than a stove. While it is an added cost, it is well worthwhile if you just can’t wait for that delicious cup!
Stovetop
As mentioned above, stove tops can usually heat up faster than an alcohol burner. They have the added convenience of a continuous fuel source, without worry of keeping denatured alcohol or butane on demand. These are also more stable, which increases the safety. Accidents are much less likely.
Ultimately, choosing between the four Yama models comes down to preference.
Do you prefer portability and table side wow factor? Choose a tabletop option. Do you prefer the convenience and efficiency a stove provides? The five cup and eight cup Stovetop Siphon Coffee Makers will offer you more volume at once, and don’t require an additional heat source that you aren’t already using every day. All four will produce absolutely excellent coffee, and a perfect view to watch the chemistry unfold.
Awaken your inner mad coffee scientist and Shop Yama Siphon today!
Be sure to check out Yama cold brew towers, teapots, and replacement parts as well!
