What is siphon coffee?

Siphon (also called vacuum pot) coffee is a theatrical, precise method that combines immersion and filtration under vacuum pressure. The setup uses two glass chambers (one for water and one for coffee) with a heat source underneath.

When the lower chamber heats, vapour pressure pushes water up into the upper chamber to steep with the grounds. Once removed from heat, a vacuum pulls the brewed coffee back down through a filter into the lower chamber, yielding a clean, delicious cup.

Siphon coffee originated in mid-19th-century Europe, with early versions in France and Germany. It later gained cult status in Japan, where it became a refined, ceremonial brew still popular in specialty cafés.

Why try siphon coffee?

Clean yet full-bodied: Combines pour-over clarity with immersion depth.
Precise and customisable: Fine control over temperature, time, and agitation.
Visually striking: A dramatic, lab-like process that’s fun to watch.
Great for complex coffees: Highlights delicate flavours in high-quality single origins.

What you’ll need

Siphon brewer
A two-chamber vacuum brewer (upper funnel and lower bulb), typically glass.
Heat source
Butane burner, alcohol burner, or halogen heater.
Filter
Cloth, metal, or paper (cloth gives a clean yet full-bodied cup).
Fresh coffee beans
Choose a high-quality single origin to showcase clarity.
Coffee grinder
Burr grinder set to a medium grind—slightly finer than French press.
Scales
For precision; start around a 1:15 ratio.
Stirrer (non-metal)
Glass or bamboo for gentle mixing.
Timer
To track bloom and brew time.
Filtered water
Clean, chlorine-free water improves clarity.

Best York Emporium coffee for siphon

The Gunpowder House Kenya – Light Roast
Crisp Red Apple • Caramel • Grapefruit
Shop The Gunpowder House Kenya
Sourced from Nairobi’s Mika Estate, this light roast delivers a clean, juicy cup with bright citrus and red-fruit highlights. The siphon accentuates crisp acidity and sweetness for beautiful balance.

How to make siphon coffee

Set up your equipment — Assemble the stand, bottom chamber (bulb), top chamber (funnel), and burner. Insert the filter in the upper chamber and hook the chain to secure it.
Boil your water — Fill the lower chamber with 300–400 ml of filtered water (size-dependent) and apply heat. As it heats, steam pressure will push water into the upper chamber.
Grind your coffee — Use 20–25 g for 300–400 ml of water. Grind medium (about table-salt texture). Too fine can clog; too coarse under-extracts.
Wait for the rise — At ~92–96 °C, water climbs into the top chamber. When most has risen, slightly reduce heat to hold it there without boiling over.
Add the grounds — Add coffee to the upper chamber, start a timer, and stir gently to saturate all grounds.
Brew for 60–90 seconds — Maintain a stable temperature. Optional: a light stir halfway for even extraction.
Remove heat — Take the heat source away. As the lower chamber cools, a vacuum draws the brewed coffee down through the filter, leaving grounds above.
Serve and enjoy — Detach the upper chamber carefully, give the coffee in the lower bulb a gentle swirl, pour, and enjoy.

Troubleshooting your siphon coffee

Brew tastes weak or flat

Cause: Grind too coarse or water not hot enough.
Fix: Go a touch finer (sand-like), ensure water reaches ~93–96 °C, and keep steep time to 60–90 seconds.

Brew is bitter or harsh

Cause: Over-extraction from too fine a grind, too much agitation, or overheating/over-time.
Fix: Use a slightly coarser grind, keep the brew under 90 seconds, lower heat once the water rises, and stir only once at the start.

Water doesn’t rise into the top chamber

Cause: Poor seal or insufficient heat.
Fix: Check the rubber gasket and fit, tighten the chambers, and ensure a strong, steady flame. With alcohol burners, wait for a full boil before attaching the top chamber.

With full-immersion extraction and a fine filter, the siphon delivers a clean, aromatic brew with silky body and vibrant complexity. It takes a little more gear and precision, but once mastered, it’s a rewarding and visually stunning way to brew.

Siphon Coffee Brew Guide