Vacuum Coffee Pot
A Vacuum Coffee Pot is a coffee making device that is known for brewing very rich, aromatic coffee. Invented by Loeff of Berlin during the 1830s, the vacuum coffee pot has been used the world over for more than 150 years. The vacuum coffee pot, also known as vac pot, or siphon coffee maker, has several designs, with the early designs proving to be a bit complex to use.
Modern vacuum coffee pots are made up of a glass, metal or plastic bottom container and have another container on the top with an attached siphon tube. The coffee is brewed in the top container and after it is made, it flows into the bottom container. A material such as a rubber gasket is used to seal the bottom container to create a vacuum. The vacuum pot also consists of a filter that is made of metal, cloth or nylon. Different heating sources can be used to boil water in the vacuum pot like a gas or electric stove, cloth wicker or a butane burner.
The vacuum coffee maker uses vapor pressure and a vacuum to produce coffee. Water is taken in the lower container of the vacuum pot and it is then heated to around 200F. Freshly ground coffee is measured (approximately 1 tbsp per cup) and taken in a separate container that is then placed on top of the vessel containing water. Water on heating expands and moves up through the narrow siphon tube into the upper chamber that contains the ground coffee. The lower chamber gradually cools and the brewed coffee flows through a filter into the lower vessel. As the lower vessel gets empty, a partial vacuum is created due to which the coffee grounds stay back in the upper vessel. The brew is then decanted and poured out.
Though vacuum coffee pots are relatively harder to use when compared to other coffee makers, they are popular because of the quality of the brew. Coffee from a vacuum coffee pot is a lot richer and smoother when compared to coffee from other coffee pots. Some of the brands available in stores are Bodum, Cona etc.
If you are a fan of rich, aromatic, clear and smooth coffee, the vacuum coffee pot is for you. Though it is a little tough to work compared to other coffee makers, it is worth the effort as it makes you the perfect cup of hot coffee.
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