The Best Siphon Coffee Maker

At first glance, a best siphon coffee maker might seem like an unnecessarily complex way of making coffee.

Best siphon coffee maker
Siphon Coffe Maker

But once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever brewed without it.

So, let’s find you one! In this article, we’ll go over some of the best models on the market, so you can make an easier decision.

Let’s dive in.

What Is A Siphon Coffee Maker?

For many casual coffee drinkers, a siphon coffee maker is a novelty. But quite the contrary, this type of brewer is one of the earliest ones.

The first siphon was invented in 1830 by Loeff from Berlin.

The original design wasn’t popular. But, the Napier Vacuum Machine invented a decade later commercialized the tabletop version we know today.

The idea behind a siphon brewer was to use vapor pressure instead of boiling, as the latter killed the taste of the coffee.

Now, the whole coffee-making process does take a bit of time. But that’s the beauty of it. Brewing with a siphon is like playing a chemist in a lab.

Plus, the fact that the coffee doesn’t get in direct contact with heat means that you get a cup of joe with a much richer flavor and aroma.

The Science Behind A Siphon Coffee Maker

The science behind a siphon coffee maker might seem like something you need a degree in physical chemistry to understand. But it’s really all rather simple.

A siphon coffee maker has two chambers. The lower chamber works as a coffee carafe, while the upper is the brewer.

Mature woman using a siphon coffee maker in coffee lab
A siphon coffee maker has two chambers

The water goes into the bottom chamber. When heated up, vapor pushes water up into the upper chamber, where it combines with coffee grounds. When you remove the heat source, the bottom chamber is cooled down and draws back coffee into it.

On its way, coffee passes through the filter and settles back into the lower chamber, ready to serve. What you get is a clean and flavorful drink.

Best Siphon Coffee Maker – Our Top Picks

  • The Hario Coffee Syphon Technica (Best Overall Siphon Coffee Maker)
  • Nispira Belgium Luxury Royal Family Balance Siphon Coffee Maker (Best Design)
  • Yama Glass Tabletop Siphon Vacuum Coffee Maker (Best Tabletop Siphon Coffee Maker)
  • Hario “Sommelier” Syphon Coffee Maker (Best For Aroma)
  • Yama Glass Stovetop Coffee Siphon (Best Stovetop Siphon Coffee Maker)
  • Kendal Glass Tabletop Siphon Coffee Maker 5 Cups (Budget Pick)
  • Bodum Mocca Coffee Maker (Best Siphon For Larger Households)

The Hario Coffee Syphon Technica

Technica is one of the most popular siphon coffee makers on the market, and not without a reason. It has a beautiful design, puts excellent performance, and comes with a decent price tag. 

Hario has been making siphon coffee makers for around 75 years now. Throughout this long period, the brand really refined its glass processing technique.

Like all Hario products, this siphon brewer is made of borosilicate glass, which has better thermal resistance and durability than regular glass.

Aside from the upper and bottom chambers, which are glass, the rest of the coffee maker is all metal. The stand, filter, and burner cover are made of stainless steel, the fasteners are brass, and while windbreak is aluminum.

Technica comes in two capacities: 3- and 5-cup. When choosing between them, keep in mind that, according to Hario, a single cup is just 4 ounces. So while a smaller version is suitable for a solo coffee drinker, the larger one is a better option for couples.

Aside from a somewhat smaller capacity, there’s not much to nitpick about when it comes to this model. Sure, maintenance could be easier, but that’s the case with most siphons out there.

Pros

  • Rather compact, meaning it takes little space on your counters
  • Made of borosilicate glass and metal, this siphon brewer is built to last
  • Comes in 3- and 5-cup capacities, suitable for one or two coffee drinkers, respectively
  • The upper bowl, lower bowl, and lid are dishwasher-safe

Cons

  • The alcohol burner it comes with is a bit slow in heating up water
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03/07/2024 04:29 am GMT

Nispira Belgium Luxury Royal Family Balance Siphon Coffee Maker

Pretty much every siphon coffee maker is a work of art, but this model by Nispira is a tough one to beat. Gold-brushed stainless steel combined with a wooden base reeks of sophisticated elegance, which will add a touch of extravagance to your kitchen.

However, this model is not just an extravagant ornament, but a very functional coffee maker. 

First, it’s very well made. The combination of stainless steel and borosilicate glass makes this siphon brewer extremely durable. Of course, the sturdy construction wouldn’t survive a fall from the tabletop.

That’s why the wooden non-slip base ensures such a thing doesn’t happen.

When it comes to ease of use, this is not the simplest model on the list. In fact, chances are you’ll have to read the manual in order to figure out how this siphon coffee maker works. But you should get the hang of it in one or two tries.

In terms of price, this is one of the more expensive siphon brewers on the list. However, that’s not surprising given the luxurious design and high-quality materials.

Pros

  • The beautiful, elegant design adds a splash of luxurious flair to your kitchen
  • The non-slip base ensures this siphon brewer doesn’t get accidentally knocked over and break
  • Can make up to 16 ounces of coffee in one go
  • With a height of under 16 inches, this coffee maker easily fits underneath the cabinets

Cons

  • A bit more complex to use compared to other siphon brewers
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03/07/2024 04:35 am GMT

Yama Glass Tabletop Siphon Vacuum Coffee Maker

Yama siphon brewer is made of handblown heatproof glass which won’t crack no matter how hot the burner gets. Basically, the only way it can burst is by dropping the siphon coffee maker on the floor, but that would break pretty much any brewer.

The plastic handle might not seem as durable, but it’s really not bad at all. It prevents heat transfer, and it sits really comfortably in your hand, making pouring easy.

Overall, the design is pretty simple yet sophisticated. The handle has that antique look that makes the brewer an eye-catching detail in your kitchen.

You can choose between a 15-ounce and a 20-ounce capacity model. Since siphon brewers work best when they’re close to maximum capacity, so always go with the one closer to the amount of coffee you typically make in one go.

What really impresses me about this model is its flexibility. You can make small adjustments to the flame and make a considerable difference in terms of your brew’s taste. The burner is decently fast as well.

It takes roughly about 10 minutes to make a whole carafe of coffee. 

Pros

  • Comes in two sizes, so you can choose one more suitable for your coffee-drinking needs
  • The burner can be adjusted to achieve precise brew consistency
  • The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hand and remains cool to touch
  • Has a simple but elegant design that suits every interior

Cons

  • It’s a bit difficult to clean
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03/07/2024 04:55 am GMT

Hario “Sommelier” Syphon Coffee Maker

This Hario model has quite a unique look. Basically, it combines a siphon coffee maker and a wine decanter into one. What this does is it allows you to experience the full range of aromas from your coffee, as you would from wine.

And really, this siphon brewer brings out the best in your coffee. The shape of the decanter keeps coffee warmer for longer and preserves flavor, so your refills are just as tasty as the first cup.

Like with other Hario products, the chambers of this siphon coffee are made of borosilicate glass. This type of glass is resistant to thermal expansion, meaning it won’t crack no matter how high it heats up. The rest of the brewer is made of stainless steel, another sturdy material.

The decanter features a thick silicone ring around the middle section. This ring acts like an insulated handle to ensure your hands remain cool while you’re pouring hot coffee.

I find it really great that this brewer comes with two filters, one being cloth and the other stainless steel. Of course, both are reusable. But while cloth makes a cleaner cup, a metal filter gives you a more bodied brew.

Pros

  • Features a decanter, whose shape preserves the flavor and warmth of freshly brewed coffee
  • The silicone ring allows a better grip and keeps your hands cool
  • Comes with both cloth and metal filters, allowing you to adjust the brew to your liking
  • Has a capacity of 20 ounces, which is enough for two or three coffee drinkers

Cons

  • On a more expensive side
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03/07/2024 05:10 am GMT

Yama Glass Stovetop Coffee Siphon

When it comes to stovetop siphon coffee makers, this model by Yama is among the best on the market. 

Whether you own a gas or an electric stovetop, this model is designed to work on both. To use it on an electric stovetop, simply use the wire diffuser it comes with. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with induction stovetops, as they heat using magnets. 

Yama uses borosilicate glass for siphon brewers, and this model is no exception. This material is a great choice for stovetop siphon coffee makers, as it won’t crack under very high heat. 

The design of this brewer is rather simple. There are no fancy details or complex mechanisms, but it doesn’t need them. It does a great job at making coffee, and that’s what matters. 

What’s also great is that the brewer is dishwasher-safe, so maintenance is a piece of cake. Of course, you can always wash it by hand as there are no hard-to-reach spots.

This siphon coffee maker comes in two sizes, one having a 5-cup and the other 8-cup capacity. As such, this Yama model is larger than most siphon brewers on the market.

Pros

  • Can work with both electric and gas stovetops
  • For the price it sells at, this is one of the more affordable siphon brewers you can get
  • Glass parts are dishwasher-safe, which makes regular cleaning easy
  • With a capacity of 5 or 8 cups, this model is one of the larger ones on the market

Cons

  • Doesn’t work with induction stovetops
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03/07/2024 05:20 am GMT

Kendal Glass Tabletop Siphon Coffee Maker 5 Cups

Given their unique design, siphon brewers typically aren’t the most affordable coffee makers out there. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t budget options out there. This model by Kendal is not just gentle on your wallet, but it’s great at brewing coffee.

Vacuum siphon coffee maker with filtered coffee inside
Kendall is great with brewing coffee

This model looks a lot like Hario Technica – in fact, the design was pretty much inspired by it. But as you’ll soon realize, the quality is more or less at par with the above-mentioned model. Somewhat simplified, yes, but the base design is the same.

When it comes to materials, this siphon brewer uses the same ones as other high-end models. The chambers are made of borosilicate glass, while the stand is stainless steel. The construction feels pretty sturdy, even though it’s lightweight.

This model comes with an alcohol burner, which has a steady, non-adjustable output. To be clear, this burner is not bad. But if you like playing around with your brew parameters, consider getting a butane burner instead.

Pros

  • Most affordable pick on the list, and one of the more budget-friendly siphon brewers on the market
  • Made of borosilicate glass and stainless steel, this model can last you a very long time
  • Has a simple but sleek design, similar to many siphon models out there
  • Makes about five cups of coffee, so it’s great for smaller groups of coffee drinkers

Cons

  • The burner is not adjustable
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03/07/2024 05:45 am GMT

Boeng 5-Cup Coffee Siphon

Like the Kendal brewer, the Boeng 5-cup coffee siphon also resembles the Hario Technica but is much more affordable than the real deal. While you might think the price is too good to be true, this brewer is fairly sturdy and makes quality java. You can brew enough coffee for three to four people at once, so it’s ideal for those who love to entertain friends over a cup of Joe.

It’s made from heat-resistant glass, while other components of the brewer are comprised of polypropylene. This makes it lighter than other siphons, but it should still be handled with care. The device also comes with an alcohol burner to distribute the heat evenly so your coffee is carefully extracted.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Brews quality coffee

Cons

  • Instruction manuals are difficult to follow
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03/07/2024 01:35 am GMT

To Sum Things Up

Siphon coffee maker is something every coffee aficionado needs in their life. With this type of brewer, you can really enjoy every single step of the process, which makes the final result even better.

Nowadays, you can find amazing models on the market. Among them, the Hario Technica is overall a great choice for everyone switching to siphon brewing. It’s durable, affordable, easy to use, and clean – what more could you want?

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.