The 4 Best Electric Siphon Coffee Makers | Purchased coffee (2023)

Becoming a home barista isn't rocket science. It's easy to make delicious coffee in the comfort of your own kitchen. You just need a reliable machine that looks and feels good.

siphon coffeeCoffee makers offer serious coffee drinkers a fabulous coffee experience. It's not just about the taste, it's about watching something beautiful and intense emerge. True coffee geeks say the centuries-old siphon brewing method is the best invention - and they're right.

So your perfect cup starts with this crucial decision: do I buy an electric siphon or its stovetop version?

The 4 Best Electric Siphon Coffee Makers | Purchased coffee (1)

In this guide:

  1. Our top picks
  2. Why a Siphon Coffee Maker? What is the difference between electric and stove?
  3. The Kitchenaid electric siphon
  4. Das Bodum ePebo
  5. Twinbird D854
  6. Klarstein siphon

Our top picks

Why a Siphon Coffee Maker? What is the difference between electric and stove?

In order to get a perfectly rounded cup of coffee, the choice of the device is crucial.

There are a large number of machines on the market with (sometimes) the same price tags, so getting it right is important.

We all know how siphon coffee makers work and that they look like something used in a school chemistry lab, but how do you choose a good siphon brewer?

Whatever you choose, it's sure to add some serious class to your kitchen and impress your patrons (who may have only seen these bad guys at hipster cafes before).

There are two types of siphon machines: stovetop and electric. It's not hard to figure out how they named them, since they're labeled for their heat sources.

A range hood is designed to sit on top of an electric or gas range. You must place a diffuser between the machine and the heat source, as direct heat exposure increases the risk of the lower chamber rupturing. The designs are mostly kept quite simple and lack the style of the E models.

An electric or standalone machine might be less romantic and more practical, but it does have its own stand or heat source, with either a separate or built-in gas or alcohol burner that sits neatly under the lower chamber. Also, they are portable machines that offer the ultimate in convenience. You literally plug it in and you're good to go!

Typically, both machines make between three and eight cups per brew.

Choosing between the two isn't just about aesthetics, although it's fair to say that the standalone designs are more eye-catching than their stovetop kin. They're also harder on your wallet - but if you want quality and bling, you'll have to pay for it.

So they look like a really impressive piece of kit, and with that comes a higher price point than the usual kitchen worktop accessories.

In this review, we look at four such products, their pros and cons, what people like and dislike about each, and any particular differences in their features.

Let's take a look at what's out there:

(Video) Chemex vs. Syphon Coffee Brewing

The Kitchenaid electric siphon

The 4 Best Electric Siphon Coffee Makers | Purchased coffee (5)

KitchenAid Siphon Coffee Brewer (Medallion Silver)

  • Automatic siphon brewer is safe, easy to use and requires no open flame, 8 cup capacity.
  • Uses vacuum technology to brew a deliciously velvety, full-bodied, complex cup of coffee.
  • The striking glass ball design offers a dramatic view of the siphon brewing process.
  • Choose your filtration level with a reusable stainless steel filter for full-bodied coffee or a cloth filter for a lighter brew, both included.
  • Automatically turns off after the water reaches the ideal heating temperature.

Advantages

Kitchenaid has been a popular home appliance company in America for years. If you're curious about the entire siphon coffee making process but not sure if it's for you, the good news for beginners is that this functional yet great looking machine is automated. It has a magnetic closure seal and large capacity.

It's built like a tank and looks incredibly solid. If you know anything about these machines, you will have found that regular exposure to heat will eventually weaken the sturdy glass, but luckily this machine is built to last. Users report that it's effortless to use, making about seven to eight cups per brew. It comes with a cloth filter.

Disadvantages

The bad news is that it's harder to clean than drippers. Some reviewers also complain that the coffee actually brews, leaving a slightly filtered brew.

Obviously, coffee needs to be hot, but boiling water only extracts bitter flavors. Most siphons keep water near boiling, but Kitchenaid will take it to over 100 degrees Celsius. This reduces the brewing time to just a few minutes, with the recommended brewing time being around 11 minutes. The machine is also available at the more expensive end of the market.

Das Bodum ePebo

The 4 Best Electric Siphon Coffee Makers | Purchased coffee (6)

Advantages

This is a really cool looking piece of kit. If you want to relive your science lab class, you or your guests can watch the entire brewing process through the two fixed bowls. The shells are really tightly closed, so that no aroma is lost.

The ePebo claims to make up to six perfect cups in five to 11 minutes, although many reports say it's closer to eight cups. There are many videos online about this product so you can easily learn how to make the most of it.

The base is BPA-free Triton plastic, so no chemicals in your coffee. No paper filter required, and one reviewer uses it to brew tea! The base automatically controls the brewing cycle, and there is a soft rubber handle on the coffee pot. Those who love it say it's by far the best electric siphon out there.

Disadvantages

Not everyone loves it! Common complaints are: the coffee doesn't drain well, causing the coffee to get stuck in the top container. Also, it only brews to a light roast. Thorough cleaning of the product apparently helps.

Those who have used Bodum machines for years report that the quality is not as high on this one.

Although the sales description says it's all glass, reports say the top is actually glass but the bottom is plastic.

More info

(Video) Should you buy a Coffee Siphon? | Balancing Syphon Brewer Review

Twinbird D854

Advantages

This neat looking Japanese model is slimmer than their older model, the D853 and the Bodum design.

Again, it's easy and fun to watch the brewing process. Neither an advantage nor a disadvantage, but you also need a step-up transformer since the machine is 100V.

Reviewers say it makes excellent coffee and that it's easy to clean. Despite some of the downsides below, those who have used it say it makes the best coffee they've ever had, so maybe the Japanese instructions are worth the trouble!

Disadvantages

There is very little information about it! Newbies report that it's a lot more work than their drip machine, but that's pretty much the case with any siphon.

Both parts are made of glass, so you have to be careful with them! It's also probably best not to put it in the dishwasher - which can be a chore if you don't have time to wash up.

The manual is in Japanese and Japanese only, which means you'll have to search the web for English instructions.

Not everyone loves the cloth filter, some users choose to purchase mesh or paper filters instead.

Also, the jug is quite small, only extending to four cups. So if you're looking for a whole morning brew for the family, this might not be the model for you.

Klarstein siphon

The 4 Best Electric Siphon Coffee Makers | Purchased coffee (8)

(Video) Belgian Coffee Maker- Luxury Belgium Balance Brewer and Coffee Syphon Royal Brass Siphon Brewer

KLARSTEIN siphon vacuum coffee machine, 360° base, LCD display, touch operation, keep-warm function, 500 watts, 0.5 liters, automatic and manual preparation mode, piano black

  • DESIGN: The siphon coffee maker is a vacuum coffee maker perfect for making specialty coffees at home or in the office. It impresses with easy handling, extraordinary design and outstanding performance.
  • EASY COFFEE MAKER: Just add water and coffee and turn on the automatic mode for delicious coffee without hassle. Plus, a manual mode allows you to take control and perfect your favorite brew.
  • VACUUM: After brewing, a vacuum is created in the pot, drawing finished coffee back into the pot while used coffee grounds remain safely at the top of the tank.
  • RELIABLE: Using the right water temperature for your coffee ensures over-extraction and scorching are avoided.
  • PRACTICAL: Cleaning the siphon coffee maker after use is easy and efficient

Advantages

It's a neat and compact design that doesn't take up all of your kitchen space. It also claims to deliver a full-bodied cup of coffee in a very short time. It features an automated digital control mode in the base of the machine for quick brewing, but if you want your brew to last a little longer you can switch the machine to manual.

The jug can be turned in all directions on the base and removed from the machine.

Enthusiastic reviewers describe a rich, clean cup of coffee from an easy-to-use machine (at a much lower price point than competing machines). It comes with an English and Spanish user manual.

Disadvantages

It's difficult to clean, but that's something reviewers say about most siphons! It may just be that people who are used to other coffee making devices will eventually adjust and think that the siphon is worth the trouble.

Users report that the instructions are really bad and difficult to use. Therefore, the machine will be better understood if you find a few explainer videos before getting started. However, several reviewers found the end result tasted fairly regular and lacked depth.

Some people don't like the cloth filter and report that the heating pad deteriorated after heating for a relatively short period of time. There have been some reports of the water boiling over, while others note that after a few weeks of use, the water was taking longer and longer to heat up. The pot is very small so really, unless you don't mind making coffee over and over again, this isn't the machine for you.

Final Thoughts

We hope this review has helped you find the perfect electric siphon coffee maker for your kitchen. Really and truly, you won't go too far wrong with any of the above models!

Have you ever used one of these machines? If so, we'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments box below. Speak soon!

The 4 Best Electric Siphon Coffee Makers | Purchased coffee (9)

Rosie Greaves

Rosie Greaves is a professional content strategist specializing in all things lifestyle. You can also find her posted on 2Caffeinated, Cake and Lace Blog and Love You Tomorrow. Check out their websiteBlog with Rosiefor more informations.

blogwithrosie.com/

(Video) BODUM® How To Use The ePEBO Electric Vacuum Siphon Coffee Maker

FAQs

Do siphon coffee makers make good coffee? ›

It produces the best vibrant coffee flavors that cannot be imitated by a drip brewer. You will also get a clean and bright cup with no traces of coffee grounds left in the bottom. The coffee aroma is more intense. Siphon brewing method enhances the coffee aroma more than many other brewing methods.

What is the best coffee to water ratio for siphon? ›

Every brew method has an ideal coffee to water ratio to get the best-tasting coffee. For siphon brewing, a 1:15 coffee to water ratio is recommended. This means 1 part coffee to 15 parts water.

How do you make the perfect siphon coffee? ›

Steps to brew with syphon
  1. Attach the filter. The filter has a chain that you need pull down and attach its clip at the bottom of the funnel.
  2. Add water. ...
  3. Heat the water. ...
  4. Measure and grind your coffee. ...
  5. Attach the top. ...
  6. Add your coffee to the water. ...
  7. Brew. ...
  8. Turn off the heat.
Sep 27, 2019

Does siphon coffee taste different? ›

The change of pressure and force of gravity then vacuums the coffee downwards through the filter to the bottom flask. This method produces a superior taste that avoids boiling the coffee, which is why syphon coffee makers are widely celebrated for brewing some of the best, purest coffee.

What is the most efficient coffee brewing method? ›

The French Press method, invented in 1929, is widely considered as the best and easiest method for brewing superior and consistent coffee. It extracts, arguably, more superior flavours than any other method.

What size siphon do I need? ›

Most syphons range in size from 7.5" to 10.5". The way to measure most syphons is to start at the bottom of the bell housing and measure up to the lip of the cap on top of the syphon.

What is the most expensive siphon coffee maker? ›

The Royal Paris Royal Coffee Maker is a luxurious handcrafted 24-karat gold or silver, crystal and semi-precious stone balancing syphon brewer. Eight are built by hand every month, at a price of $10,000-$18,000.

What is difference between siphon and syphon? ›

Siphon and syphon are both English terms. Siphon is predominantly used in 🇺🇸 American (US) English ( en-US ) while syphon is predominantly used in 🇬🇧 British English (used in UK/AU/NZ) ( en-GB ). In the United States, there is a preference for "siphon" over "syphon" (79 to 21).

What is the correct coffee to water ratio? ›

A general guideline is called the "Golden Ratio" - one to two tablespoons of ground coffee for every six ounces of water. This can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences. Check the cup lines or indicators on your specific brewer to see how they actually measure.

What ratio should I use for coffee? ›

Coffee's golden ratio is 1:18 (1 gram of coffee to every 18 grams of water). If you want a stronger cup, use a ratio of 1:15 or if you want a lighter cup, use 1:18. But somewhere between 15 to 18 grams of water to every gram of coffee is most common.

What are the different types of siphon coffee? ›

Siphons can be used with the usual three main filter types—metal, cloth, and paper—but there's also an incredibly unique glass filter you can opt to use.

How do you increase siphon flow rate? ›

You can prime the siphon in two ways. Increase the water pump rate or increase the pressure resistance in the drain pipe. The water pump has an adjustable valve. Rotate towards + to increase the flow rate.

How much coffee do you put in a siphon coffee maker? ›

1.6 – 2.0 grams of coffee per fluid ounce of water; if you don't have a scale, use 2 table spoons of coffee per 6 fluid ounces of water.

What is the ideal grind use for coffee siphon *? ›

Weigh and grind your coffee

While the water is heating, measure out between 20-25 grams of coffee and grind it just little bit finer than you would for regular drip coffee.

What color cup does coffee taste best? ›

The white mug enhanced the perceived “intensity” of the coffee flavour relative to the transparent mug. Our hypothesis was that a crossmodal association between brown and bitter exists and that bitterness, and possibly other attributes, would be enhanced by the colour contrast.

Which coffee is better in taste? ›

Arabica is the most popular type of coffee, hands down. Depending on who you ask, many coffee enthusiasts prefer using Arabica beans due to its taste.

Which coffee has a stronger taste? ›

Dark roasted beans have a stronger taste, but contain less caffeine. They have been roasted longer, so more caffeine has been burned away. Robusta beans are said to contain almost twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans. The longer it takes to brew you cup of coffee, the more caffeine it is likely to contain.

Do more expensive coffee makers make better coffee? ›

Most cheaper coffee makers barely get that hot, and over time burn out. A larger brew head showers the ground coffee more evenly. This leads to better extraction which results in better flavor.

What produces the best coffee? ›

Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee

To a lot of people, Ethiopia would be where the best coffee in the world comes from. Because of the history of coffee production, location in the world and equality of opportunity, Ethiopia has everything many people believe makes for the best coffee in the world.

What brew method does Starbucks use? ›

Starbucks uses a drip brewing method, which involves pouring hot water over the ground coffee beans and allowing the coffee to drip into a carafe. This method results in a less acidic cup of coffee. To make sure each cup of coffee is consistent, Starbucks has a machine called the Clover.

What is the taste of siphon coffee? ›

Vacuum Siphon Coffee is smooth, full-bodied, crisp, clean and rich in flavor coffee thanks to the sophisticated coffee making method. Types of coffee brewing: Taste of coffee differs with coffee brewing methods. In other words, different coffee-making methods lead to different tastes of coffee.

What does siphon coffee maker taste like? ›

Siphon coffee tastes almost identical to French press, and is known for its rich, full bodied flavour. Siphon coffee is similar to brewing hot tea, except siphon coffee is made with ground coffee beans instead of tea leaves.

Is drip coffee better than plunger? ›

WINNER: The French press is the winner when it comes to full-bodied, rich-tasting coffee. At the same time, some people prefer the lighter taste produced with the drip method. Thus, choosing a better method for your subjective taste is a matter of your taste rather than the method.

Does using filtered water for coffee make a difference? ›

In a word, yes. Tea and coffee is made up of around 98% water so it makes sense that any unwanted flavors and impurities that might be lurking in your tap water will affect the final flavor.

Videos

1. How Good is Syphon Coffee? [Easy Brew Recipe]
(Home Cafe by Charlie)
2. 🌵6 Best Siphon Coffee Makers 2020
(Best Stuff)
3. Making Coffee with the KitchenAid Siphon filter
(The Hungry Ferret)
4. BODUM® The New ePEBO Vacuum Coffee Maker
(BODUM)
5. Top 10 Best Siphon Coffee Makers | Split Rock Coffee Review 2019
(Split Rock Coffee)
6. Best Vintage Coffee Maker? Sunbeam Vacuum
(CoffeeCon)

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