Siphon
Equipment needed:
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Siphon Coffee Maker: (Typically consists of a lower carafe, an upper brew chamber, a filter assembly, and a stand).
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Heat Source: A butane burner (most common), alcohol burner, or halogen beam heater (for electric models).
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Siphon Filter: Usually a cloth filter, glass rod filter, or metal filter that comes with the unit.
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Coffee Grinder: A burr grinder for consistent, medium-fine grind.
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Freshly Roasted Whole Bean Coffee: Light to medium roasts are often superb in a siphon, as their delicate notes can really shine.
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Kettle: For heating water to pre-fill the lower carafe.
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Digital Scale with Timer (recommended): For precise measurements.
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Stirring Paddle/Chopstick: To gently stir the coffee.
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Mug or Server: To serve your coffee.
Step 1: Prepare the Filter
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If using a cloth filter, ensure it's clean and moist. If it's new, boil it in water for 5-10 minutes to remove any fabric taste.
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Place the filter assembly (e.g., spring and chain with cloth filter) into the bottom of the upper brew chamber. Pull the chain down through the narrow neck of the upper chamber until the filter is securely centered.
Step 2: Add Water to the Lower Carafe
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Measure your filtered water. A common ratio is 1:15 to 1:17 coffee-to-water. For example, for a 3-cup siphon, you might use 300ml of water.
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Heat this water in a separate kettle to just off-boil (around 200-205°F / 93-96°C).
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Carefully pour the hot water into the lower carafe of the siphon. Using hot water from the start significantly speeds up the process and ensures more consistent brewing temperature.
Step 3: Grind Your Coffee
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While the water is heating, measure your coffee beans (e.g., for 300ml water, use 18-20g coffee).
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Grind your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency, similar to table salt or slightly finer than auto-drip. It should be coarser than espresso but finer than French Press.
Step 4: Assemble the Siphon and Start Heating
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Carefully insert the upper brew chamber into the neck of the lower carafe. Give it a gentle twist to create a secure seal. Ensure it sits straight and is stable in its stand.
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Place the entire siphon assembly onto its stand, with the heat source (butane burner, etc.) positioned directly underneath the lower carafe.
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Ignite your heat source to begin heating the water in the lower carafe.
Step 5: Observe the Water Rise & Add Coffee
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As the water in the lower carafe heats, vapor pressure will force it upwards into the upper brew chamber.
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Once most of the water has moved into the upper chamber (a small amount will remain in the lower carafe), reduce your heat source slightly to maintain a gentle boil/simmer in the upper chamber.
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Add your freshly ground coffee into the hot water in the upper chamber.
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Gently stir the coffee and water with your paddle/chopstick to ensure all grounds are saturated.
Step 6: Brewing (Steep Time)
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Start your timer. The brewing time in the upper chamber typically ranges from 45 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds, depending on your grind size and desired strength. Shorter times for finer grinds, longer for slightly coarser.
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You can gently stir once more about halfway through the brew time if you wish.
Step 7: Remove Heat & Observe Drawdown
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Once your desired brew time is complete, remove the heat source from underneath the lower carafe.
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As the lower carafe cools, a vacuum will form, drawing the brewed coffee from the upper chamber down through the filter and into the lower carafe. This is the magical part!
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The drawdown should take about 30-60 seconds.
Step 8: Serve and Clean
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Once all the coffee has returned to the lower carafe, carefully remove the upper brew chamber (it might still be hot, use caution or a cloth). Place it in a designated area where it can cool.
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Pour your clean, aromatic coffee from the lower carafe into your mug.
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To clean the upper chamber: push the filter assembly out from the bottom, discard grounds, and rinse. Wash all glass parts thoroughly after each use.
Additional tips:
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Safety First: Siphons involve hot glass and open flames. Always handle with care and ensure the unit is stable.
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Precise Grind: A consistent medium-fine grind is crucial for optimal extraction and a clean drawdown.
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Water Temperature: Starting with hot water saves time and helps maintain stable brewing temperatures.
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Controlled Stirring: Gentle stirring is fine; aggressive stirring can clog the filter.
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Experiment: Adjust brew time and grind size to find your ideal balance of flavor and body.
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Cleanliness: Regular and thorough cleaning is essential to prevent residue build-up and maintain pure coffee flavor.