Looking to take your coffee game to the next level? Searching for a unique coffee brewing method that will impress your friends? Vacuum pot coffee brewing is the perfect solution! While these glass contraptions seem straight out of a chemistry lab, vacuum pots can completely transform your morning brew, lending it distinct flavours, rich dimension and depth.
This practical vacuum brewer guide will give you the complete lowdown on this specialised technique.
Why Vacuum Brewers Make a Killer Cup of Coffee
Vacuum brewers use a heat-induced pressure process to produce the signature vacuum coffee taste that’s incredibly rich, aromatic, and full-bodied.
As hot water in the bottom chamber passes through the grounds sitting above, every particle gets soaked evenly for thorough extraction. This coaxes out more tasty oils than regular methods, leaving you with a flavourful cup.
What You’ll Need for Vacuum Pot Brewing
To master the Vacuum coffee method, you’ll need:
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Vacuum pot
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Burner (this usually comes with the vacuum pot)
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Coffee grinder
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Filter (specific to your vacuum pot model)
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Coffee beans (see below for details)
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Scale (optional, for precision)
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Stirrer (usually glass)
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Timer
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Hot water (just below boiling temperature)
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Cold water (for the lower chamber)
The Ideal Coffee for Vacuum Pot Victory
Although the best coffee is a matter of personal taste, here are some general pointers to help you with your bean choice:
Grind
When it comes to coffee for a vacuum pot, the most important thing is to use a medium-fine grind size. This grind size allows for a proper extraction time without the coffee passing through the filter too quickly or clogging it.
Roast
As for the type of bean roast, a medium or light-roasted coffee is generally recommended. Something with nice acidity and fruity or floral notes will come through well in a vacuum pot brew.
Origin
Single-origin beans are often preferred for Vacuum coffee because they offer unique and distinct flavours that the extraction method can highlight.
Fresh Is Always Best
Freshness is key for any brewing method. Use beans that have been roasted within the past two weeks to ensure the best flavour.
How the Vacuum Pot Brewing Process Works
Follow these Vacuum pot techniques to brew sweet, nuanced coffee at home:
Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee
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Measure out about 60 grams of coffee beans per litre of water. For a smaller pot, you might only need around half this amount.
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Grind the coffee to a medium-fine consistency, like that of table salt.
Step 2: Set Up Your Vacuum Pot
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Place the filter in the upper chamber of the vacuum pot. Secure it correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Fill the lower chamber with cold water. The amount will depend on how much coffee you want to brew, but typically, it's around 400-500ml for a standard-sized pot.
Step 3: Assemble and Heat
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Place the upper chamber loosely into the lower chamber. The fit shouldn’t be airtight yet, as the air needs to escape as the water heats.
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Set up the burner under the lower chamber and fire it up. A medium-high heat is usually a good bet, but again, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for best results.
Step 4: Start Brewing
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As the water in the lower chamber heats up, it will expand. This expansion forces the water up into the upper chamber, where the coffee grounds will be added.
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Once the water starts to fill the upper chamber, add your coffee grounds evenly.
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Stir the mixture gently so all the grounds get saturated.
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Then, start your timer. From this point, the coffee should need about 1 to 1.5 minutes to work its brewing magic.
Step 5: Stir and Steep
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After about 45 seconds of brewing, give the coffee another gentle stir for even extraction.
Step 6: Remove Heat
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Remove the heat source from the vacuum pot after the total brew time of 1 to 1.5 minutes.
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As the lower chamber cools, it creates a vacuum, sucking the brewed coffee back down into the lower chamber. Thanks to the filter, the grounds should be left behind in the upper chamber.
Step 7: Detach and Serve
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Once the coffee has finished draining, carefully remove the upper chamber. Just remember to handle it with care, as it will be hot.
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Decant the coffee from the lower chamber straight into your cup and enjoy!
The process may seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, it can become a simple and satisfying ritual.
Explore Rave Coffee’s Vibrant Flavours for Vacuum Pot Brewing
Before you can truly master the art of Vacuum brewing, you need to source the right beans for the job. Our vibrant and diverse flavours of our single-origin and small-batch roasted coffee beans come to life through the vacuum extraction process.
Try our sweet Guatemala Bosques de San Francisco No.52 , or the fruity Rwanda Burega Women’s Microlot No.192 . With our beans, you can brew with confidence with your Vacuum pot!