How to Brew Syphon Coffee at Home

Third-wave coffee culture has brought back some of the most unique and artistic brewing methods—and one of the most mesmerising is the Syphon. With its vintage science-lab aesthetic, swirling steam, and bold, clean flavour, Syphon coffee is more than just a drink. It’s an experience.

While it's made a strong comeback across Europe in recent years, the Syphon method dates all the way back to 1840, when it was invented by Scottish marine engineer Robert Napier. So yes, it’s both classic and cutting-edge.

Why Syphon?

Because it’s possibly the purest, smoothest cup of coffee you’ll ever taste. The vacuum-brewing process extracts flavour without over-extraction or bitterness, and the result is a clean, nuanced, silky brew. Plus, there’s the theatre of it all—bubbling water, rising steam, delicate glassware, and that satisfying moment when the coffee descends back into the lower chamber, ready to serve.

What You’ll Need

• Syphon coffee maker (with alcohol burner or halogen lamp)

• Freshly ground coffee (medium grind; use approx. 1.5 scoops per person)

• Filtered water (according to your syphon’s capacity markings)

• Wooden stirrer

• A little patience and curiosity

Syphon coffee

How It Works

1. Fill the lower chamber with water. Use the measurement line as a guide for servings.

2. Add ground coffee to the upper chamber (but don’t connect it yet).

3. Turn on the heat source beneath the lower chamber. As the water heats up, steam pressure builds and pushes the water up through the siphon tube and into the top chamber.

4. Attach the upper chamber once water starts rising. Stir gently with a wooden stick as the water mixes with coffee.

5. Let the coffee brew for about 1–2 minutes, depending on your desired strength.

6. Remove the heat. As the bottom chamber cools, vacuum pressure pulls the brewed coffee back down, leaving the grounds behind.

7. Serve immediately from the lower chamber and enjoy one of the cleanest, most elegant cups of coffee you'll ever taste.

   
   

✨ Pro Tips

• Use freshly filtered water and high-quality beans for best results.

• Practice makes perfect—timing and heat control are key.

• Try brewing in front of guests for a true coffee performance