Siphon (vacuum pot)
also: syphon, vacuum pot, vac pot
A two-chamber vapor-pressure immersion brewer that gives a clean, aromatic, full-flavored cup.
Siphon (also spelled syphon, and known as a vacuum pot) is a two-chamber brewer that uses vapor pressure and a partial vacuum to move water. A heat source under the lower bulb pushes heated water up into the upper chamber, where it mixes with the grounds; when you remove the heat, the chamber cools and the vacuum pulls the brewed coffee back down through a filter.
Why it matters: the coffee brews as a full immersion at consistent, near-boiling temperature, then is drawn through a cloth, paper, or metal filter. That combination, immersion flavor plus filtered clarity, gives a cup that is both clean and aromatic, with a light to medium body. The theatrical bubbling and the way the coffee climbs and falls are part of the appeal.
How it shows up: a clean, vivid, fragrant cup that suits bright, delicate coffees. It needs attention, a steady heat source (alcohol burner, butane, or halogen), and careful timing, plus a stir to control agitation and even wetting. More of a weekend ritual than a daily driver. See brew methods at a glance to compare it with simpler options.