Syphon: an elaborately designed coffee machine that brings to mind medieval alchemists.

A ... retrofuturistic coffee maker catches the eye of all coffee makers: get to know Syphon!!

Those who frequently visit coffee shops following the "Third Wave" of coffee principles will surely have noticed a strange coffee machine that brings to mind mystical alchemist tools: the Syphon!

Made of two glass balls, the Syphon is heated by a fireplace, and its construction allows the flames to reflect in a wonderful way. The vapors produced and the bubbles of steaming coffee usually complement the magical image.

We get to know better the story and function of Syphon, perhaps the most talked-about coffee machine - which has drawn fanatical friends and fanatical enemies.

What's the story of Syphon?

The Syphon, despite its almost futuristic appearance and enthusiastic adoption of the Third Wave coffee, is a very old device - far older than many others, in fact.

The first related machines (vacuum coffee machines, as they were called) appeared in Berlin in 1830, simpler in design than today, yet using the same principles and having a similar basic rationale behind their design. Although forgotten until recently, these devices have been widely used throughout Europe for almost a century, and it is characteristic that Bauhaus's artistic stream will redesign the engines, resulting in models that are very reminiscent of today.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Syphon will become quite popular in America. A key "revolution" that brings Syphon to the coffee field is the fact that Syphon's are probably the first coffee machines designed to be beautiful, in addition to practical. Unlike most coffee machines from the early 19th century, Syphon is designed "for the living room, not the kitchen," as an advertising campaign of that time claimed.

Over time, and of course the spread of espresso, Syphon was sidelined and almost completely forgotten. Until the early 2000s, the ever-expanding coffee culture of the Third Wave, known for restoring forgotten extraction methods, re-introduced this strange device to the public.

How does the Syphon work?

Syphon's operation is based on the laws of physics and is extremely complex. The device consists of two glass chambers, separated by an intermediate filter. In the lower chamber water is placed , while in the upper chamber is for ground coffee.

By heating the lower chamber, the hot water through the steam leads to the upper chamber, where the coffee is then extracted. At the end of the extraction, gravity drives the extracted coffee to the lower chamber, after passing through the intermediate filter.

Undoubtedly, the procedure required is extremely complicated and is a deterrent to daily use of the device. On the other hand, the machine favors experimentation and its use is a real treat for any coffee geek - something that can transform everyday coffee into an adventurous and exciting process.

How does Syphon coffee taste like?

Syphon extracted coffee is essentially filter coffee, but fanatics argue that coffee is particularly "pure", with more intense aromas and clearer organoleptic characteristics of coffee. As with any other manual machine, the ability of the user to fully control the extraction variables (temperature, grinding deegree, etc.) often results in better extraction results and ultimately, more tasty coffee.

However, there are also critics of Syphon, who argue that the taste of coffee is no different from other manual extractors, such as Pour Over glass coffee makers or a Dripper. Syphon undoubtedly revolutionized coffee extraction when it first appeared, but in today's era, many who believe it is embedded in hipster culture with retro objects such as typewriters, monocles or vintage bicycles.

To whom the Syphon does adress nowadays?

Without a doubt, the Syphon is a very beautiful but specialized coffee machine that is definitely not aimed at those who just want to drink a cup of coffee in the office, as the sophistication of its use will certainly be daunting.

But Syphon is a perfect gift for any coffee lover who treats his coffee as more than just a drink. For anyone who treats coffee as a hobby, a passion, or a passion more than a daily habit, Syphon will prove to be an enjoyable adventure that will result in enjoyable mugs of coffee anyway. Still, thanks to its beautiful appearance and unique function, the Syphon is a home jewelry item that will take up any kitchen and living room. It is a piece of coffee history that while until recently was lost in the dust of time, lives a second youth - a perfect acquisition for any coffee fanatic!

From a simple espresso to the sophisticated Syphon extractions, one thing matters: good coffee. The coffee we deserve!