appliancelou
Well-known member
I have wanted one for a long time that is electric but obtained this one at a flea market today for $8.00
My first vintage vacuum coffee maker!
- Thread starter appliancelou
- Start date
appliancelou
Well-known member
vacuum coffee maker!
start of boil
start of boil
appliancelou
Well-known member
vacuum coffee maker!!
Water is rising.
Water is rising.
appliancelou
Well-known member
vacuum coffee maker
Awsome how it brings water up after boil
Awsome how it brings water up after boil
appliancelou
Well-known member
vacuum coffee maker
Letting it cool and drain
Letting it cool and drain
launderess
Well-known member
Nice Unit! Congrats
However IIRC there is a trivet one is supposed to use for vintage glass vac pots when using electric ranges. It goes between the burner and the pot.
Vintage small electric burners sold with or for glass vacuum coffeemakers were designed so the pot was "held" slightly above the electic coils rather than resting directly on them.
Have the same Silex unit though in red, and hardly ever use the thing. For one the colour is rare and then there is cleaning down that narrow opening for the lower pot.
You can use either Silex or Cory glass rods in these units, or Silex ceramic and cloth filters.
However IIRC there is a trivet one is supposed to use for vintage glass vac pots when using electric ranges. It goes between the burner and the pot.
Vintage small electric burners sold with or for glass vacuum coffeemakers were designed so the pot was "held" slightly above the electic coils rather than resting directly on them.
Have the same Silex unit though in red, and hardly ever use the thing. For one the colour is rare and then there is cleaning down that narrow opening for the lower pot.
You can use either Silex or Cory glass rods in these units, or Silex ceramic and cloth filters.
appliancelou
Well-known member
vacuum coffee maker
Almost done and the coffee came out excellent, one of the best tasteing I have ever had!
Almost done and the coffee came out excellent, one of the best tasteing I have ever had!
appliancelou
Well-known member
vacuum coffee maker
L thank you for the info - do you know where I can obtain the trivet for my range?
Lou
L thank you for the info - do you know where I can obtain the trivet for my range?
Lou
I wonder why they quit making these coffee pots? Could safety have anything to do with it, because the water is boiling up into the upper pot?
lordkenmore
Well-known member
"I wonder why they quit making these coffee pots? Could safety have anything to do with it, because the water is boiling up into the upper pot?"
Vacuum pots are still made, although, of course, some makers of years gone by have exited the business. Vacuum pots have just become very uncommon. This is only speculation--but I'd guess it wasn't safety, it was more a lack of interest in the market. And that loss of interest I suspect was quite likely due to "easier" coffee making systems. And I have to admit that this is a factor for me--I find other systems easier to deal with. I like vacuum pots, but it's not something I'd want to deal with every day. And I'd NEVER want to deal with a breakable glass vacuum pot first thing in the day
Vacuum pots are still made, although, of course, some makers of years gone by have exited the business. Vacuum pots have just become very uncommon. This is only speculation--but I'd guess it wasn't safety, it was more a lack of interest in the market. And that loss of interest I suspect was quite likely due to "easier" coffee making systems. And I have to admit that this is a factor for me--I find other systems easier to deal with. I like vacuum pots, but it's not something I'd want to deal with every day. And I'd NEVER want to deal with a breakable glass vacuum pot first thing in the day
launderess
Well-known member
A Few Places To Get You Started
All you really need is some sort of heat diffuser to keep the glass from harm.
Suppose if one is really careful about it the thing might not be required. Wouldn't know because our range is gas fired and otherwise have used vintage electric vacuum pot stoves.
http://www.baharris.org/coffee/Brewing.htm
All you really need is some sort of heat diffuser to keep the glass from harm.
Suppose if one is really careful about it the thing might not be required. Wouldn't know because our range is gas fired and otherwise have used vintage electric vacuum pot stoves.
http://www.baharris.org/coffee/Brewing.htm
launderess
Well-known member
But Wait There's More
The man who started it all for moi!
http://coffeegeek.com/forums/coffee/machines/498795
The man who started it all for moi!
http://coffeegeek.com/forums/coffee/machines/498795
launderess
Well-known member
Play Around With Your Coffee Dosages
Because vacuum pots produce strong and very hot coffee you may be able to reduce the ratio of coffee to water by 1/3 or so. Let your grind, particular coffee and tastebuds be your guide.
Because vacuum pots produce strong and very hot coffee you may be able to reduce the ratio of coffee to water by 1/3 or so. Let your grind, particular coffee and tastebuds be your guide.
launderess
Well-known member
Once Automatic Perks and Later Drip Coffee Makers
Came on the scene post WWII, housewives and others abandoned vacuum coffee making. Some odd methods such as Chemex and or filter press pots hung about and had a certain "European" cachet that made one feel sophiscated when doing coffee for guests, but that was a niche market.
Sunbeam and Cory did try to compete with their automatic vacuum pots with various levels of sucess.
As for dealing with hot glass first thing in the morning, Pyrex and Corningware made perk pots that were used by hundreds of post WWII housewives. The only real worry about vac pots is having enough wits about one in dealing with the glass upper chamber after brewing is done.
Quite allot of persons *discovered* vacuum coffee pots fed up with the tepid water most if not all modern drip pots use to brew coffee (like clothes irons modern safety has lead the dumbing down), and would rather die than drink perked coffee.
Came on the scene post WWII, housewives and others abandoned vacuum coffee making. Some odd methods such as Chemex and or filter press pots hung about and had a certain "European" cachet that made one feel sophiscated when doing coffee for guests, but that was a niche market.
Sunbeam and Cory did try to compete with their automatic vacuum pots with various levels of sucess.
As for dealing with hot glass first thing in the morning, Pyrex and Corningware made perk pots that were used by hundreds of post WWII housewives. The only real worry about vac pots is having enough wits about one in dealing with the glass upper chamber after brewing is done.
Quite allot of persons *discovered* vacuum coffee pots fed up with the tepid water most if not all modern drip pots use to brew coffee (like clothes irons modern safety has lead the dumbing down), and would rather die than drink perked coffee.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
"Quite allot of persons *discovered* vacuum coffee pots fed up with the tepid water most if not all modern drip pots use to brew coffee (like clothes irons modern safety has lead the dumbing down), and would rather die than drink perked coffee."
A little off vintage vacuum topic...but this makes me wonder about modern automatic drip makers. I don't know what changes have occurred--but as I think of it, something must have changed. I have not had any automatic drip coffee that I've particularly liked in YEARS. And yet, as I think of it, I don't recall such objections when I was younger--and, frankly, back then more of a connoisseur/snob. I didn't think automatic drip was the best, but for daily drinking, I had no objection. The last automatic drip maker I bought with the idea of using daily was a "good name" brand that I used maybe 5 times total before giving up. Thank goodness I didn't buy it new. So I'm now wondering...when did drip coffee makers get compromised quality? I'm guessing 1990s--but that's only a guess.
A little off vintage vacuum topic...but this makes me wonder about modern automatic drip makers. I don't know what changes have occurred--but as I think of it, something must have changed. I have not had any automatic drip coffee that I've particularly liked in YEARS. And yet, as I think of it, I don't recall such objections when I was younger--and, frankly, back then more of a connoisseur/snob. I didn't think automatic drip was the best, but for daily drinking, I had no objection. The last automatic drip maker I bought with the idea of using daily was a "good name" brand that I used maybe 5 times total before giving up. Thank goodness I didn't buy it new. So I'm now wondering...when did drip coffee makers get compromised quality? I'm guessing 1990s--but that's only a guess.
launderess
Well-known member
See Link Above
@CoffeeGeek's Site.
Last time one checked he had some information regarding drip coffee makers and when things started to go down hill.
Major change was that brewing temps were dropped well below what is required to make a good cup of coffee. For just as with tea there is a set temperature range where full flavor is released for coffee and it isn't "warm" water.
Reaching the proper temperture before going over the grounds is critical for a drip coffee maker. Unlike perked or even vacuum coffee the water only has one pass through those grounds, and if everything isn't right that's just too darn bad.
One can only assume being how persons sue anyone at the drop of a hat in the United States, someone found "hot" coffee too hot and made a federal case of things. Done enough times and or for large amounts of money appliance makers got the message.
Next to vacuum coffeemakers vintage drip machines from say the 1970's and 1980's do well on fleaPay, estate sales and elsewhere.
@CoffeeGeek's Site.
Last time one checked he had some information regarding drip coffee makers and when things started to go down hill.
Major change was that brewing temps were dropped well below what is required to make a good cup of coffee. For just as with tea there is a set temperature range where full flavor is released for coffee and it isn't "warm" water.
Reaching the proper temperture before going over the grounds is critical for a drip coffee maker. Unlike perked or even vacuum coffee the water only has one pass through those grounds, and if everything isn't right that's just too darn bad.
One can only assume being how persons sue anyone at the drop of a hat in the United States, someone found "hot" coffee too hot and made a federal case of things. Done enough times and or for large amounts of money appliance makers got the message.
Next to vacuum coffeemakers vintage drip machines from say the 1970's and 1980's do well on fleaPay, estate sales and elsewhere.
arbilab
Well-known member
Vacuum pots were at one time restaurant standards, though the components tended to be stainless rather than glass. Remember Nomad from Star Trek? His head was the vacuum basket from a restaurant coffeemaker. A Cory IINM.
Only thing worse for coffee flavor than underheating is overheating, and that's what percolators do. They're quite entertaining, but coffee conniseurs (snobs?) have no greater disdain than for percolators.
Underheating is why a single cup made in a 12c dripolater tastes abominable. Not if you preheat the basket and grounds. Fill the basket with boiling water, lower the filter and grounds into it, wait 30-60 seconds for it to drain and smell like coffee, THEN install into Mr. Coffee. I just did it 10 hours ago, and will do it again 13 hours from now. Perfect.
Only thing worse for coffee flavor than underheating is overheating, and that's what percolators do. They're quite entertaining, but coffee conniseurs (snobs?) have no greater disdain than for percolators.
Underheating is why a single cup made in a 12c dripolater tastes abominable. Not if you preheat the basket and grounds. Fill the basket with boiling water, lower the filter and grounds into it, wait 30-60 seconds for it to drain and smell like coffee, THEN install into Mr. Coffee. I just did it 10 hours ago, and will do it again 13 hours from now. Perfect.
launderess
Well-known member
Not Just Restaurants
Military past and IIRC today still use those huge SS "Nicro" vacuum coffee pots. They can be found at least in officer's mess/kitchens all over US bases.
What a fast way to make quite allot of great coffee.
Those Nicro SS vac pot sets go for *Big* money. Bigger still if NIB.
IIRC restaurant supply places still sell such units but not sure who makes them.
Military past and IIRC today still use those huge SS "Nicro" vacuum coffee pots. They can be found at least in officer's mess/kitchens all over US bases.
What a fast way to make quite allot of great coffee.
Those Nicro SS vac pot sets go for *Big* money. Bigger still if NIB.
IIRC restaurant supply places still sell such units but not sure who makes them.
Lou,
Glad to see you finally got one. Will be over next week to test out the coffee..
Bill
Glad to see you finally got one. Will be over next week to test out the coffee..
Bill
Gaskets.
I'm reposting this link because there is a page with links to manufacturers of new gaskets, both big (Dayseal, old news) and narrow neck gaskets. I didn't know you could get narrow neck seals again.
Dave
http://www.baharris.org/coffee/Links.htm
I'm reposting this link because there is a page with links to manufacturers of new gaskets, both big (Dayseal, old news) and narrow neck gaskets. I didn't know you could get narrow neck seals again.
Dave
http://www.baharris.org/coffee/Links.htm
Beautiful Silex
You are damn lucky the lower bowl did not break on the element. You can even cut a wire coathanger and bend it into a triangle to use until you find one of the grids.
You are damn lucky the lower bowl did not break on the element. You can even cut a wire coathanger and bend it into a triangle to use until you find one of the grids.
Nicro
Laundress this is the vacuum coffee pot I have but mine only makes 12 cups. Got mine at a moving sale for2.00 Use it mostly on weekend but during the week use the Bunn as it is upo shower get ready and take it with me on the way to work.
Laundress this is the vacuum coffee pot I have but mine only makes 12 cups. Got mine at a moving sale for2.00 Use it mostly on weekend but during the week use the Bunn as it is upo shower get ready and take it with me on the way to work.
whirlcool
Well-known member
I've used an all glass Cory pot for about a year now. I like it much better than my various Sunbeam Coffeemasters.
For on thing, there is no messing around with seals that harden or start making the coffee taste like rubber.
Cleaning is a cinch, just remove the small gasket & grounds and put the entire thing in the dishwasher. Comes out clean as new. Try THAT with a Coffeemaster!
After the coffee in a glass pot has all returned to the bottom bowl, the top bowl is then at a temperature than can be safely handled. It'll be warm, but not hot.
I actually use the bottom of an old Coffeemaster to put the upper bowl of my Cory into when it has finished brewing. Works perfectly and stabilizes the upper bowl so it won't get broken.
And the coffee from the Cory tastes just as good as coffee from the Coffeemaster.
I find that letting it boil for 1 minute after the coffee is in the top bowl before turning off the heat makes the perfect strength coffee.
For on thing, there is no messing around with seals that harden or start making the coffee taste like rubber.
Cleaning is a cinch, just remove the small gasket & grounds and put the entire thing in the dishwasher. Comes out clean as new. Try THAT with a Coffeemaster!
After the coffee in a glass pot has all returned to the bottom bowl, the top bowl is then at a temperature than can be safely handled. It'll be warm, but not hot.
I actually use the bottom of an old Coffeemaster to put the upper bowl of my Cory into when it has finished brewing. Works perfectly and stabilizes the upper bowl so it won't get broken.
And the coffee from the Cory tastes just as good as coffee from the Coffeemaster.
I find that letting it boil for 1 minute after the coffee is in the top bowl before turning off the heat makes the perfect strength coffee.
Pyrex Grid
Lou,
Will check in the basement of surprises.. I am pretty sure I have one of these Grids in one of my Pyrex Coffee Pot Boxes..
Bill
Lou,
Will check in the basement of surprises.. I am pretty sure I have one of these Grids in one of my Pyrex Coffee Pot Boxes..
Bill
perked coffee
A percolator MAY make the water too hot at sea level, but here, in my kitchen, water boils at 203 F. So I would say that if you live above 5500 feet a percolator makes an ideal cup of coffee
(When making jam I calculated this based on my altitude, to know how hot it had to be before it was done.)
A percolator MAY make the water too hot at sea level, but here, in my kitchen, water boils at 203 F. So I would say that if you live above 5500 feet a percolator makes an ideal cup of coffee
(When making jam I calculated this based on my altitude, to know how hot it had to be before it was done.)
lordkenmore
Well-known member
The one complaint I've heard coffee experts have with percolators is the way the design cycles coffee through the heating/brewing process again and again--particularly towards the end. The heating will supposedly drive off the flavor that should be in one's cup. This problem will obviously be a problem, regardless of elevation and boiling point of water.
I've had coffee snob periods in the past. But more recently, I've used percolators sometimes--and went through a phase when a percolator was my primary coffee maker. I would not have considered it the "best" coffee ever, but I found it more than acceptable. It certainly is better than bad drip coffee. And, to some extent, I think even good drip is a compromise--it's convenient, but I've never felt it was the best possible coffee. (My vote here goes for French press.) A little off topic, but I've long had this sort of division between "good but not best daily" and "special occasion best" with coffee. My mother started this back in the 80s--she used drip coffee maker day to day, but had a French press pot for company/special occasion use.
Back to percolators, and my perception of them: there may be factors that colored my view of percolators--possibly I wasn't as sensitive to quality at that time. Water or coffee quality might have been compromised so much that better systems couldn't do much better. Or the vintage fun factor made me overlook problems.
Another factor worth pointing out: percolators do seem to vary. I have used both a small Electromatic and a small Farberware, and the coffee definitely tastes different. I think the Farberware was faster, but the Electromatic was better.
I've had coffee snob periods in the past. But more recently, I've used percolators sometimes--and went through a phase when a percolator was my primary coffee maker. I would not have considered it the "best" coffee ever, but I found it more than acceptable. It certainly is better than bad drip coffee. And, to some extent, I think even good drip is a compromise--it's convenient, but I've never felt it was the best possible coffee. (My vote here goes for French press.) A little off topic, but I've long had this sort of division between "good but not best daily" and "special occasion best" with coffee. My mother started this back in the 80s--she used drip coffee maker day to day, but had a French press pot for company/special occasion use.
Back to percolators, and my perception of them: there may be factors that colored my view of percolators--possibly I wasn't as sensitive to quality at that time. Water or coffee quality might have been compromised so much that better systems couldn't do much better. Or the vintage fun factor made me overlook problems.
Another factor worth pointing out: percolators do seem to vary. I have used both a small Electromatic and a small Farberware, and the coffee definitely tastes different. I think the Farberware was faster, but the Electromatic was better.
I like the idea of better-tasting coffee, but fear that a vacuum maker would be too much work, both for the coffee making and the clean-up.
That's interesting that modern automatic drip coffee makers aren't heating water as hot as the older units. I've got a vintage Braun drip coffee maker boxed up somewhere; maybe I should dig it out and do a taste-test comparison between it and our late-model Mr. Coffee.
That's interesting that modern automatic drip coffee makers aren't heating water as hot as the older units. I've got a vintage Braun drip coffee maker boxed up somewhere; maybe I should dig it out and do a taste-test comparison between it and our late-model Mr. Coffee.
whirlcool
Well-known member
Making a pot of coffee is no harder than making a drip cup of coffee.
Put water in the pot.
Add the filter
Put the coffee grounds in
Start heating.
It's the same for both machines.
Put water in the pot.
Add the filter
Put the coffee grounds in
Start heating.
It's the same for both machines.
arbilab
Well-known member
I hope everyone making comparisons are starting with BOTTLED/FILTERED water. You did know, right? That tap water in the 50s tasted like bottled water today. And that tap water today is less than desireable for brushing your teeth, or even your toenails.
In most US metros, tapwater standards have declined precipitously over our average lifetimes. Tapwater has KILLED people in Wisconsin.
In most US metros, tapwater standards have declined precipitously over our average lifetimes. Tapwater has KILLED people in Wisconsin.
