Vacuum Coffemakers

[scoots]

My Chineese drip coffee maker is on its last legs and I will need to replace it.

I am wondering if anybody has any input on the vintage Vacuum Coffee makers like you see on eBay? They were not a part of my family when I was growing up so I have absolutely no instincts about them.

I'm thinking about an electric Sunbeam. I have a few Sunbeam appliances from the 50's and they are all troopers.

-How is the quality of the coffee they brew?
-Is there an issue with gaskets this old? (no vacuum, no coffee)
-Are replacement gaskets available anywhere? Filters and other consumable parts?
-Are there any web resourses/books that you all find helpful?
-Anything else I forgot to ask?

Thanks -
Scoots

 

[58limited]

There are two message threads currently dealing with this topic (#9930 and #10103). Many people are saying that these vacuum units make the best coffee. I'm waiting on a part I need to get mine working - can't wait to try it out.

The biggest issue with the Sunbeams: The rubber gaskets get hard and you either can't separate the top and bottom or can't put them together. No one makes replacement gaskets. Be sure to ask the ebay sellers if the gasket is soft.