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The Five Best Belgian Balance Siphon Coffee Makers (Wow your Friends with this Impressive Coffee Contraption)

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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We all know and love the humble french press, many of us appreciate the Aeropress, and a kitchen wouldn’t be complete without a drip coffee maker. There are so many rich and varied ways to brew coffee that the list seems endless.

The Belgian Balance Coffee Siphon combines the magic of a vacuum coffee maker with the class of an antique and the automation of a modern day coffee machine. They are intricate and stunning to look at and can even be a bit intimidating.

The good news is, once you set it up, the brewing process takes place automatically so you can just sit back and watch your coffee come to life. This makes them perfect for entertaining and they work as a brilliant centerpiece for dinner parties.

If you’re keen to take the plunge and give this weird brew method a go then my advice is to go for it! They make really delicious coffee and are actually really straightforward to use. Here are five of the Best Belgian Balance Coffee Siphons reviewed so you can choose one to fit your style and budget and always enjoy coffee in the most theatrical way possible.

Belgian Balance Coffee Siphons Reviewed

• 1. Top Choice – Nispira Belgian Luxury Balance Siphon
• 2. Runner Up – Diguo Belgian/Belgium Luxury Royal Family Balance Syphon Coffee Maker
• 3. Most Ornate – YUCHENGTECH Balance Siphon Brewer
• 4. Best Natural Design – Belgium Luxury Royal Balance Syphon Coffee and Tea Maker
• 5. Budget Option – TBVECHI Belgian Balance Siphon Coffee and Tea Maker

1. Top Choice – Nispira Belgian Luxury Balance Siphon

Nispira has stolen the show with their Belgian balancing siphon coffee maker. It’s the perfect combination of beauty and practicality and makes a fascinating centerpiece for dinner parties. The Nispira is made of durable stainless steel that comes in copper, gold, or silver and the wooden base makes it very classy.

The coffee brewer is borosilicate glass so it withstands temperature changes with ease. The water is heated using an alcohol burner and the coffee grounds are removed using a cloth filter to give a smooth and delicious cup of coffee.

Overall this option is easy to use, works very well, and the price is comparatively low. It‘s not as fast as a drip coffee maker or sturdy like a percolator but it does create an amazing experience when you set out to make coffee.

2. Runner Up – Diguo Belgian/Belgium Luxury Royal Family Balance Syphon Coffee Maker

Coming in at a close second place, we have this ornate option by Diguo. The durable stainless steel vacuum flask and surrounding structures have been rose-gold plated and the wooden base is heatproof as well as stunning to look at.

One of the main differences that shine through with this option is that it comes with a permanent filter rather than disposable ones. This means it produces next to no waste (just coffee grounds and these are compostable) and it allows a richer array of coffee oils to end up in the brewed coffee. Ideal if you prefer a bold, dark cup of coffee.

This is a great option for entertaining but as with most of these devices, you do need to take some things into account. It is delicate and the glass will break if dropped or tapped. The second point is that the burner will take a LONG time to heat water up from cold so best start with the water pre-boiled unless you have a lot of time to spare!

3. Most Ornate – YUCHENGTECH Balance Siphon Brewer

This Balance Siphon coffee machine by Yuchengtech is beautifully ornate and extremely well designed for a great user experience. It has the benefit of a counter-balance gravity ball that works to automatically turn off the alcohol burner when the coffee is brewed.

With a 550ml water tank, it can comfortably brew around 450ml of coffee and will do this even quicker if hot water is used initially. High-quality, plated stainless steel has been used to make the heating tank and this has been chosen as it resists staining even after long-term exposure to the alcohol burner. It’s little features like these that make this option such a quality piece.

Overall this is a beautiful coffee maker that’s really rewarding to use. Its ornate design will stand out in any home and add a touch of class wherever it goes.

4. Best Natural Design – Belgium Luxury Royal Balance Syphon Coffee and Tea Maker

The key to creating that coffee shop ambiance comes from incorporating a balance of materials and bringing an earthy feel to the room. This Belgian Balance Siphon takes natural wood and smooth curves to give a really rustic feel to the coffee maker. It’s perfect for a more minimal, modern home.

The rest of the setup is made from high-quality stainless steel and heat-resistant borosilicate glass. It comes in an Aureate Golden color which brings out the warmer tones in the wooden frame. Overall, this is a simple and attractive piece for those that like things understated.

5. Budget Option – TBVECHI Belgian Balance Siphon Coffee and Tea Maker

This is our most cost-effective option when it comes to Siphon coffee makers but it doesn’t skimp at all on style or practicality. The rich gold color gives it a classy appearance and the durable stainless steel means it’s built to last.

It comes with a cloth filter to ensure the smoothest and richest tasting cup of coffee without any grounds finding their way into the cup. It can brew 4-5 small cups of coffee so is ideal for any dinner party.

For best results, it’s advisable to use fresh coffee beans and set the grinder to a fine setting. This ensures the fullest flavor with each cup.

How Does The Belgium Balance Brewer Work?

The Belgian Balance Brewer works using a combination of heat and pressure to brew coffee. The water goes into a special boiling chamber and is heated over an alcohol burner. As the water temperature increases, this creates steam pressure that drives the hot water into the upper chamber where it mixes with ground coffee.

The movement of liquid unbalances the scales causing them to tip and this movement also acts to snuff out the burner so the flame goes out. The coffee brews in the top and when this is complete, it is sucked back into the boiling chamber, passing through a cloth or a metal mesh filter to remove any grounds.

The brewed coffee is now ready in the boiling chamber and can be served via a spout here that has a tap on it. The coffee is typically rich and bold in flavor, similar to a french press or a percolator but minus any sediment.

These kinds of brewers can’t make a large volume of coffee and they’re not quick to use but they do make for an amazing display of brewing coffee which is great for entertaining.

F.A.Q.s

What is the best grind size for Siphon?

It’s best to use a medium-fine coffee grind size that’s a bit finer than drip coffee but not as fine as espresso.

How long does a Belgian coffee maker take?

The brew time can vary quite a bit depending on whether or not you use hot water before you start brewing. If cold water is used then it can take around 12 minutes to go from coffee grounds to a steaming hot cup of joe.

What is the difference between a French press and a siphon?

A french press is quite a similar brew method to a balance siphon as it uses immersion to brew the coffee. The difference is that a french press needs a very coarse grind setting as it uses a mesh filter to separate the coffee grounds once the brew cycle is complete. It is more of a manual brew method as you have to physically press the plunger when the brewing time is up.

The siphon typically uses a cloth filter so takes a finer grind of coffee and the brewing process is all automatic using this method.

Why does the coffee made with a siphon taste better?

Siphon coffee uses immersion brewing which helps extract a full range of flavors and aromas from the coffee beans. The water is never boiling when it hits the coffee due to the siphoning effect so you never run the risk of burning it. The coffee is also brewed over a short period of time so it isn’t left long enough for the bitter flavors to emerge.

What size of coffee pot does a siphon use?

A Belgian balance brewer typically uses a coffee pot of around 500ml but can brew 400-450ml of coffee. That’s enough for 2 large or 4 small cups of coffee.

More Ways to Brew Coffee

Ovalware Airtight Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker

Cold brew coffee is a great solution for coffee brewing. The benefit is that you can make the coffee in advance and store it to enjoy when you are ready. Cold-brew coffee takes 12 hours to brew and can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks so you can make a batch in advance and enjoy it immediately.

This brewer by Ovalware doubles as a brew chamber as well as a storage/serving vessel. It has a sealed lid to keep the coffee fresh as well as a reusable filter so is a low-waste way to brew coffee.

The benefit of cold brewing is that the bitterness is reduced so the sweeter coffee flavors prevail and the acidity is also low. This makes it a good choice for sensitive teeth or anyone who suffers from acid reflux. The downside of this device is that it is fragile so care needs to be taken not to drop or knock it.

Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

A French Press is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to brew coffee but it isn’t for everyone. All you need to do is add coarsely ground coffee, top it up with hot water and wait four minutes. Then press the plunger and enjoy.

The downside with this brew method is the mesh filter does allow a degree of micro sediment to end up in the coffee as this adds to the texture and flavor. This is what gives the coffee that bold, rich flavor and full mouthfeel that some people love but others are less keen on it.

The Bodum Chambord is a high-quality french press made from stain-resistant glass and durable stainless steel. It can make up to 8 cups of coffee and the safety lid ensures it doesn’t spill its contents as you serve the coffee.

Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper Pour Over Cone

A pour-over coffee brewer works in a similar manner to a drip coffee maker. The coffee sits in a paper filter in a funnel and hot water is poured over this to brew the coffee. The resulting liquid drips down into a carafe or mug below ready for drinking.

The difference with a pour-over device is that it’s not automated so you get full control over the water flow. This greatly affects the coffee flavor but it does take some practice to get your technique just right.

The Hario pour-over cone is carefully designed with internal ridges to allow optimal coffee expansion as the coffee brews. The ceramic material helps retain heat as the coffee brews, especially if you preheat it before you brew your coffee.

With different color options to suit your style and a choice of brew sizes, you’re bound to find one that fits all your needs. Pair it with a gooseneck kettle for even more pouring precision.

Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

An espresso machine is a real investment piece for anyone who loves specialty coffee but it’s not a simple way to brew coffee. If you don’t mind investing a little time and effort then you will be rewarded vastly.

The Breville Barista Express is the best option for espresso newbies and budding baristas alike as it gives you the hands-on experience without being too complex. It has a complex array of sensors that ensures it precisely controls the water temperature and pressure for perfect coffee flavor extraction.

The built-in burr grinder means you can go from beans to cup without any extra equipment needed and the grinder has the capacity for you to adjust the grind settings. It also has a steam wand attachment so you can easily create perfect thick, textured milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

Bialetti Moka Pot Express

If you’re keen to try brewing espresso-like coffee but you’re not quite ready to take the plunge and invest in an espresso machine then this Moka pot is the perfect choice for you. These traditional Italian coffee makers work using steam pressure to extract a depth of flavor from the coffee beans.

This little coffee pot is inexpensive to buy and easy to use. Simply load up the filter basket with medium-fine coffee grounds and don’t tamp these down. Add water to the lower portion of the pot and assemble it. Heat it over a medium flame or on the hob until the coffee spurts out the internal spout. At this point, immediately remove the pot from the stove and run it under cold water to stop the brewing process.

It brews a very bold, dark concentrated cup of coffee that can be used as an espresso substitute in many recipes.

Final Thoughts

So that sums up Belgian Balance Brewers, how they work and why they make such delicious coffee. If you feel this is not the best fit for you then you’re still spoiled for choice with all the other alternative brew options that all make their own unique kind of java.

Whether you like your coffee with a flourish or prefer it simple and fuss-free just know that there’s no wrong choice here. Coffee is wonderful stuff and deserves celebrating no matter how it came to be.