Press pot vs. vac pot?

**k1ng** · 10-16-2008, 02:15 PM

Can the coffee freaks chime in? I'm looking to get into "good" coffee and was wondering pro's and con's of press vs. vac.. From what I gather both are pretty much the best and cheapest.

**sehrgut** · 10-16-2008, 02:17 PM

The press is the best and cheapest.

*grin*

Seriously, though, if I want my coffee brewed with boiling water, I use a moka. If I want it brewed correctly, I'll use a press.

**Beast** · 10-16-2008, 02:23 PM

Go with a press. Bodum makes some good ones, even Wal-Mart has a good sized press for about $20. Starbucks' presses are all purty and such, but they can get pricey.

I picked up one of these, a green and stainless Stanley Thermos (40oz), and have been enjoying HOT HOT coffee made from freshly roasted beans all day long.

And I am wiiiiiired.

**letterk** · 10-16-2008, 02:24 PM

I prefer the taste of the vacuum pot, but use both. The press gets snubbed at home a lot because my wife doesn't like sediment. But both are cheap and brew coffee as it should be brewed if used correctly.

**murchmb** · 10-16-2008, 02:26 PM

I would say a nice vac pot if you can get a good deal. Don't forget the Aeropress. I use one at work with microwaved water to avoid the dreaded Bunn spewing out that nasrty stuff from a can.

**boboakalfb** · 10-16-2008, 02:53 PM

It seems the only downside to the vacuum pot would be cleanup.

**ratcheer** · 10-16-2008, 03:04 PM

I use a French press, but I have never had the opportunity to try vacuum pot coffee.

Tim

**ouch** · 10-16-2008, 04:08 PM

Art is the K1ng.

Sorry, thought this was a poll.

**ouch** · 10-16-2008, 04:13 PM

I used to go to this filthy little hole in the wall in Chinatown on Bayard St, Mei Lai Wah (closed 5/08).

They had some great vacuum pot coffee, decent buns, and offered the quintessential old school grungy Chinatown experience.

**Scotto** · 10-16-2008, 05:20 PM

Get both, they're cheap.

Very different cups, but both superb.

**Churchill** · 10-16-2008, 05:29 PM

Scotto,what would you say is the difference is in the two as far as taste goes?

**ouch** · 10-16-2008, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Churchill

Scotto,what would you say is the difference is in the two as far as taste goes?

Considering recent history, you're a brave man.

**copperhead** · 10-16-2008, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by ouch

Considering recent history, you're a brave man.

Is there a similar smelling coffee bean?

**Churchill** · 10-16-2008, 05:38 PM

Uh oh,I'm fairly new to the brewhouse forum.Maybe I should do a little research?

**Scotto** · 10-16-2008, 06:10 PM

Hardy har har. I'll never live down that post.... Anyway:

The vacuum pot can really draw out the subtle nuances and acidity of delicate and light roasted coffees. IMO, there is nothing better for a Kenya or a dry-processed Ethiopia. Darker roasted or more low toned coffees are still very nice in a vac pot, but the difference is not as drastic. The vac pot is also an incredibly clean cup, and it may take some getting used to since there is really nothing to get in the way of the coffee.

French Presses of course tend to have some sediment and brew a thick, chewy cup. Nice for something like an Indonesian, for example. If you don't have a decent grinder, you can get the finer grounds over-extracting somewhat, which can be off-putting in a more delicate coffee.

As I said, try 'em both. Even the same coffee will taste a bit different brewed in each.

**k1ng** · 10-17-2008, 11:41 AM

How important is the grind in a vac pot?

**letterk** · 10-17-2008, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by k1ng

How important is the grind in a vac pot?

If you use the cloth filter, less important than if you use a Cory rod.

**Monkeyboy** · 10-18-2008, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by Scotto

Hardy har har. I'll never live down that post.... Anyway:

The vacuum pot can really draw out the subtle nuances and acidity of delicate and light roasted coffees. IMO, there is nothing better for a Kenya or a dry-processed Ethiopia. Darker roasted or more low toned coffees are still very nice in a vac pot, but the difference is not as drastic. The vac pot is also an incredibly clean cup, and it may take some getting used to since there is really nothing to get in the way of the coffee.

French Presses of course tend to have some sediment and brew a thick, chewy cup. Nice for something like an Indonesian, for example. If you don't have a decent grinder, you can get the finer grounds over-extracting somewhat, which can be off-putting in a more delicate coffee.

As I said, try 'em both. Even the same coffee will taste a bit different brewed in each.

I've always heard that the cup from a vacuum pot is the same as a press but without the sediment. Now you have me sold because ethiopian coffees are my favorite. I just put an order in for a yama pot and am anxious to try it out.

PS: If you use a cloth filter, how do you keep it clean? Do you just rinse it well with hot water and occasionally give it a soak in a diluted bleach solution?

**Scotto** · 10-18-2008, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by Monkeyboy

I've always heard that the cup from a vacuum pot is the same as a press but without the sediment. Now you have me sold because ethiopian coffees are my favorite. I just put an order in for a yama pot and am anxious to try it out.

PS: If you use a cloth filter, how do you keep it clean? Do you just rinse it well with hot water and occasionally give it a soak in a diluted bleach solution?

I rinse mine and keep it in the freezer! They'll last for months that way.