If you are looking to try out the intriguing world of making coffee, with a vacuum brewing method, then the S4U 5 cup coffee master, would be an excellent choice.
Alternatively, if you know any coffee connoisseurs, then this model would make an excellent gift. This method of brewing coffee is a fascinating thing to watch, and this model makes it particularly fascinating.
You can see from the image above, that it looks more suited in a chemistry laboratory, than in a kitchen. However, when you see it in action, you will know that it makes great coffee, and certainly looks the part.
The unique method of brewing dates away back to 1840, when it was invented by a chap called Robert Napier. It is a brewing method that replicates the taste of French Press coffee.
However its distinct advantage, is that you get a full aroma of coffee, without that horrible sediment, you can often get from a French Press brew.
How Does the S4U® Coffee Master 5-Cup Syphon Work?
Like all of these types of vacuum coffee maker, this coffee master works on the same basic principle. You put water into the lower globe. You put the coffee grains in the upper globe.
Then you place some form of heat under that globe. The water is then pushed up into the upper globe where it mixes with the coffee. Then once the heat has been removed, the vacuum created, draws the coffee back into the lower globe.
As you can see, that is quite a unique way of making your coffee, and one that friends, families and visitors will enjoy watching and tasting.
There is a lot of debate over this method, particularly with reference to the drip coffee brewing method. Most coffee experts, do agree though that the vacuum method is a better choice.
That is because with the drip method, the hot water is simply poured over ground coffee in a filter. That is a simple enough methods, however it does tend to under extract the full flavour of the coffee grains.
The S4U Benefit
What I think is really good about this model is that it uses the perfect temperatures to make your coffee. solids. The water temperature used with this one varies between 198 to 200 degrees.
That sits right within the ideal temperature of 196 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. It has been proven and tested, that that small range of temperatures, will reveal the best aroma and the best flavour from ground coffee.
Apologies if that sounds a bit technical, but this is what makes coffee brewed like this taste so very good.
How Buyers Rate the S4U Coffee Master
Overall buyers rate their purchase with an overall 92% satisfaction rate. That is of course a very high rating, and it has achieved and maintained that rating over quite a long time.
When I checked all of the reviews, I really did not find anyone who said anything negative about this product. There were just a couple of buyers, who said that the brew was just too strong for them.
This does make a strong brew, so it is a point worth noting. Most buyers loved it though.
No of Cups
The way that manufacturers use the word "cups" is always a source of irritation for me. Usually when they refer to cups, they are talking about those very small cups.
Now personally, and other than when I am drinking an espresso, I like my coffee in a normal sized cup, or in a mug. This S4U states it is a 5-cup system.
Yes it does make enough for 5 small cups. However, in my world, where I use normal cups, it makes about 2 cups.
Video Review of the S4U Coffee Master
When I can I always like to see a video of the product in action. That helps me decide if I want to spend the money, or not. I found this one, which I think is well worth a look.
The person who made the video doesn't speak, but you do get to see how this works.
S4U® Coffee Master 5-Cup Coffee Maker Accessories
You do get all the parts for this system, which is good. Many of these are sold, and they leave some parts out.
The accessories with this one are pretty basic but important nonetheless. I have included and image of those.
They include a filter, coffee scoop and paddle.
My Verdict on the S4U Vacuum Coffee Master
You can tell from the buyer's reviews, that they really do like this product. So if you fancy having a go, at this type of vacuum coffee brewing, then this nice set has everything you need to give it a try.
You just need to supply the ground coffee.
I did notice when reading the many reviews, that a few people said the heater that comes with us is a tad slow, when heating the water. A few people changed this out to a butane burner, which really did speed things up.
If this is not the vacuum coffee maker for you, then why not check out our top 5 list of vacuum coffee makers, by clicking here.
In general though, an interesting product, and quite a fascinating brewing method to try.