Full, rich taste that is smooth without bitterness; well worth the extra effort needed to use the Yama Vacuum brewer.
Positive Product Points
1) Makes very consistent smooth full tasting cups of coffee. 2) Re-usable cloth filters. 3) Durable: I have had it for 2 years now, and nothing's broken. 4) Interesting coffee brewing process. 5) Makes small batches good for one or two persons. 6) Despite the negatives, I still recommend this brewing process. The rich and full taste and smoothness (lack of bitterness) are well worth it. 7) Not very expensive. 8) Easy to understand process.
Negative Product Points
1) Makes only 4 to 5 cups of coffee. 2) Takes a bit more time to prepare coffee. 3) May make more of a mess. 4) Takes longer time to clean. 4) Not an automatic process, but well worth the attention and time invested because of the results.
Detailed Commentary
I usually help speed up the process by boiling water in a kettle seperately. While waiting for the water to boil, I would take that time to grind (hand grind with a burr grinder, although electric blade grinders will work) the coffee. The Yama stove top model comes with a lid that doubles as a holder/stand for the top section of the brewer. This makes it easy for loading the coffee. When the water boils, I pour the hot water into the bottom section of the Yama vacuum brewer, put it back onto the hot stove, load and press down the section with the filter and coffee in place. Now comes the show: with the hot water in on a hot stove, the pressure from the rasing steam/boiling water forces the liquid to rise up to the top section of the brewer. You can control the brewing time by how long and the amount of heat comes from your burner. The only caution is if you do not turn down the heat fast enough, a bit of the brew will spill out from the top if you are making a full pot. I find that depending on the types of coffee I use, a brewing time of 1.5 to 2.0 minutes will work well. The end result is worth all the attention and time you will have to invest in making your coffee with the Yama Vacuun stove top coffee maker. It is definitely not for people who would like to click, go away and return for your coffee. So far, every cup of coffee made with the Yama Vacuum coffee maker is superior to those made with the filter or press methods. I recommend it highly.
