The Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker Review

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on January 11th, 2023

I’m truly fascinated by siphon coffee makers. Are you? Monitoring the eye-catching brewing process through the two firmly attached borosilicate glass bowls of my Bodum Pebo really heightens my craving for the end product.


Honestly, it is satisfying to watch this brewer does its thing.

Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker

Bodum PEBO Coffee Maker, Vacuum Coffee Maker

The Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker is an 8-cup capacity glass brewer that is made of borosilicate glass. It is designed to be fast and easy to use, although it can sometimes get clogged when used on an electric range. The brewing process takes between 5-11 minutes, depending on the amount of water used. This coffee maker has fascinated coffee lovers for generations and is known for its exceptional flavor and quality.

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Would you like to give it a shot? Then keep reading to find out if it is a good fit for your brewing style.

But first, allow me to guide you on how to use a siphon brewer. Note that it is also known as a vacuum coffee maker or simply a vac pot. 

The Bodum Pebo Vacuum Coffee Maker Review

Bodum PEBO Coffee Maker, Vacuum Coffee Maker

Previously known as the Bodum Santos, this vacuum brewer uses a classic design that boasts quality performance and a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Ease of Use – 4/5

The Bodum PEPO has some great features that make it easy to use. It has a 1-liter capacity and is constructed from borosilicate glass, which is designed to be durable and heat resistant. It also has a minimalistic design with original premium features to highlight its performance quality.

In terms of ease of use and quality rating, I would give it a 4/5. The product is not too difficult to set up and use, but it does take some time to get the hang of it. Cleaning the product is also relatively easy with its removable parts.

Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about finding butane cartridges or finicky alcohol burners. It is simply a stovetop vacuum brewer.

Its handle is well-positioned to keep your hands safe and cool, and its plastic filter is easy to attach and clean. Besides, it is more durable than cloth and glass options.

If uncomfortable with the plastic filter, try either the glass filter rods or stainless steel filters. 

 If you can let go of the idea that top-tier coffee makers shouldn’t include plastic, then give this a shot.

Build quality 4/5

Its quality is exceptional, and two chambers are built to perfection to keep the brewing process leak-free and precise. The only significant issue is the plastic filter (which you can replace), and that explains the 4/5 score. 

The glass parts of the Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker are all dishwasher-safe, which is a great feature. However, it is important to be careful with glass products as they can break easily.

Having said that, I found the two glass “globes” to be quite durable and have no concerns about their longevity. This is due to them being made from borosilicate glass, which is designed to withstand high temperatures and is incredibly resistant.

It may not be as thick as the glass used for cafetières, but it does seem to be strong enough for the job. In addition to this, many customers also reported that their Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker has been going strong for years without any problems.

Brew capacity 4/5

The Bodum Pebo is ideal for small households. It has a capacity of 1 liter and a minimum brew capacity of 0.5 liters.

If looking to brew for large groups, remember that its ‘8-cup’ designation denotes the dainty 4.25 oz/125mL cups and not the avoirdupois 8-ounce cup.

Cleaning and maintenance 5/5

As mentioned earlier, the brewer is made out of borosilicate glass that is easy to clean. The glass parts are all dishwasher safe, and the plastic filter doesn’t retain much of old ground like cloth and stainless-steel filters; hence easy to clean.

Value for money – 4.5/5

Compared to other competing siphon coffee makers on the market and what it offers, the Bodum Pebp brewer is reasonably priced. I can guarantee you won’t regret spending a small fortune to own it.

Pros and Cons of Bodum Pebo Vacuum Coffee Maker

The Bodum Pebo Vacuum Coffee Maker is a great option for those looking to make a cup of coffee quickly. It is simple to use and produces a delicious cup of coffee. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons before investing in this type of machine.

Pros

  • Easy to Use – The Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker is incredibly easy to use and set up.
  • Taste – Vacuum coffee makers are known for producing a rich and flavorful cup of coffee.
  • Durable – The Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker is made from quality materials that make it durable and long-lasting.
  • Fast Brewing – The Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker can brew coffee in as little as five minutes.
  • Compact – This coffee maker is small and compact, making it perfect for those with limited counter space.

Cons

  • Expensive – Although the price tag may be worthwhile for some, the Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker is more expensive than other types of coffee makers.
  • Not Portable – Due to its size and complexity, this type of coffee maker cannot be easily transported from one location to another.
  • The vacuum seal can be difficult to achieve, and if not done correctly the coffee may be too weak or too strong

A note about coffee and cups

Although 8 ounces equals a cup in the baking world, a US cup of coffee is measured at 6 ounces, and a European cup of coffee is measured at 4.25 ounces. This is why I sometimes list ounces to paint a more accurate picture of capacity.

How to use

  • Connect the filter to the brewing chamber. The Pebo filter attaches to the tube’s bottom and extends from the brew chamber.
  • Fill the lower carafe with water after installing the filter. When using an alcohol or butane burner to heat your siphon, it is best to start with hot water. Starting warm can also help stovetop types such as this Bodum vac pot.
  • Get ready to brew. Brewing time ranges from 5 to 11 minutes. Starting with hot water will get you closer to the shorter end of the range. Make sure the carafe outside is dry. If the vessel becomes moist, it may burst or fracture.
  • Set the brew chamber (top beaker) on top of the bottom carafe, but do not push the two parts together. Allow the brew chamber to rest slightly askew at first. When the water in the lower carafe begins to boil, you may now seal the two sections together. Reduce the heat as the top begins to fill.

Tip! Ensure your water is around 200°F/93°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the water in the brew is not boiling. SCA recommends 200°F/93°C. We urge you to experiment with different temperatures until you are happy with the results.

  • Fill the upper chamber with new, somewhat finer coffee grounds and gently stir with a plastic or wooden spoon to allow the grounds to bloom.
  • Wait 90 seconds after setting a timer. While you wait:
  • Monitor the process, and if the water in the bottom chamber quickly boils, turn off the heat otherwise it will burst or crack.
  • If no water remains in the jug, take it from the heat immediately and replace it, since the heat may cause it to shatter.
  • Remove the siphon from the heat source after 90 seconds and wait for the coffee to drop from the upper chamber into the lower chamber.

Caveat! Siphon coffee comes out hotter. So be careful not to scald your taste buds before you can enjoy your brew.

Alternative Vacuum Coffee Makers

Coffee lovers looking for an alternative to the Bodum Pebo Vacuum Coffee Maker can rest assured knowing there are a variety of options available to suit their needs. Whether you’re looking for a manual or electric siphon brewer, the following five models offer great quality and design, making it easy to choose the best vacuum coffee maker for you.

The Hario Technica

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The Hario Siphon is quite similar to the Bodum Pebo, except for a few minor differences. The Hario siphon is made from borosilicate glass, making it a durable and long-lasting material.

The brewing process is similar to the Bodum Pebo, but the Hario siphon has a few added features such as adjustable heat control and an additional filter mesh that prevents grounds from entering the coffee. It also has a timer to ensure that the brewing process is accurate and consistent.

The Hario also has a slightly larger capacity than the Pebo, making it ideal for those who need more coffee at once.

Though it is a bit more pricey than the Bodum Pebo, it is still within the “reasonable” range.

Yama Glass Tabletop Siphon

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For those looking for an alternative to the Bodum Pebo Vacuum Coffee Maker, the Yama Glass Tabletop Siphon is a great option. This siphon coffee maker is made of high-quality materials and features a unique design that allows for maximum flavor extraction.

The base is made of borosilicate glass, while the top is made of stainless steel and has a black finish. The Yama Glass Tabletop Siphon also includes a metal handle and a timer that allows you to adjust the brewing time. It is easy to use and allows you to make up to five cups of coffee in one go.

The NISPIRA Balance Siphon

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The NISPIRA Balance Syphon is another vacuum coffee maker that doesn’t quite outperform either Bodum’s PEBO or ePEBO, but comes quite close. This syphon vacuum brewer has a contemporary design and comes with a built-in water tank, making it a good choice for those who need to make coffee quickly.

This vacuum brewer also has adjustable brewing temperatures, a reusable filter, and a stainless steel body. The NISPIRA Balance Syphon is also easy to use and clean. If you’re looking for an alternative to the Bodum Pebo Vacuum Coffee Maker that offers great quality and convenience, the NISPIRA Balance Syphon is worth considering.

The KitchenAid Electric Siphon

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If you’re looking for a unique way to make your coffee, then the KitchenAid Electric Siphon is a great choice. This electric siphon comes with a sleek design and an intuitive control panel. With the KitchenAid Electric Siphon, you can make up to 5 cups of coffee in no time.

It features a vacuum-sealed stainless steel chamber, which helps to preserve the flavor of the coffee beans. Plus, it has adjustable pressure settings for a perfect cup of joe every time. The KitchenAid Electric Siphon is an easy-to-use and efficient choice for making your coffee.

With the flip of a button, it automates the entire process (managing all timing and temperature control for you). It allows you to concentrate on your coffee grinds rather of keeping a tight eye on the water to prevent it from boiling or the glass from splitting.

Check out our best siphon coffee maker list for more suggestions

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bodum PEPO Vacuum Coffee Maker is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without having to worry about the coffee losing its flavor. The electric vacuum maker is easy to use and produces coffee that is smooth and drinkable.

The durability of the glass and the five to eleven minutes of brewing time make it quite convenient. Gail was impressed with the quality of the taste, which speaks volumes about the product. With a 4/5-star rating from buyers, it’s no wonder that this product has become popular in recent years.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.