Best Vintage Coffee Maker? Sunbeam Vacuum
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2019
- Coffee Kevin brews vacuum coffee in a vintage Sunbeam maker. These coffee makers were ubiquitous in kitchens across the US in the 1950s and 60s. They exemplify vintage steel construction, powerful electric heating and a proud gleam. They are almost free at thrift shops, where they are misunderstood and often mislabeled. Does it really make good coffee?
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I have my Sunbeam Vacuum Coffee pot for years and it still works great. The quality of materials is evident as obviously the materials used in this vacuum coffee pot are of the highest quality.
I've lived with these pots daily for 20 years and the best method I've found is when the coffee goes to the upper bowl stir for 25 seconds and move the switch to low. Deep flavor, not over extracted. Try it and see.
Hello. I liked your comment and then forgot to follow up with your suggestion. I did try it and I have updated my process to include it. Yes, you are right. Deep flavor and not over-extracted Well stated. Warmly, Kevin
Yes, good suggestion. The only reason to leave it on high is to increase the turbulence within the upper bowl. That's most critical at the start. 25 seconds in, turning it to simmer is a good way to let it steep.
Kevin
Thank you Kevin, I really enjoyed watching your video. I recently spied this odd beauty at a thrift store. The OLD ladies day the counter ALL did not know what it was. I was shocked bc being in my 60's I vaugly remember seeing these at some point when I was a younggggggg child. I grabbed my find for $4.00. Researched it and found it was made around 1920-40 ( got two separate records? ) Just knowing I have that item that's soooo old , thinking about it's owner and it being pristine until we found each other ....well that alone has filled my heart. It took time to master using it bc I do get grinds below ? But taking time as in past days ...having something from a lost generation of ppls makes me feel so full. I love my find. Not complaining ...but just wonder why this went to the old thrift store after someone obviously had it for years. No doubt the remaining family had no nostalgia or like the ladies in the thrift store just missed a whole interesting time of coffee history and how it's to be cherished. I think that pot was just waiting for ME❤
I have a collection of these coffee makers, from a 1946 C-30A, a 1955 C-30B, a 1958 C-30C, and a 1960 C-50. All work perfectly. The C-30A has a rare beehive glass top chamber. When they sold these, copper was still considered a strategic metal from WW2, so only the lower chamber was metal. The pots came with a postcard that you could send back to Sunbeam with your address, so once they became available again, the company would send you a metal top chamber. Because of this, and the fact that glass was breakable, means the glass top C-30As are very rare. They are fun to watch though, as the brewing agitation is clearly visible.
Thanks, Mr Kile. Fascinating history you've shared with us! I'm often convinced that if the vacuums had come after automatic drip, it might be prevalent in the market, as it solves many of drip's weaknesses. I have a glass top vacuum, but it's not an automatic; indeed I've never seen one. I'll have to keep an eye out. Warmly, Kevin
Paul, have you tried any alternate filters with your glass beehive? I too have a collection and i prefer the beehive over the metal units. These take a few steps to care for properly and keep clean, but i enjoy them.
@@troylist I only use my Beehive on special occasions, so I use the original cloth filter and frame (which is unique to the glass top). I've never considered using an alternate filter, like a Cory rod.
I must ask a question. Was it the coffee or the pot that first captured your soul?
That is a work of art! My grandmothers coffee pot!
Aren't they?!?! The finish alone is beautiful. Fortunately, they also brew excellent coffee!
This needs to make a comeback
Interesting fact -- until the very last years in the 1960s, all the sunbeam Coffeemaster vacuum coffee makers were made of chrome plated copper -- not stainless steel.
This is true of the Cory plug-in vacuum coffee makers up until the last years in the 1960s. The first iteration of the Cory used a glass upper chamber, and had a silver plated (only on the inside) lower chrome plated copper carafe.
Just bought 1 a few days ago. If I tell you what I paid you won't believe it and it works! Had a tough time to seperate both halves but it came apart once I ran water thru it. Went back together tough but it worked. Let's hope the more I use it the more flexible the old rubber will get. 4 cups of coffee were made in about 4 minutes! And hot...look out. It sounded like a rocket was being launched in my kitchen. I love it!
I appreciate your dedication to the craft, I am hooked on the java too...Got the C50 at the Goodwill the other day...had to find a power cord separately...It is 1050 watts...I also have a favorite coffee cup....the same ones I imagine were common in long ago diners....
This video really helped me with deciding to purchase one of these machines in 2021. So thanks! I enjoy it a lot. Mine is a bit older model, it has a cloth filter holder, no upper chamber handle, & the sphere-shaped feet.
I'm mesmerized by how precisely it keeps temp, even though all its components are mechanical. Even had a good time looking up the patents for it to see and read about how it works. Probably the most entertaining coffee maker I've bought, both making coffee & outside of making coffee.
Thank you for your comment. The cloth filter is my favorite. In my humble opinion, it's the best filtering method of all, though certainly not the most convenient. Sunbeam made such a fine product. Warm regards, Kevin
It can take a few minutes for the bottom pot to cool down, but it will. Never push the knob back into the HIGH position after the coffee pot has started its' operation, as it will automatically jump into the LOW position and then all you need do is wait for it to vacuum push its' way back into the bottom. I generally leave it in the low position for the time period I may be drinking the coffee. Then simply unplug the Sunbeam Coffee Pot and wash the filter and top section so it will be ready for a another pot of coffee.
Thank you for your keen observations and notes. Most of what I've learned I've done but guess work and (hopefully) good intuition. These wonderful coffee machines almost never come with instruction manuals. ;)
@@Coffeeists You really don't need an instruction manual. Simply plug the Coffee Pot in, select the HIGH position after putting in the desired amount of water, add the coffee desired, put the top on and after just a few minutes your coffee is ready. It automatically begins to boil, then automatically jumps to the LOW position and once the cooling begins the coffee seems to magically go to the bottom part and your coffee is ready. East to clean, just don't ever submerge the bottom pot in water. If the cord wears out they are easy to replace. The Stainless Steel will never wear out, only the rubber seals may go bad. Mine are the originals are still working well after 70 years and I don't have to buy filters. There is no automatic shut off, so always remember to unplug the pot after you have drunk all the coffee you and others may desire. Never let the pot stay in the LOW position and allow the existing coffer to steam out of the pot or you might burn up the heating coil.
So way back in the day when I worked as a barista we used to make syphon coffees with the small 1 serving glasses ones and I’ve recently been on a kick of finding old sunbeam products and I found these o definitely have to get one now!
Whenever I'm in LA, I frequent the syphon bars. I hope you enjoy it and report back either way. Warmly, Kevin
Hi Coffee Kevin,
Thanks for your videos you share with us.
Our family grew up in Chicago and my father worked for Sunbeam so, of course, we had Sunbeam appliances. As was mentioned below, yes, the bottom kettle of the C30 Coffeemaster was Copper and heavy Chrome plated. Also, the original mesh screen filter was made from Stainless Steel Wire so thin it counted-out at 200 threads per inch, amazing! The internal thermostat was set to shut the brewing process off at 203 degrees Fahrenheit, not 212 degrees so as not to literally boil the coffee. Lastly, the Art Deco engraving on the side of the C30 (as well as the T-9 and T-20 Sunbeam Toasters) was inspired by the "Trylon and Perisphere" structures of the 1939 New York World's Fair.
Wow, this is really great stuff for me to read as I'm sipping my siphon coffee this morning. I've been taking a break while preparing a new season of shows. The Sumbeam vacuum makers are among my favorite coffee brewers. Your note verifies my long-held suspicion that they really understood and cared about brewing. I once asked a manufacturer if they would consider making a similar brewer today and they told me they did not think it possible to match the metal quality. I still find it amazing how well they hold up, both in performance and physical beauty. Thanks so much for sharing this information. Warmly, Kevin
Just got one at auction for 2$ love the video now I can’t wait to try it out all parts are there and it heats up
$2?!?!?!?! Wow, that's a great deal! Enjoy!!!
I’m pretty sure these sunbeams are actually Chrome plated copper and not stainless steel
Thank you. I stand corrected.
Great video, Kevin! Thank you! These vacuum coffee makers bring back memories of watching them brew at the corner luxncheonette during my childhood. They had a glass model, so you could see the coffee miraculously rise and fall.
Thank you. The vacuum is a memorable method. It might well have replaced drip had it not come first. And, as you point out, the sense of theatre has never been bettered! -- Kevin
I used one for years! A friend of mine quipped that you could potting soil in there and still get a good cup of coffee.
Since the Sunbeam seal got hardened I’ve been using a simple Yama glass vacuum pot
I'm currently using a Yama glass vacuum I got from a Craigslist sale following the demise of my Hario. Works fine, but I have to say I love pulling out the Sunbeam for friends. It's just such a testament to great manufacturing and automation.
I have all the parts except the stand to be used for the top section after being taken off. They are evidently quite rare and were probably lost over the years, as they had nothing to do in making the coffee but rather a stand for use after the coffee is made.
Wow, I've never seen such a stand! Thanks for the heads-up. I'll search, but it sounds like an easy part to become lost. Mostly vacuum coffee makers seem misunderstood (at best) in thrift, antique shops and other resellers.
@@Coffeeists It amazes me that the Sunbeam Coffee makers are lost to Thrift, Estate Sales and Antique Shops. They are so well made, hardly ever go bad and are probably the easiest coffee pots to use ever designed. Certainly one of the most attractive and stylish designs ever! And with the best Stainless Steel parts, especially the stainless steel filter. You never need a new filter with one of these coffee pots, and they are pretty quick in producing a very good cup of coffee. Even the rubber used must on the Sunbeam Coffee Pots are obviously are the highest quality. I know they can go bad, but I have never had that problem.
I can't believe Im writing this! I bought mine and after a week I knew we really needed a stand. While at the dollar store I saw... a stainless steel beer can chicken holder!! I thought it would work but when I tried it out as with a chicken it would fall. I was deceived but then my wife just put it upside down, with the base up, and it was perfect, as the base holds the seal and the cylinder like an original piece hahaha. Get one that fits the length of course. Sturdy, same glossy finish, easy to clean.
There is a General Electric glass version of your vacuum coffee maker here in my cupboard. I have never seen it used. May have to pull it out and give it a look over. It has the instruction booklet inside.
The vacuum is an excellent method. Enjoy!
I stopped using the mesh filter since it clogs and the water won't draw down. I've switched to the Cory glass rod. Now the rubber seal broke. Still works but not as well.
I have had one of these for years, never figured out how to use it. It sat on my counter for a long time, too cool looking to get rid of. The funny thing is I bought multiple modern coffee makers that sat right next to my Sunbeam C30, lol, the new ones were the usual disappointment of they never brewed actual hot coffee so I finally gave up and just bought an electric kettle to
heat the brewed coffee up in. A process I never look forward to but it works. So hearing this now I am definitely going to give this a whirl. Mine looks like it has all the pieces except apparent filter, it has this medal stick in the middle that has a circle with a cross bar type thing, do I need to purchase a filter thing for it to work? This is wonderful to me if I can actually use my Sunbeam C30 and have a genuine hot cup of coffee from one machine. I appreciate your video and any info, thank you
Mine has a very fine mesh screen. Hope you have a good experience. Kevin
@@Coffeeists Thank you, I will look online for one
I love my Vacuum coffee makers! I have a Sunbeam and a glass silex. I even found a place that sells new seals for those vacuum pots as well. Makes a world of difference. By the way where did you find that Coffee chiller? I would really love to have one of those.
Hey Jesse please post a link to the place that sells new seals. I've lost track of the coffee chiller but will let you know when I find them again. Thanks, Kevin
CoffeeCon Here’s the link to the website for the new vacuum pot seals. dayseal.net/products
@@jessejenkins6930 Thank you, Sir! The one thing that makes me apprehensive about promoting vacuum makers is the potential dearth of pot seals. This is very promising. Warmly, Kevin
You're like a delightful mix of Jimmy Stewart and Father Mulcahy from M*A*S*H.
I just made a pot of coffee in my '49 C30a. I found the grand old lady in a shop for $35, complete with the original cord, instruction/advertising booklet, 6 cloth filters, and a Cory glass filter rod. Any experience with the glass rods?
I, too, favor the cloth filters above all else. Best coffee I've ever tasted! Prost!
First, thank you, Robert B; those are very positive associations and I appreciate it. I have been using a glass rod since owning my first glass vacuum brewer, All glass is in its way ideal, although the glass rod itself does let ultrafine sediment through and into your cup. My go-to is still a cloth filter. Ideal filtration. I just got a Cona vacuum unit and it will be an upcoming review when we finish our studio re-construction and start up production again!
Warm regards, Kevin
Have you ever used one of those yellow Folgers porcelain pots from the 30s? I have one but no idea how to use it. Is it basically a pour over? There aren’t any seals, so I don’t think it would work with the change in pressure pushing water back and forth. It seems that you’d boil water in a separate pot and pour into the top chamber, would you agree?
I've never used one, but I've used something like it. Yes, it is a pour-over. Given the size of its holes, I wonder if it used an inserted paper filter or assumed we're be using coarse grind, as I wonder if drip grind coffee would work in it. If I ever get one I'd be happy to test it, but so far, I haven't run into one and they are a bit steep on eBay. Warm regards, Kevin
Love to speak to you about a CoffeeCon convention here in Tulsa, OK!
In the interim, your thoughts on a vintage Cory vacuum coffee maker vs. a vintage Kent vacuum coffee maker? Same principle in function but different glass/porcelain filters. Do you have any experience with either and if so, is the quality of the coffee better on one manufacturer?
Re: CoffeeCon Tulsa. I'm always up for a discussion. My email is Kevin@coffee-con.com
I have one of these coffee makers but my mother-in-law lost the rod and filter part! Do you know anyplace that sells replacement parts? Thanks!
I have not found anyplace online that specializes in these parts. I constantly scour thrift shops. My best scores have been as parts lying around unidentified. Most antique and thrift shop personnel don't realize what these parts are or how they work. I usually ask when I come into the store, but the answer is always no. Then I look anyway. That's when I find some interesting things! Good luck!
Kevin
I just got a sunbeam c-20b and bought the replacement rubber seal but was using paper coffee filters and they let a lot of grinds through where can I get cloth filters or metal filters for this machine?
I look on eBay. Occasionally they are in thrift shops where they are usually unlabeled or mislabeled. Good luck!
I just purchased a Sunbeam c30 and I think it is missing the filtering screen. Is there somewhere I can get the little paper system filter? I have to longer rod system but there is no mesh screen on it.
I think any siphon filter can be adapted, such as those made currently for the Hario. The rod works as well, although it can be tricky due to the high pressure as the water rises.
@@Coffeeists Thanks. I saw that Hairo coffee machine and boy it almost looks like the Sunbeam.
i just found a brand new ap 83 sunbeam percolator...cant wait to try it i think its vintage as well
That's wonderful. Please let me know who you like it. I'm working up the courage to do a percolator video. Warm regards, Coffee Kevin
@@Coffeeists Do it, I've got an AP10 Sunbeam Percolator, from the 50's. I think it makes excellent coffee.
@@Coffeeists Do it, I've got an AP10 Sunbeam Percolator, from the 50's. I think it makes excellent coffee.
Has anyone ever found one of the original wire holder units for the upper pot? There is a photo on a museum page i recently ran across--definitely a rare item i am assuming
I found one on eBay a number of years ago as part of the accessory set (tray, sugar bowl, creamer, and pot stand). I use it every day.
Hi Troy. They are difficult to find, but mostly because most people in resale shops don't identify them properly. Check eBay. Keep your eyes out at thrift shops in the cooking aisle. Good luck.
Nice score!
I have a Sunbean Coffeemaster C30a and can not get the pots separated. I just found it at an estate sale. I have never seen one before and it will definitely not pull apart. Please help
I was having a medical procedure when your comment posted. I'm very sorry about this. I am unsure how to separate them myself. I do have a few contacts in the coffee world who might recall. I always made a point of steering conversations to siphon/vacuum making. Also, perhaps someone will post solution. Warm regards, Kevin
I know this is 6 months later, but the best thing to try is to pour water into the top chamber and let it go into the lower and then turn it in to let it fully cycle. You can omit the filter for this exercise. While it’s hot see if the top can be pulled out then. The heat can soften up the rubber. At that point search for anyone reproducing the seals. I understand there’s someone who has done so but I haven’t tried to find one yet.
@@famousutopias Thank you For your response. I was able to get them separated and purchased a new seal. Unfortunately, the new seal does not seal :( I really just want to put the pot back together and display on a shelf at this point but I can't get the original seal soft enough to put them back together.
I know a style of coffee that you could use at your coffee, con, Turkish coffee. Have you ever tried it? I haven’t, but I am about to because they have Turkish coffee K cups for your Keurig brewer. I learned that Turkish coffee grounds are very fine, the consistency of flour, and to grind it up like that you need a Turkish coffee grinder, and they also have Turkish coffee maker machines that specialize in making it.
If you have a coffee grinder you can grind beans fine enough for these pots.
im from downstate congrats on getting rid of Beetlejuice ..lol.. we used one in the 60s and early 70s mom had a non electric one to use on the stove top.. i dident know they made eletric ones in the two ball style ... . i just picked on up with two filters and just used it ... wow .. .. strong .. time to adgust thecamount of coffie .. i think i was way off.. verry strong not like mom made lol.. .. how much coffie do you use for a full pot or 8 cups .. one leader ? im ameracan lol i dont use metric im67 and seaid d f metric a long time ago... i just used one i picked up at a yard sale i need to ajust my formula strong strong ...
I use between 55 and 62 grams per liter, or 10 coffee approved measuring scoops per half gallon/64 oz water. This is the original coffee formula determined by the coffee development group, who used the vaccum brewer to determine it.
where can i find an extra chain for extra filters
I most often find them in thrift shops. It's the chain and hook that you want and it's often separated from the coffee maker, and no one knows what it does. So, a couple of times it's been a happy accident to find them loose in a store. I admit I have several filters still waiting for a chain. Warm regards, Kevin
I bought one from Goodwill how do I get it apart
Hi Diana. I guess there are different models. Is this a Sunbeam? If so, those are hinged latches on the side. Others just pull apart. If you want to post a photo I'll be happy to offer whatever help I can. The brand is the first thing we need to know. -- Kevin
I found my mom's sunbeam that wouldn't mount because the rubber had hardened. I found a video where the guy said to boil it in water for 2 hrs. I would imagine that the same procedure would apply for one that didn't come apart. I did that for about a half hour, rubbed some oil on the rubber and VOILA! It went on! So, perhaps you should boil the two pieces in a big pot for a while! Good luck.
They are not made of steel they are solid copper triple plated with nickel and chrome.
Hi Dan, Kevin here. Thank you for commenting. How can i verify this? If so, I'm happy to change our copy. Warm regards,
Thanks for the video and I appreciate the effort, but wow, the slow rambling talking made it hard to get through this video.
Thank you for the feedback. We've gradually shortened our programs based upon increasing our CZcams audience, but many geeks look to Kevin for just such an approach as he discovers many details in real-time. You might prefer more recent scripted efforts. We appreciate your feedback regardless.
@@Coffeeists I'm very glad it appears no one was insulted because that was not my intent.
@@cdici511111 not only not insulted, I appreciate your feedback. I'm interested in actually increasing the spread of useful coffee making knowledge. I can't claim to have no personal feelings, but they must be secondary. I'm incorporating your feedback to plan our next segments. Thanks again for taking time to post your views. Warmly, Kevin
@@Coffeeists I love the rambling makes it real homey and friendly sipped on a cup of coffee made in my Revereware drip pot while I watched. Now i have to try my C50 and compare.
I disagree with your choice of coffee maker. I also disagree that you can find these things cheap. Because of people like you who make comments about which is the best vintage and how cheap things are ruin it for others. They have gone way up in price now. I chose Silex (as well as several other brands) over Sunbeam is that I can actually look when the coffee is completely ready.
I have several vacuum style of coffee sets and I have been brewing, roasting, and making good old fashioned coffee for 50 years. IMHO Sunbeam is GOOD, but it is not the BEST.
You are an influencer. Your brand is to tell people about coffee. But I'll be damned if you are going to tell me that on what I know, being taught be people who lived during the depression. The people who first made coffee shops real in the 50 though the 70's before StarSmucks and other "BRANDS" made it "chick" and "Hip" but mostly a bunch of damned snobs buying expensive products
You have YOUR opinion and I have MINE. But do NOT make a blanket statement like you just did. Because some of us old timers will call you out.
I love your passion. I don't think you've got my intentions right, but I'm less concerned with that any day. Keep up your zeal! Btw, I found a manual stainless vacuum brewer new in box for $15 once at a thrift shop one hour before appearing at a downstate local roaster... Run by relatives of the very roaster where I appeared!!! He was upset that they hadn't told him they'd taken it in. I offered to give it to him, he paused, then chuckled. "It's alright", he said. " That's how this goes." Then he cpntinued, "They probably didn't even recognize it". Often the case. Oh I believe you would. But not everyone. Thanks for posting.
seriosuly lighten up frances