Several designs and variations on the theme have been in production since then. They were quite popular in the US from the 1930s to the 1940s. In the movie Woman of the Year , Katherine Hepburn's character struggles with a vac pot during one scene. The Bodum Santos and the vac pot system made by Cona of Britian. So vac pot brewing isn't new, but what is new is the fact that this is an electric vacuum system.
Most vacuum pots require a gas or electric stove top or separate burner.
Now is has become available in the US market, branded as the Starbucks Barista Utopia . It is certainly easier than any other vacuum system that I've ever experienced, but it is a little more challenging than the average drip brewing machine. In my opinion, the stylish look, easy clean up and programmable features of this brewing system make it a really good investment for any serious coffee fan. Thus, you get a cup of coffee that is as clean as drip brewed coffee, with as much of the oils and richness as French Pressed coffee. When you first get the machine, you'll probably watch the video.