These are intended as a "starting point" for the respective type of brewing. Ultimately, you will figure out the best and most convenient ways to use these brewing devices, so please remake, twist, turn, distort, decomplile, torch, grind and brew these instructions to suit your own needs!
Cona brewing is a wonderful visual experience that just happens to result in perfect coffee. While these instructions may make it sound like it might require too much time and dedication, after several times you will find it is only slightly more laborious than other brewing methods, but much more fun!
Please note that because of the design of the vacuum brewers, there is always a small amount of water that does not ascend to the funnel. This means that brewing less than the full capacity of the brewer makes more diluted coffee. Match the brewer capacity to the amount of coffee you think suits your needs! The D Size Cona is best for most folks, but if you consistently brew for one person, consider the B size or the C size.
Fill the spirit lamp with denatured alcohol. This is commonly sold in hardware stores, paint stores, camp stores, marine supply stores, and gourmet food stores. It is also called "camp stove alcohol". In Cona instructions it is called "methylated spirits". Liquid Sterno is denatured alcohol, but is more expensive generally (this is not the same as the gellatenous Sterno from self-contained tablelamps / catering warmers).
Place the wick and wickholder in place. Allow some time for the wick to absorb fuel. (I get about 6-8 uses from one filling of the lamp, so you are not having to deal with the fuel every time you brew!)
Put the spirit lamp in place and the funnel (top glass globe) in its aperture on the stand. Fill the bowl (bottom globe with handle) with hot or boiling water to within about 1/2 inch from the base of the neck. Make sure the outside of the bowl is dry. (Note: you can start with cold water -the process will take much longer though)
Place the glass drainer (the filter) into the funnel , making sure it is loose. Put the required amount of evenly gound medium to fine coffee (--fine but WITHOUT powder!--) into the funnel. Standard SCAA brewing ratio is 7.25 grams per 5 oz water which = approximately 2 rounded (not heaping) tablespoons per 6 oz water. I have used the same fine, even grounds for filter coffee in the Cona without producing any sludge in the cup. If you chose to use coarser grinds, compensate by allowing a full 3 minutes infusion when the coffee and water are together in the funnel.
Light up!
When the water in the bowl shows the very first sign of coming to a boil, place the funnel into the bowl and snug the rubber gasket into the bowl neck with a small twist to ensure an air-tight fit.
When all the water, with the exception of a small amount which must remain in the bowl, has been drawn into the top, wait 1-3 minutes for the coffee to infuse. Some people like to give it a stir with a spoon. If so, don't bump and dislodge the drainer / filter.
Place the snuffer on the lamp.
When all the coffee has drained into the bowl, remove the funnel with a slight twist. Place it in the aperture on the stand, serve up your wonderful coffee ...you earned it!
Cona parts are available from Sweet Maria's!
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