Choosing Vietnamese Coffee Maker: All You Need to Know

Are you considering adding a Vietnamese coffee maker to your coffee gadget collection? But how do you choose the best one when so many options are available, and they all look pretty similar?

Let’s learn more about the Vietnamese coffee culture and the best brewing equipment you can use to make Vietnamese coffee at home.

The history of Vietnamese drip coffee

Vietnam has always had a rich tea culture, and coffee arrived late in the region. The first mention of it came in 1857 when a French Catholic priest introduced an Arabica tree in Northern Vietnam.

The French and Dutch settlers had small-scale coffee businesses, but it wasn’t until the 1900s that the famous Robusta coffee found its way to the country’s central highlands. This region’s climate and soil proved to be perfect for growing coffee.

After the initial plantation, the coffee industry only grew more extensive, especially in the Dak Lak province. Then, in 1986, the Doi Moi economic reforms opened the country up for trade, and the world was presented with Vietnamese coffee. In a short span, Vietnam became the world’s second-largest coffee exporter.

Growing or exporting Vietnamese coffee beans wasn’t the end of it. Vietnam developed its own unique culture around coffee. As a result, making coffee in Vietnam is different from our traditional coffee brewing methods. A Vietnamese coffee maker or “phin” is a filter that sits on top of a glass or a cup. The coffee made using this filter is called café phin or cà phê phin.

Robusta coffee beans grown in Vietnam have a more bitter taste than the Arabica beans commonly used in cafes worldwide. So Vietnamese people started combining bitter Vietnamese Robusta coffee with sweet condensed milk to balance the flavor. As a result, this coffee beverage has become a hallmark of cà phê phin, or coffee brewed in a phin.

Different variations of Vietnamese coffee

Vietnamese coffee has many variations that make it more unique and approachable; most are simple enough to make at home. Whether you prefer hot coffee or iced coffee, you still need to use hot water with the phin brewer. You can drink the coffee right after brewing or add some ice cubes to enjoy it as iced coffee.

Here are the most famous Vietnamese coffee variations:

• Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa da) is the most traditional way people drink coffee in Vietnam. It is prepared by adding a layer of sweetened condensed milk to a glass, placing the coffee filter over the top, and letting the coffee drip into it. When the brewing process is finished, the condensed milk and coffee are mixed with a spoon. If you are in Vietnam, they will usually serve a cup or a bowl of ice cubes separately, so you can add as much ice as you like to your coffee glass.
• Vietnamese iced black coffee (cà phê da) is for those who like dark and intense coffee. It is brewed into a glass using a phin coffee filter, and then ice cubes are added to one’s liking. You can have it with no sugar (không đường) or with a touch of sugar (ít đường).
• Vietnamese egg coffee (cà phê trứng) is made by topping up phin brewed coffee with whipped egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla mixture. It has a light and airy texture, and the taste reminds eggnog or a tiramisu. Originating in the northern part of Vietnam, where it gets cold in winter, this coffee is consumed hot.
• Vietnamese iced coconut coffee (cà phê dừa) is a refreshing combination of coffee, coconut cream, and sweetened condensed milk. The coffee is prepared as usual using phin and then topped up with blended coconut cream, condensed milk, and ice slushy. You can slurp it with a straw or spoon it as a dessert.

How to use a Vietnamese coffee maker

You can describe the Vietnamese coffee brewing method as a cross between the French press and the pour-over. The phin sits on top of your mug or glass like a pour-over dripper, but the coffee has time to infuse longer due to the small filter holes.

Phin is usually made of four parts:

• Brewing chamber.
• Filter press, either gravity or screw-down.
• Perforated plate, which holds the chamber up on top of your cup.
• Lid that keeps the heat during the brewing process.

Like a French press or Moka Pot, a Vietnamese brewer does not require a paper filter, as it has a reusable metal filter.

The phin coffee slowly infuses in the filter chamber and slowly drips into your mug or glass, providing you with concentrated coffee. The usual coffee serving of Vietnamese coffee is similar to two espresso shots. However, the slow dripper brews using only gravity, not the pressure of an espresso machine, so it does not have an intensity of espresso.

To brew coffee using a phin, follow these steps:

1. Set up your glass or mug. Add condensed milk to the glass if you want your coffee prepared the traditional Vietnamese way.
2. Place the perforated plate over the top of the glass.
3. Put the brewing chamber on the plate and fill it with the coffee grounds. Use about two tablespoons of coffee grounds for a single-serve phin.
4. Gently place the filter press on top of the coffee. You’ll need to screw it in if it is a screw-down insert.
5. Heat the water to 190-195°F (87-90°C).
6. Pour a small amount of water into the brewing chamber and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
7. Fill water to the top of the phin and cover it with a lid. You can watch the slow dripping process now.
8. Once the dripping has stopped, remove the phin. You can use the lid to place it onto. You can also add more water at this point if you feel your coffee needs to be diluted. If it is the first time you drink Vietnamese coffee, it is best to try it first to learn what you are dealing with before changing the formula.
9. Stir your cup of Vietnamese coffee.
10. If you prefer cold coffee, add a few ice cubes into the glass or a cup it was brewing in, or pour the coffee into a tall glass filled with ice for a more diluted iced coffee version. Never brew Vietnamese coffee directly over the ice, as it will instantly dissolve ice cubes and make your coffee watery even before it finishes brewing.

How to choose the right Vietnamese coffee maker?

As simple as Vietnamese coffee makers may seem, they come in different materials, sizes, and filter types. Knowing how they differ will help you decide what kind of coffee brewer works best.

Filter press type

Due to slow dripping, the phin coffee maker brews concentrated coffee. Its construction is somewhat similar to the French press as it has a filter press or an insert similar to a plunger. It creates a permeable barrier between the water and the ground coffee.

Vietnamese coffee makers can have two different filter press types: gravity and screw-down.

A gravity insert is just dropped gently on top of the ground coffee. This insert type provides more room for fresh coffee to bloom, working well with freshly ground coffee.

The screw-down press filter is screwed inside the brewing chamber and tamps down the coffee grounds evenly. It is suitable for pre-ground coffee. Nevertheless, the dripping process remains the same as with a gravity filter.

The screw-down insert’s main advantage is providing an even bed of coffee at the bottom of the filter chamber.

Material

Vietnamese coffee brewers can be crafted from a few different materials. While most phins are made of metal, it is good to know what else is out there if one of the other options appears to be more appealing to you.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel phins are the most popular, and for a good reason. They are durable, rust-free, and retain heat efficiently. Most coffee shops and Vietnamese restaurants use stainless steel phins due to their longevity. In addition, usually, they are dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations of the phin you are considering just to be sure.

Aluminum

Aluminum phins are also common and tend to be on the cheaper side. In addition, they are light to carry around, so their portability is a plus. However, that also means they can be scratched or dented more easily than their stainless steel counterparts. Also, like other aluminum coffee makers (such as aluminum Moka Pots or percolators), they can’t go in the dishwasher. There are also safety concerns about aluminum leaching into food or drink.

Ceramic

Vietnamese pottery and ceramics have a long history spanning thousands of years back, and ceramic phins are a fine representation of this tradition. They are often hand-painted, so they also serve an aesthetic purpose when you want to have a showpiece in your kitchen. Ceramic phins hold the heat of the coffee better, but they are more fragile than metal ones.

Size

Vietnamese coffee makers come in different sizes, so it is a significant factor to consider when shopping for one. You want to keep in mind that the slow dripping process is at the core of good Vietnamese coffee, and you don’t want to make your coffee in a few batches.

Consider how large you’d want your coffee and how many cups you will be making at a time to determine the best size of the coffee maker.

If you have a ritual of making just one cup of coffee, you should be fine with a single serving phin that usually brews 4 to 6 ounces of coffee.

Double-serving phins brew 8 to 12 ounces, so consider one of those if you love to share coffee with your partner. Alternatively, you can also buy two (or more) smaller phins to make individual servings for each coffee drinker in your family.

Smaller-sized phins are traditionally used in Vietnam, but giant ones that make 10-12 cups of coffee are also available for family use.

Top 10 Vietnamese coffee makers reviewed

Are you ready to buy your first Vietnamese coffee maker? With so many choices on the market, no wonder you might feel overwhelmed. Here is a review of the best Vietnamese coffee makers available to help you choose the best one for yourself.

Image	Product	Features	Price
Top Pick	Thang Long Gravity Phin	Available in 5 sizes Gravity filter press Stainless steel	Check Price
High Quality	Nguyen Coffee Supply Original Phin	Available in 3 sizes Gravity filter press Stainless steel	Check Price
	Thang Long Screw Down Phin	8oz coffee serving Screw down filter press Stainless steel	Check Price
	Trung Nguyen Vietnamese Coffee Filter	4.2oz coffee serving Gravity filter press Stainless steel	Check Price
	Gladiator Vietnamese Coffee Maker	Available in 3 sizes Gravity filter press Stainless steel	Check Price
Large Size	Gladiator Large Vietnamese Coffee Maker	Makes 60oz or 10-12 servings of coffee Gravity filter press Stainless steel	Check Price
	Phuong Hoang Vietnamese Coffee Filter	8oz coffee serving Gravity filter press Stainless steel with a black matte finish	Check Price
	Gladiator Gold Vietnamese Coffee Maker	4oz coffee serving Gravity filter press Gold plated stainless steel	Check Price
	Zopsc Stainless Steel Vietnamese Filter	12oz coffee serving Screw down filter press Gold or silver finish stainless steel	Check Price
	AMT Vietnamese Screw Down Phin	13oz coffee serving Screw down filter press Stainless steel	Check Price

Thang Long Vietnamese Gravity Phin

The Thang Long Vietnamese coffee maker is stainless steel. This sleek and affordable coffee maker has a gravity filter press. It promises traditional Vietnamese coffee in the comfort of your home.

Thang Long phin is available in five sizes ranging from 4 to 15 ounces, and all of them are relatively inexpensive. It’s also dishwasher safe, so cleaning the filter is pretty easy.

Nguyen Coffee Supply Original Phin Filter

The Nguyen Coffee Supply phin is made of durable stainless steel and has a gravity press. Admittedly, this traditional Vietnamese coffee filter has a more premium feel to its design.

Nguyen stainless steel phin filter sets come in three sizes, from 4 to 24 ounces, which is a plus for those preparing coffee for more than one person. Use it with Nguyen Coffee Supply peaberry Robusta coffee to perfect your cà phê phin brewing skills.

Thang Long Vietnamese Screw Down Phin

The Thang Long Vietnamese Screw Down Phin is the cousin of the gravity phin offered by the same company. Simple in its design, this Vietnamese coffee maker is sold in the standard 8-ounce size.

Made of commercial-grade stainless steel, this brewer has a screw-down insert, perfect for medium-coarse ground coffee. Once again, the affordability of this brand makes it one of the top contenders on this list.

Trung Nguyen Vietnamese Coffee Filter

The Trung Nguyen Vietnamese Coffee Filter is explicitly targeted at campers and travelers for its portability. Made of stainless steel and easy to use, this coffee maker is hassle-free.

Trung Nguyen brewer comes with a gravity insert. It can be used with your favorite coffee brands or Trung Nguyen ground coffee for an authentic Vietnamese coffee experience.

Gladiator Vietnamese Coffee Maker

The Gladiator Vietnamese Coffee Maker is a moderately priced option. It is made of high-quality stainless steel and has a traditional phin design.

The coffee maker comes in three sizes ranging from small, medium, and large, with the large version serving up to 3 cups of authentic Vietnamese coffee. It has a gravity filter press and can be used with any ground coffee brand of your liking.

Gladiator Large Vietnamese Coffee Maker

The Gladiator Large Vietnamese Coffee Maker is true to its name. This stainless steel piece can give you 10 to 12 servings of Vietnamese coffee with its 5-inch-wide brew chamber. It produces around 60 ounces of fresh Vietnamese coffee in one go.

This coffee maker is higher priced than others on this list, but the extra price is justified by the capacity it offers. This brewer has undoubtedly got your back in showing off your batch brewing skills for a party or a family gathering.

Phuong Hoang Vietnamese Coffee Filter

The Phuong Hoang Vietnamese Coffee Filter stands out from its competitors for aesthetic reasons. This stainless steel phin boasts a modern design with a black matte finish.

The Phuong Vietnamese coffee maker uses a gravity insert and is the standard size delivering 8 ounces of delicious coffee.

Gladiator Gold Vietnamese Coffee Maker

The Gladiator Gold Vietnamese Coffee Maker offers the best of the traditional phin in an exquisite golden finish with its high-quality stainless steel perfection. Admittedly, it is a little more expensive than competing products, but perhaps the glimmer of gold is worth it.

This golden Vietnamese coffee maker comes with a screw-down filter press. It can be used with Vietnamese Robusta beans or your favorite ground Arabica coffee.

Zopsc Stainless Steel Vietnamese Coffee Filter

The Zopsc Stainless Steel Vietnamese Coffee Filter Phin is another attractive addition to the best Vietnamese coffee maker list. It is manufactured of premium stainless steel with a silver and gold finish.

Made with a gravity insert, this Vietnamese coffee maker is moderately priced and can be used with pre-ground or fresh-ground coffee. Due to its compact size, this coffee maker is travel-friendly. The Zopsc phin is also dishwasher safe.

AMT Vietnamese Screw Down Phin

The AMT Vietnamese Screw Down Phin is a high-quality but affordable stainless steel version of the traditional Vietnamese coffee maker.

The screw-down phin filter is compatible with any coffee brand’s medium-coarse grind. The serving capacity of this coffee maker is 2 to 3 cups, and the sleek design makes it relatively easy to carry.

A Vietnamese coffee maker can open new horizons for your everyday coffee brewing, so if you’ve been curious to compare Vietnamese coffee vs. regular coffee, you certainly should. The Vietnamese coffee maker will allow you to try different recipes to surprise your friends or family. It also makes an excellent gift for an iced coffee lover.

This compact coffee brewing device is a perfect choice for camping trips or use when away from electricity. So pick your favorite Vietnamese coffee maker and start experimenting with Vietnamese coffee recipes!