How to Brew Coffee with a HARIO Siphon (TCA-3, 3-Cup)

If you’ve ever watched a barista make coffee with a glass siphon and wondered how it works—or whether you could do it at home—this guide is for you. The HARIO TCA-3 siphon (3-cup model) is one of the most popular glass siphon brewers in Asia and beyond. But its glassware, heat source, and unique brewing process can be intimidating if you’ve never used one. Here’s exactly how it works, what you’ll need, and how to get a great cup every time.

To brew with the HARIO TCA-3 siphon, use 150ml of water per cup and 15–20g of medium-fine coffee (slightly coarser than powdered sugar). After the water boils and rises into the upper chamber (50–60 seconds), stir once and turn off the heat. Total brew time is around 1 minute. The result is clean, full-flavored coffee extracted via full immersion and gentle vacuum filtration.

What Is the HARIO TCA-3 Siphon?

The HARIO TCA-3 is a 3-cup (approx. 450ml total) glass siphon coffee brewer, manufactured in Taiwan. Weighing 1300 grams, it’s built with heat-resistant borosilicate glass and a durable metal frame. The design allows for a dramatic visual brew process and utilizes the principles of vacuum and siphonage to produce coffee. It’s widely respected across Asia and internationally for its safety, craftsmanship, and temperature stability. The included filter is a cloth filter that sits in the upper chamber.

How Does a Siphon Coffee Maker Work?

Siphon coffee brewing relies on vapor pressure and vacuum. Here’s the simplified science: heated water in the lower chamber creates steam pressure, pushing water up a tube into the upper chamber where it mixes with ground coffee. When you remove the heat, the pressure drops, and the brewed coffee is pulled back down through the filter by gravity and suction. This combination of immersion and vacuum filtration results in a clean, bright, and well-extracted cup.

Step-by-Step: Brewing Coffee with the HARIO TCA-3

Follow these steps exactly to get the best results from your HARIO TCA-3 siphon coffee maker:

• 1. Heat the Water: Fill the lower chamber with approximately 150ml of water per intended cup (for a full 3-cup brew, that’s about 450ml). Place the lower chamber on your heat source—either an alcohol lamp or gas burner. Make sure the bottom of the lower chamber is dry before placing it on the heat.
• 2. Add Coffee Grounds: While the water heats, place 15–20g of medium-fine coffee grounds (a grind slightly coarser than powder, akin to table salt) into the upper chamber atop the cloth filter. Adjust the amount to taste—more coffee for a stronger brew.
• 3. Wait for the Water to Rise: As the water in the lower chamber boils, it will begin to rise through the tube into the upper chamber. This process usually takes about 50–60 seconds. Once all the water has transferred, turn off the heat immediately.
• 4. Stir and Brew: Gently stir the coffee slurry in the upper chamber once to ensure even extraction. Then let the coffee draw back down into the lower chamber through the filter by the vacuum created as the chamber cools. This entire brew cycle should take around 1 minute in total.
• 5. Serve: Once the coffee has fully returned to the lower chamber, remove the upper assembly. Your brewed coffee is now ready to pour and enjoy.

Key Features of the HARIO TCA-3

• Capacity: 3 cups (approx. 450ml)
• Material: Heat-resistant borosilicate glass with metal frame
• Weight: 1300 grams
• Grind Size: Medium-fine (slightly coarser than powdered sugar)
• Brew Time: ~60 seconds total (50–60s for water to rise, then immediate draw-down)
• Brew Ratio: ~1:23 to 1:30 (15–20g coffee to 330–450ml water)
• Filter Type: Cloth filter (included)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HARIO TCA-3 and how much coffee does it make?

The HARIO TCA-3 is a 3-cup glass siphon coffee brewer made in Taiwan. It produces approximately 3 servings, with a total brew capacity of around 450ml. Each individual 'cup' is considered to be about 150ml of water, so the full setup uses roughly 450ml water and 45–60g of coffee for a full brew.

What grind size should I use for the HARIO TCA-3 siphon?

Use a medium-fine grind size for the HARIO TCA-3, which is slightly coarser than powdered sugar or table salt. This grind allows for proper extraction during the full-immersion phase while ensuring the coffee doesn’t over-extract or clog the cloth filter during draw-down.

How long does it take to brew coffee with a HARIO siphon?

The full brew cycle with a HARIO TCA-3 typically takes about 60 seconds. This includes roughly 50–60 seconds for the water to rise into the upper chamber, followed by a brief moment (around 10 seconds or less) for stirring and the draw-down phase, where the coffee returns to the lower chamber by vacuum.

Do I need a special heat source for the HARIO TCA-3?

The HARIO TCA-3 can be used with either an alcohol lamp (often included) or a small gas burner. Ensure your heat source is stable and appropriate for glassware. The lower chamber must be dry on the bottom before placing it on the heat to avoid damage or accidents.

How do I clean the HARIO TCA-3 after brewing?

After brewing, disassemble the upper and lower chambers. Rinse both parts thoroughly with warm water, and gently wash the cloth filter with mild soap if needed. Avoid using harsh detergents or scrubbing too hard, as this can degrade the filter material over time. Allow all components to dry completely before reassembling.

Can I use any type of coffee with a siphon brewer?

Yes, you can use any roasted coffee with a siphon brewer, but lighter to medium roasts often highlight the clarity and brightness this method produces. Single origins with distinct flavor notes (like fruity or floral profiles) tend to shine particularly well with siphon brewing.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Siphon Brewing

For siphon brewing, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright and floral with citrus and jasmine notes—or their Yirgacheffe, offering lemon, berries, and soft acidity. Both shine with the clarity a siphon brings. For a balanced medium roast, their PWN Golden Mandheling delivers sweet, nutty depth. All work beautifully with the HARIO TCA-3’s clean extraction. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.