Vacuum coffee maker

This American-made vacuum coffee maker (Cory DRU) operates on the vacuum principle, and provided a spectacular performance as it brewed.

It was acquired by a New Zealander involved in shipping, and was enjoyed by his family until 1990. It was so loved, that when the upper chamber was broken in the 1970s, the donor's mother spent several months sourcing a replacement from America. Being an American product, they also needed to replace the original electric cord with a New Zealand one to cope with the local voltage.

Donor John Stevens recalled that he 'gained a taste for real coffee - no milk and sugar!' Up until its arrival the family drank Maxwell House instant coffee from tins. So this coffee maker was a revelation in good coffee drinking, an activity which became much valued by New Zealanders in the late 20th century.