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I am working on the content of this page, but unfortunately I am missing a lot of information. If you have any useful information about the KOVOČAS MERKURIA / BOHEMIA GLASS soda siphon and would like to share it with the readers of this site, please contact me as described in the CONTACT menu at the bottom of the page. Thanks in advance for your help!
Known in Hungary as the “Czechoslovak siphon” or “mesh siphon,” the Kovočas Merkuria soda siphon (Kovočas Sifonová Láhev) was a ubiquitous household appliance across the Eastern Bloc. In the former Czechoslovakia, it could be found in almost every home – much like the colorful LEHEL siphons, which remain a staple of generational memory in Hungary. Its export version was marketed under the brand name Bohemia Glass Syphon.
Its characteristic features include a body made of thick glass and a wire mesh covering it, which serves both a decorative and a safety purpose. The mesh is secured at the neck and the bottom of the siphon and cannot be removed without causing damage. The siphon comes with a rubber base, though in many cases, this has been lost. A colored stripe on the exterior of the bottle indicates the level to which it should be filled with water.
Its advantage, and simultaneously its disadvantage, is that the water is stored in a glass bottle rather than a metal one. While the health effects of aluminum kitchenware remain unclear, it is certain that no substances will leach from the glass, even under the influence of acidic soda water. However, due to the pressure inside the siphon, the glass is extremely thick, which makes the device uncomfortably heavy and fragile, rendering it practically unsuitable for carrying.
The manufacturer, the Kovočas cooperative, was founded in 1951 in the city of Děčín, located in what is now the Czech Republic. For over 50 years, they produced soda and cream siphons along with various other kitchen appliances, which were exported worldwide in addition to being sold in Czechia. Furthermore, the company was involved in producing chargers, becoming one of the largest players in Europe in that field. However, production was permanently shut down in 2005, and liquidation began in 2010, which was completed a few years ago. The company website is now only accessible through internet archives.
Although the production of mesh siphons has ended, many examples have survived in good condition. Kovočas products are held in high regard by collectors and enthusiasts, as well as by those who purchase them solely for decorative purposes. In Hungary, however, there is not a very high demand for them, so pieces in good condition can be acquired for pocket change.
The Merkuria product line consisted of several products. The ones I am familiar with are the following:
- Metal mesh soda siphon (1 liter)
- Metal mesh soda siphon – spherical (1 liter)
- Metal mesh ice cube bucket
- Metal mesh cocktail shaker
- Metal mesh cream whipper – Šlehačková láhev
Parts list
For information on parts, please see the PARTS menu.
I would like to thank Robert from Acqua Spumante for materials that helped to complete this page.