Abstract: Apparatus for preparing hot beverages in a microwave oven has a lower carafe for receiving the finished brewed hot beverage and an upper reservoir having a bottom and retaining fresh water therein. The reservoir may be placed on the carafe and has a shut-off member disposed inside. The shut-off member has an inlet in the interior of the reservoir and an outlet extending through the bottom of the reservoir, and the shut-off member is a pipe which functions as a siphon or as an overflow. The reservoir is substantially air tight, and a vent is in the carafe for exhausting fluid from and into the carafe. Alternatively, the reservoir is fluidly connected to the carafe and the carafe has a one-way valve for only exhausting fluid from the carafe.