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The 11 Best Coffee Percolators

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Scott

October 10, 2023

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Best Coffee Percolator: Brew-tiful Choices for 2023

Coffee is an essential part of many people’s daily routines, providing a much-needed energy boost to start the day or a comforting beverage to enjoy with friends. A crucial factor in experiencing the best coffee flavor is the brewing method, with several options available, such as drip coffee makers, espresso machines, and French presses. Among these, the coffee percolator has stood the test of time due to its unique brewing process, delivering a full-bodied and robust coffee that appeals to discerning drinkers.

The percolation process involves continuous circulation of water through the coffee grounds, extracting rich flavor from the beans. This process, in contrast to other brewing methods, can result in a somewhat grittier, bolder, and stronger coffee, making it perfect for those who appreciate a more intense flavor. An important aspect of a coffee percolator is its material, with options like stainless steel and enamel, each with its pros and cons such as durability, heat retention, or ease of cleaning.

With so many options available in the market, the critical factors to consider when selecting the best coffee percolator include its size, material, and the type – electric or stovetop. The ideal choice will depend on individual taste preferences, lifestyle, and convenience requirements. Additionally, some percolators have advanced features such as automatic shut-off, removable power cords, or transparent knobs to gauge brewing progress.

We dedicated several hours to researching and testing various coffee percolators, considering these critical factors to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect brewing companion for your daily coffee ritual.

Best Coffee Percolators

We have curated a list of the best coffee percolators to help you achieve that perfect cup of coffee every time.

Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator

This Elite Gourmet coffee percolator delivers hot, flavorful coffee efficiently and is ideal for any home or office.

We recently tried the Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator, and its performance impressed us. When brewing coffee, it took just around five to seven minutes to prepare the full 12 cups, making it perfect for busy mornings or serving guests. The flavor of the coffee was rich and fresh, owing to the quality design and materials used in the percolator.

One aspect that stood out during our use of the product was the convenience of its 360° swivel base. This feature allowed us to serve coffee directly from the percolator to our guests without having to deal with a cord getting in the way. Additionally, the cool-touch handle and precision pouring spout made it easy to pour the coffee without the risk of burns or spills.

Cleaning the percolator proved to be a breeze, as its stainless steel parts, including the reusable filter basket, brewing stem, and coffee basket lid, are all dishwasher-safe. This quality ensured that the percolator remained hygienic and maintained its sleek appearance over time.

On the downside, we noticed some inconsistencies in the product’s capacity information – it is listed as a 12-cup model, but some descriptions indicate a 4-cup capacity. This discrepancy could potentially cause confusion for some customers. Additionally, we came across a review mentioning that the plastic progress bulb cracked after a short period, rendering the percolator unusable. Lastly, it may be crucial to ensure there is enough liquid inside the percolator to prevent accidental overheating.

In conclusion, the Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator is a reliable and convenient option for brewing hot, flavorful coffee at home or in the office. Despite a few minor concerns, its performance and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for any coffee lover.

Moss & Stone Electric Coffee Percolator

We recently used the Moss & Stone Electric Coffee Percolator and loved the classic, stylish design that brings a touch of elegance to our kitchen. The copper body and durable stainless steel lids not only make it look beautiful, but also promise long-lasting performance.

With a 10-cup capacity, the percolator is perfect for our daily coffee needs. However, we did find that the coffee takes a few minutes to brew, so it’s essential to be patient. The removable coffee filter and easy pour spout add to the convenience, making it easy for us to enjoy our coffee without any spills.

On the downside, the stem of this percolator seems a bit wobbly, which might be a concern for some users. Additionally, it’s necessary to use filters to avoid getting grounds in the coffee. Overall, though, the Moss & Stone Electric Coffee Percolator is a fantastic and reliable option for those seeking a stylish and functional coffee maker.

Presto 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

The Presto 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker has brought the classic pleasure of percolated coffee back into our kitchen with an elegant and luxurious design. As we brewed a pot, we were greeted with the comforting sounds of coffee bubbling and the enticing aroma that fills the room.

This coffee maker is designed to serve 4 to 12 cups, which makes it ideal for both personal and group use. The brewing process is swift, taking merely a minute per cup, and the coffee maker maintains the coffee at a constant, piping-hot serving temperature. The indicator light conveniently informs us when the coffee is ready to serve. We loved the traditional hotel-style design that adds a touch of charm to our morning routine.

As for cleaning and maintenance, it is essential to be cautious with your cleaning approach. The coffee maker is not dishwasher safe and should be washed with warm, sudsy water while avoiding steel wool and harsh abrasives. The inner fixtures, like the filter basket and perk tube, may require a brush or pipe cleaner to access and clean properly. In our experience, the power cord can be a bit cumbersome to store, but its removability does help make storage more manageable overall.

In conclusion, the Presto 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker is an excellent addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen. Its attractive design, swift brewing, and capacity to keep coffee at the ideal serving temperature make it a reliable and enjoyable percolator, despite minor cleaning and storage challenges.

Mixpresso Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator

Our experience with the Mixpresso Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator has proven it to be a great addition to our morning routine. The design itself is classic and sturdy, with a shiny, heavy-duty stainless steel body complemented by a cool-touch black handle. The coffee produced is consistently excellent, with a rich, hot, and full-flavored result that reenergizes us for the day ahead.

The percolator’s removable coffee filter has made our lives so much easier when it comes to cleaning up, as it includes a filter basket and pump tube. In addition to this, the percolator is dishwasher safe, further simplifying the cleaning process. We’ve also found it to be perfect for camping trips, as it’s adaptable to gas and ceramic stovetops, allowing us to make great coffee quickly while outdoors.

However, there are a few areas where the Mixpresso percolator could be improved. We noticed that the copper-colored paint on the bottom tends to wear away over time, so it’s important to handle it with care. It’s also incompatible with induction stovetops, which may be a drawback for those who use this type of cooktop. Moreover, we’ve found that the spring is not attached to the pole, which may make it prone to getting lost during cleaning.

Despite these minor drawbacks, we can confidently recommend the Mixpresso Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator for those seeking a stylish and efficient brewing solution, particularly when camping.

Coleman 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator

The Coleman 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator offers a reliable and easy way to brew coffee for large groups while enjoying the outdoors. It is made from durable stainless steel that resists corrosion and is easy to clean.

Using this percolator is a breeze on a camp stove, grill, or other heat sources. The 12-cup capacity ensures there’s enough coffee for everyone in your group, and the side handle makes pouring smooth and comfortable.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The glass knob on the top might be prone to cracking or chipping, so handle it with care. Additionally, for consistent brewing, make sure you fill it with at least half full of water.

Lastly, although it works on induction cooktops, it is not fully optimized for them. You may need a cast iron pan for heat transfer if using induction.

Overall, the Coleman 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator offers a practical and durable solution for enjoying fresh, hot coffee during your outdoor adventures.

Farberware 2-4-Cup Electric Percolator

Using the Farberware 2-4-Cup Electric Percolator has been a game-changer for our mornings. The cup-a-minute speed has significantly cut down the time we spend waiting for our coffee to brew. Moreover, the automatic “keep warm” function ensures our coffee stays at an optimal temperature without compromising the taste.

We appreciate the stainless steel construction of this percolator, as it not only offers durability but also adds a touch of style to our kitchen counter. The detachable cord is another practical feature, making it easy to pour coffee and store the unit when not in use. However, we did notice the lack of an indicator light to signal when the brewing process is complete – we’ve learned to listen for when the percolator quiets down as an indication.

The Farberware percolator is perfect for small households that don’t require a large coffee maker, serving up to 4 cups at a time. But if you frequently host larger gatherings, this percolator may not suffice. Additionally, be cautious when pouring coffee, as the lid can get quite hot during the brewing process.

In conclusion, the Farberware 2-4-Cup Electric Percolator is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, efficient, and stylish coffee maker that delivers delicious coffee quickly. Just be mindful of the small capacity and the hot lid.

COLETTI Bozeman Camping Coffee Pot

We’ve had the pleasure of using the COLETTI Bozeman Camping Coffee Pot recently, and we’re impressed by its construction and performance. The high-quality materials used, such as the hardwood handle and heat-toughened glass top, make it a durable and visually appealing coffee maker that works well on a campfire or stovetop. No aluminum or plastic is used in this coffee pot, and as a bonus, a pack of medical grade filters is included to keep finer grounds out of your coffee.

One issue we encountered during our time with the Bozeman coffee pot has to do with the handle getting hot when used over an open flame. This is not a deal-breaker but requires the user to be cautious and use a heat-resistant mitt or cloth to avoid burns.

As a reliable and well-constructed coffee pot, the COLETTI Bozeman is an excellent option for those seeking a camping coffee maker or a stovetop percolator for home use. Its toxin-free stainless steel design ensures you get a flavorful cup of coffee without any unhealthy materials. Please note that it may take longer to brew compared to an automated coffee maker, but the quality and flavor of the coffee are worth the wait.

SYBO 2022 UPGRADE SR-CP-50B Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Percolate Coffee Maker

We recently had the opportunity to use the SYBO 2022 UPGRADE SR-CP-50B Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Percolate Coffee Maker for a large event, and it was a fantastic choice. With its 50-cup capacity (8 liters), we could efficiently serve coffee to all our guests without constant refilling. The quality of the stainless steel material also ensured that it remains visually appealing, despite heavy use.

What we appreciated most about this coffee maker was the fact that it didn’t require paper filters. The 304 stainless steel filter basket made it easy to clean, helping us cut back on waste and save time. However, it’s worth noting that some may find the water dispenses more slowly than other models, which might be a factor to consider.

The size of the SYBO coffee maker is perfect for large events, but it might take up more counter space than desired in smaller kitchens. It is also important to know that it is designed for catering and occasional use, and not meant for permanent installation. Overall, this coffee maker proved to be an excellent investment for our catering needs and contributed to the success of our event. If you’re in search of a reliable, commercial-grade coffee maker for large gatherings, the SYBO 2022 UPGRADE SR-CP-50B is a solid choice.

Hillbond Coffee Percolator Stainless Steel Camping Coffee Pot

We’ve had the pleasure of using this Hillbond Coffee Percolator on a few camping trips recently. It’s become an essential part of our campsite experience. Designed to brew coffee outdoors over a fire or stove, it has a sturdy stainless steel construction, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of camping and outdoor use. Moreover, the hardwood handle is not only exceptionally stylish but also very practical, as it remains cool to touch and is ergonomically designed to proceed securely pour and fill.

This percolator utilizes a simple brewing process that involves placing it over a fire or stove top. The coffee comes out rich and aromatic, leaving you with a fresh cup of coffee to enjoy at any time of day. One should note that it might take longer to brew than some other methods, especially if you prefer a weaker coffee. However, this minor drawback doesn’t overshadow the convenience it brings to your outdoor coffee experience.

In summary, the Hillbond Coffee Percolator is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who frequently venture outdoors. Its durable design and heat-resistant handle make it the perfect companion for campfires and stove tops alike. While it may take a bit longer to brew than some alternatives, the end result is well worth the wait.

Buying Guide

When searching for the best coffee percolator, there are several features to consider. We’ll guide you through the most important aspects to help you make an informed decision.

First, consider the size and capacity of the percolator. Think about how many cups of coffee you typically consume or serve at once. If you often make coffee for multiple people or enjoy multiple cups yourself, you may want a larger percolator that can handle more cups per brewing cycle.

Next, material and construction are crucial factors. Quality materials, such as stainless steel or heavy-duty aluminum, are not only durable but also ensure even heat distribution for a more consistent brew. We recommend avoiding cheap, flimsy materials that might warp or break over time.

Another feature to consider is the type of percolator you prefer: stovetop or electric. Stovetop percolators can work on a variety of heating sources, but you’ll need to monitor the brewing process more closely. Electric percolators, on the other hand, offer convenience and automatic features like a timer and shut-off function but may require more counter space.

Make sure to examine the filter type as well. Permanent stainless steel mesh filters are easy to clean, more environmentally friendly, and won’t impact the taste of your coffee. In contrast, paper filters are disposable, more absorbent, and might alter the taste of your brew slightly.

Finally, assess the price range and your budget. Many quality percolators can be found at an affordable price. When balancing cost and features, keep in mind that investing in a high-quality percolator will likely result in better-tasting coffee and a longer-lasting product.

Remember, the most crucial aspect of choosing the best coffee percolator is finding one that meets your individual needs and preferences. By looking at these features carefully, we are confident that you’ll find the perfect percolator for your home or office coffee brewing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a top coffee percolator?

When searching for the best coffee percolator, consider features such as a built-in water level indicator, a clear knob on the lid to watch the brewing process, and a stainless-steel construction for durability and easy cleaning. Also, look for a percolator with an automatic keep-warm function and a detachable cord for easy storage.

How do electric percolators compare to stovetop ones?

Electric percolators offer convenience with their automatic brewing process and keep-warm functions. They often have adjustable temperature controls and are usually faster than stovetop ones. Stovetop percolators, on the other hand, give you more control over the brewing process, and they can work on various heat sources, making them ideal for camping or power outages.

What factors affect the brewing quality in a percolator?

Brewing quality in a percolator is influenced by factors such as the grind size of the coffee beans, the water-to-coffee ratio, and the brewing temperature. Using coarsely ground beans and the right water-to-coffee ratio will result in a less bitter taste, while consistent brewing temperature ensures optimal extraction of flavors.

Are there any major brand recommendations for coffee percolators?

Some of the prominent brands for coffee percolators include Farberware, Presto, Hamilton Beach, and Cuisinart. These brands offer a variety of models to cater to different preferences and budgets while maintaining high-quality brewing performance and durability.

How do I choose the right size percolator for my needs?

To select the right size percolator, consider the number of cups of coffee you typically serve at once. Percolators come in various sizes, ranging from 2-cup models for personal use to 12-cup options for large gatherings. Keep in mind that percolator cup sizes are usually smaller than standard measuring cups, so it’s a good idea to choose a slightly larger model than you think you may need.

How does a percolator brew coffee compared to other methods?

A percolator brews coffee by continuously circulating boiling water through the coffee grounds, creating a rich and robust flavor profile. It offers a more hands-on brewing experience compared to automatic drip machines, which heat and drip water through the grounds in a one-time process. While the flavor of percolator coffee tends to be stronger and more intense, it may not be ideal for those who prefer a lighter, delicate taste like that of pour-over coffee.