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Is a coffee percolator any good for coffee brewing? Are you considering buying one? This guide takes you through a review of the best percolators for coffee brewing.  

If you’re considering buying one, we’ll look at how to make a cup of joe with a coffee percolator. You can make coffee and carry it in a coffee thermos to your office or camping. 

It can be overwhelming to choose a coffee percolator from multiple brands. We’ll simplify the process for you and list the best percolators. 

Bestseller No. 1
Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator with Keep Warm, Clear Brew Progress Knob Cool-Touch Handle Cord-less Serve, Stainless Steel
  • BREW UP TO 12 CUPS of hot, flavorful and fresh coffee or tea in less than a minute per cup. Using the simple On/Off switch and Keep Warm function, you can turn on the percolator and let it brew and switch to keep warm automatically.Filter type:Reusable
  • READY TO SERVE LIGHT indicates when Coffee Is Ready to serve. Transparent Brew Progress Knob allows you to view brewing cycle and includes Dishwasher safe Stainless Steel permanent filter basket
  • WRAP AROUND CORD STORAGE and non-slip feet as well as 360° swivel base for Easy Tabletop Cord-Free Serving. This makes the Percolator completely portable and you can serve coffee away from the kitchen if you wish
  • VERSATILITY IN USE: Instantly brew hot coffee in under 5-minutes! Heat up to 12 Cups of Water for Tea, Hot Cocoa, Oatmeal or Hot Cereals!
  • ERGONOMIC STYLE & DESIGN: Features a Cool Touch Handle and Snap-on Lid, plus a precision pouring spout and stainless steel exterior makes the perfect addition to any home kitchen
Bestseller No. 2
Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Electric Percolator Coffee Maker, Stainless Steel, Quick Brew, Easy Pour Spout (40616R)
  • BREW GREAT-TASTING: The percolator automatically brews rich, flavorful coffee that makes for a perfect morning. The electric percolator is also great for heating up to 12 cups of water for tea, hot cocoa or instant coffee.
  • BREW UP TO 12 CUPS FAST AND KEEP IT HOT: This electric percolator brews 2 to 12 cups of coffee at a cup-a-minute rate. It then keeps the coffee piping hot for serving without scorching.
  • ELEGANT COFFEE SERVICE: The 12 cup coffee percolator has an attractive, traditional design with easy-pour spout and cool-touch handle to make serving easy. It's portable with a removable cord, ideal for cord-free service at the table and for easy storage.
  • DURABLE & EASY TO CLEAN: The coffee percolator is made from quality stainless steel to last for years to come. The brew basket and stem are also made from stainless steel rather than aluminum, and they are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
  • KNOW WHEN COFFEE IS READY: The indicator light on the base illuminates to let you know when coffee is ready.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Presto 02815 12-Cup Cordless Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator - Modern Design, Easy Pour Spout, Stay-Cool Handle, Matte-Black
  • RAPID BREWING: Our coffee percolator is designed to brew exceptional coffee, hot and rich, as fast as a cup a minute. The glass cover lets you view coffee as it brews and the signal light indicates when coffee is ready to serve
  • MODERN DESIGN: Stainless steel pot with modern, matte-black exterior. Stainless steel perk tube, grounds basket, and lid
  • CORDLESS SERVING: The pot easily removes from the power base, allowing you to carry and pour your coffee without any cords getting in the way of entertaining
  • VERSATILE BREWING CAPACITY: From solo mornings to group gatherings, our coffee maker adapts, brewing 4 to 12 cups effortlessly, catering to your desired serving size
  • EFFORTLESS CLEANING & SERVING: The stainless steel construction allows for quick and easy cleanup, saving you time and effort. The easy-pour spout and stay-cool handle ensure a seamless pour and a comfortable grip

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

So, let’s get straight into the review.

What Should You Consider When Choosing A Coffee Percolator

cup of coffee
Source: Unsplash

Selecting a coffee percolator is not as easy. Make sure you follow these tips to make the best selection:

Stovetop or electric

The choice to buy an electric or stovetop percolator depends on you. A stovetop percolator is better if you want to control the brewing process. 

An electric percolator is easy to use and fast. You only need to add water and ground coffee, then plug it into a socket. However, with a stovetop percolator, that’s not the case. 

You need to control and monitor how long coffee takes to percolate. But, there are drawbacks and advantages to using each. If you’re considering buying one, we will highlight the pros and cons of each. 

The best coffee percolator for camping is one that works on a stovetop. Make sure you check the stovetop compatibility before purchasing.  

Size

Another essential factor to check when buying a coffee percolator pot is the size. What is its capacity? Can you use it to make 2 cups, 4 cups, 6 cups, or 12 cups of coffee?

If you’re planning to serve coffee to multiple people, you will need a percolator with a large capacity. Most brands have different sizes for coffee lovers to select from.  

Another size consideration is storage. If you have limited space, you will need a smaller percolator. 

Features

The price of a coffee maker is dependent on its features. Which features will you look for when buying a coffee percolator? First is the material used for the design. It can be stainless steel or aluminum. 

The material used to design the coffee percolator pot increases its durability. Other features to check are ease of cleaning, signal indicator, and keep-warm function. 

Price

Coffee percolators have varying prices. They are less expensive compared to most coffee makers. You can compare the prices and buy one that is more affordable. 

Best Coffee Percolators To Buy In 2022

The two types of coffee percolators are – stovetop and electric percolators. A stovetop percolator is designed for use on a stovetop, while an electric one has a cable to connect it to a power socket. 

Depending on your preference, they both make a quality cup of joe. So, let’s find out more about these percolators.

1. Primula Today Aluminum Stove Top Percolator

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do you need a coffee percolator for camping? The Primula percolator is best for home coffee brewing or campsite. It has a large capacity of up to 9 cups. 

To use the stovetop percolator, add water into the lower chamber, add ground coffee to the filter, then place it on a stovetop. Primula recommends using low to medium heat with the percolator.

Its modern design features a non-drip spout and a heat-resistant handle. When making coffee, position the handle away from the heat source to avoid burning it. The Primula coffee percolator is cheap compared to buying an automatic coffee maker. 

Pros
  • It’s a fast brewer that makes coffee within a few minutes.
  • It works on most stovetops – ceramic, gas, electric, and propane.
  • It saves you money instead of buying coffee.
  • The heat-resistant handle provides a firm grip and prevents you from burning.
  • It is durable. It’s made of aluminum which allows for even heat distribution.
  • The coffee percolator is stylish and comes with a matching lid.
Cons
  • It does not have an auto shut-off. You can burn coffee from over-extraction.

2. GSI Coffee Percolator

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The coffee percolator is compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetops. It has a capacity of upto 12 cups, and coffee lovers can choose from multiple colors. 

It has an unbreakable resin cap to monitor your coffee brewing. Whether you need to make your coffee while camping, at home, or cabin, the Gsi coffee percolator pot has got you back. 

It is made of heavy-gauge steel. For durability, it is kiln-hardened twice at 1000 degrees. The percolator has a 3-ply construction to increase heat distribution. 

Pros
  • The GSI percolator is dishwasher safe.
  • You can select an 8-cup or 12-cup capacity.
  • Its sturdy structure can withstand chipping and scratches.
  • The resin cap is unbreakable. You can monitor coffee brewing and adjust the temperature.
  • It’s convenient for backpacking, kitchen, and campsite.
Cons
  • It does not have an indicator to signal when coffee is ready. It could lead to over-extraction or under-extraction.

3. Eurolux Percolator Coffee Maker Pot – 12 Cups

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Eurolux coffee percolator pot brews upto 12 cups of coffee. But, you can select the 9-cup size if you want a smaller capacity. It is made of Teflon-free, high-quality stainless steel and has a wooden handle. 

If you need a coffee percolator for camping, you may want to consider one from Eurolux. You do not need to plug it into an electricity source as it works on stovetops. 

To use finely ground coffee, it comes with filters to prevent the grounds from falling into the percolating coffee. 

Pros
  • It is safe to wash in a dishwasher.
  • The wooden handle on the coffee percolator pot protects the hands of the barista from burning.
  • The stainless steel material is BPA-free.
  • It’s suitable for traveling, camping, or home coffee-brewing
  • It has a modern design.
Cons
  • The wooden handle can burn on high heat.

4. Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic Percolator

Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator, Black/Stainless

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Do you love a hot cup of percolated coffee? The Cuisinart percolator is made of stainless steel material. It conveniently brews upto 12 cups of coffee.  

The electric percolator has an ergonomic handle and a knuckle guard to protect you from burning. To make coffee, you need to connect it to a power source. It features a knob with a transparent view for baristas to see the coffee percolating. 

The coffee percolator electric has a modern design. It has a light signal to indicate when coffee is ready to drink. The detachable cord comes in handy during storage and serving coffee. 

Pros
  • You can brew 4 to 12 cups of coffee.
  • It has a non-drip spout.
  • The filter basket has measurement marking on the side. It guides you on the amount of ground coffee to use for coffee brewing.
  • The bottom of the coffee sits on surfaces without scarring. You can use it on smooth countertops or kitchen tables comfortably.
Cons
  • The transparent knob is made of plastic and breaks easily.

5. Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric Coffee Percolator

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

To make coffee with percolator, you may want to consider modern designs. The coffee percolator from Elite Gourmet has a keep warm function. This feature helps to keep your coffee hot after brewing.

It has an on/off switch that turns the coffee maker on and automatically switches to the keep warm function. The 360 degrees swivel base helps to wrap the cord for storage. 

You can serve coffee with the coffee maker and drink it while it is still hot. The transparent brew knob on the coffee percolator pot lets you monitor the progress of your coffee as it brews. 

Elite Gourmet percolator has a stainless steel exterior, snap-on lid, and a cool-touch handle. 

Pros
  • It is safe to clean in a dishwasher.
  • After coffee brewing, it switches to keep warm function automatically.
  • The 12-cup capacity makes it convenient for serving a crowd.
  • The electric coffee percolator makes coffee within 5 minutes.
  • Its versatility allows you to brew coffee and boil water for tea, cocoa, or hot cereals.
  • It is portable.
Cons
  • It’s not ideal for camping. You need to plug the cord into a power source.

6. Farberware FCP412 Percolator

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It’s fast to make coffee with percolator. The Farberware percolator has a speed of a cup-a-minute. You can brew coffee for multiple servings, as it makes upto 12 coffee cups. 

The stainless steel exterior makes it attractive. If you’re looking for an appealing design that’s attractive to have in your kitchen, the Farberware coffee percolator electric has got you sorted. 

It’s portable. You can use it for serving as it has a detachable cord. The automatic keep-warm function keeps your coffee hot after brewing. It comes with a pump tube, stainless steel basket, lid, and spreader.

Pros
  • It makes coffee rich in flavor and aroma.
  • The coffee percolator handle protects your hands from burning.
  • It has a detachable cord.
  • It’s durable and made of stainless steel.
  • Automatic keep-warm functions retain the temperature of the freshly brewed coffee.
Cons
  • It does not have a transparent knob to monitor the coffee brewing.
  • Some reviewers complained the plastic bottom had a meltdown

7. Presto 02822 6-Cup Coffee Percolator

Presto 02822 6-Cup Stainless-Steel Coffee Percolator

Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Presto percolator has a traditional design and stainless steel body. You can brew 2-6 coffee cups with the electric coffee percolator.  

It has a 1-year warranty. Unlike the coffee percolator stovetop, the Presto percolator has a ready-to-serve signal. It makes a percolating sound when brewing coffee

It brews coffee by circulating hot water on the ground coffee. The percolator has a stay-cool bottom and an automatic keep-warm function. 

Pros
  • The signal indicates when the coffee is ready for serving.
  • The stay-cool handle protects your hands from burning.
  • It features a drip-free spout.
  • The ready-to-serve feature signals when the coffee is ready to serve.
  • Automatically keeps your coffee hot after brewing.
Cons
  • It is not suitable for multiple servings.

How to Make Coffee With Percolator

coffee percolator
Image Source: Pexels

Making coffee with a coffee percolator is simple but may require some skill. It’s not as easy as using a single-serve coffee maker where you add water and place the coffee pod. 

Most of them, especially the coffee percolator stovetop, do not have a keep-warm function or auto on/off feature. So, how do you use a coffee percolator to make coffee?

What you need

  1. Ground coffee
  2. Filtered water
  3. Electric or stovetop coffee percolator

Brewing Method

Add water into the coffee percolator and place the stem. Add ground coffee into the filter basket and place it on the stem. 

Place the lid on the percolator. Use medium to low heat if you’re using a stovetop, or plug it into a power source for an electric percolator. 

As the water heats up, it forms bubbles. The water bubbles float to the water surface as the water begins to boil. As water travels up the stem, it splashes on the ground coffee, and percolating begins within minutes. 

Most electric coffee percolators have the auto-off feature. After the brewing completes, the percolator switches automatically to the keep warm function. A stovetop percolator does not have this feature. You will need to turn off the heat source. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you know a coffee percolator is done brewing? 

Some electric percolators come with a ready-to-pour signal. If you’re using one, it will notify you when coffee is ready. However, you can use a timer for a stovetop as it does not have a signal indicator. You have to turn off the heat source. Otherwise, it continues to over-extract. 

Which is the recommended grind size to use with a percolator?

Coarse grind size is the best. The finely ground coffee may pass into the percolating coffee. Besides, fine grinds may over-extract, resulting in a bitter brew. 

Final Verdict

Coffee percolators have different designs. You can pick a stovetop or electric percolator from multiple brands. They are more affordable to buy than most coffee makers. 

You can make coffee at home or at a campsite. To brew coffee, avoid using finely ground coffee. Use coarse ground coffee. A drawback to using a coffee percolator is that it could make bitter coffee from over-extraction. 

Coffee percolators can be electric or stovetop. Make sure you check the price and features before making a purchase. 

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