Coffee percolators have a long history in the coffee industry. However, it has been gradually replaced by modern drip coffee makers, pour-overs, and many other new brewing methods in the past decades.
Many people think coffee percolators make bitter coffee brews. At the same time, that’s exactly what some coffee drinkers are looking for – robust and full-bodied coffee!
If you are one of them and interested in trying this classic coffee brewing method, read on. It can be confusing with both stovetop and electric percolators and many options available on the market.
This article will guide you through and narrow down your list so that you can find the best coffee percolator.
What Is A Coffee Percolator?
A coffee percolator makes coffee by circulating hot water through the coffee grounds. The percolator consists of a kettle-like coffee pot and a specially designed coffee basket with a vertical tube attached to it.
Brewing coffee with a percolator is simple: You add water to the coffee pot and then add coffee grounds to the upper basket. Place the tubes and basket into the pot and cover the lid. Next, heat the coffee percolator and wait for the magic to happen.
When you heat your percolator, water will boil in the bottom and create bubbles, which go through the tubes, forcing hot water up to the upper basket. Hot water reaches the ground coffee, extracts the flavor, and then drips back to the bottom because of gravity. This process happens several times until you get the strength you like. In the end, you will get the coffee like the one you make with a drip coffee maker, but a much stronger version.
We shared another guide about how to use a coffee percolator. Check it out for more details.
Stovetop percolators are ideal to use both at home and outdoors. If you prefer a more convenient brewing experience, electric percolators are also available.
Coffee Percolator Vs Moka Pot
Both a coffee percolator and a Moka pot are popular stovetop coffee makers that make strong coffee. Many people even think they are the same things. However, they make coffee with a different tastes, and they do it in different ways.
Mok pots use hot steam pressure to produce an espresso-like coffee called “stovetop espresso.” A Moka pot also has a basket with a tube, but it has a different structure compared to a stovetop coffee percolator. You fill the lower chamber with water, put the coffee grounds in the filter, and place it in the middle. The delicious coffee will end up in the upper chamber.
Moka pots make concentrated espresso-style coffee. During the brewing, water only extracts the grounds once. Coffee percolators make strong drip-style coffee. Boiling water and brewed coffee extract the grounds multiple times.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make your morning joe while outdoors or camping, these two methods will help you get the job done. Previously we compared the Moka pot vs percolator in detail.
So if you are interested in buying a coffee percolator, don’t choose a Moka pot by mistake. They are not the same.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Coffee Percolator
Before venturing into a new coffee brewing journey, you may want to consider the following.
Stovetop or Electric Percolators?
A stovetop coffee percolator is a common solution for outdoor uses since it does not require a power outlet. The brewing process occurs from the heat provided by a gas range, a grill, or electricity. You brew coffee manually, giving you more control over your coffee taste.
However, you should be careful to remove the coffee from the heat without getting over-or under-extracted.
Electric coffee percolators are ideal for home brewing. You won’t need to observe it until the coffee is finished brewing. It generally has an internal sensor to prevent the coffee from heating above its temperature, or it might shut off automatically at the end of the process. It’s more convenient but not that portable.
Also, some electric models have an automatic keep-warm function to keep your coffee warm.
Materials
Aluminum, stainless, steel, and enamel coffee percolators are more common.
Aluminum percolators are durable and lightweight, which are suitable for outdoors. This material has better heat conduction, reducing the brewing time.
Stainless steel percolators retain heat well and keep coffee warm for longer than enamel, aluminum, and glass. They are straightforward to clean. Electric percolators are generally made of this material.
Enamel is a solid material; however, it might break if dropped on a hard surface. It retains heat well, and it comes in different colors. The enamel percolator is less expensive than stainless steel and more durable than glass.
Glass percolators are the least common option. It has a unique design with stronger glass but is still easily breakable. Also, your coffee won’t stay hot for long since it doesn’t retain heat well. However, it’s fun to watch how the coffee is brewed.
Capacity
Decide whether you need a smaller percolator to make 2 or 3 cups for yourself or make a larger batch for more people. A common option is one that makes 8 and 12, or extra-large ones to make 14 cups or more. Please keep in mind that some manufacturers refer to a 5-ounce cup instead of an 8 oz cup.
Speed
If you want the coffee at your hand in only 5 minutes, then the stovetop percolator is the ideal choice. It provides more control over brewing speed. In comparison, you may not set the brew time if you use an electric percolator. It generally takes up to 10 minutes to brew.
10 Best Coffee Percolators – Including Stovetop And Electric Coffee Percolators
1. COLETTI Bozeman Camping Coffee Pot
Product Specifications
- Type: Stovetop
- Brew Capacity: 9 or 12 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, glass, hardwood
This percolator coffee pot is a high-quality and durable option made of 18-gauge stainless steel and hardwood. It doesn’t have any aluminum or plastic parts, making it toxic-free. You will drink a warm coffee even after a long time since it retains heat well. It is designed to be used indoors and outdoors in the most challenging environment.
The Bozeman, this simple, lightweight, and efficient stovetop percolator is a must if you are frequently camping. This percolator contains a tempered glass top and a heat-resistant hardwood handle. It is available in 9 and 12-cup models.
What’s more, this model comes with a 20-pack of coffee filters and a lifetime replacement guarantee. It is dishwasher safe, though some say that the wooden handle might degrade when washed there. Bozeman is gas, electric, and grill-compatible.
2. Farberware Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
Product Specifications
- Type: Stovetop
- Brew Capacity: 8, 12 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, glass
Farberware’s Yosemite is a heavy-duty, durable stovetop coffee percolator made of stainless steel. It produces four to eight cups using the gravity brewing method. There is a 12-cup model available as well. It looks nice on your countertop with a polished mirror finish.
This Farberware percolator contains a tightly fitted lid and a transparent glass knob that helps monitor brew. It features a comfortable handle with a balanced grip that makes the pouring of hot coffee easy. You have water marks inside and outside the kettle so that you know exactly how much water you should fill.
The coffee percolator has a permanent, removable coffee filter that avoids any paper waste. However, fine particles may drop into the final brew. It is easy to clean since it is dishwasher safe. Just pay attention to the glass knob on top. It’s easy to break if you don’t place it well.
3. Stanley Camp Percolator
Product Specifications
- Type: Stovetop
- Brew Capacity: 6 cups
- Material: Stainless steel, silicone
This Stanley Camp is a perfect coffee percolator to use outdoors since it is lightweight, and you can easily carry it wherever you travel. It is very durable, feels sturdy, and retains heat well because it is made of stainless steel. Stanley is a reputable brand that has been making great vacuum bottles for outdoors enthusiasts since 1913.
The 6-cup percolator features a removable silicon cool grip that maintains a safe temperature. It prevents burning and makes the pouring process easy. However, you should always be careful when you heat the pot on an open flame.
You can easily use it and quickly make coffee for all your friends. It is easy to clean it since it is 100% dishwasher safe.
This model might be a bit expensive but worth it, and it comes with a lifetime warranty from Stanley.
4. Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator
Product Specifications
- Type: Electric Percolator
- Brew Capacity:12 cups
- Material: Stainless steel
The Cuisinart PRC-12 is a classic electric percolator that delivers 4 to 12 cups of flavorful coffee perfectly every time. This percolator has a stainless steel body, which means it is durable and easy to clean.
It features an ergonomic stay-cool handle, knuckle guard, and no-drip spout so you can pour your fresh coffee precisely and easily. This coffee percolator contains a transparent knob on top, which tracks the brewing process.
Once your brew is done, the indicator light shows on, so you get notified your coffee is ready. This electric model has a detachable cord, so you can move the pot around and serve the coffee. The bottom of the percolator has the stay-cool so that you can put it on any surface.
If you want to enjoy your traditional coffee in a modern way, this electric coffee percolator is worth trying.
5. Primula Today Aluminum Stove Top Percolator
Product Specifications
- Type: Stovetop
- Brew Capacity: 9 cups
- Material: Aluminum
This easy-to-use, easy-to-clean percolator is perfect for any coffee lover who wants to start their day on the right foot. This model has a classic and simplistic design. It’s made of aluminum, which means it’s durable and lightweight, easy to carry anywhere you need it to go. It also takes less time to heat up since the material has better heat conduction.
Primula also has a sturdy, stay-cool handle and a lipped spout so you can pour your cup without spilling any coffee along the way. The percolator makes up to 9 cups of coffee at once, so if you’re looking for something that can serve a crowd at a picnic, then this is for you.
It is electric, ceramic, gas, grill compatible, and other glass surface heat sources. This aluminum coffee percolator comes at an affordable price, which helps you save money, and time. However, the drawback is that aluminum is not dishwasher safe, so you should wash it by hand.
6. GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot
Product Specifications
- Type: Stovetop
- Brew Capacity: 8 to 12 cups
- Material: Enamel, Aluminum
This elegant, durable, and versatile coffee pot is the perfect way to brew up a fresh batch of your favorite hot beverage. The enamelware body is easy to clean and will last for years without rusting or deteriorating.
The GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator Coffee Pot is great for camping because it’s so lightweight and portable. You can even throw it in your backpack if you’re going on an extended camping trip! It contains an unbreakable cap, so you can notice coffee as it is made.
This stovetop has a three-ply construction which increases heat distribution, and you can use it for cooking as well. It produces 8 to 12 cups of tasty coffee. Thanks to the enamel finish, you are not limited to the common steel color; more stylish color options are available.
7. GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot
Product Specifications
- Type: Stovetop
- Brew Capacity: 3, 6, 9, and 12 cups
- Material: Stainless steel
If the Enamel version from GSI Outdoors doesn’t fit you, try their stainless steel percolator. It is perfect for your next camping trip or backpacking adventure. The pot features stainless steel and ultra-rugged design construction that withstands harsh handling.
It features a heat-resistant silicone handle and stays cool to the touch for easy pouring. The coffee percolator contains a PercView knob as well, which allows you to gauge your brew. You can find it in four sizes: 3, 6, 9, and 12 cups. The small capacity makes it the best single-serve option if you mainly enjoy the coffee yourself.
8. Stansport Aluminum Percolator Coffee Pot
Product Specifications
- Type: Stovetop
- Brew Capacity: 9 or 20 cups
- Material: High gloss polished aluminum
The Stansport Aluminum Percolator Coffee Pot is the ideal camping companion, whether going deep into the woods or relaxing on your patio. It’s made from durable high gloss polished aluminum, so it can withstand the elements and keep your coffee hot for hours.
This coffee percolator heats very quickly, and it is lightweight, so you won’t worry about carrying it with you. You can choose between 9 cups or 20 cups capacity options.
It allows complete control over the brewing process by adjusting your coffee amount, brewing heat, or time. This model makes a tasty “traditional” coffee.
This model has both top and side handles, making it the best option for camping since you can hang it over the campfire.
9. Medelco One All 8-Cup Capacity Stovetop Glass Percolator
Product Specifications
- Type: Stovetop
- Brew Capacity: 8 cups
- Material: Borosilicate glass
The Medelco One All is a coffee percolator that brews 8 cups at once. It is made from laboratory-quality borosilicate glass, making it easy to clean and maintain. Also, it is easier to identify the preferred coffee-water ratio and coffee color visually.
This model is for use on electricity and any gas stove. It features a stay-cool grip handle which means you are safe from burns. This coffee percolator comes at an affordable price which is worth it. It’s easy to clean, thanks to the dishwasher-safe design. However, the glass pot is not as durable as other metal models.
10. Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Electric Percolator Coffee Maker
Product Specifications
- Type: Electric Percolator
- Brew Capacity: 12 cups
- Material: Stainless steel
Hamilton Beach makes great electric coffee makers. This percolator has the same quality standard. It is a durable, high-quality coffee percolator made of stainless steel. It delivers between 2 and 12 cups of amazing-tasting coffee, keeping them hot for longer.
This electric percolator has an attractive and elegant design with a cool-stay handle and an easy-pour spout. You can easily make the perfect coffee since it has measurement marks inside, which will help you with the amount of coffee and water.
There is an indicator light on the base of the percolator, so it notifies you when the coffee is made. It has a detachable cord, which works best for service, and easy storage.
The Verdict
While choosing the best coffee percolators is a matter of personal tastes, what matters most is that you buy a percolator that will serve you right. It is essential to know whether you will use it only at home, at a picnic, or camping?
Overall, the best stovetop percolator is Coletti Bozeman, a high-quality and durable percolator. What we love most about this stovetop is the lightweight, efficiency, and delivery of long-lasting warm coffee. You can use this stovetop both indoors and outdoors.
Meanwhile, the best electric coffee percolator is Cuisinart Stainless-steel which is durable and retains heat well. It features an ergonomic handle and a no-drip spout to pour your fresh coffee precisely. This model has a detachable cord and an indicator light to show you when the coffee is ready.
Ready to enjoy a cup of tasty coffee?
