How to Choose the Best Percolator for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Percolator

Overview

A percolator is an essential kitchen appliance that can make a delicious cup of coffee quickly and easily. The buying guide for percolators is a comprehensive resource for buyers to understand the different types of percolators, their features, and tips for choosing the best one for their needs. It will provide helpful information on the types of percolators available, the features you should look for, and tips for brewing the perfect cup of coffee. By the end of the guide, you will have the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision and buy the right percolator for your needs.

Key features

  1. Type of Percolator – Consider whether you want a stovetop or electric percolator. Stovetop percolators require heating on a stovetop and are typically made of metal. Electric percolators plug into the wall and are made of either glass or metal.
  2. Size/Capacity of Percolator – Determine the size of percolator you need based on how many servings you want to make. Percolators are available in a range of sizes from 4-cup to 12-cup.
  3. Material of Percolator – Most percolators are either made from metal or glass. Metal percolators are less expensive but may not provide the same flavor as glass percolators.
  4. Compatibility – Make sure the percolator you choose is compatible with your stovetop or outlet in the kitchen. Electric percolators will need an outlet to plug into.
  5. Price – Consider the price of the percolator. Prices range from under $20 to over $100 depending on the size, material, and features.
  6. Features – Look for features like automatic shut-off, timer, and temperature control.
  7. Easy to Clean – Make sure the percolator you choose is easy to clean. Many percolators are dishwasher-safe.

See the most popular Percolator on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Cost - Percolators are generally more cost-effective than other brewing methods, as they typically cost less than automatic drip coffee makers.
  • Ease of Use - Percolators are very easy to use. No fancy grinders or filters are necessary; just add ground coffee and water, and you’re ready to go!
  • Full Bodied Flavor - One of the main benefits of a Percolator is that it produces a full-bodied cup of coffee with a great flavor.
  • Brewing Time - Percolators can brew coffee quickly. Depending on the size of the Percolator, it can make anywhere from one to twelve cups of coffee in less than ten minutes.
  • Retro Appeal - Percolators have a classic, vintage look and feel that many people find appealing. They also make great conversation pieces in the kitchen.

Cons

  • Cost: Percolators can be more expensive than some other coffee makers.
  • Time: It can take longer for a percolator to brew coffee than other models.
  • Noise: Percolators often make a loud bubbling and gurgling sound when brewing.
  • Heat Control: It is more difficult to control the brewing temperature with a percolator than an automatic drip coffee maker.
  • Cleaning: Percolators require more thorough cleaning than some other coffee makers.

Best alternatives

  1. French Press - A French press makes coffee by steeping coarsely ground coffee in hot water, then pressing the grounds out with a plunger.
  2. Moka Pot - A Moka pot makes espresso-style coffee by forcing hot water from the lower chamber to the upper chamber through the coffee grounds.
  3. Aeropress - An Aeropress uses a combination of pressure and time to extract the flavor from the grounds.
  4. Chemex - A Chemex uses a unique filter system to make a smooth, clean cup of coffee.
  5. Drip Coffee Maker - A drip coffee maker uses hot water to drip through the grounds and into a carafe.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Coffee Grounds - Coffee grounds needed for the percolator.
  • Heating Element - The heating element used to heat the water.
  • Carafe - The vessel used to catch the brewed coffee.
  • Filter - A filter used to strain the brewed coffee.
  • Spigot - The spigot used to dispense the brewed coffee.
  • Basket - A metal basket used to hold the coffee grounds.
  • Handle - A handle used to move the percolator around.

Common questions

  1. What are the benefits of a Percolator? A Percolator is a convenient and easy way to make a cup of coffee. It uses a combination of boiling water and gravity to extract flavor and aroma from ground coffee beans. Percolators can also produce a strong, full-bodied cup of coffee quickly and easily.
  2. What types of Percolators are available? There are two main types of percolators – electric and stove-top. Electric percolators are powered by electricity, and have a timer and thermostat to regulate the brewing time and temperature. Stove-top percolators are heated on a stove or open flame, and they require manual operation.
  3. What should I look for when buying a Percolator? When buying a percolator, you should look for one that is the right size for your needs, is easy to use, and is made of high-quality materials. Additionally, you should look for a percolator with a timer and thermostat to control the brewing time and temperature.
  4. What are the different parts of a Percolator? A percolator consists of several main parts. These include a heating element, a coffee basket, a lid, a filter, and a carafe. The heating element boils the water, the filter holds the ground coffee, the lid seals in the heat, and the carafe collects the brewed coffee.
  5. How do I clean a Percolator? Cleaning a percolator is easy. First, make sure the percolator is unplugged and cool to the touch. Then, remove all of the parts and wash them in warm, soapy water. Finally, rinse the parts thoroughly and dry them with a soft cloth.

Trivia

Percolator is the only coffee maker on the market that is named after a type of coffee itself! The word 'percolator' is derived from the Latin word 'percolare' meaning 'to filter or strain through'. The name has become a nod to the brewing process itself, as it forces boiling water up from the bottom of the pot and then filters it back down through the grounds. This process is known as ‘perking’ or ‘percolating’ and it produces a strong, full-bodied cup of coffee. Today, the term is used to describe all types of coffee makers. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_percolator.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.