Best Coffee Percolator [14 Best Stovetop & Electric Models Reviewed]

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The coffee machine has become one of the most important pieces of kitchen equipment today, whether it be in the home or at the workplace, we all love a quick, easy and great tasting cup of Joe.

But what if you are a person who loves the great outdoors and also still wants to enjoy a nice cup of coffee?

You can’t exactly drag your coffee machine around with you, can you?

That is where the old trusty and reliable coffee percolator comes in.

The coffee percolator takes us back to a time when brewing coffee used to be seen as much more of an art.

Some see coffee percolators as being an old fashioned way of making coffee but, while this technique has been around for centuries, it still works with great success and is much the same as using a moka pot.

It seems like another lifetime ago that coffee percolators were all the rage, but they were mainstays in millions of American kitchens from the early 1900’s to the 1970’s.

Unfortunately the rise of better tasting instant coffee and the rise of faster,  more efficient drip coffee makers spelt the beginning of the end for the beloved percolator. 

However, there are still plenty of people around who still enjoy the old coffee percolator.

There is no denying that using a coffee percolator gives off that stunningly beautiful coffee smell, which just leaves us craving coffee more than ever.

Yet there is the slight issue of the coffee becoming over-extracted, which a lot of people are not a fan of.

When it comes to using your ground coffee in the coffee percolator, you do manage to get all the goodness of the coffee, with the good coffee compounds and the delicious flavours disolving into the water.

At the same time though, we also get some of the bad ones too, which is not ideal for the biggest coffee lovers around.

In order to combat this issue, you just have to have the time and patience to keep a watchful eye on your coffee as it is brewing.

Too often, people will walk away and leave it on the stove, only to return when they hear it is boiling.

If you really want your coffee to be perfect, then you really do need to keep an eye on it.

The best way that you can possibly try and stop the over extraction of your coffee, when using a coffee percolator, is to lower the heat of the stove when it is getting too hot, in order to prevent it from boiling.

Alternatively, just make sure that you take it off the before it begins to boil.

Three Potential Buyers of a Coffee Percolator?

Of course, anyone and everyone can buy a coffee percolator if they so wish, but there are three main groups of people who tend to be the biggest fans of the humble percolator.  

Coffee Percolator Devotees

The first group of fans, are a group of people that I have labelled as devotees.

As I mentioned earlier, coffee percolators were incredibly popular for most of the twentieth century.

Tens of millions of Americans were born and raised in households that in part were “powered” by coffee made in percolators. 

And many of these people still love nothing more than a cup of coffee made in a percolator. 

After spending so many of their years growing up with a coffee percolator in their home, it is no surprise that they want to stick with what they know and keep their routine to what has always worked for them.

If it is not broke, then don’t fix it, and so these people see no real reason to change their ways, and why should they.

If they don’t subscribe to the latest trends in the coffee brewing world, such as the K Cups, Nespresso Capsules, or the single serve machines, they why would they choose them over what they know and love?C

Adventurers

The second group of people who are likely to want to choose a coffee percolator over a coffee machine, are those who love the great outdoors and want to enjoy a good quality cup of coffee while sitting around the campfire or during a long day of hiking. 

Coffee Purists

Finally we have the coffee purists, who like to try any and every technique possible in coffee brewing, in their everlasting quest to find that elusive perfect cup of Joe.

A coffee purist will have a number of different machines and contraptions, making different types of coffee with different techniques, and you can guarantee that they will have a coffee percolator in their life.

Advantages of a Coffee Percolator

Coffee percolators have many advantages and in this section I will discuss the six most important. 

Brews at a High Temperature 

The first advantage of coffee percolators is that they brew coffee with water which is almost boiling hot and that is the ideal temperature for coffee to be brewed at. 

This is in complete contrast to many other popular methods of brewing coffee in which the water used to brew the coffee is cooler than this.

These methods include many single serve coffee makers and the pour over method. 

Brews Stronger Coffee

The time that it takes a percolator to brew a coffee, compared to other brewing methods, is quite long.

The increased time that the hot water and the coffee grounds spend together leads to a stronger cup of coffee because the grounds have transferred more of their goodness to the water. 

More Flavor

See point above!

Brewing Control

Coffee percolators are simple machines and this gives a user an incredible amount of control.

The first way in which you can experiment is with the ratio of coffee grinds and water.

Next, with stovetop models you can experiment with the temperature of the hob, which will affect the time it takes the coffee to percolate. 

And finally, you can experiment with the time that you decide to stop the percolation. 

 Many inexperienced users of coffee percolators, wander off after they have turned the stove on and only return to it when they have heard it bubbling away for 15 seconds or so.

This approach 

Wanderlust

Because percolators are such simple machines which do not rely on electricity and because many models are built from durable stainless steel or enamel, they are ideal for coffee nuts who love camping, hiking or the outdoors in general. 

Disadvantages of Coffee Percolators

  • Over-Extraction
  • Temperature Control
  • Slow Brewing Time
  • Difficult to Master
  • Easily Messy
  • Difficult to Clean

Buying Guide for Coffee Percolators

What to Look for in a Coffee Percolator

If you are someone who is not too familiar with a coffee percolator but you are interested in purchasing one, then there are a few things that you will need to look out for and be aware of.

Below is a list of some of the best features which you should bare in mind when buying a coffee percolator.

Type

Percolators come in two main styles- stove top or electric.

Stove top percolators are designed to be placed on a stove and heated via a gas flame or an electric ring.

Electric percolators come with an electrical lead and a wall plug and are powered by mains electric.

Material

Most leading coffee percolators are made from either stainless steel or borosilicate glass.

A much smaller number are made from a coated enamel.

If you are going to use your percolator in the kitchen, then the choice is between stainless steel and borosilicate glass. 

The biggest difference between these two materials is how they look. Will a stainless steel or glass percolator suit your kitchen more?

It might be stating the obvious but stainless steel is a more robust material than glass.

And so, if you have a tendency to be a bit clumsy (I know that I do), stainless steel has got to be your first choice.

Coated enamel percolators were originally designed for outdoor use- just think about some of those Westerns that you have watched with the cowboys sitting around the camp fire. 

It is a tougher exterior than stainless steel, protecting the percolator from all the knocks and scrapes that come with being carried and used “here, there and everywhere!”

Handle

The last thing that you want to happen just as your coffee is ready to pour is to pick up the percolator only to squeal in shock at how hot your hand feels.

Your percolator needs a stay cool or heat resistant handle.

Most models in my comparison have plastic handles which are an almost perfect material because of how heat resistant they are.

The one issue with plastic is that it melts when hot.

If you are ordering a stove top percolator, make sure that the handle is not over a naked flame!

Tight Fitting Lid

A coffee percolator can only work at its best if it has a tight fitting lid which locks the heat in.

And a tight fitting lid is also a necessary safety feature because as you are pouring your coffee, the lid won’t fall off and potentially burn you. 

Clear Knob

This feature might surprise you and it did bewilder me at first.

If you are buying a stainless steel percolator, look for one with a transparent knob on top of the lid.

This is for all you eagle eyed percolator fans out there who like to watch the percolation, step by step. 

Metal Filter

Most top selling models of coffee percolators have highly effective metal filters as standard. 

This is fantastic because it saves you having to buy single use paper filters and if you are taking your percolator on a camping trip, it is one less item that you need to remember to take.  

  • Cleaning: Dishwasher Proof
  • Pouring: An Easy Pour Spout

Key Features of an Electric Percolator

  • Coffee Ready Light
  • Keep Warm Temperature
  • Detachable Cord
  • Stay Cool Plastic Base

[1] Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee Percolator

Details

Features

While the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee Percolator is a mouthful to say, it also gives you a great mouthful of coffee.

It might not be the most beautiful to look at but it is definitely practical, with the stainless steel casing being accompanied by a stay cool handle.

This coffee maker is easy to use, delivers great flavours and as it is available for a reasonable price, it really is money well spent.

While it is easy to see how this is perfect for those of you who love to go camping, it is also versatile enough that you could also use it at home.

Features

  • Easy-Grip Stay-Cool Handle
  • Design Compliments Any Home Kitchen Set
  • Brews an Impressive 8-Cups
  • Easy to Clean and Dishwasher Safe
  • Durable and Versatile
  • Fixed Filter Basket
  • High Quality Stainless Steel
  • Perfect for Camping
  • Lifetime Warranty

Like it? Buy Here

[2] Euro Cuisine Electric Percolator 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Pot Maker

Details

Features

Rise and shine and start your day the right way, with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee from the Euro Cuisine 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Pot Maker.

The colour and design make it perfect for any home and from the recent reviews it seems like it is also perfect for newbies to coffee percolators.

At $80 it is a bit on the higher end of the market but if you are someone who values the rich and fresh aroma of a morning cup of coffee, then this is still definitely worth the money.

If you want that delicious flavour ready for you in the morning, then you can set it up at night, put on the timer and wake up to a freshly brewed cup of Joe.

Features

  • Rich, Steaming Hot Coffee
  • Keeps the Coffee Warm
  • Glass Peek Knob Top
  • Easy to Pour
  • Easy to Clean
  • Looks Good in the Kitchen
  • Easy to Use
  • Brews 12-Cups of Coffee
  • Drip Free Spout
  • Stay-Cool Handle

Intrigued? Buy one here

[3] Hamilton Beach 40616 Stainless-Steel 12-Cup Electric Percolator

Details

Features

At 12 cups of coffee a time, the Hamilton Beach 40616 Stainless Steel Electric Percolator delivers a nice big batch of fresh tasting coffee.

The price is a bit of a tricky one, since it seems to range from $30 to $50 depending on where you are buying it.

If you can get it for $30 then you have a bargain on your hands.

With the mirror chrome finish, this does not look out of place in any kitchen and, with the the detachable cord, it is easy to put away in the cupboard if you do not want it left out on the side.

Speaking of the cord though, the lead is quite short, which has caused issues for some people, while others have complained about it look “cheap”.

But, at $30 this is definitely value for money.

Features

  • Delicious Hot Coffee
  • Easy to Pour, Drip Free Spout
  • Auto Keep Warm
  • Chrome Mirror Finish
  • Ready to Serve Light
  • Detachable Cord
  • Permanent Filter Basket
  • Easy to Clean
  • Easy to Use

Interested? Find out more

[4] Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator (12 Cup)

Details

Features

The best thing about the Coleman 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator has to be the fact that it is not only perfect for those of you who love the outdoors but it is also perfect for home use too.

Also, while it is promoted as a 12-Cup Coffee Maker, you can actually get 14 cups out of it.

The downside to this Coffee Percolator has to be the fact that it is actually quite fragile and, if you do not read the instructions properly, it is likely that you will experience some sort of crack or break.

As well as that, the grounds filter also leaves a lot to be desired. With that said though, at a price ranging between $30 and $50, you could do a lot worse that this.

Features

  • Brews 14 Cups (More than the 12 advertised)
  • Free Replacement for Broken Parts
  • Made from Stainless Steel
  • Brews a Consistent Cup of Coffee
  • Quick to Brew
  • Easy to Clean
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to Use
  • Perfect for Camping
  • Ideal for the Kitchen

Buy a Coleman 12 cup percolator here

[5] Medelco 1-PK008-BL 8-Cup Glass Stovetop Percolator


Details

Features

If you are someone who is looking for a good coffee percolator for your home, at a good price, then this glass percolator could well be the one for you.

However, if you are someone who is looking for camping coffee, then you are going to want to find something which is stainless steel, so not this.

Some people have complained that the quality of the Medelco 8-Cup Percolator is lacking and that the cap is susceptible to breaking, as well as not being pleased that it is plastic on the inside. But the fact that you can pick one of these up for less than $20 makes it worth the gamble.

Features

  • Lab Quality Borosilicate Glass
  • Heat-Tolerant Stay-Cool Handle
  • High Quality Coffee
  • Dishwasher Safe
  • Brews 8 Cups
  • Thermal Shock Resistance
  • Easy to Use
  • Easy to Clean
  • Durable Pot

Buy a Mendelco glass percolator here

[6] Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker

Details

Features

There have been a few people who have had a few issues with the Presto 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker, with some moaning about the aluminium nut inside, while others have complained about it being too loud.

While these are definitely things to consider, there are also plenty of positives for it.

This coffee maker has a design which is a throwback to the percolators of old, so if you are into the retro things, and you love a fresh tasting cup of coffee, then you should definitely consider this.

The coffee tastes great, it is easy to use, and at around $40 you could do a heck of a lot worse than this. It’s not the best out there but it does a solid job.

Features

  • Makes 12 Cups with Ease
  • Keeps the Coffee Fresh and Hot
  • Durable and Compact
  • Detachable Cord
  • Made of Stainless Steel
  • Low Wattage
  • Auto Brew Ready Light
  • Looks Great
  • Easy to Use
  • Easy to Clean
  • Tastes Great

Buy a Presto percolator here

[7] Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator Coffee Pot – 9 CUP Stainless Steel

The biggest concern you need to know about the Coletti “Bozeman” Percolator Coffe Pot would definitely have to be the amount of people who have complained about it being dangerous.

According to the reviews, this vibrates heavily on the stove and is susceptible to breaking quite easily.

As well as that, you are only really going to get 4 or 5 cups out of it and, for the price you are paying it is quite expensive.

While this is definitely not a coffee percolator that you should even really consider for use in your home, it is something that you could look at if you are the outdoorsy type. Bear in mind though, that you will need to use it with caution and that at around $50 there are better options out there.

Features

  • Brews 9 Cups of Coffee (if you are lucky)
  • 20 Filters are Included
  • Easy to Clean
  • Good for Camping
  • Permawood Handle
  • Glass Cover Knob
  • Dishwasher Proof
  • No Plastic
  • No Power Cords

Buy a Coletti Bozeman here

[8] Cook N Home 8-Cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator

Details

Features

Anyone who has ever used the Cook N Home 8-Cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator cannot deny that it makes a beautiful tasting cup of Joe, full of rich flavours.

Unfortunately though, in order to get that beautiful tasting coffee, you have to endure the issues that come with it.

This pot lacks any form of real durability, the design is terrible, especially the lid and the filters, and it just seems to break so easily.

If you don’t mind putting up with a poor quality pot in order to get a good quality coffee, then this is could be worth your consideration but it is not in the same league as other brands in this price range.

Features

  • Mirror Polished Stainless Steel
  • Retains Heat Well
  • Brews 8 Cups
  • Removable Filter Basket
  • Easy to Clean
  • Tight Seal Lid
  • Drip Free Spout
  • Dishwasher Safe
  • Great Tasting Coffee

Buy a Cook ‘N Home percolator here

Coleman Enamelware Percolator 14-Cup

Details

Features

The first issue you are likely to notice with the Coleman Enamelware Percolator 14-Cup is the fact that there is a major design issue with the lid, which is almost impossible to get on.

After that, you will notice that the basket does not sit right and leans to one side. Then there is the flimsy aluminium material which a toddler could destroy.

It is hard to find anything positive to really say about other than it is not very heavy, so it is easy to use on your camping trips.

The pouring is quite good and the taste is not terrible. At a price in the region of $40 you are better off not wasting your money, as there are many better quality coffee pots than this.

Features

  • Lightweight
  • Brews 14 Cups
  • Quick to Brew
  • Wide Base
  • Good for Camping
  • Double Coated Enamel
  • Easy to Clean
  • Stainless Steel Rims
  • Long-Lasting

Buy a Coleman enamel percolator

Farberware 12-Cup Percolator Stainless Steel FCP412

Details

Features

First things first, this is a dangerous Coffee Percolator, which begins to burn after just a few uses and, if you are not careful, could actually catch fire and do some serious damage. If you want to take the risk of ending up homeless due to a faulty heating element, then that is on you, but this should be avoided at all costs.

There are some positives about the Farberware 12-Cup Percolator but I don’t want to run the risk of talking you into actually purchasing one. For that reason also, I am not even going to give you a feature list. Just avoid at all costs!

Buy a Faberware 12 cup percolator