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10 Facts About How to Buy a Stovetop Coffee Percolator

How to Buy a Stovetop Coffee Percolator?

With their classic design and robust flavor, stovetop coffee percolators are regaining popularity.

When buying a stovetop perc, consider your preferred brew size, material type, ease of use, and extra features. Also factor in stove compatibility, grind size, and filters.

This guide will help you select the ideal stovetop coffee percolator to perk up your mornings.

What is a Stovetop Coffee Percolator?

A stovetop coffee percolator is a kettle system that draws hot water from the bottom to the top to flow back down through ground coffee beans.

They function like electric percolators to brew coffee through a process known as percolation, but they use flame or stove as their heat source instead of electricity.

Stovetop coffee percolators are usually criticized for brewing an extremely hot and strong coffee or bitter coffee.

However, bitter-tasting coffee results from various mistakes made when brewing coffee in a stovetop percolator. They include using a fine grind-size and brewing coffee for too long, which leads to over-extraction.

You can make great and better-tasting coffee with a stovetop percolator learning how to make coffee using a stovetop percolator.

Outdoor enthusiasts who love drinking good coffee while camping love stovetop coffee makers as they are great for outdoor coffee brewing.

How a Stovetop Percolator Work

The Main Types of Stovetop Coffee Makers:

  • Percolator – The classic stovetop percolator repeatedly cycles boiling water through coffee grounds using a gravity-fed pump. Examples include the Farberware Classic and Presto 6-Cup percolators.
  • Moka Pot – Made famous by Bialetti, the moka pot forces steam pressure through the grounds to produce a strong concentrated brew. It makes espresso-style coffee.
  • Turkish Coffee Pot – Used to make Turkish coffee, these small pots with long handles contain the coffee and sugar which is blended as it brews.
  • Vacuum Brewer – Consists of two chambers where vapor pressure drives the brewing process. Examples are the Brim, Yama and Diguo vacuum brewers.
  • Pour Over – A manual pour over dripper sits atop a stovetop kettle to mimic standard pour over brewing. The Hario V60 and Melitta pourover cones work this way.
  • French Press – While technically not brewed on the stove, many use hot water from an electric or stovetop kettle to brew French press coffee.

10 Facts About How to Buy a Stovetop Coffee Percolator

1. Stovetop Vs Electric Percolator You Have to Decide

Here’s a comparison of stovetop and electric percolator coffee makers:

Stovetop Percolators

  • Heated directly on the stovetop with your range. Don’t require a separate power source.
  • Made of heat-safe materials like stainless steel that can go directly on the burner.
  • Temperature is controlled by adjusting stove heat.
  • Typically smaller capacity around 4-12 cups. Larger models are available.
  • Provide robust, strong flavor appreciated by traditionalists.

Electric Percolators

  • Have a self-contained heating element powered by an electrical outlet.
  • Made of materials like plastic since they don’t go directly on a burner.
  • Provide automatic temperature control for more precision.
  • Available in larger capacities around 12 cups or more.
  • Still make a robust coffee, but some prefer the flavor from stovetop percolation.
  • Additional features like programmable timers are available.

In summary, stovetop percolators directly heat on the stove and give you more manual control, while electric ones offer more convenience and consistency. The flavor can be slightly different as well. Personal preference will determine which percolation method you prefer.

Read More:

The History Of Electric Coffee Percolator

2. Stovetop Percolators Come with Their Own Coffee Filters

Stovetop coffee percolators come with their own metal filters on the upper chamber, so you don’t need to invest in coffee filters.

There is no need to buy paper filters for a stovetop percolator provided you brew coffee with a coarse grind-size.

How to Buy a Stovetop Coffee Percolator

You only need to use a coffee filter to sieve your coffee before drinking when you brewed it with a medium-coarse or small grind-size.

Nonetheless, you can use premium disc coffee filters when brewing coffee in a stovetop coffee percolator to ensure that you obtain a smooth cup of coffee. These coffee filters are designed to fit in all percolator baskets.

3. Stovetop Percolators Are Affordable

Coffee percolators are generally cheaper than other coffee makers like drip or French Press.

Moreover, stovetop percolators are cheaper than electric percolators as they come with a simple design that doesn’t require electricity.

The capacity and quality of a stovetop percolator usually affect the price. This means that larger and high-quality items are more expensive.

If you want a simple stovetop percolator that will help you make more coffee within a short time, you will want to invest in a larger device.

4. How a Stovetop Percolator Work

If you want to buy a stovetop percolator but are not sure of how a percolator works, don’t worry as I will show you how.

Moka Pot Coffee Maker

A stovetop coffee percolator is one of the easiest ways to brew coffee as you only need a few things, including water, coarsely ground coffee and the coffee maker.

It works by allowing hot water to rise through a tube to the top of the upper chamber with a perforated basket where the coffee is placed.

Then the water rains back to the lower chamber through the coffee grounds and the process repeats.

This results in a strong and bold cup of coffee. If you are not careful enough, you might end up with bitter coffee.

5. The Stovetop Percolator’s Efficiency and Durability

Stovetop percolators come with different materials. The material used to make a coffee maker will affect its efficiency and durability.

It’s essential to invest in a stovetop percolator made with quality materials like stainless steel and heavy-gauge steel.

Aluminum percolators are also good, but they are linked to Alzheimer’s disease, though there is no scientific proof to support the claim.

A recent study reveals that experts are now focusing on other areas that are believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease.

Nonetheless, if you want a durable and sturdy stovetop percolator that will last for many years, you will want to go for stainless steel.

6. Cleaning a Stovetop Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Some people think it’s hard to clean a stovetop percolator since it doesn’t use coffee filters. However, this is not always the case as you just have to rinse off the machine after you finish brewing.

Besides, most stovetop percolators are dishwasher safe, and it’s easy to find such options at an affordable price.

The best way to clean a stovetop percolator is right after you are done brewing as the coffee grounds can stick on the basket when not removed immediately.

You should also keep in mind that leaving the basket on the percolator while it still has the used grounds may stain the walls of your device. These stains are bad as they will affect the flavor of your next brew.

When cleaning your stovetop percolator, you need to use warm water, soapy water. If there are stuck coffee grounds or sediment on the bottom, you can use a sponge to scrub lightly.

7.  Where to Buy a Reliable Stovetop Percolator

Stovetop coffee percolators are readily available in stores and shops that sell small kitchen appliances.

You can also buy a reliable stovetop percolator from an online store like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and more.

The good thing about online stores is that you can see read reviews and customer ratings, which will help you narrow down your choices.

8. Best Stovetop Percolator Brands

Today, there are many brands that produce different types of coffee percolators. Some of the best brands that produce high-quality stovetop percolators include Farberware, Primula, Presto, and Coleman.

Farberware is the most trusted when it comes to quality and durability. They make large and compact stovetop percolators that meet different customers’ needs.

9. You Need a Timer

Another fact you should know about how to buy a stovetop coffee percolator is that you need a timer.

A timer will help brew your coffee consistently and steer clear of bitter coffee. You use a timer to ensure that you brew coffee for the recommended time.

To use a timer, you need to set it immediately the water in the percolator boils. Depending on the desired strength and flavor intensity, you can set your timer to alert you after six to ten minutes.

10. Best Coffee Grind-Size, Roast, and Type for a Stovetop Percolator

A coarse grind-size is the best for a stovetop coffee percolator. Using medium-coarse of a finer grind will lead to bitter coffee and more sediment at the bottom of your coffee maker.

This is because finely ground coffee beans don’t allow water to pass through easily, resulting in over-extraction.

If you’ve heard about people who had a bad experience with a stovetop coffee percolator, they probably used the wrong grind-size.

To avoid this, it’s good to invest in a good grinder like the Conical burr coffee grinder that has different settings. Then choose the coarse setting when grinding coffee for a stovetop percolator.

When it comes to the roast, you need a medium roast as dark roast will brew bitter-tasting coffee while light roast will taste watery and lose flavor

The last thing you need to know is the best type of coffee to use in a stovetop percolator.

There are many coffee types available in medium roast needed for a stovetop percolator, and some of them are better than others.

The best coffee types that make delicious coffee in a percolator includes Columbian coffee, Ethiopian coffee, Indonesian coffee, and Guatemala coffee.

FAQs

What is the Best Stovetop Coffee Percolator?

Here’s a look at some of the best stovetop coffee percolators:

1, Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite Coffee Percolator: This is a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts. It’s made of heavy-duty stainless steel, has a permanent filter basket, and can brew 4 to 12 cups of coffee. Its clear glass knob lets you see when percolating begins.

2, Presto 02822 6-Cup Stainless-Steel Coffee Percolator: This 6-cup percolator is known for its elegant design and efficient brewing. It’s made of stainless steel and has a ready-to-serve indicator light.

3, Bialetti Moka Express: While not a traditional percolator, the Bialetti Moka Express is an iconic stovetop espresso maker that’s loved by many. It’s available in various sizes and offers a rich and bold coffee flavor.

4, Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator: If you’re looking for something rugged for outdoor use, the Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator is a great option. It’s durable and designed for camping and outdoor activities.

5, GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator: Another excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts, this percolator is made with heavy-gauge steel and has a classic speckled enamel finish. It’s available in various colors and sizes.

How long to perk coffee on the stove?

Here are some general guidelines for how long to percolate coffee on the stove:

Small 2-4 cup percolators: 5-7 minutes
Medium 6-8 cup percolators: 7-9 minutes
Large 10-12 cup percolators: 9-12 minutes

The exact time can vary based on a few factors:

Amount of coffee grounds – More grounds will require a longer brew time. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended ratio of coffee to water.
Fineness of the grind – A finer grind will slow down the percolation rate and require more time. A medium grind is usually best for percolators.

stove temperature – Keep the heat on medium-low, just high enough to maintain a slow, steady perking. Too high heat can make the coffee bitter.

Type of percolator – Some percolators are designed to brew faster or slower. Follow the guidance for your specific model.

Keep an eye on the percolator and remove it from heat shortly after the pumping action stops or the coffee color looks finished. Taste and adjust the timing as needed for your preferred strength. Enjoy your homemade stovetop percolated coffee!

Is an electric or stovetop percolator better?

Stovetop percolators provide more manual control and a preferred flavor profile for some, while electric percolators offer set-it-and-forget convenience and automation. Personal preference determines which works best.

Conclusion

Stovetop percolators hold a unique place in the hearts of many coffee lovers, with some loving it and others hating it.

If you are a serious coffee lover looking for a perfect way to make a stronger cup of coffee, you need to invest in a reliable stovetop percolator.

Having discovered the ten facts about how to buy a stovetop percolator, it will be easy for you to choose the best product in the market. 

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