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Coffee enthusiasts will want to know that there is a way to make coffee at home without needing a coffee maker.
A stovetop percolator is an option and should be explored.
A stovetop percolator, unlike a coffee maker, works by boiling water and then forcing it up into the grounds via a pipe.
Water then drips back down through the ground, extracting most of its flavor from them, before ending up in your cup.
This method is simple enough for most people with moderate skills in coffee making.
What Is A Stovetop Percolator?
A stovetop percolator is a simple device that typically holds about 3 cups of liquid.
Its lid has a top hole through which the ground coffee is poured, this hole typically being fitted with a filter screen.
The bottom bowl has a pipe that extends up to about 4 to 5 inches above its stovetop. This pipe provides the ‘perk’ action.
The water is heated in the bottom bowl and it rises through to the top pipe where it drips down before hitting the ground coffee again.
It is the combination of boiling water and drops of coffee that give the percolator its name.
What Are Your Options?
Within this category, there are some choices as to which model you buy.
If this is your first time buying a stovetop percolator, then it may be best to start with a smaller one.
The more popular models on the market range from 2 cups to 8 cups.
An 8-cup model will make a lot of coffee, but will not be practical for one or two people.
If you drink more than 4 cups of coffee in a day, then you may want to consider the 8-cup.
The small models usually include 1 and 2 cup models.
With either size, it is best to get the one that has the “stay-cool” handle and knob. The 1 and 2 cup is good for smaller families or for individual use.
The larger models (4-8 cups) usually come in stainless steel or/and pot metal.
These two are both recommended.
In fact, percolators are well-known for their ability to help your coffee retain its strength and taste.
The dark models (pot metal and stainless steel) are best for people who like their coffee black (no milk or sugar).
Other choices to consider include the size of the percolator you choose.
You may want to consider the 12-cup model if you are someone who drinks 6 cups of coffee in a day, so think about how many people in your family will also drink coffee.
Does A Stovetop Percolator Last?
There are many models on the market so there is something for everyone.
You will always get great quality in terms of durability and performance.
However, some brands offer better durability than others within the same range.
Check customer reviews and ratings before making a purchase.
The good news is that you do not need to replace your stovetop percolator after a couple of years if you take proper care of it.
The bad news is that most users do not know how, so they tend to ruin it.
How To Care And Maintain Your Percolator?
While maintaining your stovetop percolator may be simple for an experienced user, it can be tricky if you are new to using one.
This is usually because many people do not know how to care for it. Here are a few tips to help you with your percolator:
Clean It Thoroughly
Once every month, using a solution of vinegar and hot water, or a commercial chemical cleaner, you should clean it properly so that it does not get rusty or stained.
Rinse It Well
After you have cleaned the percolator, remember to rinse it well with clean water so that no traces of chemical cleaners or vinegar remain.
Dry It Properly
Over time, the percolator will get rusty if you do not dry it thoroughly after cleaning.
For stovetop models, make sure to dry the inside while off for a while. If you have a percolator with a lid, do not use your stovetop while it is still wet.
Take Care Of The Stovetop
The percolator should never be placed on a stove that heats up too quickly. This will cause it to crack or deform.
Be sure to use a stove that is not too hot or has an uneven heating element.
Always Take Care
You should clean and dry the percolator after every use and store it in a dry place.
The little amount of substances that the percolator emits during use is not harmful to your health.
However, if you use a not-so-clean water, you could risk getting a bacterial infection.
Pros Of Using A Stovetop Percolator
Using a stovetop percolator has indeed many perks.
Each time you use it, you will definitely enjoy the taste and aroma of the coffee it makes.
This distinctive feature of percolator coffee is what can make it one of your favorite drinks.
It has a full flavored depth that can be enjoyed by everyone.
It also provides you with the satisfaction of having made it yourself, which is not always possible with other coffee machines.
Ease Of Use
You can easily handle a stovetop percolator when you want to prepare coffee.
There are no complex procedures involved in using one.
Versatility
A percolator does not just make coffee or tea, but it can also be used to make soup or boiling water for brown rice, pasta, potatoes or other similar food items.
Money Saver
A percolator is known for its efficient use of gas.
It saves you money in this regard, especially when compared to the high electricity cost that you would incur for using a robotic machine.
Cons Of Using A Stovetop Percolator
Like with every coffee-making method, the stovetop percolator has a few cons. These are listed below:
Difficulty To Clean
You may find that cleaning the stovetop percolator to be complicated.
Some models are difficult to clean while others are fairly easy. It usually depends on how many crevices and deep places you need to clean.
Need To Use Lots Of Water
The percolator has a significant capacity for water, but the amount of coffee that you can get out of it is minimal.
If you like your coffee strong, then you may not get enough from it.
Pouring Coffee And Water At The Same Time
This is not an issue for many users who use stovetop percolators, but if you are someone who likes to make coffee and pour water at the same time, then this may be an issue.
Wax Buildup
The wax that is used in some models can build up inside it and cause stalling or clogging of the mechanism.
This usually happens after a few years of use.
How To Make A Stovetop Percolator Coffee
** A percolator works best when the heat is at a low temperature. If it is too high, then your coffee can become bitter or sour.
When your brew is done, carefully remove the percolator from your source of heat and allow it to cool down a bit before pouring it into a cup or mug.
Things You Can Do With The Percolator
If you like to use your percolator in the morning, you can make a strong brew in it and then pour it into a thermos or vacuum flask.
Store it in your fridge for up to 12 hours and then reheat it just before you want to drink it.
This is a great way to save time and money on coffee during the week.
If you like to prepare drinks such as tea, then you can use your percolator to make them.
You may want to add a few herbs or spices such as spearmint or chamomile if you want to get an extra flavor boost.
Tea and coffee are not the only drinks that can be made in a percolator.
You can also use it for making cold-brewed coffee and iced tea.
The result is a delicious and cold drink that is refreshing and smooth on the palate.
You can also use a percolator to make cold soups.
You can simply heat soup in the percolator, and pour it into a thermos or glass jar.
Then you can stir in some spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to give your soup an extra flavor boost.
What’s The Best Stovetop Percolator?
The best brand that I personally love is none other than the Coleman Coffee Percolator.
Let’s see a bit of the features of this piece of equipment:
This 12-cup percolator from Coleman is a highly efficient and functional appliance.
It is very convenient to use and easy to clean as well.
It uses a large quantity of water, but the coffee that you get from it has a great flavor.
If you have a large family at home or if your household likes to have coffee all the time, then this is a superb choice for you.
You can choose a stovetop model or a model that goes on the tabletop with an electric element.
The stainless steel makes it resist corrosion and your coffee will turn out to be strong and robust during the brewing process.
This is an ideal model for people who like to drink their coffee in large quantities and in a short amount of time.
The manufacturer rates it highly and so do many users who have bought and used it already.
The Coleman Percolator is also designed to make good coffee while camping or any other type of outdoor activity.
This can be very useful if you need coffee on the go and you do not want to rely on instant coffee that may or may not turn out to be tasty or flavorful at all.
With a brushed interior and a polished exterior, the Coleman Coffee Percolator has a well-welded handle that makes it very durable and sturdy.
What is also great about the Coleman Coffee Percolator is that the knob is solidly screwed, therefore making it super safe when pouring and serving your coffee.
Pros of The Coleman Coffee Percolator
Cons of The Coleman Coffee Percolator
Final Thoughts on Making Coffee With A Stovetop Percolator
Well, as you can see from The Coleman Coffee Percolator quick review above, making your own coffee with a stovetop percolator is a simple task.
We all love coffee and some of us cannot go through the day without our cup of Joe.
This is why we need to enjoy the best coffee and remain fresh and alert throughout the day.
Now that you know how to do this with a stovetop percolator, we hope that you enjoy great coffee for many years to come.
