The coffee game has changed. Espresso machines, drip coffee makers, and one-cup coffee makers have come to the forefront of the field and people now consider percolators as something old-fashioned.
The truth is coffee brewing methods and devices have evolved over the decades with the advent of new technologies. So people are now chasing after more sophisticated machines.
But, if you have ever tried coffee made from a percolator, I am sure you agree that there’s no substitute for that extra hot and bold coffee. This article is for the passionate coffee lovers out there who are interested in making coffee in a percolator.
Best Coffee Percolators Buying Guide
For those who are not familiar with what a percolator is, it is a kettle-shaped pot that uses a simple technique to brew coffee. Here the boiling water is circulated through a small chamber that holds the ground beans. If you truly love drinking great coffee, it is a must that you find the best coffee percolator. So, here’s everything you need to know before buying one.
Types of Percolators
You mainly get two types of percolators, electric and stovetop. As the name suggests, electric percolators need to be connected to an electric source to brew coffee. Here, you just need to add the grounds and water and turn it on. In contrast, stovetop percolators are a bit more hands-on. But since they work with any heat source, they are the best for hikers and campers.
The Material
Most percolators are made of either stainless steel, aluminum, or enamel. Stainless steel percolators are the most popular out of the three due to their high quality, durability, and classy look. Aluminum percolators can heat very quickly but they also cool fast which means they cannot preserve the warmth of your coffee for a long time.
But people still use them because of the lightweight and low price. On the other hand, enamel or ceramic percolators retain heat well. They are also inexpensive. But, the fragile nature of ceramic means you need to use it with care. On some occasions, you might also find glass percolators. People love glass percolators mostly for their elegant look. Also, it can be fun to see what’s happening inside. But they are also easily breakable and must be handled with caution.
It is also crucial that you consider the material used to make the lid or the top knob. Having it glass will help you to observe inside, which is important for a stovetop percolator. But, this is not a must-have for electric percolators.
Apart from the above, you also need to consider the number of people you need to serve, how fast you need your coffee, how much effort you can put into the process, and the space that is available to accommodate the percolator. This is because, at the end of the day, it will all depend on the amount that you are willing to spend.
Best Coffee Percolators Review
Having considered the factors to look into when buying the best percolator, what type to buy and which material is the best will all depend on your requirement. So, always have the purpose in mind when reading the below reviews.
Here are the top brands and models of percolators that are sure to impress you.
Presto 02811 is an electric coffee percolator that you can get for a relatively decent price. What is special about this percolator is that it is 100% stainless steel and does not have any plastic component in it. With that, it has an elegant look with a touch of sophistication. The smooth surface makes it very easy to clean. Also, you do not have any risk of any harmful plastic getting mixed into your drink.
With a capacity of six cups, it is the perfect fit for an average household. Users admire this for the ability to heat up and brew quickly. Also, it is easy to use. Once you plug in after adding water and coffee, the ready-to-serve indicator light will switch on when it is ready. What’s more? It will stop brewing automatically and activate the keep warm mode. With a detachable code, a drip-free spout, and a stay-cool handle, it is pretty much easy to carry and serve. Presto 02811 is durable and reliable, promising you an amazing cup of coffee.
Pros
- Reliable and long-lasting
- Short brewing time
- Produces great-tasting coffee
- Easy to serve and portable
- Affordable
Cons
- No brew interrupt and no clock
- Can't program this
West Bend 54159 is a highly rated electric percolator with a stainless steel finish and a classic look. This is reliable and made to last with stainless steel interior components. West Bend 54159 comes with a heat-resistant base and a handle making it safe to use. The hollow handle comes with a window enabling you to see the water level. You can also peek inside from the transparent glass top knob. It is also portable with a detachable code.
Brewing coffee with a West Bend 54159 is simple. The indicator light will switch on once the coffee is ready, and it will turn on the warm mode. But the best feature is the spreader included in the percolator which helps even saturation of coffee grounds ensuring the best extraction of flavors. With a West Bend 54159, you can brew bracingly hot coffee with a rich flavor. Having a 12 cup capacity makes it practical to serve a large crowd.
Pros
- Durable
- Safe and easy to use
- Has a coffee level indicator
- Excellent results with the best extraction
- Portable
Cons
- The cord is short
- A bit noisy
Farberware 50124 Classic Yosemite is a classic range stovetop percolator with a simple, and easy-to-use design. Farberware being a brand with over a century of industry experience, the percolator is highly reliable and embraced by many users for its durability and low cost.
It is made from heavy-duty stainless steel with a mirror finish. The interior has a non-reactive construct to avoid the risk of absorbing any unwanted flavors. Besides, it is crafted precisely with a sturdy knob and a well-fitting lid making it safer to use. The transparent glass knob on top helps to monitor the brewing rate so that you can adjust the heat accordingly. This is one of the most important features that a stovetop percolator should have.
Pros
- Longevity and reliable
- Precise construct
- Easy to use with a transparent glass knob
- Safety is highly guaranteed
Cons
- Heavier than others
- Less stylish design
Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator has a timeless design with a rust-proof stainless steel construction making it easy to maintain. It is lightweight and portable making it ideal for traveling and camping. This percolator works well with any source of heat and can brew 12 cups of strong coffee. You can easily adjust the heat after checking the liquid level through the transparent glass knob.
Coleman is a highly reputed brand and their products are considered highly durable with very high quality.
Pros
- Durable and reliable brand
- Brews bold coffee
- Can work with any heat source
- Easy to clean and use
Cons
- Expensive
- Knobs are less durable and cannot be replaced
Hamilton Beach 40616 has a stylish design with a contemporary look and feel. Similar to the electric coffee percolators discussed above, Hamilton Beach 40616 also comes with an indicator light alert feature. So, it is easy to use. You just need to plugin and let the magic happen. It comes with a water level viewing window meaning you don’t need to measure water.
It is very quick and you can even use it as an alternative to a kettle to boil water. You also get easy to serve features, including a detachable code, drip-proof spout, and a cool-touch handle. With a higher capacity of 12 cups, this is best for larger families, small shops, and heavy coffee drinkers.
What makes this unique is their gentle warming setting that minimizes the risk of overheating. It lets you preserve the warmth of your coffee throughout the day without giving you a burnt taste. It gives you a consistent brew. With Hamilton Beach 40616, you do not have any spill risk because the lid twists into a locked position. So, this is undoubtedly one of the safest coffee percolators you can find out there.
Pros
- Affordable
- Gentle warm setting
- No-spill risk
- Easy to use and serve
- Long-lasting design with a modern look
Cons
- No auto shut-off
- Large slotted basket
Medelco Glass Percolator has a very attractive and aesthetic design that resembles a classic restaurant-style coffee carafe. Having a transparent body helps you to control the heat better to achieve the optimum brewing rate. This will ensure that you are getting a well-deserved cup of hot and delicious coffee.
Not only is it pleasing, but it also has a practical construct. The entire body of the percolator is made of high-quality Schott Duran borosilicate glass from Germany which is both stains resistant and safe on the stove with resistance to thermal shock. The heat diffuser included in the pot makes it safe to use even on any heat source including electric stoves, campfires, and induction burners. The handle and the lid are made from phenolic plastic to ensure that it stays cool during the process.
Medelco Glass Percolator can perfectly satisfy the coffee thirst of small groups with a mid-range size of eight cups. Brewing coffee with a Medelco Glass Percolator is fun because you can see every detail of the percolation action without being confined to a small viewing window.
Pros
- Aesthetic and practical design
- Can use on any heat source
- Easy to use and clean
- Gives better control of heat
Cons
- Has plastic components
- Cheaply made steam wand
Percolators have a sense of nostalgia attached to them. If you are a real coffee fan, you will embrace the cloudy coffee you get from a percolator with such a strong flavor and a mind-sweeping aroma.
Having looked at the strengths and shortcomings of the popular brands of percolators, which one is the best is subjective. It all depends on your need and what factors sound most important to you. So, first, create a wishlist prioritizing what matters to you most and then head to the store to bring the best percolator home.