While it’s hard to imagine life without coffee, did you know that goats played a crucial role in its discovery? In the 9th century, shepherds noticed their animals’ unusual behavior after consuming coffee berries. Today, I’m grateful for my morning cuppa and the energizing effects it brings. But, I also appreciate the perks of using a quality percolator to brew my daily dose.
With that in mind, I’ll be sharing my top picks from the market, helping you make an informed decision when purchasing your own. Some may view percolators as old-fashioned, but for me, they’re a reliable and affordable way to produce exceptional coffee.
The 8 Best Coffee Percolators
When it comes to percolators, there are numerous options available in the market. From brands like Presto, Farberware, and Hamilton Beach to GSI Outdoors and Cuisinart, each manufacturer has its own unique features and offerings. For instance, the Presto 02811 Stainless Steel Coffee Maker is a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts, while the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite Coffee Percolator stands out for its elegant design.
The Hamilton Beach 40614 Twist Lid Percolator, on the other hand, boasts a user-friendly twist-off lid that makes pouring easy and convenient. Meanwhile, the GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator brings a touch of rustic charm to any kitchen setting. Last but not least, the Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic Stainless-Steel Percolator – our top pick – impresses with its sleek design and reliable performance.
Additionally, options like the Hamilton Beach 40616 Stainless-Steel Electric Percolator and Euro Cuisine PER08 8 Cup Stainless Steel Percolator also deserve consideration for their durability and efficiency.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Percolator:
Capacity
When selecting the right percolator for your needs, consider the capacity it offers. If you’re frequently brewing coffee for multiple people or have family members who enjoy a strong cup, a larger capacity will be necessary. Percolators come in a range of sizes, from 2-4 cups to 12 cups and beyond. For solo coffee lovers, smaller models may suffice. In our household, for instance, my husband’s voracious appetite for coffee means we require a percolator with ample capacity to meet his demands.
Stovetop or Electric
When deciding between a stovetop percolator and an electric one, consider the flexibility and portability of having a stovetop model. With this type of percolator, you have the freedom to brew coffee on your stove, wood stove, or even outdoor grill, offering greater versatility in your brewing options. On the other hand, the convenience of an electric percolator is undeniable – simply plug it in and let it do its thing.
However, it’s essential to recognize that this type of percolator is not suitable for off-grid situations or power outages, as it relies on a constant energy supply. As you weigh the pros and cons, think about your brewing habits and how they might be impacted by these factors.
Price
When it comes to purchasing a percolator, the price is another crucial factor to consider. While percolators tend to be more affordable than traditional coffee makers, the cost can vary depending on the model and features you’re looking for. If you’re working with a limited budget, you may find that a basic percolator fits your needs just as well as a higher-end one. In fact, opting for a simpler design can help keep costs down without sacrificing too much in terms of performance or quality.
Why Use a Percolator?
While modern conveniences like electric coffee pots are undeniably convenient, there are still valid reasons to consider using a percolator. The traditional brewing method offers a unique set of benefits that may make it an attractive alternative or supplement to your daily cup.
More Flavorful Coffee
While I firmly believe that percolators yield a more flavorful cup of coffee, the rich and robust taste is what sets them apart from electric coffee pots. If you’re looking for a full-bodied brew, then using a percolator to make your morning cup might just alter your perspective on coffee altogether.
Easy Service
While social gatherings often revolve around a warm beverage, few experiences are as delightful as sharing a cup of coffee with friends and family. For many, a percolator stands out as the perfect brewing solution for entertaining at home. Its ability to keep the coffee hot and readily available is particularly appealing, allowing hosts to circulate effortlessly while ensuring everyone’s mug remains full.
Unlike traditional coffee makers that require constant attention, percolators effortlessly maintain the ideal temperature, freeing up hosts to focus on what truly matters – quality time with their guests.
Compact
I’ve been fortunate enough to have ample counter space in my kitchen, but that hasn’t always been the case. In fact, I used to struggle with finding room for my electric coffee pot when it was plugged in. While I could have stored it away when not in use, coffee makers take up a significant amount of cabinet space as well. The solution to this problem came in the form of a percolator.
Unlike traditional electric coffee pots, percolators only require power when they’re brewing and can be easily stowed away when not in use, freeing up valuable counter space for other essentials.
Our 8 Best Coffee Percolator Picks
Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
The Presto percolator offers a versatile brewing experience, capable of producing 2-12 cups of coffee at a rate of one cup per minute. Once brewing is complete, it maintains a consistent temperature to keep your coffee hot. This electric percolator also features an easy-pour spout for effortless serving, a filter basket, and a perk tube for seamless setup. An indicator light ensures you’re always aware when the brew cycle is finished, eliminating any uncertainty.
Among its pros are a competitive price point, reasonable capacity, and the visually appealing stainless steel design that adds to its coffee service appeal. Additionally, the removable power cord provides added convenience. While not without its drawbacks, the percolator’s aluminum components and non-fully immerseable design are notable cons. Nevertheless, with a quick check on Amazon, you can determine whether this percolator is right for your needs.
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee Percolator
This stovetop percolator boasts an impressive 8-cup capacity, featuring a permanent filter basket that eliminates the need for additional filters. Its dishwasher-safe design makes cleaning a breeze, and the clear knob on top provides visual confirmation of the brewing process. Some enthusiasts even claim that this type of percolation extracts the full flavor potential from the coffee beans, an opinion I personally share.
Among its notable advantages are its ease of cleaning, lack of filter requirement, and the interior’s coating, which helps prevent coffee oils from seeping into the sides. The price point is also surprisingly reasonable. However, it’s worth noting that this percolator can only produce 8 cups at a time, and there’s no built-in indicator to signal when the brewing cycle has completed.
Despite these minor drawbacks, this stovetop percolator remains an attractive option for those seeking a hassle-free coffee experience.
Farberware FCP240 4-12 Cup Percolator
Faberware’s percolator offers versatility, available in 4, 8, or 12-cup options. Priced between $41 and $54, this affordable option caters to a wide range of budgets. Its stainless steel finish not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides a durable and resistant surface. The detachable power cord allows for effortless storage and service, making it easy to maintain the percolator’s cleanliness and organization.
Additionally, its impressive brewing capacity, capable of producing one cup every minute, ensures that your coffee needs are met efficiently. On the plus side, this percolator offers the flexibility to select the size that best suits your requirements while maintaining consistent quality throughout. Its reasonable price point, speedy brew time, and cool-touch handle and lid also contribute to its overall appeal.
However, one drawback is the lack of a visual indicator signaling when the brewing process is complete. Despite this minor shortcoming, Faberware’s percolator remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and functional coffee maker.
Hamilton Beach 40614 Twist Lid Percolator, Stainless Steel, 12 Cup
This percolator stands out from the crowd due to its unique design and features. One notable difference is the twist top lid, which securely fastens when brewing, ensuring a mess-free experience. The combination of plastic and stainless steel construction provides durability and ease of cleaning. Additionally, the cool-touch handle reduces the risk of burns, while the indicator light lets you know when your coffee is ready to use. The no-drip spout and detachable cord add to its practicality.
Furthermore, the built-in heater keeps your beverage warm for hours, and a permanent filter basket eliminates the need for paper filters. On the downside, some buyers have reported concerns about the quality of the locking lid, which may affect durability.
GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator
Designed for adventure, this percolator excels at delivering a robust cup of coffee in both rugged outdoor settings and everyday kitchen use. Withstanding extreme temperatures, it’s been kiln-hardened twice to prevent chipping and cracking. Its lightweight construction makes it an ideal companion for camping trips or off-grid escapades. A removable stainless steel filter adds convenience and ease of cleaning.
While it may not be the largest percolator on the market, its 8-cup capacity is perfect for a small group or individual. Check out the price on Amazon to bring this durable brewer home.
Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator
This versatile percolator offers a generous capacity, brewing up to 12 cups of coffee at a time. A thoughtful design feature is its stay-cool base, which eliminates the risk of scorching surfaces. Additionally, it comes equipped with a detachable cord and a convenient ready-to-serve indicator light. The no-drip spout ensures mess-free pouring.
On the plus side, this percolator’s key benefits include its ability to brew large quantities, stay-cool design, no-burn knob, and reasonably affordable price. However, some users have reported concerns about product quality.
Hamilton Beach 40616 Stainless-Steel 12-Cup Electric Percolator
This sleek percolator boasts a unique design that sets it apart from many others, making it an ideal choice for serving coffee to guests. Its impressive capacity allows it to brew up to 12 cups at a time, while its detachable cord and drip-free spout make it easy to use and clean. Constructed from durable stainless steel, this percolator also features a permanent filter and a reasonable price tag. On the downside, some users have reported concerns about its long-term durability.
Despite this, it remains a solid option for those looking for a reliable and convenient way to brew their coffee.
Euro Cuisine PER08 8 Cup Stainless Steel Percolator
For any coffee aficionado, the Euro Cuisine’s sleek and functional 8-cup percolator is an excellent choice. The attractive stainless steel with copper finish design not only brews but also serves your coffee in style. The user-friendly features include a ready-to-serve indicator light that lets you know when it’s time to pour, a detachable cord for effortless serving, and the pot keeps your coffee warm.
If you enjoy watching the percolation process, the clear glass knob provides a transparent view of your coffee as it reaches perfection. While some may find it limited by its 8-cup capacity, the benefits far outweigh this minor drawback. With its stylish design and practical features, this percolator is sure to satisfy even the most discerning coffee lovers.
The Best Percolator:
The Cuisinart PRC-12 12-Cup Stainless Steel Percolator stood out among its peers due to its impressive combination of functionality and design. While all the percolators showcased unique characteristics, it was the Cuisinart’s blend of modern features and classic appeal that ultimately won us over. Its stainless steel construction and sleek aesthetic make it a stylish addition to any kitchen, while its 12-cup capacity ensures you’ll have enough coffee for a gathering or just a busy morning.
We chose this percolator as our top pick because of its exceptional balance of form and function.
The Stay-Cool Bottom
One of the standout features we appreciated was the freedom it offered in terms of placement. With this coffee maker, you’re not confined to a specific spot; instead, you can effortlessly move it to where you need it most. Whether you’re enjoying a morning cup at the breakfast table or hosting a gathering and serving coffee to guests, this percolator’s portability is a game-changer.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport and place wherever you want, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their favorite brew without any hassle.
Ready-to-Serve Indicator Light
The functionality of this feature stood out to us because it streamlines the process of monitoring your coffee’s brewing progress. By providing a clear indication of when the percolation process is complete, you’re spared the hassle of constant vigilance, freeing up mental and physical resources for more pressing matters.
Capacity
One of the standout features of this percolator is its generous capacity to brew up to 12 cups of coffee at a time. While it may not be necessary to make that amount every day, having the option is undeniably convenient. The flexibility to scale your brewing to suit your needs means you can always have enough coffee on hand without being forced into a fixed daily routine.
Price
Given the impressive array of features and benefits offered by this percolator, its affordable price point is truly a standout aspect. In contrast to many high-end coffee makers on the market that often exceed the $100 mark, it’s refreshing to find a reliable and capable option like this one available for significantly less – a true value in the world of specialty coffee equipment.
No-Drip Spout
The convenience of a no-drip spout cannot be overstated. When it comes to enjoying a morning cup of coffee or serving guests, the last thing you want is to create a mess due to a dripping faucet. With a no-drip spout, you can rest assured that your beverage will flow smoothly and effortlessly, without any unnecessary spills or stains. Whether you’re using your coffee maker daily or only on special occasions, this feature is a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall user experience.
Detachable Cord
Having a detachable cord as an optional feature on your percolator offers unparalleled convenience when it comes to serving and storing. This thoughtful design element allows for effortless movement of the appliance, making it simpler than ever to pour, serve, and stow away with ease.
