Updated on December 8, 2022
Coffee is brewed using a percolator, which circulates boiling water through the grounds. In fact, this brewing technique frequently results in overextracted coffee. The bitter coffee produced by coffee percolators is disliked by many coffee enthusiasts. However, it continues to be a popular brewing technique among many coffee enthusiasts who prefer robust and low-acid coffee.
What Is a Coffee Percolator?
A kettle having separate chambers for the water and coffee grounds is called a coffee percolator. Since the appliance functions just as well over a campfire as it does on a cooktop, most people associate it with camping. Modern percolators aren’t restricted to flame-based cooking techniques, and electric ones make brewing coffee more convenient than ever.
How Does a Coffee Percolator Work?
A kettle with an internal system for separating the coffee grinds from the water is a percolator coffee maker. The water runs into the upper basket of coffee grounds as it enters the kettle and comes to a boil. When you’re ready to serve it, the hot coffee drops back down into the kettle and continues to boil. The stovetop keeps everything heated.
Percolator coffee frequently tastes richer than drip coffee because the brewed coffee is returned to the kettle and can repeatedly wash over the coffee grounds. Boiling water is poured over the coffee grounds once in a drip coffee maker before it drips into the carafe.
Coffee is initially brewed on a stovetop in traditional percolators. You must monitor the brewing procedure since some individuals are concerned that the continual contact with water may cause the coffee beans to be over-extracted. Although we explained it at Porch’s coffee tips, you can also find a ton of helpful home coffee brewing advice from experts there. It’s still a good option for beginners. Electric coffee percolators with a separate heat source have been produced over time; you simply plug them into an outlet to prepare coffee.
How To Make Coffee in a Percolator?
The percolator should be cleaned before use. The flavor of the fresh batch of coffee may be impacted by any residual grinds. After that, fill the reservoir with water while following the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum water level. Typically, one mug of coffee requires two cups of water. (You might need to disassemble the stem and stand to get to the reservoir. If so, assemble the parts once the water is in place.)
Coffee grounds should be added to the upper basket. For a stronger coffee, use a tablespoon of grinds per cup, and for a weaker coffee, a teaspoon. Make sure the percolator is put together properly, with the top on and all pieces secured with screws.
Heat the percolator over medium heat on the stovetop. Through the glass top, keep an eye on the percolator’s progress as it warms up gradually until it reaches its peak. Turn down the heat so that the water is warm but not boiling or simmering. No steam ought to be visible coming from the percolator.
Plug in the electric percolator and heat the water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on the desired strength, let the coffee percolate for seven to ten minutes.
Turn off the heat source in the percolator. Remove the coffee grounds basket with oven mitts and throw away the used grinds. Before serving, let the coffee settle for a while. During this resting period, any grounds that may have gotten into the coffee have a chance to sink to the bottom of the percolator.