Updated 26/08/2021
Whether or not you are a pro (coffee enthusiasts) or simply new to brewing fresh coffee, there are two things we can all agree with:
The first is that nothing beats sipping a piping hot cup of coffee (freshly brew) in the morning (or afternoon, or evening for that matter !), whereas the second, searching for a great coffee making machine has become a daunting task.
Percolators are a unique way to brew coffee and with some models, keep coffee hot for hours. We have reviewed the best coffee percolators on the market (a wide range) from stovetop to electric to portable (taken into account their affordability, ease of use and compact size) and recommend the best products to incorporated into your daily routine. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
We will start by telling you…
Our Top Picks (Gold Standard in our books).
Best Overall: Farberware Classic Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee Percolator at Amazon
“Made with heavy-duty stainless steel that is polished to a mirror finish, this material results in a percolator that is both long-lasting and attractive looking in any kitchen. The clear, sturdy plastic knob at the top of the percolator allows you to see when the coffee has begun to percolate.”
Best Budget: Copco Brushed 4 to 8-Cup Stainless Percolator at Amazon
“Unlike electric Percolators which are much larger and is usually taken out when guests come over, this Coffee brewer is very convenient sized and can be used regularly, it is little enough to be stored on stove tops even when not in use. It has a nice wide mouth that makes it easier to clean, and you can put your entire hand inside the opening.”
Best Electric: Presto 02811 – 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator at Amazon
“Made out of stainless steel which makes the unit quite indestructible, durable, and good looking. In fact, some positive customer reviews note that the unit is built in a way that makes it last as long as 9 years since its date of purchase”
Best Stovetop: Bialetti 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker at Amazon
“The perfect fit for those who enjoy rich, strong coffee of coffee, have a limited counter space, are looking for a coffeemaker which is affordable and built to last. It’s dependable, makes 6 espresso cups (approximately a large mug for the real coffee lover), and has a pretty small price tag.”
Best Large Capacity: Hamilton Beach 40616 -12-Cup at Amazon
“Perfect fit for both working adults and fatigued, time-constrained students (besides the fact that it is a perfect alternative to making instant coffee or paying the exor- bitant prices charged at most reputable coffee shops).”
Best for Camping: Stanley 6-Cup Percolator at Amazon
“Not only a great price, it provides assurance to all die-hard coffee lovers who have previously thought that they couldn’t make it through a weekend of camping because they wouldn’t be able to access their usual kick-start to their day.”
Best Design: Medelco 8-Cup Glass Stovetop Percolator at Amazon
“This glass percolator looks beautiful in any home, and will match any decor so you will not feel the need to hide it away in a cabinet. It is BPA free and made from high quality Schott Duran borosilicate glass imported from Germany.
Best Small Capacity: Farberware 2-4-Cup Percolator, Stainless Steel, FCP 240 at Amazon
“Not only for those who live alone but also those who have full households of coffee enthusiasts. Save your time and your money whilst making you and a number of your mates (regardless of the occasion and your location) a fantastic brew!”
The History of Coffee
Did you know that it is goats that played the biggest role in the discovery of coffee? It’s insane, right? The story goes that ancient Ethiopian herders realized that their goats grew super-energetic after consuming coffee berries. You can read more on that here.
That’s reason enough to thanks goats with a treat whenever you see them.😊
But coffee is not the same. You might purchase excellent-grade coffee, however, when you finally pour the drink into that cup, the taste will depend, also, on the preparation process. And when it comes to making cups of coffee, percolators are great, particularly if you want to make a great-tasting cup quickly.
Percolators work using a different heat source, whether that be an electric or gas stove, or even a camp fire. Because they aren’t built with a heating element, they are more reliable than cheap electric drip coffee brewers and are a fraction of the cost.
There are tons of trendy ways to brew best-tasting coffee at home, from a drip coffee maker, espresso makers, a cold brew coffee maker to a single-serve coffee maker and French presses. Although French presses may be synonymous with delicious, caffeinated brews, their uses go far beyond making coffee at home.
It is important to remember: Because coffee makers are working with hot water, its an ideal breeding ground for mould and limescale.
Also note: One of the first steps you should do when upping your coffee game is to use fresh coffee beans. The fresher the beans, the richer the cup. Choose the type of coffee grounds that is most convenient for you.
The 8 Best Coffee Makers Reviews
Here are the best coffee percolators to buy.
Best Overall : Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite Percolator
If you are looking to buy a stovetop coffee percolator that you can use at home, leaving the pour over coffee way of life behind or while you’re camping, the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee maker is an ideal coffee maker at an extremely affordable price point.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-reactive interiors that don’t transfer odours to your brew
- Beautiful stainless-steel body with a mirror finish
- Lifetime warranty
What We Don’t Like
- You might not be able to see the water lines very clearly
Conclusion
Farberware is a very well-known brand in the percolators industry, having been in business for over 100 years. If you’re looking for true quality, purchase from this brand. The Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Yosemite 8-Cup Coffee maker with a glass top knob is one of their masterpieces for producing delicious coffee and we’re positive that you will love it.
This unit measures 9.2 by 8.7 by 7 inches, and has a weight of 2.25 pounds. Let’s break that down a bit. 2.25 pounds is a weight that most of us can hold comfortably with one hand.
Best Budget: Copco Brushed 4 to 8-Cup Stainless Percolator
This basic model from Copco is very convenient sized and can be used regularly, it is little enough to be stored on stove tops even when not in use. It has a nice wide mouth that makes it easier to clean, and you can put your entire hand inside the opening.
What We Like
- 4 to 8 cup capacity that’s adequate for family and guest
- Clean design that matches almost all kitchen settings
- Comfortable handle for controlled
- Easy pouring
- Stainless-steel filter basket which can be cleaned easily
- Dishwasher safe
What We Don’t Like
- No cup markings
Conclusion
This stovetop coffee percolator is a relatively cheap coffee maker, that makes cups of coffee in the old-fashioned way and reminds you of the rich coffee which you drank in your childhood days. Another beautiful thing about this product is it fills the house with the sweet smell of coffee while brewing.
Best Electric: Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
If you are among the throng of coffee lovers searching for a plastic-less coffee maker (or at least one which ensures that the coffee never comes into contact with the brewing process) then this electric percolator is the right match for you. Ideal for an all-day coffee drinker.
What We Like
- Reasonably priced
- Very elegant with a classy, high-gloss finish
- Robust stainless-steel construction
- 12-cup capacity that’s adequate for a large family
- Ergonomic handle
- Keeps your coffee warm. Nice feature.
- Detachable power cord for easy storage
- Easy to clean
- High percolating speed of one cup per minute
- Delivers great-tasting java
What We Don’t Like
- No automatic shutoff
- Not immersible
Conclusion
Apart from brewing your java at the high speed of one cup per minute, the Presto 02811 12-Cup Model Stainless Steel Coffee Maker at 12.5 inches tall is able to keep your brew at a constant hot serving temperature. You can make your coffee, drive to the mall to get a cake and get back home to enjoy a pipping hot cup of coffee without heating it again (the ideal temperature for keeping coffee hot).
All parts involved with the coffee brewing process are made out of stainless steel, with only a small portion at the bottom of the percolator being made out of aluminium to enhance its heating capability and efficiency.
RELATED: The 12 Best Electric Percolators in 2021
Best Stovetop: Bialetti 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker
The Bialetti 6-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker, is the ideal coffee maker for those who enjoy strong, rich delicious coffee, have a limited counter space, are looking for a coffeemaker which is affordable and built to last.
What We Like
- It makes an absolutely splendid cup of espresso, really easy to use and clean.
- It is super durable and built to last. Making this point better for the vast majority of reviewers was the fact that the unit was offered at a reasonable price (great value for money).
- Does not require electricity since the unit only requires stove-top heating. This aspect is not only economical but also quite advantageous for outdoor use.
What We Don’t Like
- The brewing process is not low-maintenance. In this regard, brewing is not simply putting the unit on the stove and forgetting about it only to enjoy the brew later. Rather, you need to make sure that the unit does not overheat or stay on the fire source for too long.
- It is not dishwasher safe.
- Leaves an aluminium residue at the bottom of the unit when used incorrectly.
Conclusion
All in all, it’s dependable, makes 6 espresso cups (excellent coffee) for the real coffee lovers and has a pretty small price tag.
RELATED: The 13 Best Stovetop Percolators in 2021
Best Large Capacity: Hamilton Beach 40616 -12 Cup
This Hamilton Beach 12-cup model can be used by students who are busy with their studies and don’t have much time. It’s also an ideal coffee maker for busy working people (all-day coffee drinker). Plus it can be used by business peoples who have restaurants or cafes. This is because it is big in size and heats hot coffee quick.
What We Like
- Made out of Stainless Steel (which not only gives it aesthetic appeal but also makes the unit BPA-free).
- Safe and easy to handle.
- Drip free spout which makes the serving process less messy.
- Easy to clean.
What We Don’t Like
- Does not come equipped with an automatic shut off feature.
Conclusion
The Hamilton Beach 40616 Stainless-Steel 12-Cup Electric Percolator at 12.58 inches tall is totally worth more than its bargain price. Its attractive chrome mirror finish and classic “retro” percolator design makes this unit a functional yet aesthetically appealing addition to any kitchen decor. Not to mention that it makes a delicious cup of coffee.
RELATED: The 11 Best Large Percolators in 2021
Best for Camping: Stanley 6-Cup Adventure Percolator
The Stanley 6-Cup Adventure Percolator, provide assurance to all die-hard coffee lovers who have previously thought that they couldn’t make it through a weekend of camping because they wouldn’t be able to access their hot pot of coffee. Their usual kick-start to their day.
What We Like
- Affordable price.
- Brews enough rich coffee (which just happens to be super flavourful) to serve a bunch of coffee gluttons.
- It’s outdoor safe due its material.
- It’s dishwasher safe.
- Really easy to use and handle.
- Can be used over any heat source. Nice feature.
What We Don’t Like
- Should you forget to remove the unit’s silicone handle grip, it will burn (obviously!)
Conclusion
Considering its high customer rating, numerous beneficial/special features, and great price, the Stanley Cup-6-Cup, Stainless Steel, is a purchase worth considering. Not only will it save your time and your money, this basic model will also make you and several of your mates (depending on occasion and location) a full-bodied cup of excellent coffee.
RELATED: The 3 Best Camping Percolators in 2021
Best Design: Medelco 8-Cup Glass Stovetop Percolator
For less than $30.00 at the time of publishing, you won’t find a better stovetop coffee percolator on the market, its small beautiful design means you don’t have to sacrifice valuable counter space. Thanks to its glass carafe you can watch the colour of the coffee as it transforms.
What We Like
- You can easily make enough coffee for your whole family quickly in one brew.
- Comes with a metal heat diffusing trivet which means it can be used on either gas or electric stovetops.
- Looks beautiful in any home, and will match any decor.
- It is BPA free and made from high quality Schott Duran borosilicate glass.
- Drip-free spout.
- Ergonomic handle.
What We Don’t Like
- Less durable plastic parts.
Conclusion
This beautiful design Medelco Percolator has a generous capacity of 8 cups. The filter brew basket does an excellent job of keeping grounds out of your coffee, eliminating the need to purchase expensive and environmentally ruinous coffee filters.
RELATED: A Step by Step Guide on How to Use a Glass Percolator
Best Small Capacity: Farberware 2-4-Cup Percolator, Stainless Steel, FCP 240
Buy on AmazonAre you the only coffee drinker or interested in saving time (especially in the morning when you not only have to juggle the process of waking up, getting ready, and getting to work on time)? Well, if your answer is yes, the Farberware 2-4-Cup Percolator, Stainless Steel, FCP 240 model is the answer to most of your morning worries.
What We Like
- Equipped with various features (detachable power cord, no-drip spout, firm support base, and cool touch easy grip handle) which make the serving process simple and mess free.
- Electrically powered thus, offering easy-brew features including auto shut off and keep warm features.
- Advantageously portable enough to allow one to carry to work or on business trips.
- Constructed from stainless steel which ensures that each time the unit is used, the resulting brew will always be of high-quality, will taste great, and will always be flavourful (how’s that for perfect?).
- Quick brewing process of up to a cup per minute.
What We Don’t Like
- Heating element is prone to failure.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a coffee maker that will help you discover the joy that a robust cup of fresh coffee brings. We highly recommend that you consider this unit (one of the most expensive models on our list), considering all the above mentioned advantageous/special features of the unit, as a purchase that will be worth your hard earned cash. This is particularly true for those who have households that accommodate few people, and those who really don’t entertain much.
RELATED: The 2 Best Small Capacity Percolators in 2021
What to Look for in a Coffee Percolator
Stovetop vs. Electric
During your search, you will realize that although most stovetop percolators are made out of stainless steel or aluminium, some others are actually made purely out of glass.
The following list breaks down the pros and cons of each type of material:
- Stainless steel gives a unit a great aesthetic appeal BUT conducts heat much faster and can cause scalds (for those who tend to be absent-minded in the kitchen).
- Aluminium conducts heat much slower (thus running a lower risk of burning myself) but have been noted to leave a residue at the bottom of the pot if a brewer engages in poor brewing habits.
- Glass percolators are more delicate when compared to their metal counterparts. However, their see-through pots allow one to monitor the color of their brew (an easy way of telling when the coffee is ready to serve according to your particular taste).
If you are searching for a coffee making machine that is incredibly inexpensive, then Stovetop percolators are more affordable, and typically dishwasher safe. Electric percolators, on the other hand, offer more convenience when brewing (for example, keeps your coffee warm hours after it has been brewed) and may make more coffee at once.
Price
Your budget also matters but fortunately, percolators are way less expensive than traditional coffee making machines. Of course there are a wide range of different models and qualities; some are more or less expensive than others. The capacity of a percolator often affects its price, meaning that larger items are more expensive. So, if you’re on a tight budget/price range or looking to cut daily trips to the coffee shop out of your routine, you can expect electric percolators to cost more than stovetop models.
Cleaning
Those who have not used coffee percolators before may not be aware that coffee percolators don’t use paper filters and can be a little harder to clean.
Generally speaking, how coffee percolators works is easy. The water in the percolator is boiled and then made to go through the coffee grounds multiple times (brew cycle) until the right consistency and strength are reached.
Since the filter basket is an integral part of the whole coffee making device, it is essential that it will be removable and easy to use. This is so that emptying it and filling it out again will be more manageable. Preferably, the filter basket can be found in the pressure chamber and receptacle so that the cleaning process will be uncomplicated.
If this is a major issue for you, consider a percolator that is dishwasher safe. Luckily, dishwasher-safe options are easy to find. Otherwise, be prepared to rinse several little pieces by hand after each use.
FAQs
What grind size should I use?
There are a number of different elements that go into making a great cup of coffee. Your choice of coffee is an important step in itself, but the grind size counts just as much. After all, the last thing you would want to do is waste that carefully chosen specialty coffee…
The optimum coffee grind size will always depend on the device being used to make coffee. Each device is designed to extract coffee and in a specific amount of time, to get the best out of your coffee. If you’ve picked the wrong grind for your coffee equipment, you’ll know about it as soon as you taste your coffee:
Coarse-ground beans are the best choice for coffee percolators. Percolators, French presses, and cold brew coffee makers all have long contact times (water temperature around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) and subsequently work best with coarse-ground coffee. Keep in mind that there are stovetop percolators (namely moka pots) designed to brew espresso-like coffee; these devices require finely ground beans instead.
How much coffee should I use?
If you like to weigh your coffee before brewing (which will give you the best, most consistent results). Percolator owners should feel free to experiment with their own coffee-to-water ratio (measurements) to find the flavour that best suits their taste. That being said, the general rule is 1 tablespoon of coarse-ground coffee for every cup of water. This simple 1:1 ratio should consistently brew a rich and delicious cup of joe.
How long does it take a percolator to brew?
Brewing time varies a little more for electric percolators, compared to that of a stovetop percolator, largely because these devices heat up water at different speeds.
The recommended brew time for a stovetop percolator is six to 10 minutes. Many electric percolators follow a one-cup-per-minute rule. This means it will take 10 minutes to brew 10 cups of coffee.
Make sure you don’t leave your percolator on for too long, brewing for even a couple minutes too long can lead to burnt and bitter coffee. Not your desirable fresh coffee.
How do you clean a percolator?
Those who own an electric percolator are advised to avoid getting the base of the device wet when cleaning.
Stovetop percolators owners, after each use, the carafe and filter basket should be rinsed and wiped down with a dishcloth or non-abrasive brush.
For a thorough clean:
- Fill the percolator with water.
- Add a few tablespoons of baking soda.
- Brew like normal.
The combination of baking soda and hot water will remove limescale build-up and potentially get rid of set-in coffee stains.
For a much simpler cleaning process, check if your percolator, is dishwasher-safe. Many stovetop percolators can be disassembled and placed in the dishwasher.
What is a coffee percolator?
A coffee percolator is a type of pot that is used for brewing coffee. It works by continually cycling the boiling brew through the coffee grounds until the brew reaches a certain concentration.
Why is a coffee percolator worth buying?
You might wonder why you should buy a percolator when there are several other options of coffee makers on the market.
Well, if you are a coffee perfectionist, you might prefer a percolator to the standard coffee maker. By recycling the brew through the coffee grounds, the coffee percolator produces a brew that is richer, more aromatic, and generally more concentrated than what you’d obtained from a regular coffee maker.
What’s the difference between a coffee machine and an espresso machine?
An espresso machine uses high pressure and temperature to extract a low volume, concentrated coffee that’s extremely rich and dark in flavor.
A drip coffee machine gently trickles water over the ground coffee so that the flavor gradually seeps into it. The filter removes any sediment and you’re left with a larger volume with a lighter flavor.
How do coffee machines heat water so fast?
The coffee machine pumps water up past a heating element so it doesn’t heat the whole lot in one go. As the water passes through it heats up to the desired temperature and this gives complete control over the temperature and amount of water used.
What coffee machine does Starbucks use?
Starbucks (coffee shop) uses a custom brand of coffee machine called Mastrena. They have built-in grinders to speed up espresso making.
Which Coffee Maker Makes the Hottest Coffee
That would likely be the Russell Hobbs CM4300BR Coventry Coffeemaker at the time of publishing, which has several settings to allow you to customize the temperature of your next cup of coffee. The inner scientist in you will appreciate adjusting variables like water temperature, the coffee ground’s bloom time and water delivery speed, all in the pursuit for the perfect cup of coffee for you.
How long does a commercial coffee machine last?
Depending on the brand you go for generally you’d expect a commercial coffee maker to last anywhere between 1 and 15 years. Keeping it clean, descaled and well looked after can extend the life of your machine considerably.