Let’s learn how to make coffee in a percolator! But first, what is a that, coffee percolator is a kettle with water and coffee grinds in separate compartments.
The device works just as well on a bonfire as it does on a cooktop, so most people associate it with camping. Electric models make it easier than ever to peak coffee with today’s percolators, which aren’t limited to flame-based cooking processes. In case you are looking for best coffee percolator, we have a list of recommendation you can use as reference.
How Does a Percolator Work?
Percolators contain two chambers: one for the water and another for the ground coffee beans. Water is pumped through a vertical tube that passes over the coffee grounds before trickling back to the bottom of the pot as it boils. Percolator coffee, unlike other brewing methods, is brewed many times. Every time the now-flavored water drips down, it passes through the grounds once again, resulting in an exceptionally aromatic cup of coffee.
Unfortunately, using a percolator makes it simple to overbrew coffee. Because drip coffee and pour-over brewing methods only send the water through the grounds once, the flavor may be easily controlled. We propose using a timer to control the intensity of the coffee, much like with French press coffee.
How to Make Coffee in a Percolator
Step 1: Prep the Percolator
Before you begin, make sure the percolator is clean. The flavor of the new batch may be influenced by any residual coffee grounds.
Then fill the reservoir with water, following the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum water level. In typically, one mug of coffee is made with two cups of water. (To get to the reservoir, you may need to disassemble the stand and stem.) If this is the case, reassemble the components once the water is in place.)
Step 2: Add the grounds
Fill the upper basket with coffee grounds. For a stronger coffee, use a tablespoon of grounds per cup; for a lesser coffee, use a teaspoon of grounds per cup. Assemble the percolator, making sure everything is screwed together and the cover is in position.
Step 3: Heat
Heat the percolator over medium heat on the stovetop. Slowly heat the percolator until it reaches its peak, keeping an eye on it via the glass top. Reduce the heat so that the water is warm but not boiling. There should be no steam coming out of the percolator at all. Plug in electric percolators and heat the water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Perk!
Depending on the required strength, percolate the coffee for seven to ten minutes.
Step 5: Let the Coffee Rest
Turn off the heat under the percolator. Remove the coffee grounds basket with oven mitts and discard the wasted grinds. Allow a few minutes for the coffee to steep before serving. Some grounds may inadvertently enter the coffee, and this resting interval allows them to settle to the bottom of the percolator.
What is the Best Coffee for a Percolator?
For percolator coffee, the coffee beans you choose make a big difference. Dark roasts can be excessively dominating because the coffee is rebrewed numerous times. Low-acidity coffee should be classified as light roast, smooth, or mild. It’s also crucial to coarsely ground the beans so that they don’t fall through the basket and end up in the final product.
How Much Coffee do You Put in a Percolator?
You’ll have a fair sense of how much coffee you’ll need for percolator coffee after the first few brews. To make a strong brew, use one tablespoon of coarsely ground coffee per cup of water. Use a teaspoon per cup for a weaker brew.
How Long Do You let Coffee Percolate in a Percolator?
Coffee should be percolated for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired strength level. During this process, it’s critical to maintain consistent heat in the percolator (an area where electric coffee percolators definitely shine). Even if you only boil the coffee for a short time, if the water gets too hot and produces steam, the coffee will be over-extracted and taste bitter. Alternatively, if the water isn’t hot enough, it won’t be able to extract the most flavor from the grounds.
Was this helpful?
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
