Coffee percolators have been a beloved part of kitchens and camping trips for decades. Their unique brewing process delivers a rich and robust flavor that’s hard to replicate with other brewing methods. If you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good cup of joe, you’re in the right place. We’re here to review and recommend the best electric percolators of 2023 based on our extensive testing and analysis.
Our Testing Process for Coffee Percolators
As a former barista at the Boat Basin Cafe in Downtown New York, I, John Bird, have had my fair share of coffee brewing experiences. For this review, we set up each percolator, brewed coffee, and assessed the brewing time, pourability, and most importantly, the taste. We repeated this process multiple times to ensure accurate results.
Safety concerns were also a top priority during our testing. We checked for features like automatic shut-off, stay-cool handles, and sturdy construction. Special features such as ready-to-serve indicator lights and non-drip spouts were also taken into consideration.
Key Considerations When Buying Coffee Percolators
When it comes to buying a coffee percolator, there are several factors to consider.
Size and Capacity: The size and capacity of the percolator should match your coffee drinking habits. If you’re a solo coffee drinker, a small percolator would suffice. But if you frequently host large gatherings, you might want to consider a larger model.
Electric vs Stovetop Percolator: The choice between an electric and a stovetop percolator often comes down to convenience and control. Electric percolators are easy to use and maintain a consistent brewing temperature, making them a great choice for home brewing. On the other hand, stovetop percolators offer more control over the brewing process but require a heat source, making them a popular choice for camping trips.
Construction Material: The construction material plays a significant role in the durability and taste quality of the coffee. Stainless steel percolators are known for their durability and their ability to maintain a consistent temperature, resulting in a better tasting coffee.
Desirable Qualities: Speed, non-drip spouts, stay-cool handles, and ready-to-serve indicator lights are some of the desirable qualities to look for when choosing the right coffee percolator for your needs.
In-Depth Reviews of the Top Electric Percolators
After hours of testing and tasting, we’re ready to share our in-depth reviews of the top electric percolators.
| Percolator | Type | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator | Electric | Stainless steel, ready-to-serve indicator light, 12-cup capacity | Durable, large capacity, indicator light | Pricier, short cord |
| Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker | Electric | Stainless steel, fast brewing time | Fast brewing, easy to use and clean, durable | No indicator light, handle can get hot |
| Faberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator | Stovetop | Heavy-duty stainless steel, perfect for outdoor use | Durable, easy to use, excellent control over brewing | Less convenient, requires a heat source |
1. Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator
The Cuisinart PRC-12 is a top-notch percolator that combines functionality with style. It’s made of stainless steel, which ensures durability and excellent taste quality. One of the standout features of this percolator is its ready-to-serve indicator light, which lets you know when your coffee is ready to be served.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Ready-to-serve indicator light
- 12-cup capacity, perfect for large gatherings
Cons:
- A bit on the pricey side
- The cord is relatively short
2. Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
The Presto 02811 is a classic percolator that’s been a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for years. It’s known for its speed, brewing a cup of coffee in less than a minute. It’s also easy to use and clean, making it a great choice for those new to percolator brewing.
Pros:
- Fast brewing time
- Easy to use and clean
- Durable stainless steel construction
Cons:
- Does not have a ready-to-serve indicator light
- The handle can get hot during brewing
3. Faberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
The Faberware 50124 is a stovetop percolator that’s perfect for camping trips. It’s made of heavy-duty stainless steel, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Despite being a stovetop model, it’s easy to use and offers excellent control over the brewing process.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction, perfect for outdoor use
- Easy to use
- Offers excellent control over the brewing process
Cons:
- Not as convenient as electric models
- Requires a heat source to operate
Our Recommendations – Best Coffee Percolator Machine
After extensive testing and analysis, we’ve concluded that the Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator stands out as the best coffee percolator machine of 2023. It combines durability, functionality, and style, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
However, if you’re looking for a percolator for camping trips, the Faberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator is your best bet. Its heavy-duty construction and excellent control over the brewing process make it the best percolator for camping.
Additional Considerations and Tips
As you embark on your coffee percolator journey, here are some additional tips and considerations:
Brewing Techniques: To avoid over-extraction in percolators, make sure to use coarse ground coffee and not to let the coffee boil.
Maintenance: Regular cleaning is crucial to maintain the taste quality of your coffee. Most percolators are easy to clean, with some parts being dishwasher safe.
Accessories: A coffee grinder can enhance your coffee experience by allowing you to grind your beans just before brewing.
FAQs
1. How does a percolator work?
A coffee percolator works by continuously cycling the boiling or nearly boiling brew through the grounds using gravity until the desired strength is reached.
2. What are the top percolator brands?
Some of the top percolator brands include Cuisinart, Presto, and Faberware.
Closing Remarks
Coffee percolators have been around for a long time, and for a good reason. They offer a unique way of brewing coffee that results in a rich and robust flavor. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a casual drinker, investing in a good coffee percolator can significantly enhance your coffee experience.
We hope this article has been helpful in your quest for the perfect coffee percolator. Remember, the best percolator is the one that suits your needs and preferences. So whether you’re looking for an easy-to-use electric coffee percolator for home brewing or a stainless steel stovetop percolator for camping trips, make sure to choose the one that’s right for you.
References
- Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator
- Presto 02811 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker
- Faberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
- How Does a Coffee Percolator Work?
- Best Coffee Grinders
- Over Extraction in Coffee Brewing
- How to Clean a Coffee Percolator
- Coffee Percolator Buying Guide
