The unit looks like a kettle with a glass lid and contains a hollow, vertical tube and a perforated basket located near the top of the tube. There is also an internal or external heat source at the base of the device. A coffee percolator uses a tube to send the boiling water upwards, right to the top of a perforated basket. The water then falls down over the coffee grounds and goes back into the boiling water, making the process continuous.

This method of brewing coffee was highly popular half a century ago until percolators were replaced with automatic coffee makers. Nevertheless, many coffee nerds still use this device, and there are reasons for that. To begin with, a percolator brews stronger coffee because the water is cycled through the coffee ground multiple times and you eventually get double brewed coffee. Also, it brings the depth of flavour and retains the heat well. On the other hand, it produces bitter flavours if you do not maintain proper temperatures.

6 Coffee Percolators Compared: Electric Coffee Percolators & Stovetop Percolators

Coffee percolators come in two types: stovetop and electric. While sharing the same operating principle, stovetop and electric percolators differ in that they utilize different sources of heat. Electric models are made with electric heating elements incorporated into the unit’s base, whereas the stovetop requires a burner. Electric perforators are pricier but they can shut off automatically and keep your coffee warm if needed. Stovetop coffee perforators are more popular for outdoor activities.

One of the most popular models is the Moss & Stone Electric Coffee Percolator with a capacity of 10 cups. This is a classic percolator with a removable filter, a filter basket and a pump tube. With dimensions of 28 cm in height and 14.5 cm in width, it nicely fits any countertop and looks elegant.

The unit is made from sturdy stainless steel, while the cooper exterior is ideal for holding heat. The handle is cool to the touch. Other beneficial features include an indicator light and an auto keep-warm function. The only downside is that the device operates on 110 volts, so UK residents may need a plug adaptor for this percolator to work.

How Percolators Differ

Percolators should not be confused with Moka pots. Technically, both types are percolators, meaning that they work by passing water through coffee grounds rather than letting them soak in water. The difference is that traditional percolators use gravity rather than steam pressure. Also, Moka pots force the water through coffee grounds only once, whereas percolators brew coffee continuously. However, Moka pots have their advantages: they make coffee faster and are available on the market in wide varieties.

Espresso Italian Coffee Makers

Just take a look at the Bialetti Moka Express Aluminium Stovetop Coffee Maker. This time-honoured brand was established by Alfonso Bialetti who invented the Moka Express coffee maker in 1933. Crafted with aluminium and an ergonomic handle, the lightweight unit has a capacity of 0.55 litres or 9 cups. The product is well worth the money and you will really feel the difference in quality. The spout doesn’t drip when pouring and the materials are of top quality. On top of that, you can take the pot apart to clean it with ease.

A more advanced model from this brand, the Easy Timer Electric Coffee Maker comes with a timer and an LCD screen. The buttons for choosing modes and a timer are positioned on the display.

The timer works great and you can set it up at night to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee around you. The sound signal, which can be turned low, will remind you that your coffee is ready if you are in another room. The coffee maker turns off automatically after brewing coffee and can maintain the brew temperature for half an hour. Yes, it is bulkier and heavier than the above-mentioned model but, on the other hand, it offers a larger capacity — up to 6 cups.

If you are looking for a smaller-capacity coffee maker, opt for the 130ml Bialetti Moka Express Aluminium Stovetop Coffee Maker that produces up to 3 cups of espresso coffee. The unit weighs less than 500 grams and measures 14 cm x 10 cm x 17 cm, so it is perfect for both travellers and those who need to make coffee for one or two persons. Many users claim that this device makes the best homemade coffee. “My husband was sceptical and wanted to carry on with pods but now wants this every time I'm making one!” one of the Amazon customers wrote in her review.

Stainless Steel Coffee Percolators

Another popular product is the Groenenberg Espresso Maker | Moka Pot Induction manufactured by a promising German startup. One of the advantages of this product is particularly heat-resistant 430 stainless steel material that can be used on any type of stove, be it a gas stove or an induction stove. At the same time, the heat is transferred perfectly thanks to a wide base with an additional notch.

Why is a material that important? The thing is that many other models on the market are made from aluminium.

It is a fact of common knowledge that aluminium can be toxic when it migrates from utensils to foodstuff. In particular, cleaning aluminium Moka pots in a dishwasher results in a considerable increase in aluminium concentration. In this context, stainless steel coffee makers are much safer than aluminium ones. In addition to being free of aluminium, the Groenenberg Espresso Maker has no coating and is completely rust-proof. The unit has a capacity of up to 4 cups and weighs around 600 grams.

Alternatively, you may go for the Stainless Steel Induction Stovetop Espresso Maker. This is another aluminium-free coffee maker with a capacity of 6 cups. The unit is made with an extra-large handle and a steam safety valve. The manufacturer, London Sip Company, offers Italian classic coffee makers with a “modern British twist”. With this device, you will forget about a metallic taste in your mouth and corrosion. This product has a stylish cone-shaped design and will adorn any kitchen. At the same time, the 540-gram device is ideal for campers and hikers. Just place it on a gas camping stove and enjoy a delicious coffee in any place!

Electric Coffee Percolator Alternatives

Those who are looking for more sophisticated appliances may consider automatic machines. such as the Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine and De'Longhi Dedica Style EC685M Pump Espresso Machine. Their advantages lie in convenience and ease of use combined with the superb taste of the produced coffee.

While being super-compact, the Nespresso Vertuo Next produces up to 1.1 litres of coffee and offers a full range of coffee styles. The device features a one-touch system, an automatic power-off function, and an A+ energy class. It takes the 1,500-watt unit 30 seconds to heat up and you can choose among 5 different cup sizes, from espresso to Alto. What separates this product from many others on the market is that it uses capsules providing smooth taste and rich crema. The unit produces freshly brewed coffee at the touch of the button and uses an intelligent system that automatically recognizes each capsule. Additionally, the machine is equipped with a patented centrifusion extraction technology.

If you are an amateur of cappuccinos or lattes, opt for the De'Longhi Pump Espresso Machine which works with both ground coffee and capsules. This machine comes with an adjustable milk frother, using which you can easily make frothy caffè lattes and cappuccinos.

Based on professional barista technology, this coffee maker allows you to control every step of the process and set both the temperature and length. The product features a thermoblock keeping the needed temperature, a double drip tray, and a cup warmer shelf. The three-function control panel is user-friendly and fits into the minimalist design style. And finally, the unit shuts off automatically when not used for a long time.

A French press coffee maker is of separate notice. When compared to a percolator, this method involves an absolutely different mode of operation. French press coffee makers utilize an immersion method and pressure is used to accelerate extraction. A French press offers a more nuanced cup of coffee than a percolator because the water remains in contact with the coffee grinds for a longer time. A French press produces a full-bodied brew but is not good for making large amounts of coffee.

When it comes to this type of brewing method, we recommend the BODUM Columbia French Press Coffee Maker with a capacity of one litre or 8 cups. This stainless steel unit features double-wall construction for better insulation, a safety lid, and an easy-grip handle. The Bodum French press makes flavourful coffee in just 4 minutes, keeping it hot for about two hours. And in case you didn't know, the Bodum brand is trustworthy and traces its history back to the 1940s. The company was founded in Denmark by Peter Bodum and now is well-known for its innovative coffee makers.

Best-Selling Coffee Percolators in Canada | Comparison Table

Most Popular

Products with 5 star rating

 

Product5 Stars Votes
Coletti "Bozeman" Percolator2932(5.1%)
Primula Today Aluminum Stove Top Percolator2271(3.9%)
Cuisinart PRC-12 Classic 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator1658(2.9%)
Moss & Stone Electric Coffee Percolator771(1.3%)

 

Other Popular

 

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