The Percolator is a very popular and cheap method of brewing coffee. a percolator works by heating boiling water in a compartment below the coffee. the boiling water then travels upwards, through a tube to the top of the percolator where it is spread over the ground coffee that is contained in a perforated basket. The water travels through the ground coffee and out of the holes in the bottom of the basket back down into the boiling water compartment. This process is repeatedly, with the coffee brew becoming stronger on each cycle. This is still an old method of making coffee with the first percolator being invented in the early 1800′s. However it is still very popular today as with careful timing you will be able to get the perfect strength cup of wonderful coffee.
Most modern percolators have glass top which allows you to see the colour of the coffee change as the brew strengthens and thus determine when it is ready.
The word “percolate” actually means to ‘filter through’, but it can also mean to become lively,spirited, which is just how a good cup of should be.
Different types of Percolators
Stovetop percolators are as the name suggests put on top of a hotplate or stove. They are based on the original percolators that we’re first used hundreds of years ago, so are perfect for a traditionalist. They need to be watched while brewing, as they will need to be removed from the heat source when brewing is completed. If left to brew for too long, they can cause over-boiling, which can make the coffee bitter and rob it of any distinct flavours.
Electric percolators have been around since the early 20th century, and make a consistent brew by automatically stopping the brewing process when the coffee is done. Most Electric percolators also have a warning noise for when the coffee is ready so they do not need to be watched.