9 Best Coffee Percolators of 2021

The coffee percolator is an ingenious way of making a delicious coffee in a matter of minutes.

Inside the percolator, you will find 2 separate chambers, one for the water and the other for accommodating your coffee beans. When the water boils, the steam rises and reaches the coffee chamber where all the flavors inside the coffee beans are extracted and turned into a coffee brew.

What sets the coffee percolator apart from other coffee-making accessories is the superior quality coffee it produces and its short brew time, especially when used with a dark roasted coffee bean.

If you are fresh on the market for a coffee percolator, we have you covered! Below, we give you our impressions on some of the best coffee percolators on the market.

Let’s see which percolator model you need to buy right now!

9 Best Coffee Percolators – Review

• Capacity: 8 cups
• Material: Stainless Steel

If there is one department where the Farberware is a winner, then it is definitely in the price department. Indeed, based on price alone, this product is one of the best stovetop coffee percolators for the money.

Since it does not have an electric unit as a heat source, you will need to use your regular kitchen stovetop to provide the heat. It will work with all types of stovetops like electric, gas, or even induction.

One of the best things about this coffee percolator is its flexibility in terms of size. Indeed, you can purchase 2 models of the Farberware. One that produces 8 cups and the other 12 cups. You can choose which model you want to depend on the capacity of coffee that you need.

In addition, the build construction from stainless steel is durable and long-lasting. This coffee percolator will not rust or corrode when it comes in contact with the coffee. Also, due to the material used in the build construction, it is very easy to clean and best, it is dishwasher safe as well.

In order to promote handling, the handle is made from a synthetic plastic that is ergonomic and comfortable.

The only real issue we have with this stovetop percolator is that it does not have an inbuilt heat source and the knob is quite fragile. You need to be careful when operating it. Other than this, this model is simply perfect for the price!

• Capacity: 9 cups
• Material: Stainless Steel

What makes the Bozeman a unique coffee percolator is its unique and modern look. Indeed, this coffee percolator is aesthetically pleasing and made from a high-grade 18/8 stainless steel and glass that gives it a mirror like finish and sleek look.

Moreover, you can prepare 9 cups of coffee with this percolator which is more than enough for the casual coffee drinker. What we also like is the fact that there are no plastic or aluminum parts. It is all stainless steel and glass. Therefore, this coffee percolator will last a very long time as long as you take care of it.

Also, what makes this percolator different is its wooden handle that does not conduct any heat. Indeed, you don’t have to worry about heat induction with a wooden handle. It is also cut out in such a way that it is quite comfortable to hold.

In addition, due to the placement of the handle on the percolator, you will not have to tilt the percolator to a steep angle for the coffee to start flowing at the spout.

The caveats with this unit is its price, which is a little bit higher than average. Also, it lacks a ready to serve indicator light which is normally present in more high-end and expensive models.

Notes

We recommend that you clean this coffee percolator with a clean cloth after every use as it is a finger magnet.

• Capacity: 6 cups
• Material: Stainless Steel

The Presto looks like a regular water heater. However, this is a very effective and easy to use electric coffee percolator that consumes only 500 W of electricity as well as produces a delicious brew.

This coffee percolator has a capacity of only 6 cups, which makes it the smallest model in this coffee percolator review. However, this is not a bad thing especially if you need a low-power consumption coffee percolator was a small capacity for only one person.

When it comes to the build construction, you have nothing to worry about as it uses stainless steel and a high-grade plastic that is quite durable and long-lasting. The handle itself is ergonomic, large and quite comfortable to hold.

In addition, the spout is designed in such a way that it will not spill coffee every time you tilt the percolator.

But what we really like about this model is that there is a ready-to-serve indicator light on the side that will show you when your coffee is ready for consumption. Very neat!

This easily makes up for its small capacity of 6 cups only. However, remember that you can purchase this model in a higher 12 cup capacity if you have greater demands.

• Capacity: 8 cups
• Material: Heat-resistant Glass

What separates the Medelco apart from the rest of the competition is its borosilicate glass build construction.

This is a heat-resistant glass that is not only very durable to shocks but will also last a very long time.

Moreover, the glass is also scratch resistant which will help in preserving its brand-new look for a longer period of time.

Also, when it comes to capacity, this stovetop percolator can make 8 cups of coffee which is more than enough for the average coffee consumer.

What we also like about it the Medelco is that the inside is made from a BPA-free material so it will not develop any toxins which may potentially spoil the taste of the coffee.

Notes

Even if this coffee percolator is made from a heat resistant and shock resistant borosilicate glass, you need to be careful and not drop it. It is significantly more fragile than a metal coffee percolator.

• Capacity: 8 cups
• Material: Stainless Steel

This coffee percolator by Halminton is quite popular and used by many baristas. It is an electric coffee percolator that has an indicator light that will show you whenever the coffee is ready to be served.

Also, there is an advanced temperature technology in this coffee percolator that will always keep the coffee warm and fresh. This percolator is able to brew 8 cups of coffee which is more than enough for the casual coffee drinker.

Since it is electric, there is an electric cord connected to the base. But what is amazing is that you can remove the electric cord, so it is quite handy when serving coffee.

Moreover, this coffee percolator has a very fast brew time of one minute for every cup.

It is no wonder that this model by Halminton is regarded by many expert baristas as being one of the best electric coffee percolators that you can buy. Even if the price is quite high.

6. Hamilton Beach 40616 – High Capacity and Fast Brew Time

• Capacity: 12 cups
• Material: Stainless Steel

This one is a bit similar to the Halminton model we have just reviewed above. However, there is one major exception. This model is taller and has a higher capacity of 12 cups.

If you need to make a lot of coffee really fast, then this model by Halminton is an excellent choice. Also, it has a stainless-steel build construction that is very durable and long-lasting. The outer shell is further coated with a chrome layer that gives it a mirrorlike finish.

This percolator is also very easy to clean. We also note the presence of a “keep warm” feature that will keep your coffee warm and fresh at all time. There is also a ready to serve light that shows you when your coffee is ready. Quite convenient!

The only issue we take with this percolator is its filter design. It does not filter ground coffee perfectly and you may find pieces of coffee beans in your brew. You can easily fix this by using a better quality filter.

Notes

Since this electric percolator is quite tall and slim, you will need to slant the percolator to a greater angle for the coffee to flow, especially if the percolator is not filled to the brim.

Also, due its height, you need to be careful. It can easily top over if mishandled.

• Capacity: 20 cups
• Material: Aluminum

Not everyone can afford an expensive coffee percolator. After all, this is a coffee accessory where prices can quickly get out of hand. Thankfully, the Stansport is here to solve this problem.

Indeed, the Stansport is one of the most affordable coffee percolators that you can buy in this review. But best of all, what makes this percolator unique is its excellent price to capacity ratio.

For the money, this percolator can hold an impressive 20 cups of coffee. There is also a smaller model that can accommodate 9 cups if you want a smaller percolator with a small capacity.

The spout is quite short but large. This makes it easy to pour a large quantity of coffee really fast. Moreover, the aluminum build construction conducts heater really well which means that this percolator heats fast.

All in all, if you are on a short budget but need a coffee percolator with a high-capacity and easy to use, then the Stansport is definitely one of the best coffee percolator pots online. However, just bear in mind that this model requires a longer brew time of 7 - 10 minutes.

• Capacity: 8 cups
• Material: Enamel

The GSI Outdoors is truly a unique coffee percolator. In terms of looks, it looks like a traditional kettle. However, what makes it truly unique is its Enamel coating that provides it with a shiny and mirrorlike finish.

This coffee percolator also uses an innovative three-ply construction which means that heat is distributed evenly throughout the percolator, which allows it to produce a more consistent coffee in terms of taste.

Moreover, in terms of price, this coffee percolator is very competitively priced as well. Inside this coffee percolator, we find a steel construction which makes it very durable and long-lasting. But best, you get a full lifetime warranty from the manufacturer with this coffee percolator.

Also, the filter of this percolator is metal and permanent, so you will not have to change it which makes it very easy to use. At the top, we find a glass view knob that allows you to view the percolation of your coffee at any time.

And even if this model may not be the best looking percolator on the market, it still gets the job done at a great price.

Notes

You should avoid getting the outer part of this percolator wet because a few parts are known to corrode and rust over time

• Capacity: 12 cups
• Material: Stainless Steel

What we like about this Cuisinart coffee percolator is its deep attention to detail. Indeed, it looks very aesthetically pleasing and professionally made. The main build construction material is stainless steel which means that this percolator will last a long time and will not corrode as well.

Also, this percolator has a special bottom called “stay cool” by the manufacturer which will not scald or scar the surface of the material that it touches.

In addition, we also note the presence of a ready to serve indicator light that will immediately light up whenever your coffee is ready to be served. The electric cord is detachable that makes it more portable and maneuverable when serving coffee.

All in all, taking the build construction into account as well as its advanced features, this model by Cuisinart is one of the best coffee percolators that you can buy. Even if it is a little bit more expensive when compared to other models. Also, the spout is quite short so you will need to tilt it to a greater angle when serving coffee.

Coffee Percolator vs. French Press

Both the coffee percolator and the French Press are old methods for preparing coffee. But which method is better for you? Let’s find out!

Coffee Percolator: With the coffee percolator, the flavor from the ground coffee is extracted using either gravity or pressure.

Moreover, the coffee percolator looks very similar to a tea kettle, so it is difficult to mistake it for something else.

One of the main advantages of the coffee percolator is that it can produce a lot of coffee in a short amount of time.

It is not ideal for making a flavorful coffee, but it is more useful when the quantity of coffee is usually preferred over quality.

French Press: On the other hand, the French Press is an old coffee brewing process that produces a strong and delicious brew from almost any type of coffee beans.

Read More: 9 Best Coffees for French Press

If you’re looking to make a brew that is rich in flavor, then the French Press is usually the best method.

Moreover, the French Press is a superior brewing method where the quality of the coffee matters more than the quantity.

Indeed, the French Press is a slow brewing method, but it produces a superior quality coffee.

Taste: There is no denying that the French Press produces a better coffee, at least when it comes to taste.

This is because the filter of the French Press, as well as the pressure, exerted on the filter when “pressing” allows the French Press to extract more flavors from the ground coffee.

With the coffee percolator, there is no “manual” interaction. All is done using steam, gravity, or pressure. Therefore, the brew that you get from the coffee percolator is milder and lacks the rich flavor of a French Press.

Brew Time: The coffee percolator is superior when it comes to brewing time.

With the coffee percolator, you can expect a cup of coffee to be ready in a few minutes, usually no more than 5 minutes.

On the other hand, the French Press takes significantly more time. Coffee preparation with the French Press usually takes at least 7 minutes.

Therefore, if you are short on time and need your coffee as soon as possible, the coffee percolator is definitely the way to go.

Ease-of-use: Both methods are quite easy to use. You don’t need a lot of experience operating the French Press or the coffee percolator.

In fact, you can argue that the coffee percolator is easier.

Because all you have to do is simply place your ground coffee in a container in the percolator, water in another container, and apply a heat source.

Easy to clean: The coffee percolator remains the easiest coffee accessory to clean. This is because most of the containers inside the coffee percolator are easily accessible and therefore, they are much easier to clean.

With the French Press, there are smaller and more complex parts like the filter compartment unit that is difficult to thoroughly clean.

So, for hygiene reasons, the coffee percolator is better because of how easy it is to clean.

How to Buy the Best Coffee Percolators

1. Stovetop or Electric Percolator

The stovetop percolator does not have an electric unit so you will need to use a kitchen stovetop, whether it is gas, electric, or induction to provide heat to the coffee percolator.

One of the main advantages of the stovetop percolator is its affordable price. If you already have a stovetop in your kitchen, then it is a great way to save some money when purchasing a coffee percolator.

The electric percolator on the other hand already comes with an electric unit that provides the electric percolator with an inbuilt heat source.

It is more expensive than the stovetop percolator, but it generally has more technologically advanced features like an auto-power off for security or always-warm to keep the taste of your coffee consistent over time.

2. Gravity or Pressure Percolator

The gravity percolator is the oldest type of coffee percolator on the market.

As its name suggests, it uses “gravity” to filter out the flavor from the ground coffee from an upward to downward motion.

In a gravity percolator, the ground coffee is placed inside a metal filter, and the steam condenses into tiny water droplets when it reaches the outer surfaces of the filter.

Due to gravity, the water droplets enter the filter and comes into contact with the ground coffee where it’s flavors and aromas are extracted.

Then, this “brew” is further pulled down by gravity into another container where it is stored and ready for consumption.

A pressure percolator is actually known as a Moka.

It works in pretty much the same way as a gravity percolator with the exception and that the filter that contains the ground coffee is located in the middle of the pressure percolator.

The water is found at the bottom and a vertical tube at the top. When the water heats up, it turns into steam which rises and moves inside the filter where it extracts the flavors and aromas from the ground coffee.

Then, as more water turns into steam, the pressure inside the filter rises which pushes the “brew” further up the vertical tube where it is stored in a container.

In short, both types of percolators, whether it is gravity or a pressure percolator will deliver an almost exact tasting coffee.

If you’re not sure which type of percolator to get, then don’t worry much about it. Whatever type you choose will get the job done, and both are very easy-to-use.

3. Capacity

The capacity of the coffee percolator is simply the amount of coffee that it can contain at any given time. For big consumption, it is recommended to always get a higher capacity percolator.

For casual consumption, any coffee percolator that has a capacity of at least 6 cups is more than enough.

And if you are a heavy coffee drinker, then we recommend that you go for a coffee percolator that has a capacity of 12 cups or more as this will ensure that you always have adequate coffee in your percolator.

4. Material

The build construction of your coffee percolator will dictate how durable and long-lasting it is.

Most top-rated coffee percolators that you will find on the market are made from stainless steel which is a very durable material that will not corrode when it comes in contact with liquids like coffee.

Moreover, one of the biggest advantages of stainless steel is that it is very easy to clean.

5. Easy to use and clean

One of the primary reasons for using a coffee percolator is its ease-of-use.

Simply place your ground coffee in the percolator, press a button and you are good to go. Yes, this is how easy it is to use the percolator.

In addition, you also need your coffee percolator to be very easy to clean because hygiene is very important when preparing coffee.

Most of the time, it is best to go with a coffee percolator that is made from stainless steel or even a borosilicate glass.

This material is very easy to clean, and all you will need is a simple dry or wet cloth to make your percolator brand-new again.

Conclusion

As we have seen, the coffee percolator produces a superior quality coffee that has a unique taste. Especially if you use it with a dark roasted coffee bean.

Moreover, the percolator is very easy to use and beginner-friendly. If you don’t have any experience operating a coffee percolator before, don’t worry. You will quickly become an expert in a matter of hours simply because it is so straightforward to use.

Lastly, our coffee percolator review above contains some excellent models in all price ranges that are worth it. If you have not made a decision yet on which percolator to get, then go through the review again.