Takes a bit longer, but most of time it's worth the wait.
Anyone making coffee with a stove top percolator
- Thread starter stan
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Coffee is one thing for which I'll cave into the latest and greatest brewing method. Percolating doesn't fall into that category, either stove top or automatic electric.
I've been able to produce drinkable coffee out of a large urn for big crowds, but I spared no expense on the coffee itself, a blend my roaster recommended for its ability to withstand the percolation process.
I'm a die-hard automatic grind & drip brew kind of guy.
I've been able to produce drinkable coffee out of a large urn for big crowds, but I spared no expense on the coffee itself, a blend my roaster recommended for its ability to withstand the percolation process.
I'm a die-hard automatic grind & drip brew kind of guy.
I used to make coffee all the time with a stove top percolator and it was always good. The secret to good stove top perked coffee is to carefully time the perking (7 to 8 mins,) and to let the pot sit for at least 3 to 5 mins before pouring the coffee. I own 4 or 5 stove top percs., but my favorite is the Farberware Yosemite, next is my 35 year old Revere Ware perc. For the last 9 mo. I have been using my 8 cup 30 to 40 yr.old Farberware electric perc. It really makes great coffee and is so much easier than the stove top perc. But the new Farberware electric percs are JUNK from China, do not waste your money on one of them, I know most people don't like perked coffee anymore, and if its not carefully brewed it can be terrible, but if you take the time to do it right it is great. It's pretty much a lost art anymore.
dynaflow
Well-known member
mine usual ones are
vintage Revere vintage Corning when i dont use electric
vintage Revere vintage Corning when i dont use electric
I think if percolated coffee was my only option, I'd use a Corningware Electromatic or stove top model. I like that it's a glass material except for the heating element, and cleaning is easy.
I have a couple of old second generation Electromatics stashed away that safely pre-date the recalled models. I use them for heating water and keeping it hot if there are tea drinkers visiting.
I have a couple of old second generation Electromatics stashed away that safely pre-date the recalled models. I use them for heating water and keeping it hot if there are tea drinkers visiting.
norgeway
Well-known member
My Mother
Said when She and Dad were first married, She learned one of the advantages of Frigidaire Radiantube units, She put the percolator on the 6 inch unit on high, when it was perking She then turned it off and when it finished on retained heat, it was done, She did this until She bought an electric percolator.
Said when She and Dad were first married, She learned one of the advantages of Frigidaire Radiantube units, She put the percolator on the 6 inch unit on high, when it was perking She then turned it off and when it finished on retained heat, it was done, She did this until She bought an electric percolator.
If I loose power, I always have the option of my Pyrex percolator. Normally it the drip model Proctor Sylex because it is easier and in the morning I want to mess with as little as possible until I am fully awake.
yogitunes
Well-known member
yeah, if the power goes out, its a great backup.....
I have several Corning ware and Pyrex percolators.....
a few of the Cornings are Electric Percs
prefer the drip myself, but there is something about watching that bubbling up inside the glass top....and changing color...
I have several Corning ware and Pyrex percolators.....
a few of the Cornings are Electric Percs
prefer the drip myself, but there is something about watching that bubbling up inside the glass top....and changing color...
kb0nes
Well-known member
I think if Percolated coffee were the only option... I'd drink tea 
But bear in mind I don't like a strong over extracted coffee so other forms of brewing suit my tastes better. As with anything involving the word "taste" coffee is highly subjective, most important thing is to find what you like and enjoy that!
And even if the power goes out, I still enjoy drip lol
But bear in mind I don't like a strong over extracted coffee so other forms of brewing suit my tastes better. As with anything involving the word "taste" coffee is highly subjective, most important thing is to find what you like and enjoy that!And even if the power goes out, I still enjoy drip lol
LOL Phil -- that's taking it to the next level!
If power should go out here, I can use a kettle on the gas stove and go with the manual Melitta pour-over method or a French press. I usually have a small pre-ground amount of my favorite blend stashed in the GE Combination for when I just want to brew a mug's worth.
I do like the sound of a percolator signaling the start of a new day, but like you said, it's a matter of one's personal "taste" and in my case, perking doesn't cut it.
If power should go out here, I can use a kettle on the gas stove and go with the manual Melitta pour-over method or a French press. I usually have a small pre-ground amount of my favorite blend stashed in the GE Combination for when I just want to brew a mug's worth.
I do like the sound of a percolator signaling the start of a new day, but like you said, it's a matter of one's personal "taste" and in my case, perking doesn't cut it.
toploader55
Well-known member
Hans... Exactly. Radiant tubes and Percolators are really matched up like that. My Grandmother did the Exact Method as your Mother.
Gram used a Pyrex Glass Perc.
Gram used a Pyrex Glass Perc.
Think my widowed father has manned my mom's old percolator for his coffee--and fairly recently, after taking over her old Mr. Coffee (& most likely a few other brands, such as Black & Decker) "dripper"... Of which my late-mom had gone through a number of since they'd been the norm for brewing since their introduction...
Me, I am still on my first Mr. Coffee, going on 8-years (I had considered a single-cup-dispenser-brewer--that is before Keurig--but I'm happy w/ my multi-cup pot boiler) though now you've got me entertaining the percolator idea...
If there are any new stove-top coffee brewers out then, I may be interested & if stove-top brewing is as easy & accurate as how I make my morning Joe...
-- Dave
Me, I am still on my first Mr. Coffee, going on 8-years (I had considered a single-cup-dispenser-brewer--that is before Keurig--but I'm happy w/ my multi-cup pot boiler) though now you've got me entertaining the percolator idea...
If there are any new stove-top coffee brewers out then, I may be interested & if stove-top brewing is as easy & accurate as how I make my morning Joe...
-- Dave
lordkenmore
Well-known member
I have mixed feelings about percolator coffee. Back in my Coffee Snob Days, I looked down on it, as every coffee snob is carefully trained to do.
However, earlier in my time at EC, I got bitten by the "why not try playing with a percolator" bug. So I got one. Actually, more than one. More like a shelf of them. Most were used as decorations; however, I used 3 as daily drivers at various points. Two were Farberware of differing sizes. The smallest (4? 6? cups?) is best for someone who lives alone, though. I also used a small Electromatic. I think the Electromatic made the better coffee. But the Farbereware was prettier, I think, and it seemed faster, although I never timed it.
I never found percolator coffee to be the best coffee. But when made with reasonable care, it was quite drinkable as a daily coffee, and it could be better than badly made drip coffee. I could see even serving percolator coffee to guests, although they'd have to be the right guests, and the presentation would likely be along the "fun vintage coffeepot theme."
It's worth noting that while I think drip is probably better, I am not wild about the coffee from the automatic drip pots I've had experience with in recent history. The coffee can be drinkable, but it's more convenience than ultimate quality. The best drip coffee I've ever had has been from small filters that sit on top of the cup, and have hot water poured manually.
And the best coffee, period award probably goes to French press.
However, earlier in my time at EC, I got bitten by the "why not try playing with a percolator" bug. So I got one. Actually, more than one. More like a shelf of them. Most were used as decorations; however, I used 3 as daily drivers at various points. Two were Farberware of differing sizes. The smallest (4? 6? cups?) is best for someone who lives alone, though. I also used a small Electromatic. I think the Electromatic made the better coffee. But the Farbereware was prettier, I think, and it seemed faster, although I never timed it.
I never found percolator coffee to be the best coffee. But when made with reasonable care, it was quite drinkable as a daily coffee, and it could be better than badly made drip coffee. I could see even serving percolator coffee to guests, although they'd have to be the right guests, and the presentation would likely be along the "fun vintage coffeepot theme."
It's worth noting that while I think drip is probably better, I am not wild about the coffee from the automatic drip pots I've had experience with in recent history. The coffee can be drinkable, but it's more convenience than ultimate quality. The best drip coffee I've ever had has been from small filters that sit on top of the cup, and have hot water poured manually.
And the best coffee, period award probably goes to French press.
@lordkenmore
Totally agree with you on the french press.
If I go out - I cannot drink my usual order of black coffee. Espresso machines just completely ruin the taste. It always tastes burnt and over-extracted - that said, "Espresso blends" of coffee are notoriously dark, and I prefer a very light roast.
As for drip machines, the Technivorm Moccamaster is *The Last Word* (as Launderess would say) in drip coffee machines.
http://www.technivorm.com/
Totally agree with you on the french press.
If I go out - I cannot drink my usual order of black coffee. Espresso machines just completely ruin the taste. It always tastes burnt and over-extracted - that said, "Espresso blends" of coffee are notoriously dark, and I prefer a very light roast.
As for drip machines, the Technivorm Moccamaster is *The Last Word* (as Launderess would say) in drip coffee machines.
http://www.technivorm.com/
ovrphil
Well-known member
Stan -
I've not tried your method, but we have a corning ware to try that out,if curious.
We went from drip to percolated. The interesting thing about the percolators we have is that only one produces a hot enough water to make the difference in taste.
I enjoy coffee from all methods of brewing; drip, grind, percolated and stove top, if done right. Personally, I think the French Press method still produces the smoothest and nicest cup of Joe.
Not to offend anyone or get into a discussion, but honestly, eight-o-clock coffee from A&P used to be great. I'm not so sure it's the same product today. It used to be my mom's go-to, which she only served at Bunco Clubs. I tried it a few years ago, but I wasn't really caught up in the flavor. Some people I know love it. Maybe they brew it differently. I tried it with French Press and it was really good - smooth, rich, etc. all those tv ad taste-seducing descriptors. Not that it will correct a bad crop or old set of coffee beans, but French Press is amazing in that mediocre tasting coffee (brewed via drip or percolator) tastes, at least to me and my partner in coffee exploits and adventures, much better.
I need to try that stove top, for fun-zies.
Phil
I've not tried your method, but we have a corning ware to try that out,if curious.
We went from drip to percolated. The interesting thing about the percolators we have is that only one produces a hot enough water to make the difference in taste.
I enjoy coffee from all methods of brewing; drip, grind, percolated and stove top, if done right. Personally, I think the French Press method still produces the smoothest and nicest cup of Joe.
Not to offend anyone or get into a discussion, but honestly, eight-o-clock coffee from A&P used to be great. I'm not so sure it's the same product today. It used to be my mom's go-to, which she only served at Bunco Clubs. I tried it a few years ago, but I wasn't really caught up in the flavor. Some people I know love it. Maybe they brew it differently. I tried it with French Press and it was really good - smooth, rich, etc. all those tv ad taste-seducing descriptors. Not that it will correct a bad crop or old set of coffee beans, but French Press is amazing in that mediocre tasting coffee (brewed via drip or percolator) tastes, at least to me and my partner in coffee exploits and adventures, much better.
I need to try that stove top, for fun-zies.
Phil
philr
Well-known member
Yesterday, I thought about getting a generator like Phil...
...as last week, I got an automated call from the power company saying that they'd cut the electricity from 8 AM to 3 PM today in my neighborhood to do some maintenance work.
Since I'm not exactly an early bird, I programmed the timed outlet on my range for the first time to start the Philips drip coffee maker a bit earlier. It's a good thing because I woke up just a minute before the power went out, at 7:59 AM! At the time I was getting some coffee, the power just went out. I'm usually too lazy to prepare coffee before I go to bed but I liked having my coffee ready so I had to set the timed outlet again tonight for tomorrow even if there's no planned power interruption!
...as last week, I got an automated call from the power company saying that they'd cut the electricity from 8 AM to 3 PM today in my neighborhood to do some maintenance work.
Since I'm not exactly an early bird, I programmed the timed outlet on my range for the first time to start the Philips drip coffee maker a bit earlier. It's a good thing because I woke up just a minute before the power went out, at 7:59 AM! At the time I was getting some coffee, the power just went out. I'm usually too lazy to prepare coffee before I go to bed but I liked having my coffee ready so I had to set the timed outlet again tonight for tomorrow even if there's no planned power interruption!
Both my mom and dad only made stove top coffee even after we bought them a Philips drip coffeemaker like the one in reply #16. The only time it got used was when I went home to visit or if they had company that did not normally come over.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
>If I go out - I cannot drink my usual order of black coffee. Espresso machines just completely ruin the taste. It always tastes burnt and over-extracted - that said, "Espresso blends" of coffee are notoriously dark, and I prefer a very light roast.
It's also worth noting that espresso uses a different technology. Water is forced through the coffee with a lot more pressure. I can't remember the numbers, but I saw them years back, and the "force" vs drip coffee was considerably higher. In a way, I personally consider espresso to be funadmentally a different drink--both by taste, and also the fact that its brewed with pressure, rather than a system with no force greater than gravity.
I'm not sure how much I like espresso. I'm not sure I've ever really had the pure stuff under meaningful conditions. I've had it from low powered machines, but not good high end machines. Maybe I should purposely go and have some, although I'd need to find a good coffee shop first.
I do like dark roasts--it's what I usually use (and what my mother used before me). And I do like coffee drinks based on espresso (e.g., cappuccino).
>As for drip machines, the Technivorm Moccamaster is *The Last Word* (as Launderess would say) in drip coffee machines
I remember lots of commentary here about the Technivorm. I'd be curious to have coffee from it. For my purposes, the big minus is simply the price tag in the US. Also there's the question of how well it would work for brewing small quantities of coffee (which is what I usually do).
It's also worth noting that espresso uses a different technology. Water is forced through the coffee with a lot more pressure. I can't remember the numbers, but I saw them years back, and the "force" vs drip coffee was considerably higher. In a way, I personally consider espresso to be funadmentally a different drink--both by taste, and also the fact that its brewed with pressure, rather than a system with no force greater than gravity.
I'm not sure how much I like espresso. I'm not sure I've ever really had the pure stuff under meaningful conditions. I've had it from low powered machines, but not good high end machines. Maybe I should purposely go and have some, although I'd need to find a good coffee shop first.
I do like dark roasts--it's what I usually use (and what my mother used before me). And I do like coffee drinks based on espresso (e.g., cappuccino).
>As for drip machines, the Technivorm Moccamaster is *The Last Word* (as Launderess would say) in drip coffee machines
I remember lots of commentary here about the Technivorm. I'd be curious to have coffee from it. For my purposes, the big minus is simply the price tag in the US. Also there's the question of how well it would work for brewing small quantities of coffee (which is what I usually do).
So far used two times. including TONITE!!!!
Just bought MY Old School Stove Top Percolator & Now A-Percolatin' we will go!...:
-- Dave
Just bought MY Old School Stove Top Percolator & Now A-Percolatin' we will go!...:
-- Dave
Let us know
What you think Dave..
Try using part of a eggshell in the basket sometime, helps with any bitterness.
What you think Dave..
Try using part of a eggshell in the basket sometime, helps with any bitterness.
& the Race Results: Dave's Percolator comes in 1st Place
Well, the coffee actually tasted good & the pot even made it FAST!
However, I made the 2nd one on my small Simmer burner just to pour out a small portion of clear water, but no matter--I placed it on the Reg. Size burner that it is shown on, and again, a perfect pot, very QUICK!
No bitterness, but there is something novel about putting eggshells in the very cavernous brewing chamber, if I ever even make eggs & save the shells w/ every pot--and would need to alternate the burner used to make each thing on, if my other burners are really for "Speed" Boiling & have a long griddle unit--and an electric griddle, as well...
Now as for more on taste, the same general rule applies: That the more coffee, less water, makes the more stronger brew, which I had applied to that 2nd pot, whereas the first allowing an equal amount (I filled the water up to the "6", of which a small indentation for the "graduates" guides me on the filling, whereas 6 1/2 scoops of the coffee did the trick, stopping a bit shy of the water on the 2nd go...) still made a tasty 'best part of waking up', though the 2nd was a "night cap" to see if it would keep me awake; but didn't... (Well, that & "just a little bit of loving"...--LOL!)
-- Dave
Well, the coffee actually tasted good & the pot even made it FAST!
However, I made the 2nd one on my small Simmer burner just to pour out a small portion of clear water, but no matter--I placed it on the Reg. Size burner that it is shown on, and again, a perfect pot, very QUICK!
No bitterness, but there is something novel about putting eggshells in the very cavernous brewing chamber, if I ever even make eggs & save the shells w/ every pot--and would need to alternate the burner used to make each thing on, if my other burners are really for "Speed" Boiling & have a long griddle unit--and an electric griddle, as well...
Now as for more on taste, the same general rule applies: That the more coffee, less water, makes the more stronger brew, which I had applied to that 2nd pot, whereas the first allowing an equal amount (I filled the water up to the "6", of which a small indentation for the "graduates" guides me on the filling, whereas 6 1/2 scoops of the coffee did the trick, stopping a bit shy of the water on the 2nd go...) still made a tasty 'best part of waking up', though the 2nd was a "night cap" to see if it would keep me awake; but didn't... (Well, that & "just a little bit of loving"...--LOL!)
-- Dave
Glad it worked out
for you Dave.
Notice it says "Rapid Brew" is the pot designed to brew faster than any other stove top percolator?
for you Dave.
Notice it says "Rapid Brew" is the pot designed to brew faster than any other stove top percolator?
Can't think of too many coffee slang terms, but *
Well, here's what happens when I fall in love TOO MUCH w/ my new percolator--that I paid nearly $40 for!--and got sold on the "Rapid Brew" tag that it came with--and really noticed it DOES make a "quick brew"... But like I said, a problem arouse, just because I should NOT go to the stove & turn the burner on first thing (I loaded the coffee & water in the night before) when I'm in a hurry getting ready for work:
The coffee was brown, but a bit weak & when I peaked in the brewing chamber saw the coffee looking as though I did NOT turn it on, other than some of it charred...
Hence, I should have in my total unalertness would have been to have taken my shower first, then used what was an ample amount of time afterwards to make my java flow... Unlike what I did w/ my Mr. Coffee ("Ned", I call him) where I touch a button (after preparing the compound "last night" there) and the brew sits ready for me, nice & warm... I just needed the percolating "supervised" and figured since my wife & daughter were up & while I was standing in the kitchen, could accommodate my daughter's breakfast needs w/ a bowl of cereal or toast while getting ready for Sunday School that Mom would take her to, a while after I'd left for work...
So, imagine my frustration not to have gotten through my work day w/ the nourishing coffee I used to enjoy (though I put in a spoon, or two of some Handy Dandy INSTANT COFFEE, to avoid drinking colored water, flavored w/ my Coffee Mate Spiced Latte) & the anxiousness to have to wait til I got home to just put new water in the bottom of the pot to percolate it again & use up the unused 'grounded beans' on top...
So the consolation is to give the stuff time to fully brew when I'm in a pinch (or use the faster Coffee Maker) & get my shower out of the way first if I can't wake up any sooner ("David, it's time to get up!"--the wife always calls)...
Just a misfortunate, isolated incident I'm sure won't be repeated... Also since the pot is capable of making 8, 10, even 12 cups, then to reheat the left-overs, since coffee in it tastes so good--and just EVERY time of the day...!
I love my *"Bessie"...! (* name for my new pot!)
-- Dave
Well, here's what happens when I fall in love TOO MUCH w/ my new percolator--that I paid nearly $40 for!--and got sold on the "Rapid Brew" tag that it came with--and really noticed it DOES make a "quick brew"... But like I said, a problem arouse, just because I should NOT go to the stove & turn the burner on first thing (I loaded the coffee & water in the night before) when I'm in a hurry getting ready for work:
The coffee was brown, but a bit weak & when I peaked in the brewing chamber saw the coffee looking as though I did NOT turn it on, other than some of it charred...
Hence, I should have in my total unalertness would have been to have taken my shower first, then used what was an ample amount of time afterwards to make my java flow... Unlike what I did w/ my Mr. Coffee ("Ned", I call him) where I touch a button (after preparing the compound "last night" there) and the brew sits ready for me, nice & warm... I just needed the percolating "supervised" and figured since my wife & daughter were up & while I was standing in the kitchen, could accommodate my daughter's breakfast needs w/ a bowl of cereal or toast while getting ready for Sunday School that Mom would take her to, a while after I'd left for work...
So, imagine my frustration not to have gotten through my work day w/ the nourishing coffee I used to enjoy (though I put in a spoon, or two of some Handy Dandy INSTANT COFFEE, to avoid drinking colored water, flavored w/ my Coffee Mate Spiced Latte) & the anxiousness to have to wait til I got home to just put new water in the bottom of the pot to percolate it again & use up the unused 'grounded beans' on top...
So the consolation is to give the stuff time to fully brew when I'm in a pinch (or use the faster Coffee Maker) & get my shower out of the way first if I can't wake up any sooner ("David, it's time to get up!"--the wife always calls)...
Just a misfortunate, isolated incident I'm sure won't be repeated... Also since the pot is capable of making 8, 10, even 12 cups, then to reheat the left-overs, since coffee in it tastes so good--and just EVERY time of the day...!
I love my *"Bessie"...! (* name for my new pot!)
-- Dave
Guess you
could perc the night before, and pour into a thermos..
I might try that myself, just so I can crawl out of bed, and pour.
could perc the night before, and pour into a thermos..
I might try that myself, just so I can crawl out of bed, and pour.
Thermos--not as much fun (probably have a couple insulated traveling mugs that I never use) and the percolating at night could keep me awake--the temptation to drink it AND the smell... (I know someone who HATES coffee, but he used to brew it just because the odor could wake him up in an instant--but I despise to even mention someone who pours it right out!)
Well, I keep being hooked on this way to brew, so I have to learn it's easy to chalk up a few mistakes w/ this method, as with a lot of other things in life, that are or have become,--well, not perfect!!!!
-- Dave
Well, I keep being hooked on this way to brew, so I have to learn it's easy to chalk up a few mistakes w/ this method, as with a lot of other things in life, that are or have become,--well, not perfect!!!!
-- Dave
Dave
How many cups are you making, and how long does it take from cold before you can pour?
How many cups are you making, and how long does it take from cold before you can pour?
Still love making my Blend in Bess! Gonna make some--
--Today!!!!
I make the water up to the "6", which yields 3 cups that I drink w/ my percolator pot... My automatic coffee maker, it would be "4" yielding 2 cups, or "5" yielding 3 in the way of water... The coffee is the same amount as water used, plus a 1/2 scoop, and on that note, must admit the cheap blend does taste a lot better the old fashioned way, but I'm not ready to unplug "Ned" just yet...
Though, lastly, I'll add, that turning on the pot with the hopper removed to reheat beats microwaving--and no making those cups brewed in my Mr. Coffee scalding hot or lukewarm w/ a lot of cold spots...
So, then, to answer your question Stan, between 10 & 15 minutes on the initial brew, and usually 5 not not quite 10 min. reheating, if that's what you want to know...
-- Dave
--Today!!!!
I make the water up to the "6", which yields 3 cups that I drink w/ my percolator pot... My automatic coffee maker, it would be "4" yielding 2 cups, or "5" yielding 3 in the way of water... The coffee is the same amount as water used, plus a 1/2 scoop, and on that note, must admit the cheap blend does taste a lot better the old fashioned way, but I'm not ready to unplug "Ned" just yet...
Though, lastly, I'll add, that turning on the pot with the hopper removed to reheat beats microwaving--and no making those cups brewed in my Mr. Coffee scalding hot or lukewarm w/ a lot of cold spots...
So, then, to answer your question Stan, between 10 & 15 minutes on the initial brew, and usually 5 not not quite 10 min. reheating, if that's what you want to know...
-- Dave
That's
About the same in the old pot I use.
I start out full fame for the first 3 min then reduce heat to medium to avoid boil.
After perc starts, I reduce heat slightly to get a steady even perc. Once perc starts, I time for 8 to 12 min. Pull off heat and let sit for 5 min
About the same in the old pot I use.
I start out full fame for the first 3 min then reduce heat to medium to avoid boil.
After perc starts, I reduce heat slightly to get a steady even perc. Once perc starts, I time for 8 to 12 min. Pull off heat and let sit for 5 min
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