Coffee Suggestions For Percolators

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oxydolfan1

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I picked up a four-cup Farberware percolator the other day and was wondering what percolator mavens here use as an everyday ground coffee in theirs.

I used original Chock Full O'Nuts in it this morning and the coffee was so-so...

Thanks in advance!
 
I've used regular Folgers and it was good. I haven't paid attention in the last few years, but coffee used to come labeled for either perc or drip use (I'm assuming a different grind coarseness) - don't know if it is still offered this way.
 
I drink nothing but perked coffee. I use a 50/50 mixture of Maxwell House and Cafe' du Monde's coffee and chicory blend. I brew it in my 1964 Presto Super Speed electric percolator. My wife says it is so strong that it dissolves her fillings.
 
Hi Scot, how nice to see you again! Eight O'clock Coffe

is still available in all of the big supermarkets here. I just moments ago arrived with a new bag of 100% Colombian which I grind at the store, then keep in the freezer. It's delicious, as is the Hazlenut, which has a particularly alluring aroma, at least, in the 8 o'clock brand. Interestingly, quite a few years ago, CR's flavor test mavens rated 8 a.m.'s Columbian (not the regular or the flavors) Number One. That's what drove me to try it, and for once, CR got it right, at least for me.

I bet you can get it in NYC, and it's so much fun using those high-powered electric grinders. I always bang it about a little before using to clear it of the last patron's grinds.

Happy coffee-klatching ;'D
 
Love 8 O'Clock Coffe

In Bokar, but just purchased a packet of "French Roast" to shake things up a bit. Several months ago there was a special on 8 O'Clock coffee and really went to town. Suffice to say had large packets of Bokar blend stashed every where and now am wanting a change.

One of my fondest memories was going grocery shopping with Mama, or even Grandma-ma and going to the A&P. They had those HUGE red coffee grinders at the end of each check out line, and the area always smelled of freshly ground coffee!

If anyone can't find 8 O'Clock coffee in their neck of the woods, you let me know; will be more than happy to send a care package. If it goes on sale again, will also let everyone know in case they wish to stock up as well.

Used to love Hazelnut coffee, but the flavouring gunks up my Bodum coffee grinder and it needs to be cleaned out before another flavour can be put in, so went off the flavour.

L.
 
They had those HUGE red coffee grinders at the end of each c

...ETC."

LAUNDRESS, The grinders were exactly the same as the regular red-bagged 8 o'clock. The exact same bag is still available today--saw dozens of them hours ago. Amazing isn't it when one appreciates that some things never change. Will have to try the red bag next time. Do give the hazlenut a go, and let me know, even though it sounds as if it will take you years to run out of coffee. ;'D
 
Bag?

Never said the bags weren't there, or did I miss something? *LOL*

IMHO coffee is best when it is freshly ground just before brewing. Always by-pass pre-ground coffee, and shop coffee grinding services.

Have tried the 8 O'Clock hazelnut coffee, it was the one that gunked up my grinder. Indeed all flavoured coffees do, as most if not all are flavoured with artifical flavourings. Starbucks like many upscale coffee places does not use flavoured beans, but flavours coffee post brew with shots of various syrups to add whatever one is seeking. Avoid those as well, as they tend to taste too sweet and or bitter.

L.
 
Grind your own

I've gotten excellent perc results by grinding my own. I've used San Francisco Bay brand whole beans, ground in a burr grinder to a medium-large grind setting. Then I put enough in the big Delonghi 60 cup percolater to make more than enough for the expected guests. It tasted as good or better than the stuff from my drip machine.

IMHO, freshly ground coffee will almost always taste better than canned ground coffee, even the vacuum packed stuff.

Nearly every market offers whole coffee beans for sale, so availability shouldn't be a problem. And a quick whiff will tell you if the beans are fresh enough.
 
Hilloo, all! :)

"Always by-pass pre-ground coffee, and shop coffee grinding services."

OOPS! :)

Just got in from the local Stop and Shop, where, on everyone's recommendation, I purchased one bag each of the Eight O'Clock "red" and 100% Columbian(ground), and one bag of the Bokar (whole beans, but only because they do not carry Bokar pre-ground...this was before I read Laundress's advisory!)

What I guess I'll do is drink up the ground varieties first and save the Bokar for when I dig out my coffee grinder (which is WAAAY back at the end of my small appliance cabinet).

Usually, I buy the "good" coffee (usually "Tchibo Mellow Roast" ) at the deli and use a less expensive type of coffee for my weekday brew.

I've been using the drip machine Gevalia sent me everyday, but I've gotten bored with cleaning the contraption, the filter, etc. every morning. I saw the little Farberware perk and my nostalgia got the better of me, so I bought it for the weekdays and loved it, but was a little disappointed at how the Chock Full O'Nuts came out. I will try these Eight O'Clock coffees and let you know if it brings back any old memories...

"I use a 50/50 mixture of Maxwell House and Cafe' du Monde's coffee and chicory blend."

Polkanut, I did look for Cafe du Monde, but my Stop and Shop apparently doesn't carry it...I'll keep an eye peeled for it elsewhere, though.

"I bet you can get it in NYC, and it's so much fun using those high-powered electric grinders. I always bang it about a little before using to clear it of the last patron's grinds."

Hey MickeyD, I used to do that too, back in the day.

Yep, certain supermarkets here do carry the Eight O'Clock line,
but the supermarkets here in Jersey don't have grinders, even the ones that carry Starbucks and the like.

"Try A & P Bokar- it's a rich, smooth, winy blend."

You know, I actually bought that because my mother is forever going on about that "good coffee that was in the black bag", so I stopped by her place on the way home, and when I gave it to her, she gave me a look as if to say, "Yeah? So? Is this the Holy Grail, or what?".

Parents, lol!

"Starbucks like many upscale coffee places does not use flavoured beans, but flavours coffee post brew with shots of various syrups to add whatever one is seeking."

To be honest with you, L, I'm not a big fan of Starbucks. I DO like some of their sweets, their cold drinks aren't half bad, I do like the decor and the general ambience (it is a nice, neutral, public place to meet up with someone for the first time), but I do not care for their coffee. It all tastes burnt and overroasted to me.

Thanks again, all!
 
Good Coffee Is Very Delicate

You want it fresh, you want it hot, and you want to drink it fast. Coffee goes bad in about an hour, which is why StarBucks and better coffee joints brew fresh pots every hour or less, and chuck the old brew down the pan.

When one really started getting into good coffee, it launched my vacuum pot craze (go ahead, ask me how many vac pots I've got), and learning how to make the best brew. Even went as so far to roast my own beans (using an air popcorn popper if you please), but the smoke and fumes just weren't my thing.

Good coffee does not always have to come from fancy chains. Have had some of my best cups in diners or area cafes.

If one really wishes to make coffee that will curl your toes, try one of those Italian/European stove top expresso pots. Nabbed a vintage MIB stainless steel one from Goodwill, and am here to tell ya, after two cups I was AWAKE! Thing was the coffee went with after dinner dessert,so got no sleep that night! *LOL*

L.

L.
 
I used to have one of those little Moka stovetop pots when I was in my "Bustelo" phase...

Agree with you on the diners. I think the Georgia Diner in Queens has some of the best coffee in the world.
 
5 types of coffee...

There are 5 types of coffee. They are all important in their own time and place. They are not interchangeable, and I hope we enjoy them all.

1, Gourmet coffee: This is what Starbuck's wants to be. This is the really good stuff.

2. Nice restaurant coffee: This is what you have for dessert. It should be flavorful, but smooth and not overpowering.

3. Regular coffee flavored coffee: Think Maxwell House or anything else you get from the grocery store. This is what you have at home and it's what gets you up in the morning. This is coffee you can enjoy alone, or drink without even noticing. This is probably the most important coffee.

4. Diner coffee: Best with friends at breakfast or at 3:00 in the morning. Possibly the most enjoyable coffee. This is the coffee that really hits the spot. Atmosphere has as much to do with how you enjoy this coffee as the coffee itself. You can go into a diner and have a cup of coffee and everything is alright, at least for a few minutes.

5. Road trip coffee: It's been sitting there, all day. It's strong, often rough, and it will WAKE YOU UP! This stuff can put hair on your chest, regardless of gender.

I think I'll take some inspiration from Launderess and fire up my Sunbeam vac pot for some good #3.
Dave
 
If you're a coffee snob and like a non-flavored brew, beware of the supermarket grinders. Occasionally you can taste the last person's hazelnut or tarted-up what-have-you grind. Not a huge deal to me, but a friend of mine can't stand that.

It's tough to beat Chock Full O' but Dunkin' Donuts has a blend out that's just superb. And even though it's a fine-ground Espresso, I dig Café Bustelo in perc or drip. -Cory
 
Eight O' Clock for me

I have been an Eight-O-Clock convert since Clark Weber advertised it on Chicago radio.
For fun I try different brands occasionally. But honestly I always run back to Eight-O-Clock. And it doesn't gunk up my grinder either. Love it.
I've heard great things about Dunkin'Donuts coffee that you can buy and perk yourself. Haven't tried it though. Saw it at COSTCO and may try.
 
It's Eight O'Clock somewhere

I made the switch from Maxwell House to 8'o'C and WOW what a difference. Yes, I used the store grinder (don't have a good grinder of my own). There's a French Press setting which is somewhere between Perc and Drip. There's also a "turkish" setting if you have an ibrik. It's aromatic, has a smooth wonderful taste to it.

As much as I LOVE Starbucks latte's, their home coffee is oily and tastes like it's burnt. I just can't get into their home brew stuff.
 
I heard on TV that random taste testing found that Starbuck customers actually liked McDonalds' gourmet coffee better. I refuse to pay $4 or more for a cup of coffee so I just drink what I make at home or get at work. Of course the work stuff is from those preground foil packets and nothing to brag about. Most of the time at work I drink an oolong tea.

I love filberts (hazelnuts) but detest the hazelnut flavored coffee and creamer. Yeech. It has a weird aftertaste to it that reminds me of an oil refinery. LOL.
 
Have Never Got StarBucks

Their coffee simply does a number on my tummy. Will drink it if out and cannot find nothing else, but would rather have other choices.

Many people who take their coffee seriously have two grinders. One for regular coffee and antoher for the flavoured variety. Good hazelnut coffee is hard to find, and as previously stated, the bad stuff tastes of chemicals with a nasty after taste.

Moka pots are good for making one or two quick cups, and find myself using mine more in the warmer months, when my consumption of hot drinks goes way down. Instead of maybe two or three cups of coffee per day, usually have the one in the morning and that is that.
 
If you want/need to clean out your coffee grinder...

Run a hopper-full of plain uncooked white rice. Then, when empty, you can run about a tablespoon of beans to remove any rice powder. You are now ready to go. The rice somehow cleans out all the gunk and oils from your grinder.

Good luck and happy perking!!

Rich
 
Besides cleaning out your coffee grinder-couldn't the ground rice now be "grits"?Grits with a coffee flavor!Does sound like a clever idea of cleaning your coffee grinder.I don't drink coffee but have a coffee grinder for grinding and blending spices.The KA one with the removable grinder container-blade works well for this-and you can clean the container in the dishwasher.
 
coffee beans

"Chock full Of Nuts is that heavenly coffee heavenly coffee,heavenly coffee.Chock Full Of Nuts is that heavenly coffee.Heavenlyness a millionairs money can't buy" I loved their song but 8'O'Clock,Red Circle and Bocar are my utter most favorite.I find them here but they were more easy to find in Maryland and Florida.They are available on line by the case too.Cheap and delicious.
 
I agree with Rich. I can't stomach flavored coffees. It's no surprise that all the Starbucks sheep gave a favorable review to Mickey D's coffee but I have to admit that I agree with them. If a fast food breakfast is on the agenda, I head to Mc Donalds as their focus on better coffee has made me a convert.

I'm not a coffee snob, but living down the road a piece from where Mr. Peet got his start and with San Francisco having been home to various roasters like MJB and Hills Brothers, there seem to be more options around here. I like the product my local independent roaster provides. It's a disgustingly trendy hangout but try as I might to avoid the whole see & be seen scene, every time I buy from another roaster I find myself waiting to finish up the beans so I can go back to my tried & true, albeit trendy, roaster of choice.

This local roaster gave me a great recommendation on the best roast/blend to use for a 50-cup percolator. I used it to brew up a large batch for my mom's 90th birthday party and I was amazed at how good it tasted. I was prepared for an undrinkably overbrewed product and was surprised with the results. That little consultation at the roaster certainly didn't hurt either.
 
Besides cleaning out your coffee grinder-couldn't the gr

Good thought BUT it actually comes out like grainy flour. All kidding aside the rice seems to work very well. I set the grinder to the finest setting. I think that the starch absorbs a lot of the oils. This works very well if you buy an old grinder and it has that old (rancid) coffee smell.

"I head to Mc Donalds as their focus on better coffee has made me a convert." Ralph, I couldn't agree more. I always hated McD's coffee but now I truly like it. I'll take it over Dunkin's.

My fav, for home brewing, is Eight O'Clock whole bean. Grind it in a vintage Kitchen Aid grinder and prepare it in either a Sunbeam Coffeemaster or the General Electric "pot belly" percolator or a corning electric perc.

Rich
 
I am so sorry that some of you guys can't easily get ahold of Cafe Du Monde coffee. I buy it all the time at my local grocery store. I also buy CDM coffee with chicory. I have sat many mornings at Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter drinking thier coffee with those french donuts that they call Benyas or however you spell it. So so good. I swear that coffee at Du Monde has amphetamines in it. LOL.
 
There is another coffee on sale at the local Shoprite that I remember has the whole NOLA/chicory thing happening, but it's not named "Cafe du Monde" and I've never tried it, but I will now.

This morning, I used the Eight O'Clock "Red" and it was delicious, far better than the Chock Full O'Nuts, but now I am thinking that perhaps I used too little Chock Full O'Nuts the first go-round, so I won't give it away.

Also, cleaning up after the perc is a BREEZE compared to the regular coffee machine (which I can't exactly complain about either, but, HEY...)

I wonder if this new little toy will cut into my afternoon tea obsession, when I am home...
 
well, nothing beats Eight O'Clock Bokar Blend and French Roast. I always make sure I have a bag of each on hand.
 
Eight O'Clock Columbian

My absolute favorite coffee is Kona grown and shipped from a plantation in the islands. However, since a couple pounds of it costs as much as a weeks worth of groceries I only get it for very special occasions. My everday coffee is Eight o'clock columbian. I have a Cuisinart 12 cup drip coffeemaker with a thermal carafe and it makes a great brew that doesn't get stale from sitting. My old coffeemaker with the glass carafe would have it tasting nasty in about an hour.
 

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