Most standard-size percolators will hold about 4 - 8 cups, though differently-sized varieties exist. As a reference point, four cups of coffee equates to roughly two standard-sized mugfuls.
When the water heats, it will naturally move us the tube and into the coffee grounds. As it soaks into the grounds, it will pick up some of their aroma and flavor and drain back down into the water below, where the cycle will repeat.
As we’ll discuss below, for most percolator brewing, you’ll want to use a light, low-acidity roast and a fairly coarse grind — coarser than what you might use for a standard drip machine.
In terms of heat sources, stove tops offer the most control, but you can also use campfires if you keep a careful eye on your coffee’s progress. Always operate your percolator with medium heat from below — don’t use an oven or another all-around heat source or you risk damaging your equipment and ruining your pot of coffee.
Don’t use percolators with plastic globes — coffee aficionados claim that exposing hot coffee to plastic can cause the taste of the plastic to transfer into the coffee, resulting in a foul-tasting brew.
Using a kitchen timer to keep track of your coffee’s progress can be a smart idea, but don’t simply set your timer and come back when it goes off — if you do this, it’s easy to over-heat your coffee and create a bitter, muddy product.
After removing the basket with the grounds, your perked coffee is ready to serve. Enjoy your strong, old-fashioned style cup of joe!
The ratios for the amount of grounds you should use for your water is the same for electric percolators as it is for stove top percolators — use 1 tablespoon per cup of water for strong coffee and 1 teaspoon for weak coffee.
Remember that if you ever see steam coming out of the percolator, it’s brewing too hot. If you see this with an electric percolator, unplug immediately and allow it to cool for a minute or two before re-connecting it.
At this point, you’re done! Serve your coffee and enjoy!
If you’re looking for weaker coffee, try buying a roast labelled “mild” or “smooth” from your favorite coffee brand (like Folgers, etc. ) or opt for a “dark” roast — though these can be bitter, they have lower caffeine content and acidity than light roasts. If you have the money to spend, you might also want to try a mild specialty roast, like Oromo Yirgacheffe Ground Fair trade Coffee. Also, don’t forget that you also always have the option to brew decaf!
If you have your own coffee grinder, try using its “coarse” setting. Otherwise, if you buy your coffee pre-ground, look for a “coarse” label on the packaging.
Try using a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature of your water as your coffee percolates. For an accurate reading, try not to touch the thermometer to the hot metal sides of the pot — instead, carefully submerge it in the liquid.
Note that doing this can produce a “puddle” of sediment at the bottom of your cup when you’re done drinking. You may want to avoid drinking this, as some coffee drinkers find this to be bitter and unappetizing.
If you’re unsure of how long to percolate your coffee, err on the short side, but be willing to experiment to find the perfect brewing length that’s just right for you.
