Comments on: How to Make Coffee in a Percolator http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html Talk About Coffee is a must visit site for all coffee lovers :)) Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:34:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Pheline http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-93233 Pheline Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:29:56 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-93233 Hee hee - by the time I got to the bottom of this I forgot what I was going to say. Gotta love it when a "comments" section goes on, literally, for *years*. Luckily I remembered: some say the biggest problem is too much heat. I live in Boulder so I can't overheat it. A recent percolator experiment with a cheap aluminum pot & French roasted beans produced excellent brew- so much so that I'm keeping my eye out for a better one. I think the biggest percolator problem is over extraction; too much water or time for the beans. That's why I need to know how long to perk! Anyone? Hee hee – by the time I got to the bottom of this I forgot what I was going to say. Gotta love it when a “comments” section goes on, literally, for *years*.

Luckily I remembered: some say the biggest problem is too much heat. I live in Boulder so I can’t overheat it. A recent percolator experiment with a cheap aluminum pot & French roasted beans produced excellent brew- so much so that I’m keeping my eye out for a better one.

I think the biggest percolator problem is over extraction; too much water or time for the beans. That’s why I need to know how long to perk! Anyone?

]]> By: Natalie http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-93013 Natalie Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:53:21 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-93013 Bob, you seem to like glass percolators. I prefer the stainless steel type. With my disability, I know I will break the glass eventually. Mine is the Society Easy-Flo 10-cup electric percolators. I have also purchased from eBay older model of the Presto 10-cup and 12-cup stainless steel percolators for friends and they're still working fine. My friends love them. Best of luck to you with your bids. Bob, you seem to like glass percolators. I prefer the stainless steel type. With my disability, I know I will break the glass eventually. Mine is the Society Easy-Flo 10-cup electric percolators.

I have also purchased from eBay older model of the Presto 10-cup and 12-cup stainless steel percolators for friends and they’re still working fine. My friends love them.

Best of luck to you with your bids.

]]> By: Bob Snelgrove http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-92860 Bob Snelgrove Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:25:36 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-92860 Thanks, Natalie. Mind sharing what brand, model, vintage you have that serves you so well? I have been following them on ebay and it seems the older Faberwares superfasts are really good? While waiting, I picked this up on a lark and maybe a cool conservation piece: http://www.ebay.com/itm/170761677508?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Here are some pics from another; check out the cool mood lighting: http://kitchenmadeusa.com/ProductImages.aspx?ProductId=2052256 I digress, I know . The best strong, black, smooth, rich coffee is my goal! thx bob Thanks, Natalie.

Mind sharing what brand, model, vintage you have that serves you so well? I have been following them on ebay and it seems the older Faberwares superfasts are really good? While waiting, I picked this up on a lark and maybe a cool conservation piece:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/170761677508?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Here are some pics from another; check out the cool mood lighting:
http://kitchenmadeusa.com/ProductImages.aspx?ProductId=2052256

I digress, I know . The best strong, black, smooth, rich coffee is my goal!

thx

bob

]]> By: Natalie http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-92541 Natalie Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:00:57 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-92541 Bob, please believe me, not many of us here like burned coffee neither. And if percolators burn coffee, we certainly wouldn't be using percolators neither, would we? And, you wouldn't have spent time and money buying a new one 3 or 4 times neither, would you? There's a different in the regular dripping method coffeemaker and how a percolator makes coffee. If you already have used 4 percolators then, you would know that the perk and drip cycle is repeated in a percolator. Pre-electric percolators were heated over a stove or campfire. The coffee taste could be adjusted by timing how long one wants the cycle to repeat. Once the coffee had reached to one's taste, the percolator was removed from the heat. On the other hand, an electric percolator saves us from having to do all that. It has its own timer to cut off the heat. Those electric percolators that have a mild to strong adjustment, it allows the timer to cut off early for mild coffee or perk longer for stronger coffee. Those that do not have this feature, it is up to us to adjust the quantity of the ground coffee used. Now, you mentioned "Chinese". Well, if it was me and I'm Asian, I can't expect much from an appliance made in China. Tea perhaps but not appliances. This is one of the reason why so many of us purchased older model of electric percolators. Many were made in the USA and were made of better quality. Mine was made in the 1960's, in USA, and it's still going strong. It doesn't burn coffee; instead, it makes a smooth and very tasteful cup of coffee. If you are still after an electric percolator, try looking for one on eBay and make sure it's not made in China. Bob, please believe me, not many of us here like burned coffee neither. And if percolators burn coffee, we certainly wouldn’t be using percolators neither, would we? And, you wouldn’t have spent time and money buying a new one 3 or 4 times neither, would you?

There’s a different in the regular dripping method coffeemaker and how a percolator makes coffee. If you already have used 4 percolators then, you would know that the perk and drip cycle is repeated in a percolator. Pre-electric percolators were heated over a stove or campfire. The coffee taste could be adjusted by timing how long one wants the cycle to repeat. Once the coffee had reached to one’s taste, the percolator was removed from the heat.

On the other hand, an electric percolator saves us from having to do all that. It has its own timer to cut off the heat. Those electric percolators that have a mild to strong adjustment, it allows the timer to cut off early for mild coffee or perk longer for stronger coffee. Those that do not have this feature, it is up to us to adjust the quantity of the ground coffee used.

Now, you mentioned “Chinese”. Well, if it was me and I’m Asian, I can’t expect much from an appliance made in China. Tea perhaps but not appliances. This is one of the reason why so many of us purchased older model of electric percolators. Many were made in the USA and were made of better quality. Mine was made in the 1960′s, in USA, and it’s still going strong. It doesn’t burn coffee; instead, it makes a smooth and very tasteful cup of coffee.

If you are still after an electric percolator, try looking for one on eBay and make sure it’s not made in China.

]]> By: Bob Snelgrove http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-92420 Bob Snelgrove Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:59:46 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-92420 Percs with brewing strength? Like the older G.E.s What does the "mild - strong" adjustment do? We have been through 3 Chinese GE's and a Chinese presto, using Starbucks House Blend and they all seem to burn the coffee while brewing. My wife can't stand the smell in the kitchen while the old Krups drip with the same coffee smells wonderful? thx bob Percs with brewing strength? Like the older G.E.s What does the “mild – strong” adjustment do? We have been through 3 Chinese GE’s and a Chinese presto, using Starbucks House Blend and they all seem to burn the coffee while brewing. My wife can’t stand the smell in the kitchen while the old Krups drip with the same coffee smells wonderful?

thx

bob

]]> By: Diane http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-92042 Diane Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:54:22 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-92042 Great site! Just perked my AM coffee instead of a K-cup! Great site! Just perked my AM coffee instead of a K-cup!

]]> By: Valmiki http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-89409 Valmiki Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:56:26 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-89409 Own a French Press and a non elec Percolator.Having lived in India and the Caribbean and had the greatest flavors of coffee growing up.I would recommend having both and going for the coarse grind. Own a French Press and a non elec Percolator.Having lived in India and the Caribbean and had the greatest flavors of coffee growing up.I would recommend having both and going for the coarse grind.

]]> By: K.R http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-88616 K.R Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:56:43 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-88616 Hi all, after riding the Krups/Braun/Mellita merry-go-round myself and wondering why it was my father in law could make great tasting coffee at the cabin with an old percolator and inexpensive coffee, I resurrected my Korean-made circa 1998 Well-Built brand 8- cup machine for testing with a remote reading thermometer. I found a fairly consistant 8 1/2 minute perc time, and after reaching a maximum coffee temp of 200.4 degrees/199 deg. in the grounds, the percolating would stop. After one-half hour the hold/warm temp. of the coffee is 186 degrees. As Eric stated above years ago, there is no boiling of water occuring, even in the well. It is the clear winner in a same quantity water/coffee "taste off" with my current drip, a commercial Bunn pour-over that replaced a the Mellita wich never got as hot as it claimed. The Bunn gives 191-194 degree brew temp measured in the grounds. Kudos to the Bunn, on its speed(2 minutes!), ease of use, and back to back brewing ability. I think if it brewed slower, it would do better though. Can't wait to try the old Corningwear stove-top perc I picked up! Hi all, after riding the Krups/Braun/Mellita merry-go-round myself and wondering why it was my father in law could make great tasting coffee at the cabin with an old percolator and inexpensive coffee, I resurrected my Korean-made circa 1998 Well-Built brand 8- cup machine for testing with a remote reading thermometer. I found a fairly consistant 8 1/2 minute perc time, and after reaching a maximum coffee temp of 200.4 degrees/199 deg. in the grounds, the percolating would stop. After one-half hour the hold/warm temp. of the coffee is 186 degrees. As Eric stated above years ago, there is no boiling of water occuring, even in the well. It is the clear winner in a same quantity water/coffee “taste off” with my current drip, a commercial Bunn pour-over that replaced a the Mellita wich never got as hot as it claimed. The Bunn gives 191-194 degree brew temp measured in the grounds.
Kudos to the Bunn, on its speed(2 minutes!), ease of use, and back to back brewing ability. I think if it brewed slower, it would do better though.
Can’t wait to try the old Corningwear stove-top perc I picked up!

]]> By: BRAT http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-82747 BRAT Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:59:37 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-82747 Very nice and informative thread. I'm kinda glad the electric drip broke, Been using the SS stovetop perc for a week now, and love it! Very nice and informative thread. I’m kinda glad the electric drip broke, Been using the SS stovetop perc for a week now, and love it!

]]> By: Jean http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-79914 Jean Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:28:59 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-79914 My Chinese coffee pot broke (2nd one in 14 months) Will not buy another Chinese coffee pot. Went crazy, on E-Bay and before I knew it I won 3 glass Pyrex flame ware and one GE electric vacuum type. Oh yea, a stainless steel Sunbeam Coffee Master vacuum type too. Just made coffee in my first Pyrex. Hot as hell! That was one problem we had with the electric drip types, not hot enough. Read the blog and learned how to make coffee in my American made Pyrex. May be selling one of these soon. Going after the Corey with the glass rod as the filter. My Chinese coffee pot broke (2nd one in 14 months) Will not buy another Chinese coffee pot. Went crazy, on E-Bay and before I knew it I won 3 glass Pyrex flame ware and one GE electric vacuum type. Oh yea, a stainless steel Sunbeam Coffee Master vacuum type too. Just made coffee in my first Pyrex. Hot as hell! That was one problem we had with the electric drip types, not hot enough. Read the blog and learned how to make coffee in my American made Pyrex. May be selling one of these soon. Going after the Corey with the glass rod as the filter.

]]> By: Amy http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-78308 Amy Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:15:51 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-78308 Thank you Natalie. I will open up the bottom and take a look to see! Thank you Natalie. I will open up the bottom and take a look to see!

]]> By: Natalie http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-77781 Natalie Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:53:29 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-77781 <b>Jana,</b> I forgot to mention. It maybe that the timer of your percolator is off and needs adjustment. Jana, I forgot to mention. It maybe that the timer of your percolator is off and needs adjustment.

]]> By: Natalie http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-77780 Natalie Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:50:22 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-77780 <b>Jana,</b> I believe the newer models of Presto were made in China, not of good quality. Many of us purchased older models through eBay because they were made in USA and were mostly of better qualit. Did you tried to contact Presto and see if they have any suggestion for repair? <b>Amy,</b> if your percolator has a light, it should turned on after it is done percolating. If it doesn't, the pilot light is burned out. Sometimes, these lights are easy to be replaced. You'd need to open the unit and see and check it out. If you're not comfortable opening the percolator unit, you can bring to a local small appliance repair shop and see if they can check it out for you. Jana, I believe the newer models of Presto were made in China, not of good quality. Many of us purchased older models through eBay because they were made in USA and were mostly of better qualit. Did you tried to contact Presto and see if they have any suggestion for repair?

Amy, if your percolator has a light, it should turned on after it is done percolating. If it doesn’t, the pilot light is burned out. Sometimes, these lights are easy to be replaced. You’d need to open the unit and see and check it out. If you’re not comfortable opening the percolator unit, you can bring to a local small appliance repair shop and see if they can check it out for you.

]]> By: Amy http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-77398 Amy Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:32:49 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-77398 I bought a vintage Hamilton Beach 35 cup percolator at an estate sale for....$1.50 woohoo! It cleaned up very nice. I ran a few cycles of water and vinegar through it to clean the inside, which worked very well. Now, I've noticed that the little light at the base doesn't turn on :( It doesn't seem to affect the function of the unit, but I'm wondering maybe it turns on after it's done percolating? I waited about 10 minutes after it was done percolating, but it never turned on. About how long should I wait until I should make a determination that the light just doesn't work? I bought a vintage Hamilton Beach 35 cup percolator at an estate sale for….$1.50 woohoo! It cleaned up very nice. I ran a few cycles of water and vinegar through it to clean the inside, which worked very well. Now, I’ve noticed that the little light at the base doesn’t turn on :( It doesn’t seem to affect the function of the unit, but I’m wondering maybe it turns on after it’s done percolating? I waited about 10 minutes after it was done percolating, but it never turned on. About how long should I wait until I should make a determination that the light just doesn’t work?

]]> By: Jana http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-74669 Jana Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:28:18 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-74669 I bought a 12 cup Presto percolator a year and a half ago because of these posts and it has stopped perking correctly. The coffee is weak and watery. I have changed nothing but I can tell it's not perking the same due to the sound. Has anyone else had this experience? It was very highly rated online at Walmart.com and was a great price. Any suggestions for a better model or something I can do with this one? It's electric. Thanks! Please e-mail me any thoughts/ideas. In the meantime I am using a vintage corningware stove top perk. I bought a 12 cup Presto percolator a year and a half ago because of these posts and it has stopped perking correctly. The coffee is weak and watery. I have changed nothing but I can tell it’s not perking the same due to the sound. Has anyone else had this experience? It was very highly rated online at Walmart.com and was a great price. Any suggestions for a better model or something I can do with this one? It’s electric.
Thanks! Please e-mail me any thoughts/ideas. In the meantime I am using a vintage corningware stove top perk.

]]> By: Natalie http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-50493 Natalie Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:23:42 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-50493 Kirby, yes, you can use regular ground coffee. I do it all the time. However, you'd need to use a paper filter in order for the ground not falling through the filter cup holes. Using a paper filter also helps to clean up easily. I use a single-hole hand puncher and punch a hole in the center of the filter. Kirby, yes, you can use regular ground coffee. I do it all the time. However, you’d need to use a paper filter in order for the ground not falling through the filter cup holes. Using a paper filter also helps to clean up easily. I use a single-hole hand puncher and punch a hole in the center of the filter.

]]> By: Kirby http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-49583 Kirby Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:02:47 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-49583 Can I use "ground" coffee with a perculator? I know there is a special grind for perculators, but I have some ground coffee from Costa Rica I want to serve for Thanksgiving. Can I use “ground” coffee with a perculator? I know there is a special grind for perculators, but I have some ground coffee from Costa Rica I want to serve for Thanksgiving.

]]> By: Joel http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-49309 Joel Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:50:08 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-49309 Just wanted to add that I have been using percolators for years and got tired of the Farberware ones breaking quickly. Switched to Cuisinart brand and have been happy with it for years. Just wanted to add that I have been using percolators for years and got tired of the Farberware ones breaking quickly. Switched to Cuisinart brand and have been happy with it for years.

]]> By: Natalie http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-36966 Natalie Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:58:30 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-36966 Hi Brianna, first of all, it's not baking soda, it is Washing Soda that you'd use to clean percolators and other coffee makers. Normally, you can find a box of it in the laundry detergent isle at your local store. Products sold globally don't always make it to the USA. But I will look up your percolator brand and see if I find any more information and will come back with it. You are correct. On most electric percolators, the light (if there's one) will come on after the percolator finished perking. It's best to wait another minute or two before pouring to allow all the coffee in the filter cup to drip down. If you keep it plugged in, it will keep your coffee warm. Once you're done using it or when it is empty, the percolator needs to be unplug. In an electric percolator, the only way to adjust the coffee to suite your taste is to add or subtract the quantity of the coffee ground. Whereas, a stovetop percolator will keep on perking until you remove it from the heat. The more it perks, the stronger the coffee would be. Hi Brianna, first of all, it’s not baking soda, it is Washing Soda that you’d use to clean percolators and other coffee makers. Normally, you can find a box of it in the laundry detergent isle at your local store.

Products sold globally don’t always make it to the USA. But I will look up your percolator brand and see if I find any more information and will come back with it.

You are correct. On most electric percolators, the light (if there’s one) will come on after the percolator finished perking. It’s best to wait another minute or two before pouring to allow all the coffee in the filter cup to drip down. If you keep it plugged in, it will keep your coffee warm. Once you’re done using it or when it is empty, the percolator needs to be unplug.

In an electric percolator, the only way to adjust the coffee to suite your taste is to add or subtract the quantity of the coffee ground. Whereas, a stovetop percolator will keep on perking until you remove it from the heat. The more it perks, the stronger the coffee would be.

]]> By: brianna http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html/comment-page-5#comment-36866 brianna Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:56:33 +0000 http://www.talkaboutcoffee.com/how-to-make-coffee-in-a-percolator.html#comment-36866 Hi guys. Thanks so much for all the info! I've only started drinking coffee since I got promoted (and need to be more alert!) and a coffee roaster/cafe moved in next door. I dug out my grandmother-in-law's 50's or 60's electric perc to try and make it at home and stop giving all my money to the cafe next door. It's a Langco Coffeematic and I think that is the same as the Universal Coffeematic, at least it looks the same as in a youtube vid I found! Has anyone heard of it? (PS We are in Australia) My questions are: whether 4 cups is the minimum to make and does it stop automatically when the light comes on? ie I don't have to unplug it? I tried my first pot tonight and it seems a bit harsh and not quite strong enough, but I'm not sure how long it's been since it was last used so I will try the baking soda clean out and use your guidelines for coffee/water ratio (as opposed to guessing like I did tonight....) Thanks in advance :) Hi guys. Thanks so much for all the info! I’ve only started drinking coffee since I got promoted (and need to be more alert!) and a coffee roaster/cafe moved in next door. I dug out my grandmother-in-law’s 50′s or 60′s electric perc to try and make it at home and stop giving all my money to the cafe next door. It’s a Langco Coffeematic and I think that is the same as the Universal Coffeematic, at least it looks the same as in a youtube vid I found! Has anyone heard of it? (PS We are in Australia) My questions are: whether 4 cups is the minimum to make and does it stop automatically when the light comes on? ie I don’t have to unplug it? I tried my first pot tonight and it seems a bit harsh and not quite strong enough, but I’m not sure how long it’s been since it was last used so I will try the baking soda clean out and use your guidelines for coffee/water ratio (as opposed to guessing like I did tonight….) Thanks in advance :)

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