The word “coffee percolator” was derived from the word “percolate,” which means “to cause a solvent to pass through.” The percolator is often used in camping and many outdoor activities.

A coffee percolator works by keeping the boiling water up through a tube, then poured on coffee grounds. This process is repeated until the desired result is achieved.

First put water in the carafe and follow it with coarsely ground coffee beans in the basket. The basket should be covered before heating the coffee. The basket is then used in order to keep the coffee dry, from being deposited inside the container. The glass top determines the amount of coffee done. Once the process is completed, you can discard the coffee grounds.

Percolators have three versions, namely electric, stovetop and microwave percolators.

• Electric Coffee Percolator is the most common type using electricity. It gives out a more consistent brew by stopping it automatically when the coffee is done. It then switches to a warming mode when completed. An electric percolator has a built-in heating element that can be cordlessly used.

• Stovetop Coffee Percolators can cause over-boiling, and therefore a tendency to release the bitterness of coffee. This requires more careful usage.

• Microwave Coffee Percolator is more effective, using 42% less electricity.

Three of the popular percolators are the Faberware FCP412 Cup Percolator, Cuisinart 6-12 Cup Classic Electric Percolator Model PRC-12 and the MEDELCO PK008 8 cup Glass Stovetop Percolator

The two basic types of coffee percolators are the pressure type and the gravity type percolators.

Pressure Type

The pressure type is usually made out of metals that can be screwed together when used. It has three main sections:

o Lower Section – The water section.

o Mild Section – The place for the raw coffee grounds.

o Upper Section – The place for the resultant coffee.

Some versions of the pressure type have no upper section. The upper tube can be bent in order to deliver the coffee directly into the cup.

How it works.

The pressure type percolator is then placed on a heat source. If the water reaches the boiling point, a steam is formed. It creates a kind of pressure and forces the water into the coffee grounds through a tube. The mixture passes to the upper section for a concentrated coffee result.

Gravity Type

The gravity type percolator continually cycles the boiling brew through the grounds. It uses gravity to acquire the desired strength of coffee. The components comprises mainly of:

o A small chamber filled with water at the bottom.

o A vertical tube from the bottom chamber to the pot top.

o A perforated chamber with a coarsely grind coffee at the end of the tube.

How it works.

The pot is placed on a heat source with water. The water should be below the bottom of the coffee chamber where it can pass through the vertical tube over the perforated lid. The water is then seeped through the grounds, leaving the coffee chamber. It will drop back into the lower half of the pot and force it upward. The process repeats as it approaches the boiling point. Finally, the perking action stops.

Different types of coffee percolators are enjoyed with great popularity. It is the favorite brewing method that is both convenient and easy to use. Despite the different varieties that have fallen out with some coffee lovers, coffee percolators still offer a distinct brewing quality and nice aroma of coffee.