Before that time, the family coffee pot was often a percolator, which was made of metal. The percolator was patented in 1865 by James Nason. Gravity funnels boiled water through the coffee pot until it comes in contact with coffee grounds.

Gravity then separates the beverage from the grounds, leaving the residue in a small basket of the coffee pot. The coffee was served from the same pot that brewed it.

Still, some people made coffee in a pot on the stove before the modern coffee maker came along, making a simple boiler their family coffee pot.

Most often the family coffee pot in today's homes is the carafe that is attached to the coffee maker. These drip coffee makers became popular in the early 70s. The coffee is placed in a filter. You pour the water from the coffee pot into the filter. Then the coffee is brewed and funneled down into the coffee pot.

The coffee pot that will come with the coffee maker you purchase is usually made of glass but many are made of Pyrex. A coffee pot made of Pyrex is very durable and will not break if it is dropped.

Some families have a coffee pot that have survived generations and is considered a family heirloom.

This coffee pot may be a part of the family china service and may be ceramic. The ceramic coffee pot often reflects the china pattern chosen an older member of the family. Some silver tea services that are handed down from generation to generation may include a coffee pot as well. Some of these tea services may be pewter instead of silver.

Some high-scale restaurants and coffee franchises use decorative carafes as a coffee pot. Some of the art deco coffee pots may look more like a vase than a coffee pot. This type of coffee pot may have a design and may be more colorful that a traditional coffee pot.

One of the latest trends is a coffee pot that resembles a thermos-like vessel. This type of coffee pot can brew coffee and is served from the coffee pot. The coffee pot is made of stainless steel that keeps the coffee hot. It is also convenient for travel. This type of coffee pot is great from those addicted to their daily dose of java and need to keep the beverage flowing.

Online auction sites and retail stores a coffee pot for almost any taste. If you are looking for a collector's item, look for a coffee pot at an antique store. Many pottery companies have a coffee pot that is unique and is considered a collectible. You can search for a collectible coffee pot online. The price collectible coffee pot could reach hundreds of dollars.

A coffee pot is often more than just a container for your java. Whether you need a practical coffee pot or you have a family heirloom, your own individual taste will determine your coffee pot.