HOW DOES A PERCOLATOR WORK?
The principle of percolator coffee is based on a closed circuit inside the pot, where the coffee and water are in the same container. Water is heated at the bottom and pushed upwards through a riser tube to then drip down over the coffee grounds in a built-in filter. The water passes through the coffee repeatedly until the correct temperature is reached and the drink is ready. At that point, the brewer switches itself off. Just like a thermos, it maintains the temperature of the coffee, which prevents over-brewing. You do not need paper filters at all. The filter is emptied into the trash and easily washed after use. The invention originally dates back to 1818, when the Frenchman Laurens developed an early version, before the American James H. Nelson patented the technology in 1865.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT COFFEE VARIETY AND DOSAGE
Percolator coffee requires the right grind for a good final result in the cup. You can choose whether you want to use instant coffee or filter coffee as a base. A very finely ground powder risks running through the percolator's metal screen and producing a cloudy drink. At Monteriva, we recommend filter coffee because it usually provides the best flavor.
The roast level determines the final taste. A medium roast brings out the bean's acidic notes, while a dark roast gives it a bolder character. The decision on which type of coffee is best suited for a percolator comes down to your own taste preferences. A good measure for dosing is one coffee scoop, or six to seven grams of coffee, per deciliter of water.
6 SIMPLE STEPS FOR GREAT COFFEE
Brewing coffee in a percolator is simple. The process is actually not much more difficult than using a standard coffee maker. Follow the steps below for a tasty cup of coffee.
- Remove the coffee basket with its included lid and separate the riser tube from the brewer.
- Fill the percolator with cold water until it reaches the indicated level in the container.
- Reassemble the riser tube in the percolator and the coffee basket without the lid.
- Add the coffee – use about one tablespoon per cup you plan to serve.
- Place the lid on the coffee basket and put the lid on the pot. Then start the brewing process.
- The indicator light will turn on when the coffee is ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Percolators
How often should you clean a percolator?
You should clean your percolator after each use. Wash the removable parts, such as the coffee basket and stem tube, by hand after brewing. If descaling is needed, run a brewing cycle with water mixed with 1 tbsp of citric acid or vinegar, followed by two cycles with plain water. Then dry all parts thoroughly. A simple habit that removes any coffee residue and prevents a bitter aftertaste. Here at Monteriva, you will find a wide selection of cleaning accessories for your coffee maker.
Is a percolator better than a drip coffee maker?
The answer depends on your own taste preference. A percolator produces a full-bodied and robust drink because the water passes through the coffee multiple times. This method preserves the bean's natural oils since there are no paper filters. A standard coffee maker filters the water once, resulting in a cleaner cup where the acidity of the bean is more pronounced.