Percolator Coffee: Why I Switched and How to Make It Better

For years, I started my mornings with a dependable drip coffee maker humming away on the counter. It was easy, fast and automatic. But over time, I became less impressed with the flavor and more aware of how much plastic was involved in brewing my morning coffee.

So, I decided to go a little old school and try a coffee percolator. Spoiler alert: I haven’t looked back.

Percolator coffee is bold, rich and surprisingly simple to make once you get the hang of it. I now use both stovetop and electric percolators, and I’ve learned a few things about how long to percolate coffee, what grind works best and how to get a great cup without ending up with bitter coffee or a mug full of grounds.

If you’ve been curious about making percolator coffee or wondering whether it’s worth switching from a drip coffee maker, here’s what I’ve learned.

1. Why Does Percolator Coffee Taste Different?

Let’s be honest, drip coffee can taste a little meh. Even with good beans, I often felt like the finished cup was flatter or more watered down than I wanted. Percolator coffee, on the other hand, gives me that bold, rich flavor that reminds me of what coffee used to taste like before everything became so automated.

So, why does percolator coffee taste different?

The water cycles through the grounds more than once. Instead of passing through the coffee a single time, a percolator continually circulates hot water through the grounds while it brews. This creates a stronger, fuller-bodied cup.
You have more control over the strength. This is especially true with a stovetop percolator. The longer the coffee perks, the stronger it becomes, although letting it go too long can make it bitter.
Most percolators use a metal basket instead of a paper filter. That allows more of the coffee’s natural oils to make it into your cup, which can add body, aroma and flavor.

If you like strong, robust coffee with a little more depth, this is one of the biggest reasons a percolator is worth trying.

2. Less Plastic in My Coffee Routine

When I started paying more attention to how my drip coffee maker was built, I realized just how many plastic components were involved, from the water reservoir and internal tubing to the filter basket.

That made me start looking for a simpler setup with less plastic coming into contact with hot water and coffee.

One thing I love about a stainless-steel percolator is how simple it is. The pot, stem and coffee basket are typically stainless steel, which means I can brew my coffee without relying on the same amount of plastic found in many automatic drip machines.

For me, that was another big reason to make the switch.

3. A Simpler Coffee Routine

There are a few other things I appreciate about using a percolator besides the flavor.

Less waste: Most percolators use a reusable metal basket, so there is no need to buy and throw away paper filters every day.
Fewer parts and extras: A basic percolator is refreshingly simple. You have the pot, stem, basket and lid, without a lot of disposable pieces or complicated components.
It makes me slow down a little: This is especially true with my stovetop percolator. There is something about making coffee this way that feels less rushed and a little more intentional.

I cannot say that percolator coffee is somehow “healthier” than coffee made another way, but I do like the simplicity of the process and the fact that it fits the way I want to make coffee at home.

4. Stovetop vs. Electric Percolator: Which Is Better?

I own both a stovetop and an electric percolator, and I use them for different reasons. Personally, I reach for my electric percolator most often because it is easy and I do not have to watch it as closely. That said, I think the stovetop version gives me a slight edge in flavor because I have more control over the brewing process.

If you are trying to decide between the two, here is the basic difference.

Stovetop Percolators

Give you more control over the heat and brewing time.
Usually made from stainless steel or aluminum.
Do not require electricity, which makes them great for camping, emergency preparedness or off-grid use.
Require a little more attention while the coffee is brewing.

My stovetop pick: Farberware Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator

Electric Percolators

Plug in and handle most of the brewing process for you.
Usually shut off or switch to a warming mode automatically.
Require less attention than a stovetop model.
Are a great choice if you want the flavor of percolator coffee with the convenience of an automatic coffee maker.

My electric pick: Presto 12-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Percolator

For everyday use, I prefer my electric percolator because it is just easier. But if flavor and having more control over the brew are your priorities, I would give the stovetop version the advantage.

Camping/Outdoor Percolators

Rugged, often designed for open fire or portable stoves.
Usually enamel or stainless steel.
Perfect for camping or homesteading.

Recommended: COLETTI Classic Camping Coffee Pot

Cowboy Coffee: The Original No-Frills Brew

Before percolators became household staples, there was cowboy coffee, a method as rustic as it gets. No filters, no baskets, just water, fire, and ground coffee in a pot.

To make cowboy coffee:

Boil water in a pot (or kettle) over the fire.
Remove from heat and stir in coarsely ground coffee.
Let it sit for a few minutes to steep.
Add a splash of cold water to help grounds settle before pouring.

It’s strong, earthy, and not for the faint of heart, but there’s something wonderfully primal and satisfying about it. If you’ve ever brewed coffee on a campfire, chances are you’ve had cowboy coffee (even if you didn’t know it).

5. How to Make Better Percolator Coffee

If you’re new to using a percolator, don’t worry. It is not complicated, but a few small adjustments can make a big difference in the flavor of your coffee.

Use coarse-ground coffee: Fine grounds can slip through the metal basket and leave sediment in your cup. A coarse or medium-coarse grind usually works best in a percolator.
Start with the right amount of coffee: A good starting point is about 1 tablespoon of coffee for each cup of water, then adjust from there depending on how strong you like it.
Keep the heat gentle: With a stovetop percolator, you want a steady, gentle perk rather than a hard boil. Too much heat can make the coffee taste bitter.
Watch the brewing time: Once the coffee begins perking, about 7 to 10 minutes is usually enough for a stovetop percolator. The longer it perks, the stronger it gets, but leaving it too long can lead to over-extraction and bitterness.
Let it settle before pouring: Giving the coffee a few minutes to sit after brewing can help any stray grounds settle to the bottom.
Clean your percolator well: Rinse the basket, stem and pot after each use so old coffee oils do not build up and affect the flavor of your next pot.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Percolator Coffee

Is percolator coffee stronger than drip coffee?
Percolator coffee usually tastes stronger and more full-bodied than drip coffee because the water cycles through the grounds repeatedly during brewing. The actual strength will depend on how much coffee you use and how long you let it perk.

How long should you percolate coffee?
For a stovetop percolator, I usually aim for about 7 to 10 minutes once the coffee begins gently perking. A shorter brew will be milder, while letting it perk too long can make the coffee bitter.

How much coffee do you put in a percolator?
A good starting point is about 1 tablespoon of coffee for each cup of water. From there, you can use a little more or less depending on how strong you like your coffee.

What grind is best for percolator coffee?
Coarse or medium-coarse coffee works best. Very finely ground coffee can slip through the holes in the metal basket and leave grounds or sediment in your cup.

Can you use regular ground coffee in a percolator?
You can, but the grind matters more than the brand. If your regular coffee is finely ground for a drip machine, you may end up with more sediment in your cup. A coarser grind usually gives better results.

Why does my percolator coffee taste bitter?
The most common culprits are too much heat or letting the coffee perk for too long. Keep the perk gentle rather than boiling aggressively, and start checking the flavor around the 7-minute mark.

Why am I getting coffee grounds in my cup?
Fine coffee grounds can slip through the metal basket. Switching to a coarser grind usually helps. I also like to let the coffee sit for a few minutes after brewing so any stray grounds have time to settle before I pour.

Do you need a paper filter in a percolator?
Usually, no. Most percolators are designed to work with their reusable metal basket. However, percolator filters are available if you prefer an extra layer of filtration or want to reduce the amount of sediment in your cup.

7. Why You Might Want to Make the Switch Too

If your drip coffee has been feeling a little underwhelming, a percolator is a simple way to change things up. The coffee is bold, the process is straightforward, and once you get the hang of the timing and grind, it is easy to make a really good cup.

For me, the switch was less about nostalgia and more about enjoying the process again. I like the simplicity, the stainless-steel setup and the fact that I can choose between the convenience of my electric percolator and the extra control of my stovetop version.

So, if you like strong coffee and you are curious about making it the old-fashioned way, a percolator is definitely worth trying.

Switching to Percolator Coffee

Switching to percolator coffee ended up being one of those small changes I’m glad I made. I like the stronger flavor, the simple setup and having the option to use either my electric or stovetop percolator depending on the day.

If you’re ready to try it for yourself, you can check out my favorite percolator picks above.

More for Coffee Lovers

This post was originally published on April 17, 2025, and has been updated to include additional brewing tips, FAQs, and helpful information about making percolator coffee.

Percolator Coffee: Why I Switched and How to Make It Better