Coffee percolator is a two part coffee pot in which boiling water
ascends through a central tube and filters back down through a basket of
ground coffee beans. It is preferably used when coffee is served at the
table. They are usually made of aluminum or stainless steel.
History of Coffee Percolator
- The first percolator was invented by a metalsmith named Laurens
in Paris in 1818.
- In 1840 in England, James Napier created vacuum pot that consists
of two detachable glass globes. Water in the lower globe boils and
the vapor is forced into the upper globe where coffee is brewed. Pot
is removed from heat and the lower globe cools down creating a
vacuum that pulls the brewed coffee.
- In 1865 James Mason patented the first American coffee
percolator.
- In 1970 electric coffee percolator came into use. It was the
choice in a vast majority of American homes and later spread
worldwide.
Percolator can be found in electric, stovetop and microwave
versions.
- Electric Coffee Percolator : They time the
infusion more precisely and gives a more consistent cup of coffee.
- Stovetop Coffee Percolator : They should be
watched carefully because they can cause overboiling. This tends to
release bitterness in the coffee.
- Microwave Coffee Percolator : it is more
effective to make coffee in a microwave. It utilizes 42% less
electricity than the coffee makers of similar size.
Types of Coffee Percolator
There are two basic types of coffee percolators.
Pressure Type Coffee Percolator
It forces boiling water under pressure through the grounds into a
separate chamber. This comprises of three sections:
- Lower section - Water is placed in this
section.
- Mid section - Raw coffee grounds are placed in
this section.
- Upper section - The resultant coffee is
collected in this section.
How Does Pressure Type Coffee Percolator Works
- The pot is placed on a heat source.
- Water placed in the lower section reaches the boiling point and
steam formed creates pressure and forces all the water to the middle
section through a tube.
- Through the second tube mixture of water and coffee grounds
passes to the upper section. In the upper section, a strong,
concentrated coffee is prepared.
Gravity Type Coffee Percolator
This continually cycles the boiling brew through the grounds using
gravity until the required strength is reached. It comprises of the
following components:
- Small chamber at the bottom filled with water.
- Vertical tube leading from the bottom chamber to the top of the
pot.
- Perforated chamber at the end of the tube filled with coarse
grind of coffee.
How Does Gravity Type Coffee Percolator Works
- The pot is placed on a heat source and water reaches the boiling
point.
- Through the vertical tube water passes to the top over the
perforated lid of the coffee chamber.
- Water then seeps through the grounds and leaves the coffee
chamber through the bottom, dropping back into the lower half of the
pot.
- The rest of the water is forced up.
- The whole cycle is repeated until the overall temperature of the
liquid approaches boiling point, at which stage the perking action
stops.
- It finally gives a strong coffee.
Advantages of Coffee Percolator
- Favorite brewing method
- Easy to use
- Convenient serving
- Durable construction
- Robust coffee flavor
