The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Coffee Percolator

Looking to elevate your morning routine to a whole new level of caffeinated bliss? Look no further, as we have rounded up the absolute best coffee percolators that money can buy! Whether you're on a tight budget, need a compact option for your adventurous travels, or simply want to impress your friends with a conversation starter, we've got you covered. From the best overall coffee percolator that will revolutionize your morning brew, to the best one for campfires that will have you feeling like a seasoned explorer, get ready to discover the ultimate brewing companions.

Best Coffee Percolator

1. Farberware Stainless Steel, 12-Cup Coffee Percolator

When it comes to finding the best coffee percolator, the Farberware Stainless Steel, 12-Cup Coffee Percolator is a great choice. Not only does it have a shiny design, but it is also affordable and perfect for making delicious coffee on a budget. This stovetop percolator has a half-gallon capacity, making it ideal for small families. It also features a glass knob that allows you to watch the bubbles as your coffee brews. The high-quality stainless-steel construction makes it durable and easy to clean. Plus, it is dishwasher safe, making it even more convenient. Whether you're at home or on a camping trip, this percolator is a great option.

2. Eurolux Percolator, Stainless Steel, Campfire Coffee

Next on our list is the Eurolux Percolator, Stainless Steel, Campfire Coffee. This percolator is specifically designed for camping and is the best option for making cowboy coffee. It has a smaller capacity and is easy to carry, making it perfect for camping trips. The percolator is made of high-quality stainless steel that is free from any harmful chemicals. It is also easy to clean, and its durable construction makes it resistant to scratches and knocks. With step-by-step usage instructions included, it is user-friendly and perfect for beginners.

3. Cuisinart, 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator

Now let's take a look at the Cuisinart, 12-Cup Stainless-Steel Percolator. While it may not have the same artistic outlook as other percolators, it still offers many great features. It has an elegant and compact design with a transparent top knob, allowing you to monitor your coffee while it brews. The stay-cool bottom unit protects surfaces from burns, and the light indicator lets you know when the brewing is complete. With a capacity of 4 to 12 cups, it is ideal for small gatherings. The ergonomically designed handle and stainless-steel construction make it easy to use and resistant to scratches. Plus, it comes with a 36-inch power cord for added convenience.

4. Hamilton Beach, 12 Cup, Stainless Steel Electric Percolator

Moving on to another electric percolator, we have the Hamilton Beach, 12 Cup, Stainless Steel Electric Percolator. This percolator stands out for its many features. It has a locking lid system to prevent spills, a viewing window to monitor the brewing process, and a cool-touch handle for safe handling. The detachable power cord offers flexibility, and the non-drip spout ensures mess-free pouring. While it features a durable plastic body, it is still sturdy and easy to clean. The light indicator and keep warm heater add convenience to your brewing experience. With its permanent filter basket and user manual included, it is a reliable and user-friendly percolator.

5. Moss & Stone Electric Coffee Percolator

Lastly, we have the Moss & Stone Electric Coffee Percolator. This percolator not only delivers functionality but also adds a stylish touch to your kitchen. With its copper body and black handle, it is a conversation piece. It has a capacity of up to ten cups and features a ready-to-serve light indicator and an automatic keep-warm function. Made with durable materials, it is built to last. The removable coffee filter, stainless-steel filter basket, and see-through knob add to its convenience. Backed by a one-year warranty, this percolator ensures both quality and style.

Best overall coffee percolator

We love the Moss and Stone electric coffee percolator for its sleek copper body and impressive functionality. It can hold up to 10 cups in its stainless steel carafe, and its coffee basket is easy to clean without leaving any metallic aftertaste. With the option for full automation, you can wake up to fresh coffee in just five minutes. While it lacks an auto-off function, this percolator is still a great choice for brewing delicious coffee.

Best budget coffee percolator

If you're looking for a quality coffee percolator that won't break the bank, the Medelco eight-cup stovetop glass coffee percolator is a great option. Made of sturdy borosilicate glass, it retains the rich taste of coffee without any interference. Lightweight and easy to use, it is a convenient choice for any coffee lover.

Best electric coffee percolator under $50

For an affordable electric percolator, the Presto 02822 is a great choice. While it has a smaller capacity of six cups, it comes with all the desired features, including a mess-free pouring spout, automatic warming, and detachable cord. With its cool-to-touch bottom and lightweight design, it makes serving coffee a breeze.

Best stovetop coffee percolator under $50

The Granite Ware 12-cup stovetop percolator is a great option for those looking for a traditional and affordable percolator. Designed for stovetop or open fire use, it is perfect for camping trips. While it doesn't keep coffee warm for long, its sturdy construction and large capacity make it a reliable choice.

Best small capacity coffee percolator

The Cryfokt mini stovetop espresso percolator is perfect for solo coffee drinkers. With a capacity of two cups, it ensures you only make what you need. Its dual percolation and Moka pot-style brewing make it versatile for making espresso-like shots as well.

Best conversation piece coffee percolator

For a unique and visually appealing percolator, the cast iron Kohi coffee percolator is a great choice. Handmade with a cast iron body, hardwood handle, and stainless steel filters, it is as beautiful as it is functional. With its traditional Japanese sand casting method, each percolator is unique in size and color. Its nine-cup capacity and enameled interior make it a durable and stylish addition to any kitchen.

Best in a Pinch: Cabela’s Bass Pro Shops Stainless Steel Percolator

Key Features

• Capacity: 36 ounces
• Material: Stainless steel, plastic, and silicone
• Dishwasher safe

While the affordable price of this percolator was intriguing, it allowed more coffee grounds into the coffee than any other percolator in my test. However, if you have limited options and funds, this one will do the job when you're in a pinch.

Pros

• Affordable
• Available sizes work well for one or two people

• The low handle could melt over the stove
• During testing, it let in a significant amount of coffee grounds

If the best budget percolator pick happens to be out of stock, consider the Cabela Bass Pro Shops Percolator. Like all of the above picks, it is made from durable stainless steel that should last for many years. Similarly, its plastic knob can be removed in the event that it breaks (although it held up fine during testing) and its silicone handle was comfortable to pour coffee from. 

This percolator was not included on the best-of list because it allows a significant amount of grounds into the coffee during testing; however, using a coffee filter in the percolator basket consistently can help minimize this issue. While your friends may not ask you to make coffee at camp anymore, this percolator will get you by when you need it.

Best for Two People: GSI Outdoors 6-Cup Glacier Percolator

Key Features 

• Capacity: 30 ounces 
• Material: Stainless steel, resin, silicone
• Easy-pour handle

This percolator's small size and reasonable functionality make it the best choice for campers with limited space.

Pros

• Comes in a three-cup model
• Affordable
• Clear fill markings on the inside

• The low silicone handle is easy to singe on a burner if you aren't careful
• The sticker affixed to the side when you purchase it is difficult to remove

While the GSI Glacier allowed more coffee grounds to slip through the basket than the Farberware Yosemite, it still produced less gritty coffee than most other percolators. Unlike the Yosemite, the Glacier comes in a range of sizes that are perfect for single people (the 3-cup model) as well as the 6-cup model in my test. It also has the raised fill line on the inside of the percolator, making it easier to fill with water. These small details are appreciated when you're still half asleep and trying to avoid watering down your morning coffee. 

As long as you make sure the handle doesn't melt, the GSI Glacier percolator is a great choice for couples. Laura LancasterThe only real downside is the silicone handle, which can easily singe on medium-high heat if you aren't careful. However, this is less likely to happen with smaller groups who often forgo the traditional family camping stove. The small size of this percolator pairs well with the best backpacking stoves. 

Best portable coffee percolator

You don't have to give up your morning coffee routine when you're on the go, even with a percolator. What's even better is that you don't have to carry around a large brewer. There are several ways to make coffee with pocket-sized gear, such as a pour-over brewer or single-serve coffee sachets that you steep like tea. However, if you prefer percolating, the portable coffee percolator from NAVNKA may be the perfect pick for your jet-setting lifestyle. 

This brewer can make a single eight-ounce cup of coffee, which can be poured cleanly through a spout without removing the lid. It weighs just a couple of pounds and comes with a travel bag to prevent scratches. The only downside we see with this product is that it's not battery-powered. Although it's travel-sized, you still need access to an electrical outlet to use it. Most reviews are positive, with the few negative ones primarily complaining about the amount of coffee it makes. Frankly, that seems like a silly thing to complain about on a compact, single-serving product.

"One Amazon customer says, 'I was looking for a quick way to make coffee in my office and when I travel. I have used all kinds of travel French presses and pour overs but I am happiest with this coffee maker.'"

The NAVNKA portable coffee percolator is currently on sale for $53.99 on Amazon. 

Best coffee percolator for beginners

High-end electric coffee percolators can cost upwards of , which can be a barrier for beginners. If you're curious about this classic coffee brewing method but don't want to make a big investment just yet, give the Primula Today aluminum stovetop percolator a try. This sleek percolator has a simple, clean-cut profile that can easily be stored in a cupboard or displayed on the stove. 

Despite its affordable price, this percolator can hold a generous nine cups of coffee. Its modest, no-frills design makes it great for beginners and for those who want a percolator they can take camping or use with outdoor gear. The crystal lid handle is made of plastic, not glass like more expensive percolators. However, this can be seen as a positive as it adds durability for camping and travel.

Reviews of the Primula stovetop percolator are overwhelmingly positive, with customers appreciating its durability, ease of use, and buffed aluminum design. The aluminum may dent more easily than steel, but that's a compromise we can accept given the affordability. 

The Primula Today aluminum stovetop coffee percolator is available for $20.00 on Amazon. 

Best coffee percolator for campfires

There's nothing quite like listening to loons on a peaceful summer morning while your coffee percolates cheerfully on the campfire. Coffee-loving adventurers need sturdy, well-made gear that can withstand the elements and travel. For that, we recommend COLETTI's Bozeman camping coffee percolator. This product is available in two sizes, with capacities of nine and 12 cups each. Both options are made of sturdy stainless steel, which may show signs of wear after use on a campfire grate but will still hold up well with proper care.

The majority of customers have given this product positive reviews. The Bozeman is praised for its quality construction, smooth hardwood handle, and delicious percolated coffee. It is also entirely made without plastic, so there's no worry about any components melting while it's on top of the campfire or hot coals.

"One Amazon review says, 'A solid good quality item that has undergone many open flames, backpacks, canoe rides, and is still holding up well.'"

The COLETTI Bozeman camping coffee percolator is available starting at $36.55 on Amazon.

Best over an Open Fire: Stanley Adventure Cool Grip

Key Features

• Capacity: 36 ounces
• Material: Stainless steel, plastic, and silicone
• Cool Grip

This camping percolator stands out for its elevated handle with a removable silicone wrapper, making it safe to use over an open fire. 

Pros

• Designed for use over an open fire
• Lightweight

• The lid may slip off when trying to pour out the last cup of coffee
• It produced more coffee grounds in the final brew compared to other percolators in my test

There's something magical about percolating coffee over an open fire, with the embers popping and hot water bubbling up into the knob simultaneously. However, not all percolators are ready for this task. If there's any silicone or wood present, all bets are off. That's why the design of this Stanley percolator is so smart. Its removable gripper allows you to alternate between using it on a stove and over an open fire (just make sure to use a pot holder or oven mitt to handle it over the flames). The handle is positioned high enough to prevent the silicone from melting on your stove if you position it slightly off center.

There are a few things that could be improved about this percolator. The lid shifts significantly while pouring coffee, and if it wasn't connected to the pot, it would easily fall off. Additionally, this percolator allowed a fair amount of coffee grounds into the final brew, although using a coffee filter can help mitigate this issue. 

Best Overall: Farberware 12-Cup Yosemite Percolator

Key Features

• Capacity: 80 ounces
• Material: Stainless steel, glass, and silicone
• Electric stovetop compatible

This percolator stood out as the largest in our test and was the only one to produce coffee without grounds, even without using a filter. 

Pros

• Can make up to 10 eight-ounce servings of coffee in one brew
• The lid has a glass knob that securely snaps into place
• The only percolator that produced ground-free coffee
• The handle is positioned high to prevent melting on a stove

• The lid isn't connected to the rest of the percolator, making it easier to lose
• The plastic base below the percolator knob is prone to breaking (but it doesn't affect functionality)

There are several reasons why the Farberware Yosemite was the top percolator in our test. The main reason is that it was the only one to produce coffee without grounds, even without using an additional filter. Looking at the percolator basket, you can see why. While most percolators simply have holes at the bottom of the basket, the Farberware Yosemite has metal tabs with thin slits covering the holes, effectively preventing all but the smallest grounds from escaping into the coffee. It achieved this while brewing an impressive 80 ounces of coffee, making it ideal for large groups. With the Yosemite, you can easily wake up everyone in your group (and more) after a long night around the campfire. (If you prefer a smaller size, this percolator is also available in an 8-cup model.)

The Farberware Yosemite Percolator basket (far left) was one of only two percolators in our test—along with the Cook N Home—that used tabs on its basket. Laura LancasterI appreciated the spring around the metal tube that held the percolator basket in place, preventing it from jostling when moving or pouring. The lid also impressed me, with its glass knob (preferred over plastic when dealing with boiling water) and secure snapping mechanism. However, the lid has a downside. It's the only one in our test that isn't attached to the rest of the percolator, making it easy to lose or leave behind (as I did when photographing the percolators for this story). The plastic plate below the glass knob was also the only weak point in terms of durability, with a portion of the rim coming off. However, this doesn't affect the functionality of the knob itself, which screws securely back into the lid unharmed. 

Choosing the best coffee percolator can be a daunting task, but with our comprehensive guide, you can easily find the perfect one for your coffee needs. Whether you're looking for the best overall percolator, one that fits your budget, or even a conversation piece, we've got you covered. The Cabela's Bass Pro Shops Stainless Steel Percolator is ideal for those in a pinch, while the GSI Outdoors 6-Cup Glacier Percolator is perfect for two people. For those on the go, the Stanley Adventure Cool Grip is the best choice, while the Farberware 12-Cup Yosemite Percolator takes the crown for the best overall. So, brew your perfect cup of coffee with the best coffee percolator that suits your preferences and elevate your coffee experience to a whole new level!