A percolator cycles hot water up a tube and over the grounds again and again, producing a hot, bold cup. Stovetop and camp versions sit on a burner or fire, while electric models plug in and keep coffee warm without watching the pot.
The six percolators below cover stovetop, camp and electric styles. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm the capacity, material and heat source on the current listing before buying. Stovetop and electric models are not interchangeable, so match the type to your plan. Percolator coffee is brewed hotter and stronger than most drip coffee, which many fans love and others find harsh, so start with coarse grounds and a short brew. Stovetop models also reward a little attention, since the pot works best at a gentle bubble rather than a hard boil.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type | Stovetop and camp pots need a flame; electric models plug in |
| Capacity | Cups are small in percolator talk, so check the listing |
| Material | Stainless resists rust; enamel needs gentle handling |
| Glass knob | A clear knob lets you watch the brew color |
| Basket | A fine basket keeps grounds out of the cup |
Specs at a Glance
| Product | Type | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Percolator | Stovetop | Stainless steel | Glass knob |
| Coleman Camp Percolator | Camp | Stainless steel | Handle and lid |
| GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator | Camp | Stainless steel | Folding handle |
| Presto Stainless Steel Electric Coffee Percolator | Electric | Stainless steel | Keeps coffee warm |
| West Bend Electric Percolator | Electric | Stainless steel | Large capacity |
| Primula Stainless Steel Percolator | Stovetop | Stainless steel | Glass knob |
The 6 Best Percolator Coffee Makers
1. Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Percolator
A classic stainless stovetop percolator with a glass knob that shows the brew. It is a common choice for home kitchens. It suits people who like the ritual of stovetop coffee.
Suits: stovetop brewing. Strengths: a familiar design and sturdy body. Weaknesses: needs watching on the burner. Skip it if you prefer plug-in.
View Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Percolator on Amazon
2. Coleman Camp Percolator
A camp percolator from a well known outdoor brand, sized for the fire or camp stove. It tolerates a campfire grate better than thin kettles do.
Suits: camping trips. Strengths: built for outdoor heat. Weaknesses: not for electric cooktops. Skip it if you want an electric model.
View Coleman Camp Percolator on Amazon
3. GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator
An outdoor-focused stainless percolator with a folding handle, designed to pack easily for trips. It folds down and fits easily in a pack.
Suits: backpacking and camp. Strengths: packable design. Weaknesses: small capacity for groups. Skip it if you cook for a crowd.
View GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator on Amazon
4. Presto Stainless Steel Electric Coffee Percolator
A plug-in percolator with a stainless body that brews and holds coffee warm without a burner. The warming feature is handy at gatherings.
Suits: gatherings and offices. Strengths: simple operation. Weaknesses: lengthy clean up. Skip it if you want a drip machine.
View Presto Stainless Steel Electric Coffee Percolator on Amazon
5. West Bend Electric Percolator
A plug-in percolator from a long-running small appliance name, available in larger sizes for groups. It is easy to place on a buffet table.
Suits: larger groups. Strengths: family size. Weaknesses: check the current model. Skip it if you drink one cup at a time.
View West Bend Electric Percolator on Amazon
6. Primula Stainless Steel Percolator
A stainless stovetop percolator with a clear knob, aimed at casual home cooks and campers. It makes a decent gift for a camper or a retro coffee lover.
Suits: everyday brewing. Strengths: simple and approachable. Weaknesses: details vary. Skip it if you want a heavy-duty build.
View Primula Stainless Steel Percolator on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wash the basket and stem after each brew.
- Use coarse grounds to keep sediment out of the cup.
- Watch the heat on the stovetop to avoid scorching.
- Dry the pot fully before storing it.
- Do not immerse electric bases in water.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fine grounds in the basket.
- Letting the pot boil hard.
- Brewing too long and over-extracting.
- Putting an electric model on a burner.
- Skipping the rinse that clears old coffee oils.
Percolator FAQ
How long should I perk?
Many people percolate for several minutes after it starts, but follow the maker’s guidance.
What grind is best?
A coarse grind works best and keeps grounds out of the cup.
Can a stovetop percolator go on induction?
Only if the base is magnetic. Check the listing.
Is a percolator better than a French press?
They make different cups. A percolator is hotter and bolder, while a press is smoother and more nuanced.
Is percolator coffee strong?
It tends to be bold and hot, though the strength depends on grind and time.
The Short Version
For a classic stovetop pot, the Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Percolator. For a camp-ready pot, the Coleman Camp Percolator. For a packable camp pot, the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator. For an electric option, the Presto Stainless Steel Electric Coffee Percolator. For a group-sized percolator, the West Bend Electric Percolator. For an easy stovetop pot, the Primula Stainless Steel Percolator.
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