Percolator vs. countertop coffee maker. Which is better?

Question

I'm considering getting a percolator, stove top. I have a cheapo coffee maker right now and every time the coffee is done dripping I have to put the pot on an angle on the hot plate so the rest of the coffee can drip down, otherwise it all spills out when I remove the coffee pot. Unless someone can suggest a cheap but good coffee maker (under $40) that won't do this, otherwise I'll get the percolator. What are the pros and cons of them?

Answer 1

Buy a large stove top espresso maker, makes the BEST coffee ever! They can be bought quite cheaply and last for many years, make sure that you know where to buy the rubber gaskets that fit in the bottom, replacing them every so often. The pot works in a similar way to a percolator, coffee goes in the basket that fits into the resevoir, water boils and then rises up through the coffee but does not drip down, instead it moves up and comes out the valve in the top of the pot. The coffee is much better than drip or french press or percolated coffee, better fresher, stronger taste.

Answer 2

I'm a coffee snob and I use the most simple and cheap coffee maker and great coffee. My grandmother used the old technology of a perc that made lousy coffee.

My coffee 'maker' is a plastic filter holder in the shape of a 'Y'. I grind the Vienna Roast beans, put them in the #4 filter in the holder and slowly pour boilt water on top whilst stirring.

Low tech but perfect coffee every time!

Cheers!

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Answer 3

Percolator, if you can find one a Pyrex stovetop percolator.  Hands down the best for coffee.  Auto makers do not get the most out of the coffee itself.  To me the water is never hot enough.  A french press is also a great coffee maker.  A percolator recirculates the water/coffee through the grinds which makes a stronger flavored coffee while actually using less coffee.