A percolator is a simple way to make strong, aromatic coffee at home. You don't need a sophisticated electric coffee machine or coffee pods. With water, ground coffee and a suitable heat source, you can get started right away.
However, a percolator often raises questions when used for the first time. Where does the water go? How much coffee do you use? What grind do you need? And how do you know when the coffee is ready?
In this guide, we explain step by step how to use a percolator. Would you like to view the range first? Then check out the coffee machines and coffee percolators at TEKZEN.
What is a coffee percolator?
A coffee percolator is a coffee maker in which heated water is passed through ground coffee.
A stovetop model consists of several parts. At the bottom is the water reservoir. Above that is a filter section in which the ground coffee is placed. The brewed coffee eventually ends up in the top section.
During heating, pressure builds up in the lower reservoir. The hot water is guided upwards, passes through the ground coffee, and then ends up at the top.
The result is a strong cup of coffee with a very different brewing method than, for example, filter coffee.
Within the Coffee & Drinks at TEKZEN collection, you will find not only percolators but also other products for different ways of brewing coffee and tea.
What do you need for coffee from a percolator?
The basics are simple. You need a percolator, fresh water, ground coffee and a suitable heat source.
Do you use induction at home? Then always check whether the percolator in question is suitable for it.
The current Cheffinger percolators at TEKZEN are available for 6, 9 and 12 cups and are offered as suitable for induction. You can also choose from different versions, including black and silver.
Step 1: fill the lower section with water
Open the percolator and remove the filter section.
Next, fill the lower reservoir with fresh water. At the same time, take into account the maximum fill level and the safety features of the specific model.
Do not simply fill the reservoir all the way to the brim. Always follow the instructions for use that come with your percolator.
Step 2: put ground coffee in the filter
Next, place the ground coffee in the filter basket.
Distribute the coffee evenly, but do not press it down hard as you would with some espresso preparations. The water must be able to flow well through the ground coffee.
Next, place the filled filter back into the lower section of the percolator.
What coffee grind do you use for a percolator?
The grind has a lot of influence on the final result.
It is better not to use extremely finely ground coffee such as you would use for Turkish coffee. A very fine grind can affect the flow and cause small coffee particles to end up in the brewed coffee.
Would you like to know more about that completely different brewing method? Then also read our guide Making Turkish coffee: how to make traditional Türk Kahvesi.
For a percolator, you can start with a grind that is suitable for moka or percolator brewing. Then you can experiment until you find the taste that suits you.
How much coffee should go in a percolator?
The right amount depends on the size of the percolator, the coffee used and your personal taste.
The filter basket serves as a practical starting point. Distribute the coffee evenly over the filter without pressing it down firmly.
Is the coffee ultimately too strong or too mild? Then do not change everything at once. For example, first adjust the coffee or grind used. This way you will more easily discover which preparation gives the best result.
Step 3: close the percolator properly
Before you continue, check that the rim is clean and all parts are correctly placed.
Next, screw the top and bottom sections firmly together.
A good seal is important because pressure builds up during heating.
Also regularly check the sealing ring, the filter and other parts according to the maintenance instructions of your percolator.
Step 4: place the percolator on the stove
Now the percolator can go on the heat source.
It is better to use a controlled heat setting than to heat the percolator to maximum directly.
During heating, the water from the lower reservoir is guided upwards. Then it passes through the ground coffee and the brewed coffee ends up in the top section.
Give the process plenty of time.
Step 5: remove the percolator from the heat source in time
When the water has almost completely passed through the coffee, it is time to remove the percolator from the heat source.
Do not continue to heat the coffee unnecessarily for too long. Excessive heat can affect the final taste.
After that, you can carefully pour and serve the coffee.
Can a percolator be used on induction?
Not every coffee percolator is automatically suitable for induction.
For use on induction, the bottom must be suitable for this heat source. Therefore, always check the product specifications of the model you want to buy.
At TEKZEN, you will currently find Cheffinger percolators for 6, 9 and 12 cups. The current versions are offered as suitable for induction.
For this, view the coffee machines and percolators at TEKZEN collection.
What size percolator do you need?
An important choice is the capacity. Within the current TEKZEN range, you can choose from 6 cups, 9 cups or 12 cups with the Cheffinger percolators.
Which size is convenient depends mainly on how much coffee you usually want to make at a time.
If you usually drink coffee with one or two people, a smaller model may be more practical. If you regularly make coffee for several people, a version for 9 or 12 cups may be more interesting.
Do pay attention to the fact that the designation cups for this type of coffee maker does not have to mean the same as large Dutch coffee mugs.
Percolator for 6 cups
The 6-cup percolator is the most compact capacity within the current Cheffinger series at TEKZEN.
This size is interesting when you do not want to make a large amount of coffee at the same time. The 6-cup versions are available in different colors and suitable for induction.
Percolator for 9 cups
If you want a bit more capacity, there is the 9-cup percolator.
This forms a practical intermediate size between the compact 6-cup and larger 12-cup version. That can be convenient when you regularly make coffee for several people, but do not always need the largest capacity.
Percolator for 12 cups
The 12-cup percolator has the largest capacity within the current Cheffinger percolators from TEKZEN.
This version is more obvious when you regularly want to prepare a larger amount of coffee, for example for a family or when you have guests.
How do you clean a percolator?
First, let the percolator cool down sufficiently after use.
Next, take the different parts apart and remove the used coffee grounds.
Make sure to clean the filter, the funnel and other places where coffee residues can get stuck well. Leftover coffee and coffee oils can indeed affect the taste of the next preparation.
Also regularly check the sealing ring and the filter.
For dishwasher use and specific cleaning products, it is always best to follow the maintenance instructions of the model in question.
Common mistakes with a percolator
Is the coffee bitter or does it taste different than expected? That does not immediately mean there is something wrong with your percolator.
Too much heat, the wrong grind, heating for too long or pressing down the ground coffee too firmly can all affect the result.
The type of coffee you use also plays an important role, of course.
It can therefore take a few preparations before you know exactly which combination of coffee, grind and preparation suits your taste.
Percolator or electric coffee maker?
Both devices make coffee, but the way you use them differs considerably.
A percolator is interesting when you like to determine the brewing process yourself and are looking for a relatively simple coffee maker without extensive electronics.
If you want an electric device to perform a larger part of the process for you, then an electric coffee maker may suit you better.
Do you mainly drink Türk Kahvesi? Then another type of device is interesting. In our guide Turkish coffee maker: how does it work and which one do you choose?, we explain how a Turkish coffee machine works and what you can pay attention to when choosing.
You can also view the complete collection of coffee machines at TEKZEN to compare different ways of making coffee.
For example, compare the Cheffinger percolator for 6 cups with the Cheffinger percolator for 9 cups. The cup capacity refers to small coffee cups; also check the volume and suitability for your stove.
Buy a percolator at TEKZEN
Using a percolator is ultimately quite simple: water at the bottom, ground coffee in the filter, controlled heating and removing the coffee from the heat source in time.
After a few preparations, you will naturally discover which grind and amount best suit your taste.
Would you like to compare different sizes? Then view the coffee machines and percolators at TEKZEN. Within the current range, you will find Cheffinger percolators for 6, 9 and 12 cups, including different versions that are suitable for induction.
For more products for preparing and serving coffee and tea, you can also view the complete collection of Coffee & Drinks at TEKZEN.
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