The birth of drip brewers, French presses, and fancy Espresso machines may have pushed percolators out of the way, but they are definitely not forgotten. Especially if regularly satisfying the caffeine needs of 30 energy-craving people.
And since brewing in a percolator is so much different, we’ve created this guide so you will know just how much coffee to use to get the ideal brewing ratio every time.
Brewing in a percolator is not rocket science, but we shouldn’t disregard the fact that it uses a different brewing system, either. That being said, you shouldn’t use your electric maker as a gauge that will show you how much coffee to add if brewing 30 cups.
The ideal amount of ground coffee you should use for your 30-cup percolator is 2 ½ cups (about half a pound). Also, for best results, aim for coffee that is ground explicitly for percolators.
There are two critical things you need to have in mind when brewing in a percolator:
Do not forget that dark roasts are stronger and offer a more intense kick than lightly roasted coffee. Of course, this depends on personal preferences, but you should strive for the perfect balance that pleases your palate.
The not-so-convenient thing about making coffee in a percolator is the fact that it requires a bit more control. These pots brew at a much higher temperature, so it is easier to over-extract your brew and end up with a bitter cup.
To avoid that, do not percolate for more than 10 minutes. That is just enough time to almost bring to a boil. Keep in mind that boiling also increases bitterness.
Percolator brewing may be different, but it is pretty straightforward:
Here is what most percolator users love and don’t like so much about this brewing style:
PROS:
Cons:
Percolator is perfect for crowd brewing – with the right amount of coffee added, it can brew 30 equally delicious cups. But if you need only a couple of cups of morning Java, you are better off. Nevertheless, this brewer remains a vintage coffee maker that will retain its charm for many years to come. That alone is worth having one in your kitchen.