When it comes to brewing coffee at home, many aficionados prefer the use of a percolator because of the bold, extra-strong taste — but they're not all created equal. The best electric percolators will not only make your coffee piping-hot, but it will also give it a robust flavor that some find unmatched by drip coffee makers. Although they may not be as popular as more modern processes, percolators (both electric and stove-top) are readily available from many large retailers. However, as with most things, it's important to know what to look for before you shop.
For starters, you'll need to narrow down a suitable size to complement your lifestyle and needs. The capacity of a standard percolator typically ranges between 2 cups and 12 cups, with larger percolator urns (which work similarly) trending upwards of 45 cups or more. An additional thing to think about when buying a percolator is its speed. Many pots have the ability to produce coffee at a rate of roughly 1 cup per minute, while others utilize a much slower process — which usually leads to stronger coffee.
Once a must-have kitchen appliance in the '70s and '80s, electric percolatorshave recently seen a reemergence in popularity. That said, however, not much has changed over the years in terms of their design and function; most are still comprised of stainless steel and have a kettle-like appearance that uses steam to brew your coffee inside a metal basket, so you may find it hard to locate one that's colorful or contemporary. Still, they remain easy to clean and easy to use — especially since, unlike stove-top percolators, they plug right into the wall.
Although physical appearance may not be their top selling-point, there are other design aspects that you may want to pay special attention to. Safety features and conveniences such as stay-cool handles, ready-to-serve indicator lights, and detachable cords all help to make your brewing process much safer and simpler.