Percolator

Percolator

One of the most popular brewing methods of our time is the pressure method that is used in a percolator. The percolator coffee maker uses a  three-chamber design, in which water is boiled in the lower section of the device. Also known as a mocha pot, the boiling water is forced through the separated coffee grounds that sit in the middle section of the percolator. What results is a strong cup of coffee that is collected in the upper section of the percolator. The coffee that is produced by a percolator has been described as almost espresso strength without the cream.

Much maligned by experts, percolators can make a superb cup of coffee if the water "perks" (passes through the coffee) only once. It will perk only once if the pot is manually removed from the heat, or if the percolator has a good electric mechanism that lowers the heat after one cycle (which should take six to eight minutes). Fill the jug with cold, fresh water, and the brew basket with medium-ground coffee. Balance the basket on top of the hollow pipe, cover and place on a medium heat (or turn on if electric). Try to ensure that the liquid coffee is not reboiled in the bottom of the jug. (If it both boils and passes back through the grounds, the flavor will be heavy, bitter and stale.) After once cycle of brewing, remove the basket of grounds, and serve; or lower the heat, if necessary to keep it warm for a few minutes. Wash all parts after brewing.

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