Brewing coffee on a camping trip can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you have the right equipment. One of the most popular ways to make coffee while camping is by using a percolator. In this article, we will show you how to use a percolator to make delicious coffee while camping.
The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies. You will need:
- a percolator
- coffee grinds
- water
- cup
- stove
- heat source
Start by getting a fire going with wood or charcoal. While waiting for the coals to begin burning red hot, fill the percolator about halfway with fresh cold water.
You should prime the percolator before putting it on the heat source. To do this, simply pour about a quarter cup of hot water into the glass tube in the center of the lid. This will help create good pressure for your coffee as it is being brewed.
The next step is to measure out your desired amount of coffee grinds and place them into the basket that sits in the neck of the percolator. After adding your coffee grinds, fill the channel of the percolator up with hot water to about two inches below the top of where the neck begins.
Since you are brewing coffee over an open heat source, you’ll have to wait for it to boil before you can start to hear the percolating sound. That’s when you know it’s time to put the lid on top of your percolator and let it do its job. You can tell how much longer you’ll have to wait for coffee by watching the steam rise through the spout. The more steam you see, the closer you are to having a fresh pot of coffee.
Once the percolating sound has been going for about five minutes, it’s time to take the pot off the heat and pour yourself a cup. Be sure to give the pot a good stir so that the grinds don’t settle on the bottom. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can also add some hot chocolate mix.
How long to percolate coffee on a camp stove?
The amount of time it takes to percolate coffee on a camp stove will vary depending on the heat source you are using:
- If you are using a wood fire, it will likely take longer than if you are using a propane burner. Typically, we recommend letting the coffee percolate for 10-12 minutes.
- If you are using a scorching fire, you may only need to let it percolate for 5-7 minutes.
- On the other hand, if you are using a low heat source, it may take up to 15 minutes for the coffee to brew.
It is always best to experiment until you find what works best for you.
Is it safe to drink percolated coffee?
Drinking percolated coffee is certainly no different than drinking any other kind of coffee. It only differs in the way that it is brewed.
The main difference between percolating and drip brewing is that the water continuously moves through the grinds while it is being made. If you are worried about the safety of drinking percolated coffee, you should know that it is one of the most popular methods for brewing coffee. There are no added chemicals or anything else to change the natural taste or components of your coffee.
Is a camping percolator any different than one made for home use?
The only difference between camping percolators and the kind you would use at home is that they are much smaller. This makes it ideal for cooking over an open flame because you will need less fuel to brew your coffee. In addition, the smaller size also makes it easier to store and transport.
Find the best camping coffee percolator
Camping coffee percolators come in all shapes and sizes. They are made from various materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, ceramic, cast iron, and more.
There are a few factors you will want to consider when purchasing a camping coffee percolator:
- The size of the percolator. How many people will you be brewing coffee for?
- The material the percolator is made from. Some materials are better suited than others for cooking over an open flame.
- How easy it is to clean and store after you’re finished using it.
- How much does the percolator cost?
You will likely be juggling all of the factors above when trying to choose a camping coffee percolator for your next outing. If so, we recommend that you start with our list of best picks:
COLETTI Bozeman Camping Coffee Percolator
This percolator is made from stainless steel and is one of the most durable on the market. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. It is made specifically for outdoor use and has a large capacity, perfect for brewing coffee, even for a group.
COLETTI Bozeman Camping Coffee Percolator comes in two sizes:
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot
The stainless-steel construction of this percolator guarantees that your coffee will taste just like at home. The GSI Percolator is constructed of Glacier Stainless steel and is resistant to corrosion. It will endure ground impacts and withstand impacts. This percolator is ideal for the camper who wants to brew a coffee in every type of situation.
Thanks to the percolator’s innovative PercView glass dome, you can observe the brew for precise cook time. With the right equipment making coffee while camping becomes an experience!
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot is available in four sizes:
Stanley Camp Percolator with Silicone Cool Grip
This camping coffee percolator has a real old-school feel to it! Stanley Camp Percolator is made of stainless steel and delivers six cups of hot, fresh coffee.
But don’t think that vintage design equals inconvenience! This stovetop coffee maker is compact and lightweight, so you can take it with you wherever you go. This camping cookware won’t make your trip heavier in any way. The silicone handle ensures that your hands are safe while grabbing a fresh pot of coffee and makes for easy pouring, whether you’re making it over an open flame or on the stove.
Coleman 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
Coleman needs no introduction to outdoor enthusiasts. Their products deliver quality every time! It is no different with Coleman 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator.
The percolator is made of sturdy stainless steel that is corrosion-resistant, ensuring that the taste of your coffee will be consistent. The camping percolator comes with the base, tube, basket, and basket lid – all ready to go. Everything you need to make a cup of coffee is a stove or other heat source and coffee grinds, of course.
This camping coffee percolator is lightweight yet can make a hot beverage for up to 12 people.
Coleman 9-Cup Coffee Enamelware Percolator
This camping coffee percolator has a lot of benefits from its previously mentioned bigger brother: it is easy to clean, perfect for outdoor use. It also comes with necessary accessories: the base, tube, basket, and basket lid.
The difference between 12 cup and 9 cup Coleman Coffee Percolator lies within the size of the pot, price, and, most importantly, the double enamel coating of the stainless steel. The enamel surface prevents cracks, while the stainless steel rim prevents chipping.
How can I make sure my percolator will work?
To ensure that your percolator will work properly, you should always clean it thoroughly after each use. This is especially important if you are using a percolator for the first time. You can easily clean your percolator by filling it with hot water and dish soap. Be sure to scrub all of the nooks and crannies so that no coffee grinds are left behind. Once the percolator has been thoroughly cleaned, you can remove any excess soap by rinsing it with clean water and then allowing it to dry.
Is a percolator hard to use during camping?
While a percolator requires a bit more attention than some other methods for making coffee while camping, it is still relatively easy to use. The only thing that may require some time is learning how to tell when the coffee is finished percolating. That being said, it doesn’t take too long to master this skill. With some practice, you’ll be able to do it without even having to think about it.
