[robinpow]

My electric was retired to being a decoration back in the 70s, when I bought that new toy of the time... Mr. Coffee.

Before buying my first press, the stove top one was used for those times when I didn't have power. Living in an area that is prone to tornadoes and ice storms, power outages can be a problem.

[Austin]

Originally Posted by Chuck_Swillery

There is just something nostalgic about peculators that I like. My favorite, admittedly, makes the absolute worst coffee... ok, almost as bad as a coworkers which is terrible. .

I thought the same thing, that' funny.

[teaberryeagle]

Originally Posted by Chuck_Swillery

There is just something nostalgic about peculators that I like. My favorite, admittedly, makes the absolute worst coffee... ok, almost as bad as a coworkers which is terrible. Its an antique, probably 50 years old or older. I've found if I lower the heat somewhat and let it go slower it mellows the flavors. I used to have a nice "modern" porcelain perc-pot but managed to break that. It made very good coffee. Not as good as an espresso pot nor press but very acceptable.

I think the real secret to good coffee, no matter how it's made, is to be sure and let it "steep" for awhile before drinking it.......the perculator coffee is good this way, too!!

[t2000kw]

It's unfortunate that such a pretty and nostalgic thing makes coffee that I don't care to drink. And the glass stem is easily broken, too.

[RichHelms]

I bought a glass percolator for fun. My usual coffee is from a French Press or drip machine but I was interested to see if I could make a good cup of coffee from a percolator. I had heard it made the worst coffee.

A percolator works by forcing the water up a centre tube and drop over the coffee. First requirement is the coffee needs to be a courser grind. The holes are larger and fine ground coffee will fall through.

The other factor you can control is how long you perc. One nice thing with a glass perc is you can see the coffee. I believe most perc coffee is bitter is the person perced it too long. If you keep applying heat it keeps moving the water over the grinds.

If you can't see the coffee, I would try timing it.

I didn't find the coffee as nice as drip or press but it sure does put a nice smell in the air.

[Austin]

Did it taste burnt?

[RichHelms]

No it didn't taste burnt if you didn't perc it too long.

[Austin]

I have n electric stove top so it's a bit harder to control the heat and adjust it. I'll give it another whirl. Lower heat though. Let it go a little.

[RichHelms]

I was reading "The Coffee Cuppers' Handbook" by Ted R. Lingle on the weekend. This is the bible of coffee cupping and how the taste of coffee is created. It discusses in detail how the coffee is chemically effected during brewing and how it changes as it cools. Also it discusses problems like over cooking.

The overcooking is what happens with a perc if you are not careful. His description matched my own experience.

For those interested in getting into the details of coffee tasting, this is the bible. Ted write the first version in the late 70's. It is not a trivial book to read.

https://www.netforumondemand.com/eweb/shopping/shopping.aspx?pager=2&site=scaa10&shopsearch=&shop searchcat=merchandise&productcat=&prd_key=241f03d0-9dd5-4e38-bb87-7b57d6c31167

[Austin]

Thanks! I'm heading to the bookstore alter in the week I'll see if they have it.