What is a Percolator?
A percolator works by using the natural movement of heated water. Water is heated at the base of the percolator, as it warms it will rise up a special tube toward the top of the unit. Once it reaches the top, then the force of gravity takes over and it sends the heater water over the coffee grounds and back into the pot. The cooler water naturally sinks to the base of the unit while the warmer water stays near the top.For an electric coffee maker, the process stops automatically when the brew cycle is complete. For a stove top percolator the glass top is essential for knowing when the coffee is ready. Simply watch the color of the coffee as it percolates at the top. You then remove the pot from the heat when the color of the coffee is where you wish it to be. Percolate longer or a stronger brew, or shorter for a mild brew.
I would like to invite all to join the group on facebook, Percolator Love. It is open to the public, and will hopefully prove invaluable in promoting use of the percolator.
I recently bought an old stove top coffeemaker that I thought was a percolator. It does not have the pump stem and I am not sure exactly how to get it to brew a good cup of coffee. I LOVE perc’d coffee, so I would like to figure this out. Any tips or ideas?
Thanks!
Hi. I need help locating a top and cord for an old Hamilton Beach coffee percolator- model # 21CM
It looks like a giant egg and holds about 36 cups of coffee. This was my mothers. It is in great shape and it still works like a champ. Just need the top and cord. This is very frustrating. I can send pictures.
Thanks for your help.
Dana…
Terri, does it have a basket for the grounds? If it does, does the basket has its own stem? If id does, then your purchased percolator unit is not complete. The pump stem is missing and it won’t work without it. You’d need to find a replacement.
Without the stem however, it’s not a total waste. You can take the filter basket out, and either use the carafe to boil water or make coffee the cowboy way. Do a google search on cowboy coffee for more information.
Dana, have you tried to call Hamilton Beach or search the parts on eBay?