Perfect coffee on the go: with the percolator

People all over the world have been enjoying coffee for centuries. One particular way of making coffee that has a long tradition is percolating. In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of percolators and discover how these traditional devices work and why they are still so popular today.

What is a percolator and how does it work?

The percolator is a traditional coffee maker that has made a real comeback in recent years. Its name is derived from the Latin word "percolare", which means "to percolate". And this is exactly how it works.

How does coffee preparation with the percolator work?

1. Water heating: First, water is filled into the lower part of the percolator.
2. Steam pressure: Steam is produced during heating, which builds up pressure.
3. Water ascent: This pressure causes the water to be forced upwards through a pipe.
4. Coffee contact: Once at the top, the hot water hits the coffee powder contained in a sieve.
5. Aroma extraction: As the water drips over the coffee powder, the valuable oils and aromas are extracted.
6. Reflux: The enriched water flows back into the lower part of the percolator and the process is repeated.

The advantages of water circulation

This continuous circulation of the water produces a particularly intense and aromatic coffee. The multiple passes of the water over the coffee powder ensure that all aromas are optimally extracted.

Perfect percolator coffee: the best beans, grinds and water

The right ingredients and precise preparation are key to unlocking the full flavor of your percolator coffee.

Choosing the right coffee bean

Not every bean is equally suitable for the percolator. A medium roast is usually a good choice. It offers a good balance between acidity and body. Roasts that are too light can quickly taste sour, while very dark roasts often become bitter.

The ideal grind

The grind plays a decisive role in the taste of your coffee. If the grind is too fine, the water cannot flow through properly and the coffee becomes bitter. A grind that is too coarse, on the other hand, will result in a watery taste.

A medium coarse grind is recommended for the percolator. It is best to compare it with the grind for a French press.

The importance of water

The quality of the water also has a major influence on the taste of your coffee. Fresh, cold water with a low mineral content is best. Avoid tap water with a high lime content, as this can affect the taste of the coffee.

The perfect ratio

A good ratio of coffee to water is also crucial. As a guideline, you can use 60-70 grams of coffee per liter of water.

Summary of the most important factors:

• Beans: Medium roast
• Grind: Medium coarse
• Water: Fresh, cold and with a low mineral content
• Ratio: 60-70 grams of coffee per liter of water

Experiment and find your personal favorite!

Everyone has an individual taste. Experiment with different beans, grinds and water quantities to find your perfect percolator coffee.

Step-by-step guide: How to brew perfect coffee with the percolator

Unlike other manual methods such as the hand filter or French press, brewing coffee with a percolator may take a little more time and practice. But with these step-by-step instructions, percolator coffee becomes an absolute open-air pleasure. We explain the preparation of percolator coffee using the Perkomax from Petromax as an example, but other percolators work according to the same principle.

The right bean

Use coarsely ground coffee powder. Either use a ready-mix or carefully crush the beans of your choice in a mortar or coffee grinder. The coarse coffee powder prevents the percolator's sieve holes from getting stuck during boiling or the coffee grounds from ending up in the cup later. Coarse coffee grounds also reduce the contact time of the water with the coffee grounds. This prevents over-extraction and the coffee does not become bitter.

Optimal preparation using the example of the Perkomax from Petromax

1. Fill the percolator with sufficient drinking water. Be sure to observe the minimum and maximum fill levels. The water must not come into direct contact with the filter basket.
2. Pour the desired amount of coffee into the filter basket up to just below the upper end of the tube. We recommend the following quantities for the individual Petromax percolator models:
   • 8 tsp in the 1.3 liter enamel percolator
   • 13 teaspoons in the 1.5 liter stainless steel Percolator
   • 25 tsp in the 3 liter stainless steel percolator
3. Close the lid and keep it closed during the brewing process. Note: With the enamel Perkomax, turn the anti-tilt protection (nose) to the handle side before closing.
4. Take care of the fire. Whether on the camping stove or over the campfire, the percolator should get enough heat to bring the water to the boil.
5. You will hear it clearly when the water starts to boil. With the stainless steel percolator, you can even watch the brewing process through the glass knob. The optimum boiling time is 12-13 minutes for the small percolators and approx. 15 minutes for the large model. Basically, the longer the coffee boils, the stronger it becomes. Try out how you like the coffee from the percolator best.

6. Once the coffee is ready, take it off the fire and pour it in either with the Petromax pouring aid or with heat-resistant gloves.
7. Now it's time to lean back and enjoy!

Cleaning and caring for the percolator: Tips for a long service life

Percolator coffee on the go: the ideal companion for camping and outdoor use

We've all been there: you get up at the campsite in the morning and long for a cup of freshly brewed coffee to start the day. With a percolator, this wish is quickly fulfilled. The percolator is the perfect companion for all outdoor adventures, whether camping, hiking or at a festival.

Why the percolator is the perfect travel companion:

• Robust and durable: percolators are usually made of robust material such as stainless steel and are therefore extremely durable. They can withstand bumps and shocks well and are therefore ideal for use in harsh conditions.
• Versatile: Percolators can be used on various heat sources, such as a camping stove, a campfire or even a spirit stove.
• Compact and lightweight: Many models are compact and lightweight, so they fit easily into any backpack.
• Easy to use: Making coffee with a percolator is extremely simple and requires no special equipment.
• Authentic taste: The percolator conjures up a particularly aromatic and intense coffee that perfectly rounds off the outdoor experience.

Tips for preparing coffee on the go:

• Preparation: grind the coffee at home and pour it into an airtight container. This preserves the aroma.
• Water: Use clean drinking water. If you do not have drinking water available, you can purify water from a stream or river using a filter.
• Stability: Place the percolator on a stable surface.
• Safety distance: Make sure that the percolator is a safe distance away from flammable materials.
• Cleaning: Clean the percolator thoroughly after each use to ensure optimum hygiene.

The percolator is not only a traditional coffee maker, but also a practical companion for all outdoor activities. It allows you to enjoy your favorite coffee anywhere and at any time.

How to prepare coffee at the campfire and on the campsite

The roar of the fire, the smell of the forest and the anticipation of a cup of hot coffee - camping has its own special charm. With a percolator, this moment can be enjoyed even more intensely. Here are a few tips for making the perfect coffee in the open air:

The right fireplace:

• Stability: make sure the base for your fire is stable. A fire grate or a fire pit provide a secure base.
• Windbreak: Build a windbreak from stones or a fire basket so that the flames do not go out so quickly.

The perfect location:

• Safety distance: Keep a sufficient distance from flammable materials such as trees or dry leaves.
• Water source: Make sure you have a water source nearby.

Tips and tricks:

• Firewood: Use dry wood to create an even heat.
• Windbreak: A windbreak made of aluminum foil can concentrate the heat and shorten the cooking time.
• Insulation: To keep your coffee warm for longer, you can wrap the percolator in a blanket or sleeping bag.

Imagine this: You're sitting by the campfire, the stars are twinkling in the sky and an aromatic coffee is steaming in your cup. With a percolator, your camping trip will be an unforgettable experience.

Percolator vs. French press & co.: which preparation method is right for you?

Choosing the right coffee preparation method depends on various factors: your personal taste, the resources available and, of course, the occasion. Let's compare the most popular methods in more detail:

• Percolator:

  • Advantages: Robust, easy to use, ideal for groups, strong and intense flavor.
  • Disadvantages: Can become bitter if boiled for too long, less control over extraction.
  • Ideal for: Camping, groups, quick preparation.

• French press:

  • Advantages: Lots of control over strength, full-bodied taste, easy to clean.
  • Disadvantages: Takes some practice, fine coffee particles can remain in the coffee.
  • Ideal for: At home, cozy atmosphere, those who like to experiment.

• Filter coffee:

  • Advantages: clean taste, versatile, large selection of filters and brewing instructions.
  • Disadvantages: Requires a filter and a little more time.
  • Ideal for: At home, those who prefer a clear and clean taste.

• Espresso:

  • Advantages: Strong and concentrated taste, basis for many coffee drinks.
  • Disadvantages: Requires an espresso machine, high temperatures.
  • Ideal for: Those who love espresso-based drinks.

When is which brewing process the right one?

• On the go: The percolator is unbeatable thanks to its robustness and simplicity.
• At home: The French press or filter coffee offer a greater variety of taste experiences.
• For coffee lovers: Those who like to experiment will have a lot of fun with an espresso machine or a hand filter.

What factors should you consider when making your choice?

• Taste: Do you want a strong and intense or rather a mild and clean coffee?
• Time: How much time do you have for preparation?
• Cleaning: How much effort do you want to put into cleaning?
• Equipment: What appliances do you already have?

There is no one best preparation method. Every coffee lover has their own preferences. Try out different methods and find out which one you like best.

Which percolator is the right one? The Petromax Perkomax models in comparison

The Petromax Perkomax models offer an excellent opportunity to prepare coffee and tea in the traditional way. But which Perkomax best suits your needs? Let's take a closer look at the two models - enamel and stainless steel:

	Perkomax (enamel) per-9-w / per-9-s	Perkomax (stainless steel) per-14-le	Perkomax (stainless steel) per-28-le
Filling quantity	1,3 l	1,5 l	3,0 l
material	Steel, enameled	stainless steel	stainless steel
color	white or black	stainless steel	stainless steel
Dimensions	21.5 x 15 x 15 cm	19.5 x 16 x 16 cm	22 x 20 x 20 cm
weight	1.000 g	950 g	1.250 g
Price	49,99 Euro	69,99 Euro	89,99 Euro

Which Perkomax is right for you?

• If you... value tradition, robustness and a rustic look, the Perkomax enamel is the right choice.
• If you... are looking for a modern and versatile companion for at home and on the go, the Perkomax stainless steel is the better option.

Summary of the main differences: