Top 10 Best Camping Coffee Percolators in 2021 (Coleman, Presto, and More)

A coffee percolator is a pot that brews strong coffee by cycling boiling water through the ground coffee multiple times. There are two main types of coffee percolators based on the operating mechanism: pressure and gravity.

A pressure percolator has a lower, middle, and upper chamber. When the water in the lower chamber starts boiling, the pressure forming inside the chamber pushes the hot steam into the middle perforated chamber containing ground coffee. The brewed coffee is collected in the upper chamber, where you can then pour it into your cup.

A gravity percolator usually contains a lower water chamber, a vertical tube, and a top chamber filled with ground coffee. The tube goes from the lower chamber to the perforated upper chamber filled with ground coffee. Boiling water creates bubbles that rise into the tube and reach the top chamber.

 
The bubbles fall off the top of the tube and soak the ground coffee. The brewed coffee then falls into the bottom chamber and mixes with the remaining water. The process repeats until you stop it. It can result in very bitter coffee if you allow the brewing to continue longer than required.  

Here's a list of the top 10 best camping coffee percolators we have handpicked. We paid close attention to each product's design, durability, capacity, weight, and customer reviews. 

Having a percolator is a great way to get your camping coffee system up and running. They are generally easy to use and maintain. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before buying one. 

There are two kinds of percolators based on the source of heat they use: electric and stovetop. 

Campers commonly use a stovetop coffee percolator as you can place it on a campfire or a camping stove. These are typically lighter than electric percolators, too. Some of them come with glass knobs that let you keep an eye on the process.

Some coffee percolators come with a tempered glass top. It lets you see the brewing process and stop the brewing when the coffee is ready.

Unlike electric percolators, stovetop types need you to watch the brewing process to ensure that you turn it off as soon as it’s brewed. If your coffee keeps brewing beyond necessity, it could turn bitter and ruin the flavor. 

An electric coffee percolator is the best choice when you're camping in a van, RV, or at a campsite with electricity. If you don't have access to power, you can also use a solar- or fuel-powered generator. You can also find options with a built-in heating system, thus eliminating the need for an electricity source.

Electric percolators make the perfect coffee because most of them automatically turn off when the coffee is brewed to perfection.

Most electric percolators switch to warm mode after brewing, and they may also tell you how long it takes to make the required cups of coffee. However, electric coffee makers aren't a good choice if you're camping off the grid.

Stainless steel is undoubtedly the best material for a camping coffee percolator. It has high heat tolerance and works well on a fire pit and most stovetops. 

Enameled stainless steel percolators offer a classic camping aesthetic, but that may not be that important on your camping trip. However, enamel can encourage fast heating of the percolator and distribute heat evenly. 

Aluminum camping coffee percolators conduct heat faster and distribute heat evenly, but this material is not as durable as stainless steel. You can also find baked ceramic coffee percolators with a metal base, which are also easy to clean.

Regardless of the material, it’s important to ensure that the percolator has an ergonomically designed and sturdy handle. Some plastic handles may get uncomfortably hot or even melt! Hardwood handles can be good for percolators as they resist heat and stay cool to the touch. Silicone is also a sturdy and heat-resistant material.

A sturdy handle also lets you transport the coffee with ease, while a drip-free spout ensures you can pour the coffee without spilling. Similarly, a cool touch knob helps you hold on to it, if necessary, while pouring the coffee. To confirm all of these details, make sure to look at the customer reviews.

The percolator’s capacity is usually specified in cups or ounces. For camping, any capacity between six to 12 cups is ideal. Most percolators have measurement markings on the inside or outside of the pot. 

However, standard cup measurements might not be ideal for the cup you’re using to drink your coffee. If you're using a large thermos or mug, having measurements in ounces may be more useful.

You should decide on the capacity based on how many people will be drinking and how much coffee they want. Remember, the larger the percolator, the heavier it can be. You may also need a larger stovetop.

If you often camp as a group, a large coffee percolator is the best since it will let you brew a lot of coffee in one go. But if you’re on a backpacking trip and want to pack light, it’s best to go with a percolator with a smaller capacity.

If you're unsure or often camp with different numbers of people, consider getting two percolators: one with a larger capacity and another that only makes two or three cups of coffee.

A percolator is a little bit more complicated to use than a standard drip machine you may find in the office. To learn how to use one, check out this video by Big Family Homestead.

While looking for a camping percolator, you may also require other camping essentials. Here are our recommendations for items that can help you have a better coffee experience while camping. 

Choosing a camping percolator can be challenging, especially when most of them look alike and operate similarly. But if you read our buying guide, choosing the right camping coffee percolator won't be difficult! 

Make sure to pick a heat source, material, and capacity that suits your needs. You will be enjoying hot coffee at your campsite in no time!

Author: Biji Ravindran

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Although percolators are a great option for camping trips, the AeroPress is also a convenient way to make a strong cup of joe. It's easy to carry on your travels and makes coffee quickly. Travel blogger Kathryn Hickl highly recommends it!