Let’s bring back a simple way to make guests feel welcomed and at home!
If you grew up in a home where coffee was made for guests, chances are you remember the sound and smell of a percolator working away on the counter. That gentle bubbling meant people were coming over and something special was about to happen. This is exactly why I brought an electric percolator back into my kitchen.
It’s simple, economical, and makes excellent coffee when done right. No pods, no fuss, just good coffee the way it used to be.
I use a Farberware electric percolator, and once you know the basics, it’s incredibly easy.
What You’ll Need
Electric coffee percolator
Fresh coffee beans, ground coarse
Cold, filtered water
Coffee-to-Water Ratio (This Matters)
A good rule of thumb is:
1 heaping tablespoon of coffee per cup of water
Because percolators lose a bit of water to evaporation, I always add extra water and coffee.
For example:
- If you want 2 cups of coffee, fill the percolator with 3 to 4 cups of water and add coffee accordingly.
- My percolator makes 8 cups, which is perfect when I’m hosting. I brew a full pot, then transfer it to thermoses to keep it hot.
Grinding your coffee coarse is key. Fine grounds will make the coffee bitter and muddy. I love Ethiopian blends and usually buy them from Stumptown or Groundwork, ground fresh.
How to Brew Coffee in an Electric Percolator
Fill the percolator with cold water, adding a little extra to account for evaporation.
Add the coffee grounds to the basket using the 1 tablespoon per cup guideline.
Assemble the percolator and plug it in.
My Farberware automatically stops percolating once the coffee is ready. I keep it plugged in afterward so the coffee stays hot without over-brewing.
Once it’s done, carefully remove the basket and serve.
Tips for the Best Percolator Coffee
Use freshly ground coffee and keep the grind coarse.
Don’t skimp on water — percolators need extra to brew properly.
Remove the basket once brewing is complete to avoid bitterness.
If you’re serving guests, transfer the coffee to insulated thermoses to keep it hot and fresh.
Hosting Tip
I recently used my percolator while hosting a bridal shower with a coffee theme, “Love Is Brewing.” I brewed multiple batches ahead of time, poured the coffee into thermoses, and served it at the tables. It kept everything moving smoothly and felt so warm and nostalgic, which guests loved.
Why I Love Using a Percolator Again
There’s something comforting about slowing down and making coffee this way. It reminds me of how my mom used to prepare coffee for guests — simple, generous, and meant to be shared. Plus, it’s economical, easy to use, and makes a really good cup of coffee.
Sometimes the old ways really are the best.
makes the best coffee!
Yes, it really does. I love how piping hot it stays too. There’s something so comforting about coffee made this way 🤍
whats the name of the 2 cup percolator?
This is the one that I use:https://amzn.to/3M4VFNb
Dimitra~
Your description evoked memories that brought a tear to my eye. What a lovely idea to bring this back to today’s kitchen.
Ευχαριστώ
~Elenny
Thank you so much, Elenny. That truly means a lot to me. I love how food and simple rituals like coffee can bring us right back to those moments and emotions. I’m so happy this resonated with you. Ευχαριστώ 🤍
I totally agree with you! In fact, I have the same coffee pot. I also have the brass coffee pots my mom used to make my dad’s daily cup of Greek coffee! I remember her reading the coffee grounds left in the cup. Memories for sure!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I love that you have both the electric percolator and the brass coffee pots. Those little rituals mean so much, especially remembering our moms making coffee and even reading the grounds at the end. Greek coffee really is about so much more than the cup itself. It’s memories, comfort, and connection. 💛