Which coffee for a percolator? Check out our tips!

If you’re a fan of authentic, full-bodied coffee, then a percolator is a fantastic way to brew your favourite cup. This classic coffee machine, often linked to the iconic Bialetti, offers an intense and flavourful coffee experience. But which coffee is best for a percolator? And is coffee from a percolator actually unhealthy?

In this article, we dive deeper into the world of percolator coffee. We’ll give you the best tips for the right grind, the tastiest beans and handy maintenance advice to get the most out of your percolator. That way, you can enjoy a perfect cup every time!

What is a percolator?

A percolator is a classic coffee machine that has been used for decades to brew delicious, strong coffee. The device consists of three parts: a water reservoir at the bottom, a filter basket for the ground coffee and a collection chamber at the top where the coffee ends up.

When you place the percolator on the heat, the water in the bottom compartment heats up. The steam pressure pushes the hot water up through the ground coffee in the filter, after which it drips into the upper chamber as delicious coffee. This process creates a powerful flavour reminiscent of espresso, but with a slightly lighter body.

The most well-known percolator is undoubtedly the Bialetti Moka Express, an Italian design that’s popular worldwide. No wonder many people look for the right coffee for Bialetti percolators to get the ultimate flavour experience.

Which coffee for a percolator?

To get the best out of your percolator, it’s important to choose the right coffee. The flavour and quality of your cup depend heavily on the grind and the coffee beans you use.

The perfect grind

A percolator works under pressure, so the grind plays a crucial role. Choose a medium-coarse grind:

• Too fine (like espresso grind): This can block the water flow and result in coffee that’s too strong and bitter.
• Too coarse (like filter grind): This causes the water to flow through the coffee too quickly, producing a weak cup.
• Ideal: A grind that’s finer than filter coffee but coarser than espresso grind.

Which type of coffee beans to use?

Various types of coffee beans work well for a percolator, but the best results come from:

• Medium to dark roasted beans: These provide a rich and full flavour without excessive bitterness.
• 100% Arabica or a blend with Robusta: Arabica offers a refined flavour, while Robusta adds an extra caffeine boost and a creamier texture.
• Fresh beans: Ideally, grind your beans just before brewing to enjoy the most intense aromas!

If you’re specifically looking for coffee for Bialetti percolators, opt for an Italian roast. Brands like Lavazza, Illy or Segafredo offer beans that perfectly suit this brewing method.

How to brew coffee with a percolator?

Using a percolator is simple, but to brew a perfect cup of coffee, there are a few important steps to follow. Use this guide and avoid common mistakes!

Step-by-step brewing with a percolator

1. Fill the water reservoir
• Use fresh, cold water and fill the reservoir just below the valve. This prevents the pressure from getting too high.
  
  
2. Add the ground coffee
• Use a medium-coarse grind and fill the filter basket to the rim without pressing down. Too fine a grind or tamping can block the flow.
  
  
3. Assemble the percolator and place it on the heat
• Screw the percolator tightly closed and put it on medium heat. If the heat is too high, your coffee can burn and become bitter.
  
  
4. Wait for the magic to happen
• The water starts to heat and slowly rises through the coffee. You’ll hear a bubbling sound when the coffee comes up.
  
  
5. Remove the percolator from the heat as soon as the bubbling stops
• Don’t let the coffee brew for too long! Once you hear a gurgling sound and the upper chamber is full, turn off the heat.
  
  
6. Stir and pour
• Give the coffee in the upper reservoir a quick stir for an even flavour. Pour into your cup and enjoy!

Common mistakes & tips

• Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
• Grind your beans just before use for the freshest coffee.
• Rinse the percolator with warm water after use – no soap, as that can affect the flavour!

With these steps, you’ll brew delicious coffee time after time with your Bialetti or any other percolator.

How much coffee should you put in a percolator?

The right amount of coffee in your percolator is crucial for flavour. Too little coffee makes your cup weak, while too much can cause a bitter, over-extracted taste.

A good ratio is 1 part coffee to 10 parts water. This means:

• For a 2-cup percolator: ± 10 grams of coffee (2 tablespoons)
• For a 4-cup percolator: ± 20 grams of coffee
• For a 6-cup percolator: ± 30 grams of coffee
• For a 9-cup percolator: ± 45 grams of coffee

Is percolator coffee unhealthy?

No, not necessarily. If you drink coffee in moderation and use a good brewing method, percolator coffee is fine. If you drink a lot of coffee and have high cholesterol, it’s better to alternate with filter coffee.

The best coffee beans for a percolator

Choosing the right coffee beans makes a big difference in flavour. Because a percolator brews coffee in a unique way, it’s important to pick beans that suit this method. Below you’ll find our selection of coffee beans for a percolator.