How to Use a Stovetop Percolator
What’s your morning coffee routine? Get up, make coffee, repeat. Have you thought about mixing it up by using a stovetop percolator/Moka pot?
Each brewing method determines the quality of the coffee you drink just as much as the coffee beans you use. So don’t put ‘pass’ on the percolator until you have tried it.
So, what is a stovetop percolator? To percolate is to make a solvent (in this case, steam) pass through a permeable substance (in this case, coffee grounds).
From the outside, it looks like a small kettle or metal cafetiere, but contained within is a dependable, steam-powered, coffee-brewing vacuum.
Trying to make the perfect cup of barista coffee at home is a challenge. You could just go and buy it from your local coffee shop (which you should definitely support!), but the cost soon adds up. Not got the space for a fancy espresso machine? Not to fear! A stove-top percolator will answer all your prayers. You can finally make that same barista-style caffeine fix at home.
We know – we know… we’re not all skilled baristas! Luckily, we have come up with six foolproof steps to guide you through this process. Stove top/percolators/moka pots are super easy to use, and you can get a great coffee in just 2-3 minutes.
Getting to know your coffee percolator
Let’s start with the basics. Pezzetti Italian moka pots come in three parts, and once it is taken apart. They are known as the bottom chamber, the filter basket and the top chamber. Each part is essential for making that mouth-watering cup of Joe!
You can use most stove-top percolators on gas and electric hobs; just check the instructions of your Moka pot.
How to use a coffee percolator (the right way)
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Firstly, you need to fill the bottom chamber with hot water, just below the safety valve, which you can see on the outside and inside of the chamber.
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Now grab one of your favourite EDGE freshly roasted coffees! Take the filter basket and fill it to the top with a medium–fine grind size coffee. We can grind this for you - just select your grind on the website.
EDGE Tip - You should not use espresso-fine grind coffee, as this can clog up the filter whilst boiling. If you are using your own grinder, select a Medium to Fine Grind.
It should resemble the texture of Table Salt! Medium-fine grind is typically used in Aero-presses. Do not tamp (press) it too hard, gently fill to the top and ensure the outside rim has no coffee grounds on it.
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Time to put the stove pot back together – make sure the rim has no coffee ground on it first.
Be careful because the bottom chamber will be hot from the hot water. Make sure the pot is nice and tight (perhaps use a cloth for extra grip) before putting it on to heat.
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Now pop your coffee percolator on a medium heat for 2 – 3 minutes.
A medium heat ensures it will ease through the holes nicely; if it is too hot, this can splatter through and be dangerous.Leave it for 2-3 minutes to work its magic. To pass the time, you can make some toast, do jumping jacks, or you can quickly whack on something jazzy, ready for that Zoom meeting.
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You will hear it starting to fizzle – this is how you know the coffee is about to start coming through!
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Carefully take it off the heat, handling it with a kitchen cloth. Now run the bottom chamber underneath a cold tap to stop further brewing. Over-brewing it will burn the coffee, and that’s the last thing any of us wants.
Whizz up some warm milk with a whisk and add – you can even attempt your own fancy latte art!
And there you have it!
Finally, A proper brew at home is now made possible with a stove-top percolator. You didn’t even have to leave the comfort of your own kitchen to achieve a coffee shop standard espresso drink.
Now all you need is coffee! You can shop our freshly roasted coffee beans here. We’ve got everything a coffee lover could dream of, including exotic single origin, decaf coffee beans and signature house blends created by our team of expert roasters.
Our selection of Great Taste award-winning coffee beans will have something to tickle your taste buds. Just pick your coffee and select it to be ground for a percolator/Moka pot.
Still unsure on how to use your swanky new stove-top percolator?
Watch this video to see Kit, Edgcumbes’ barista extraordinaire, demonstrate his skills for your delectation and delight... Sit back and enjoy!
Coffee Percolator FAQs
How many tablespoons of coffee do you use in a percolator?
Fill the filter basket level with a medium–fine grind (don’t tamp). If you prefer a measure: about 1 level tablespoon per 120ml of water is a solid start—adjust to taste.
How long should you let a percolator percolate?
On medium heat for 2–3 minutes from the first gentle fizz. Stop the brew once it’s running steadily; overdoing it brings bitterness.
Do you use hot or cold water in a percolator?
Hot water (just off the boil). Fill the bottom chamber just below the safety valve before assembling. Starting hot keeps extraction clean and quick.
What grind size should I use?
Medium–fine—think table salt. Too fine can clog; too coarse tastes thin.
How do I use a glass coffee percolator?
Glass percolators recycle water through the grounds. Keep heat low and steady, watch for a gentle perk (not a boil), and aim for a 6–8 minute gentle cycle. Treat the glass carefully and avoid sudden temperature shocks.
How do I use a vintage coffee percolator (stovetop or electric)?
Check seals, basket and (if electric) the lead. Run a water-only cycle first. Brew with medium–fine (Moka) or coarse (true percolator) as appropriate, keep the perk gentle, and stop on time to avoid bitterness.
Why does percolator coffee taste bitter?
Usually over-extraction: too hot, too long, or too fine a grind. Fix by using medium–fine, hot start, 2–3 minutes (Moka) and cooling the base under the tap immediately after.
Can I use paper filters in a percolator?
Many baskets accept paper discs. They help reduce fines and produce a cleaner cup.
How do I clean and descale it?
After each brew, let it cool, then wash parts with mild detergent and rinse. Monthly, descale with a food-safe citric acid solution, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid abrasives that damage metal or glass.
