Coffee Brewing Methods - The Percolator

In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of the humble coffee percolator.

The coffee percolator was a very popular method of brewing coffee in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The percolator was superseded by simple electric coffee makers in the 1970's.

The coffee percolator is made of a lower container which is initially filled with fresh cold water and holds the final coffee beverage at the end of the process. A vertical tube leads from this lower container to the top of the percolator. A second chamber which is perforated with small holes fits just below the top of the tube. Usually the whole apparatus is topped by a glass or stainless steel lid.

Course ground coffee is placed into the upper chamber. The bottom of the lower chamber is heated from an external heat source. This can be a stove, heating ring or even a naked flame. Modern units may have an electric heating element built in to the base of the unit.

The temperature of the water in the lower chamber slowly rises and approaches boiling point. At this stage hot water will start to rise up through the vertical tube and infuse with the coffee grounds in the upper chamber, before dripping back down through to the bottom chamber again through the perforations. This process repeats continually as more water rises through the stem and douses the coffee grounds.

As long as the heat source is applied this process will continue until all the liquid reaches boiling point and which point the heat source is removed. The final beverage is now ready for pouring into coffee cups.

Most coffee experts will say that coffee brewed in this way is not very good. As the water is boiled it is too hot for making coffee and over extraction occurs making it taste bitter and acidic. In addition the coffee is continually reheated as it cycles from the bottom to the upper chamber and back again further degrading the taste.

However many would argue that this is just a matter of personal taste and if the apparatus is carefully monitored and the heat removed early enough it can give a satisfying brew. This method is also an easy way to cater at large events as large quantities can be brewed at a time.

This method is still very popular on the campsite and outdoor enthusiasts as there is no need for electricity.

There are many ways to produce the worlds favorite drink. They say variety is the spice of life. Why not try a different method of making coffee next time?.

About the Author:
Discover more about coffee, coffee machines and coffee brewing methods at our new website www.cafebar.co.uk

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

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