10 Best Camping Coffee Percolators in 2022 (Outdoor Guide-Reviewed)
You cannot call a camping trip complete without a cup of morning coffee to perk you up. Modern coffee machines have taken over coffee pots and percolators in our households. However, coffee percolators were, are, and will always be one of the most important products for preparing coffee, especially while camping and traveling.
To assist you in your search, we came up with a list of the 10 best camping coffee percolators. Our top pick is the Farberware Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator. The polished steel body, wide handle, and perfectly-sized spout add to its great features. The product comes with a lifetime warranty, instilling more trust in the product and the brand. For more choices and a buying guide full of shopping tips and reviewed by an outdoor guide, keep reading!
My name is 박 (Pak). I am a first-generation Korean American who has worked in the outdoors for 6 years as a guide. Now I'm enjoying traveling around with my bicycle and spending time outdoors with my dog Gaara.
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What is a Coffee Percolator?
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.
How to Choose Camping Coffee Percolators
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.
Pick a Percolator Based on the Power Source
There are two kinds of percolators based on the source of heat they use: electric and stovetop.
A Stovetop Coffee Percolator Brews Strong Coffee
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 Makes the Perfect Brew
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.
Find a Percolator Made of a Suitable Material
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.
Make Sure It Has a Sturdy Handle and Drip-Free Spout
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.
Choose a Coffee Percolator With an Adequate Capacity
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.
10 Best Camping Coffee Percolators Ranking
| Products | Image | Click to purchase | Popularity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator｜50124 Farberware |  | No.1 | |
2 | Bozeman Camping Coffee Pot Coletti |  | No.2 | |
3 | 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator Coleman |  | No.3 | |
4 | Glacier Stainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot GSI Outdoors |  | No.4 | |
5 | Enamel Percolator Mugs Stansport |  | No.5 | |
6 | Aluminum Stove Top Percolator Primula |  | No.6 | |
7 | Aluminum Percolator Coffee Pot Stansport |  | No.7 | |
8 | 6-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator Presto |  | No.8 | |
9 | 8-Cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator Cook N Home |  | No.9 | |
10 | Stainless Steel Coffee Pot Percolator for Outdoor Camping Texsport |  | No.10 |
FarberwareClassic Yosemite Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator ｜ 50124
This dishwasher-safe percolator can brew coffee on a stovetop, fire pit, or open fire. The body is made of stainless steel, offering durability and high heat resistance. The permanent filter basket eliminates the need for filter papers, too.
With the glass knob on the stainless steel lid, you can see the percolating process and turn it off when the coffee is perfectly brewed. If you need a bigger capacity, the brand also has one that brews 12 cups of coffee.
Some users reported that the glass knob broke while placing the lid on the unit, and others were disappointed that the percolator handle can get hot. But overall, hundreds of users praised its simple and sturdy design. Many also said that it's easy to use and clean.
This stainless steel percolator has a hardwood handle that can accommodate large hands, and it stays cool to protect your hands from possible burns. You can place it on a camping stovetop, grill, or fire pit.
This gravity-based percolator also has a stainless steel brew basket. You can use a paper coffee filter to prevent the grounds from seeping into the water chamber. Then, when the coffee is adequately brewed, the large spout lets you pour without spilling.
Some users said that this percolator made fewer cups than advertised by the brand. Others found the glass knob vulnerable to breaking, too. On the other hand, many buyers praised its ease of use and cleaning. Many users said the percolator made great coffee, and they appreciated that it has no plastic parts.
Coleman12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
This percolator from Coleman can make 12 cups of coffee in one go, making it ideal for big camping groups. Its stainless steel body, handle, and parts are all easy to clean and maintain. Plus, its clear glass knob lets you see and control the brewing.
Some users complained that the design causes grounds to get into their coffee. Overall, however, many users complimented its heavy-duty construction. They also confirmed that it's easy to clean and makes great coffee.
GSI OutdoorsGlacier Stainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot
This percolator comes in various sizes, so it's easy to find a capacity that suits your needs. It has a stainless steel body and a silicone handle that resists heat and offers a good grip. The resin top gives a clear view of the brewing process and is unbreakable, unlike glass knobs.
Some reviewers disliked the large filter perforations. On the other hand, many users were happy that it's easy to clean and works well for camping. They also appreciated the handle, saying it's sturdier and easier to grip.
This option's enameled finish looks great and encourages the percolator to heat quickly and evenly. The long handle is enameled too. The big spout has an easy-to-pour design, and this percolator comes with four coffee mugs.
But there were reports of the enamel chipping off, and some complained that the handle got very hot while boiling water. On the other hand, many campers said it's lightweight and easy to clean. Many buyers also liked that this set matches and has a classic camping aesthetic.
Those who want to pack light will like this nine-cup aluminum percolator. The body and the chambers are made of aluminum that helps the percolator heat up faster and brew evenly. The clear knob is a perfect addition to view the brewing process.
Some reviewers complained about the handle melting and said that the aluminum doesn't feel very durable. On the other hand, many campers loved that it's straightforward to use and clean. They appreciated that the percolator is very lightweight, making it easy to hold or pack.
StansportAluminum Percolator Coffee Pot
This percolator is completely made of aluminum, so it's lightweight and easy to maintain. Aluminum can also speed up the brewing process of this percolator. The small spout lets you pour coffee with control.
There are two handles, one on the side and the other on top, that make transferring the percolator easy. The top handle also lets you hang the percolator over a fire.
Some buyers reported that the percolator held less than the advertised capacity, and others said it's a little fragile. However, many campers loved that they could use this percolator over an open fire. They also appreciated this old-fashioned pot for its easy use and cleaning.
Presto6-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator
This electric percolator features a long handle that's easy to hold on to and a big spout for easier pouring. The percolator's ready-to-serve light indicates when your coffee is ready. Plus, the keep-warm mode keeps your coffee warm as long as the percolator is plugged in.
Some users complained that this percolator brews inconsistently, sometimes making weak coffee. However, others note that you have to clean the whole unit and not overload the basket with grounds. When you do this, they said it makes excellent coffee. They also liked its ease of use and compact size.
Cook N Home8-Cup Stainless Steel Stovetop Coffee Percolator
This percolator is made of mirrored stainless steel. There are measurement markings on the side, and you can get a clearer view of the brewing through the glass knob. The big handle also gives you a better grip while holding or transferring.
There were a few reports of the handle melting. However, many users said this percolator is easy to clean and use. Reviewers also said that it's the perfect size for most outdoor grills and stovetops.
TexsportStainless Steel Coffee Pot Percolator for Outdoor Camping
This percolator is designed for larger groups and can brew 28 cups of coffee at a time. It has a classic design with a stainless steel body. The side handle has a wooden grip to avoid burned hands, and the top handle lets you hang the percolator over a fire.
A few reviewers said that the lid doesn't fit tightly on the pot. On the other hand, many users confirmed that it's a great percolator for group camping and makes a lot of coffee at one time. They also appreciated its sturdy construction.
More Camping Essentials!
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.
Amazon's Best Selling Camping Coffee and Tea Pots
Buying Guide Reviewed by Outdoor Guide Pak Eugene
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
