How To Percolate Coffee Camping: Gear & Step-by-Step Guide

Are you wondering how to percolate coffee camping? The simple answer is: it’s a classic, reliable method that involves heating water which then cycles through coffee grounds to produce a rich, flavorful brew. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from the best gear to a step-by-step process for the perfect campfire coffee percolator experience.

Image Source: gsioutdoors.com

Why Choose a Coffee Percolator for Camping?

Before diving into the details, let’s consider why a camping coffee percolator might be your best camping coffee brewing method:

• Durability: Percolators are typically made of stainless steel or enamelware, making them tough enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor life.
• Simplicity: No filters or complex setups are required.
• Full-Bodied Flavor: Many campers love the strong, bold flavor that percolators deliver.
• No Electricity Required: Perfect for off-grid adventures. A stovetop percolator camping setup can be used directly over a campfire or camping stove.
• Nostalgia: There’s a certain romance associated with brewing coffee over a campfire using a percolator.

Selecting the Right Camping Coffee Percolator

Choosing the best coffee percolator for camping involves considering a few key factors:

Material

• Stainless Steel: Durable, rust-resistant, and easy to clean. A popular choice.
• Enamelware: A classic look that can chip if not handled carefully. Provides even heat distribution.

Size

• Consider how many people you’ll be brewing for. Percolators come in sizes ranging from 2-cup to 12-cup or more. A 6-cup percolator is a good all-around choice for a small group.

Features

• See-Through Knob: Allows you to monitor the brewing process.
• Wide Base: Provides stability on uneven surfaces.
• Comfortable Handle: Important for safe pouring, especially when hot.

Recommended Coffee Percolators for Camping

Percolator Model	Material	Capacity	Key Features
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator	Stainless Steel	6-Cup	Durable, wide base, easy to clean
Coleman 9-Cup Percolator	Enamelware	9-Cup	Classic look, good heat distribution
Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Percolator	Stainless Steel	8-Cup	Stovetop safe, durable, dishwasher safe
Coletti Bozeman Coffee Percolator	Stainless Steel	9-Cup	Built-in filter, sturdy construction, lifetime warranty

Camping Coffee Equipment: What You’ll Need

Besides the percolator itself, here’s a list of camping coffee equipment you’ll want to have on hand:

• Coffee: Freshly ground coffee beans are best. Coarse or medium-coarse grind is recommended.
• Water: Filtered water is ideal for the best-tasting coffee.
• Heat Source: Campfire, camping stove, or portable propane stove.
• Lighter or Matches: To start your fire or light your stove.
• Measuring Cup or Spoon: For accurate coffee-to-water ratios.
• Mug: For enjoying your freshly brewed coffee.
• Pot Holder or Gloves: To protect your hands from the hot percolator.
• Towel or Rag: For wiping up spills and handling hot surfaces.
• Optional:
  • Coffee grinder (if you prefer to grind your beans at the campsite)
  • Cream and sugar or other sweeteners
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Trash bag for disposing of coffee grounds

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Percolate Coffee While Camping

Follow these steps for making coffee while camping using a percolator:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Make sure you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients within easy reach. This includes your camping coffee percolator, coffee grounds, water, heat source, and mug.

Step 2: Assemble the Percolator

Ensure the percolator is clean. Place the basket inside the percolator. If your percolator has a spreader (a small metal disc that sits on top of the coffee grounds), make sure it’s in place.

Step 3: Add Coffee Grounds

Add coffee grounds to the basket. A general guideline is 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per cup (6 oz) of water. Adjust to your taste preferences.

Step 4: Add Water

Pour water into the percolator. Fill it to the desired level, but make sure the water level is below the bottom of the basket.

Step 5: Place on Heat Source

• Campfire: Place the percolator directly on the campfire grill or use a tripod stand to suspend it over the flames. Be careful to avoid direct contact with very intense flames, which can overheat the coffee and produce a bitter taste.
• Camping Stove: Place the percolator on the camping stove burner. Adjust the flame to medium heat.

Step 6: Monitor the Brewing Process

Watch the percolator closely. You’ll see bubbles rising through the clear knob on top. This is the percolation process.

Step 7: Adjust Heat as Needed

Once the percolation starts, reduce the heat slightly. You want a gentle, steady percolation, not a vigorous boil. Over-boiling can lead to bitter coffee.

Step 8: Brew for 6-10 Minutes

Brew the coffee for 6-10 minutes, depending on your desired strength. The longer you brew, the stronger the coffee will be.

Step 9: Remove from Heat and Let Settle

Carefully remove the percolator from the heat source using pot holders or gloves. Let the coffee settle for a minute or two before pouring. This allows the coffee grounds to settle to the bottom.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the coffee into your mug and enjoy! Add cream, sugar, or other sweeteners as desired.

Percolator Coffee Camping Tips for a Better Brew

Here are some percolator coffee camping tips to help you make the perfect cup:

• Use Coarse Ground Coffee: A coarser grind prevents grounds from seeping through the basket and into your coffee.
• Don’t Over-Brew: Over-brewing leads to bitter coffee. Keep a close eye on the percolation process and remove from heat when it reaches your desired strength.
• Use Filtered Water: Filtered water removes impurities that can affect the taste of your coffee.
• Clean Your Percolator Regularly: Regular cleaning prevents buildup of coffee oils and residue, which can also affect the taste.
• Experiment with Coffee-to-Water Ratios: Find the ratio that suits your taste preferences.
• Control the Heat: Avoid high heat, which can scorch the coffee. A gentle, steady percolation is key.
• Consider a Heat Diffuser: If using a stove, a heat diffuser can help distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.
• Preheat the Water: Preheating the water in a separate pot can speed up the brewing process.
• Cool Down Before Cleaning: Let the percolator cool down completely before cleaning to avoid burns.

Different Camping Coffee Brewing Methods

While the percolator is a classic choice, here’s a look at other popular camping coffee brewing methods:

Method	Pros	Cons	Equipment Required
Percolator	Durable, simple, full-bodied flavor, no electricity needed	Can produce bitter coffee if over-brewed	Percolator, heat source
French Press	Rich, full-bodied flavor, simple to use	Requires more cleaning, can be bulky	French press, hot water
Pour Over	Clean, bright flavor, customizable brewing	Requires more attention, can be fragile	Pour-over device, filter, hot water, gooseneck kettle
AeroPress	Smooth, concentrated coffee, compact	Requires special filters, smaller capacity	AeroPress, filter, hot water
Instant Coffee	Quick and easy, lightweight	Lacks flavor compared to other methods	Hot water, instant coffee
Cowboy Coffee	Simple, rustic, minimal equipment	Can be gritty, requires careful technique	Pot, water, coffee grounds, heat source
Moka Pot	Strong, espresso-like coffee	Requires specific stovetop, can be difficult to clean	Moka pot, stovetop

Maintaining Your Coffee Percolator for Long-Term Use

Proper maintenance will extend the life of your outdoor coffee percolator. Follow these tips:

• Clean After Each Use: Wash the percolator with soap and water after each use.
• Remove Coffee Stains: Use a mixture of baking soda and water to remove stubborn coffee stains.
• Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the percolator is completely dry before storing it to prevent rust.
• Store Properly: Store the percolator in a dry place.
• Check for Damage: Inspect the percolator regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks or dents.

Coffee Percolator Camping Grounds: Where to Brew

When choosing a coffee percolator camping grounds location, consider the following:

• Accessibility to Water: Choose a spot near a water source (river, stream, or bring your own).
• Safe Fire Location: If using a campfire, make sure it’s in a designated fire pit or ring and that you have a clear area around it.
• Stable Surface: Choose a flat, stable surface for your stove or tripod.
• Weather Protection: Consider the weather conditions. A sheltered spot can protect you from wind and rain.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave the campsite as you found it.

Fathoming the Variables of Coffee Flavor

Many factors contribute to the final flavor of your percolated coffee. These elements can be adjusted to meet your particular tastes:

• Coffee Bean Origin: Just like wine, different regions produce coffee beans with distinctly different flavor profiles.
• Roast Level: Light roasts preserve more of the bean’s original character, resulting in brighter, more acidic coffees. Darker roasts offer bolder, smokier, and often chocolatey notes.
• Grind Size: As discussed, the grind impacts extraction. Finer grinds expose more surface area, leading to quicker and stronger extraction, while coarser grinds extract more slowly, producing a lighter body and less bitterness.
• Water Quality: The mineral content and pH of the water significantly affect coffee extraction and taste.
• Brewing Time: The longer the coffee grounds are in contact with water, the stronger the resulting coffee. Experiment to find the optimal balance for your tastes.
• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: The ratio of coffee grounds to water directly influences the strength and concentration of the brew.
• Water Temperature: Hot water extracts more flavor and oils from coffee grounds than cooler water. The ideal range for brewing is typically between 195°F and 205°F.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best grind size for a coffee percolator?

A: A coarse or medium-coarse grind is generally recommended for percolators. This helps prevent coffee grounds from seeping through the basket.

Q: Can I use a paper filter in my coffee percolator?

A: While percolators are designed to be used without paper filters, some people choose to add one to reduce sediment. Cut a filter to fit the bottom of the basket or line the entire basket with a larger filter.

Q: Who is most likely to enjoy percolator coffee while camping?

A: Campers who appreciate a bold, full-bodied coffee flavor and enjoy the simplicity and durability of a classic brewing method. Those who prefer a more nuanced, delicate coffee might prefer pour-over or French press.

Q: Can I use a percolator on an induction stovetop?

A: No. Percolators need to be used over either a open flame (campfire) or an electric/gas stove to work properly.