Using Percolators for Camp Coffee
Making the perfect pot of coffee over a fire is a bit tricky, especially if you don’t have the right gear. A percolator is the gear of choice for making a cup of joe over the fire because of how they work. The water in the bottom of the pot is pushed up through a hollow, thin tube in the middle of the pot and the water falls down through the filter basket where the coffee sits. There’s no need for a coffee filter and you can store cups inside many camping percolators. But how do you make the perfect brew onver a fire? Follow these steps and it’ll get you going in the morning:
- Get a nice fire going first.
- Fill the pot with fresh, clean water up to the fill line.
- Insert the stem, or hollow tube, into the holder in the base of the pot.
- Fill the filter basket with coffee. 2 tablespoons is enough for one cup.
- Put the filter basket in place. Put the lid on.
- Put the percolator in the fire till the water starts to boil. Remove to the coals to simmer once the water is heated.
- Depending on how many cups you’re making, let the percolator simmer for around 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and carefully remove the basket and stem. Pour yourself a cup and enjoy!
Percolators have their benefits and downsides so be aware of them if you’re in search of the perfect cup of joe. Because they don’t use a filter like drip coffee makers, there can be some grounds in your coffee. They also make a pretty robust cup because they brew at a much higher temperature than other coffee makers. However, there are few coffee makers you can stick directly on the flames.
We recommend coating your pot with a little dish soap before putting it in the flames so you don’t scorch the metal and make it impossible to clean.