Fireside Coffee: The Five Best Camping Percolators
Coffee’s enduring appeal is a result not just of its stimulating properties, but also of its versatility. A weekly cup shared with a friend can be an invitation to deeper relationships; your morning brew can make the difference between a smooth sailing workday, and an interminable grind.
But in my mind, there’s no better place for coffee to shine than on a camping trip. There’s something particularly special about brewing up a fresh cup of joe in the great outdoors—of waking up your senses to the beauty of the world around you, brushing off the fatigue of a long hike, and tuning into your natural rhythms.
These are the best camping percolators we could find, to help you recover more of those moments of bliss in the great outdoors.
Stanley Adventure Cool Grip Camp Percolator
Stanley is a heritage brand, and with that comes buy-it-for-life quality and thoughtful designs. Their Cool Grip Camp Percolator fits that bill nicely, as it is made with a durable 18/8 stainless steel body and a removable silicone grip. That grip helps the percolator stay cool to the touch, making it easier to brew and pour your java in the great outdoors.
And with a total capacity of 1.1 quarts—just over 35 ounces—Stanley’s Camp Percolator is an excellent choice when you’re brewing for a group. Last but not least, it is dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze when you finally get off the trail and safely back home.
Price: $41
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Coffee Percolator
The GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Coffee Percolator offers a wide range of size options sure to meet any camper’s needs. Even the smallest version holds eight cups, which is plenty for a small group—but the largest holds a massive 36 cups, more than enough for an entire expedition.
Aside from the size options, two things make the GSI stand out: A handsome all-stainless steel construction, and a glass dome top that gives you a bird’s eye view of the brewing process. It’s not the cheapest percolator you’ll find on the market, but it is certainly the most versatile and attractive.
Price: $50
Farberware Yosemite Percolator Coffee Maker
Farberware is a household name when it comes to kitchen equipment, and at first glance their Yosemite Percolator seems to be destined for a stovetop rather than the campsite. But upon further inspection, you’ll find that it’s made of the right stuff for outdoor use: Stainless steel construction makes it compatible with a camp stove, though its plastic handle disqualifies it from being set over an open fire.
For a combination home-and-camping use percolator though, it’s offered at a great price: Just 35 dollars for an eight cup version, or 45 dollars for 12 cups.
Price: $35
Coleman Stainless Steel Percolator
For simplicity of form and accuracy of function, look no further than Coleman’s camp gear. Their Stainless Steel Percolator is the very image of rugged minimalism, equipped with nothing but the essentials for crafting a perfect brew.
Its all stainless steel construction makes it suitable for use over any heat source, including a campfire, but be warned that the glass bulb top is more fragile than the rest of the percolator. Savvy outdoorsmen have been replacing this top with a resin version instead, getting the best of visibility and the Coleman’s built-tough durability.
Price: $55
Scoutmaster Camping Coffee Percolator
If you’d like a percolator that looks just as at home in your designer kitchen as it does around a campfire, Scoutmaster’s Camping Coffee Percolator is the way to go. Its polished stainless steel finish is paired with a glass viewing knob, but the rosewood handles are what really sets the Scoutmaster apart.
It’s not just form here, though: The design was engineered by army combat veterans, so you know it’s ready for action. And while it is more expensive than the other percolators on this list, the Scoutmaster is covered by a lifetime replacement guarantee, so you know your investment is safe.
Price: $65+
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