Forum Topic

What's the difference?

I don't know the difference between a percolator and a cafetiere - anyone enlighten me please? Which is best for making a good coffee at home? Thanks.

Gerry Tan ● 3958d6 Comments

Thanks for the info.

Gerry Tan ● 3957d

Percolator - as describedFilter coffee maker - put coffee in filter paper pour water over it and wait for it to drip through.Cafetiere - put coffee in jug, pour water over it when brewed to you liking push down cafetiere 'plunger' to stop brew and pour coffee.

Nigel Brooks ● 3957d

You seem to be very knowledgeable Nigel, but what's the difference between the two? Or are they one and the same thing?

Gerry Tan ● 3957d

Sorry Anne that's not a percolator but a filter coffee maker. Percolators have no filter paper.A percolator has a metal basket at the top with a pipe passing up through it from a water reservoir underneath.The water is heated either on a hob or more likely from a heating element and the water boils and 'percolates' up through the pipe, dripping through the coffee. Haven't seen one for years.Gerry. Filter coffee makers are more convenient in terms of cleaning but I find that a cafetiere produces a nicer cup on the rare occasion when I drink coffee.

Nigel Brooks ● 3958d

Thanks Anne - but which is best for home use?  Do you have a preference?

Gerry Tan ● 3958d

Hi Gerry - long time no see! A percolator is where you spoon coffee into a filter paper in a cone and then the boiling water drips through into the glass jug beneath. A cafetiere is a tall glass jug that you put coffee directly into the bottom of and then fill with boiling water. It has a plunger in the lid and this can be pushed down so that all the coffee grounds are kept at the bottom and don't get poured into your cup. Many people assume that cafetieres are French because of the name, but curiously, the French don't really seem to know what they are and you are unlikely to find one unless visiting ex-pats (like us!)

Anne dAboville ● 3958d