Percolator coffee is a delicious way to prepare your morning brew. This straightforward brewing process has been enjoyed by people around the world for years. But sometimes, it's a little tricky to keep all those tiny coffee grounds out of your final cup. If you experience this problem, then you are in luck. We researched how to keep coffee grounds out of percolator coffee, so you can enjoy a smooth sip for your next brew.
There are many ways to decrease the chance of coffee grounds sneaking through the built-in metal filters of most coffee percolator pots. Here are the best ways to keep those pesky grounds out of your coffee:
- Use coarse coffee grounds
- Use paper filters in addition to the permanent filter
- Wet the coffee basket before adding groundsÂ
- Throughoughly clean the percolator before use
Using one or more of these methods when you percolate coffee is sure to help keep the grounds out of your morning cup.Â
You probably still have questions about getting your coffee ground-free. Keep reading as we look at each of the above methods more thoroughly as well as answer some more of your coffee percolator questions.
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Methods To Keep Coffee Grounds Out Of Percolator
There is nothing worse than taking a sip of freshly brewed coffee only to find your mouth filled with crunchy coffee grounds. You expect your morning brew to be smooth, and that is what you deserve. So, let's take a look at the best ways to keep coffee grounds out of percolator coffee.
Use Coarse Ground Coffee
If you use a percolator to make coffee, you should always use coarse ground coffee. This texture of coffee beans produces a better flavor when percolated and is less likely to slip through the built-in filter. The finer your grind your coffee beans, the more likely you are to end up with grounds in your final brew.
This electric grinder from Mr. Coffee is a great way to get coarse coffee grounds. With three coarseness settings, you can grind coffee for all different types of coffee makers.
Click here to view it on Amazon.
If you want to know more about the type of coffee to use in a percolator, read this article: Do You Need Special Coffee For A Percolator?
Use Extra FiltersÂ
If you regularly experience coffee grounds in your percolated coffee, then you might want to consider using an extra filter. Most percolators have built-in filters already.
Typically, this is a stainless steel mesh filter you can use for years. Ideally, this metal filter prevents you from having to use disposable filters, but sometimes coffee grounds can sneak through the holes.
The addition of a paper filter adds an extra layer of filtration. Most standard coffee filters work in percolators. You can also find eco-friendly coffee filters made from cotton and/or bamboo, so you don't have to use a disposable filter every time you make coffee.
These premium coffee filters fit most coffee percolators. The purified pulp paper traps bitter sediments and harmful oils, so you end up with a better cup of coffee.
Click here to view them on Amazon.
If you don't want to use disposable coffee filters in your percolator, this is a great reusable filter option.
These filters are made from cotton and do not leave any residue or flavors behind like some paper filters do.
Click here to view them on Amazon.
Wet The Coffee BasketÂ
This is another method that works with additional coffee filters. First, get the percolator coffee basket/filter wet. You can do this by running it under hot water. Then place your additional coffee filter in the basket. The water should help the paper filter stick to the built-in filter and ensure no gaps are left. After that, you can pour in your coffee grounds and start the percolation process.
For more information about coffee percolator operation, read this article: How To Use A Stovetop Percolator [8 Easy To Follow Steps!]
Start With A Clean PercolatorÂ
Many times, coffee grounds find their way into our cups because of dirty equipment. A dirty percolator may not create a proper vacuum seal. This allows coffee grounds to get past the filtration system. In addition, you may have old coffee grounds that washed into the base of the percolator from the previous day.
Always thoroughly clean your percolator before you use it. It can prevent coffee grounds from leaking into the final pot of coffee. Also, your coffee will taste better when brewed in clean equipment.
Proper cleaning can extend the life of your percolator too. Get in the habit of washing it every time you use it.
For more information about properly cleaning a percolator, check out this article: How Do You Clean The Inside Of A Percolator?
Here is a flexible cleaning brush that is perfect for scrubbing the hard-to-reach spot inside a percolator. You can also use them to clean other glass bottles and jars.
Click here to view them on Amazon.
Why Do I Keep Getting Coffee Grounds In My Percolator?
There are several reasons you keep getting coffee grounds in your percolator. Here are some of the main problems that result in coffee grounds getting through your percolator filter system:
- You are using finely ground coffee
- You are using too many coffee grounds
- The internal percolator filter is damaged
- There could be a hole
- The sealing system may not be functioning properly
- You brewed coffee in a dirty percolator
Any of the above reasons may result in coffee grounds ending up in your final cup. Inspect your percolator for signs of damage, clean it thoroughly, and always use coarsely ground coffee to prevent grounds from settling in the final brew.
Where Do You Put The Filter In A Percolator?
Most percolators have built-in filter baskets as part of the internal percolator system. However, you may want to use an additional paper filter. If so, most standard coffee filters will fit in a standard coffee percolator. If your percolator is very small or very big, you will need to make sure you have the right sized filter.
Once you have the paper filter, simply place it on top of the built-in filter basket. When the percolator heats up, the paper filter should settle on the metal filter. This added layer of filtration helps keep coffee grounds from sneaking through.
What Coffee Should I Use In My Percolator?
As mentioned above, the best coffee to use in a percolator is freshly ground coarse coffee. The fresher the grounds, the better they will taste. And, the coarser the grounds, the less likely they are to bypass the filtration system. As long as you use coarse grounds, the coffee can be whatever roast, flavor, variety, or brand you prefer.
What Is The Difference Between Coarse Ground And Fine Ground Coffee?
Coarse ground coffee is ground for less time than fine ground coffee. As the names suggest, coarse ground coffee granules are larger than fine ground coffee granules. Typically they have a similar size and texture to sea salt or rough sand, while fine coffee is smaller than standard table salt.
Coarse ground coffee is recommended for percolators and French presses. Fine ground coffee is recommended for espresso makers, Aeropresses, and Moka pots.
The size of coffee grounds affects flavor. To brew the best cup of coffee possible, you have to make sure to have the right coarseness of coffee beans for the specific brewing method.
Does Folgers Make A Coarse Ground Coffee?
The standard ground coffee from Folgers is a medium ground size made for drip coffee makers. They do not sell coffee that is already coarsely ground. However, you can buy whole coffee beans from Folgers and grind them yourself at home.
Folgers 1850 Midnight Gold Whole Bean Coffee
This premium Arabica bean coffee from Folgers is a dark roast bean with chocolatey notes. The beans come fully roasted and ready for grinding. Use your coffee grinder to create a coarse ground texture, and they will be ready for your percolator.
Click here to view them on Amazon.
Never Drink Coffee Grounds Again!
Percolated coffee is easy to make and tastes delicious. But, many people have problems with coffee grounds slipping through the percolator filtration system. Now that you know how to prevent this dilemma from happening, you don't have to worry about it anymore. So, it's time to put these methods into practice and enjoy a smooth cup of coffee!
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