Percolator VS Filter Coffee VS Vacuum Flask: Similar Coffee Machines Reviewed

It’s funny how we always associate coffee with with the word “perk”. Any fans of the “Friends” TV series will surely recall the name of the coffee shop where the cast all met – “Central Perk”. Where did this all come from, the association between “perk” and coffee? Is it because it makes you perky and wake you up? Or is it all a root origin from the actual brewing method of percolation? Interesting pondering point, methinks. However, before we get too off-track, let’s discuss the benefits, primary function , pro’s and con’s of Coffee Percolators VS Filter Coffee Machines VS Vacuum Flask Filter Machines – and which would suit your needs the best.

Percolator Coffee Machine

What is it? Funniest thing is – working in the coffee industry – when I approach colleagues and ask some of them what exactly a coffee percolator is – the vast majority have no idea. Unashamedly, before I wrote this post – I was one of them too! The Coffee Percolator is almost one of the first coffee brewing systems ever used. Wikipedia offers some valuable insight into the workings of these little machines – if you’re curious. In summary – it is a small dual chamber container which is applied to a direct source of heat – like a stove top for instance. Inside this chamber is a pipe; this pipe is essentially the brewing tool. It takes from the heat source and pushes heated water from the bottom of the container all the way through to the top chamber – where your ground coffee is found. This hot water then uses a drip method to brew the coffee grounds through a filter, into the bottom chamber where your filtered coffee is stored. Using one of these requires some level of kn ow-how, as leaving it applied to the direct heat source can be disastrous – resulting in burnt coffee and perhaps even a damaged percolator Because the heat is not regulated – the coffee taste can be greatly compromised and of poor quality. In terms of brewing capacity – this is your most limiting option as the containers themselves are usually quite small. You are further limited to one drink type. However, if you are out camping or are and old-school coffee lover who might hold sentiment in using this machine because it was the first coffee brewing machine you ever used – you’ll be glad to know you can still find these traditional pots on sites like Gumtree for a steal!

Filter Coffee Machine

Winning the popularity contest by miles, the Filter Coffee Machine has become a staple necessity in the office and at home. It’s the next logical step up from the coffee percolator we discussed above. It’s had a chance to be modified throughout the years, optimising it and tailoring the machine for various environments. Office Filter Coffee Machines and Home Filter Coffee Machines have been developed, enhanced and altered to better suit their specific applications. However, in comparison to both a Coffee Percolator and a Vacuum Flask Filter Coffee Machine, there are some noticeable downfalls (and advantages) to this type of coffee machine. Firstly, you production capacity is dead-centre here. It is enormously larger than a Coffee Percolator, but far less than a Vacuum Flask Filter Coffee Machine. On average (working off a commercial type filter coffee machine used in offices), a filter coffee machine can brew a 2 litre (or 4 cup) pot in about 5 minutes. There is usually a separate heating plate to keep that pot fresh whilst you brew another. This is great if you are looking to service a smaller amount of people, but can be annoying keeping up with the water filling requirements after each pot is finished. You also run the risk of breakages of the glass pots and (usually on a problem in retail filter coffee machines) burning your brewed coffee. However, in terms of ease of use, product input cost and requirement as well as broad application areas – the filter coffee machine is a good all-rounder.

Vacuum Flask Filter Coffee Machine

Moving up to the larger solutions, a Vacuum Flask Filter Coffee Machine can sometimes be the bet option imaginable. Take the convenience of a regular Filter Coffee Machine, combined with the ease of a tap-dispenser pot. Instead of brewing one pot of coffee, moving it along to the heating pad, and then moving on to your next brew, you simply brew your coffee from filter straight into what can be equated to an urn. Yes, some of the urns / flasks are thermo-insulated, meaning your coffee stays hot for longer – but generally speaking you can expect a maximum heat retention time of about an hour. If you are looking to extend that time span, look for high-end vacuum flasks (which are compatible with your machine) such as the likes of Zojirushi. This can extend the heat retention time to close on 4 hours. (always keep in mind that coffee should ideally be consumed as it is brewed – and stick to the rule of thumb when keeping coffee hot; don’t let it sit for longer than 3 – 4 hours, otherwise your coffee taste may be compromised). This solution is an excellent hybrid of heat-retention convenience, filter coffee production and ease of use. A great idea if you’re looking at hosting a day long board meeting – or even if you run a conference centre.

Percolator VS Filter Coffee VS Vacuum Flask: Who Wins?

They all win! Sticking to these simple guidelines will help you choose in no time.

Percolator: lowest cost; lowest quality coffee output; highest level of skill required to operate; lowest yield of coffee. Great if you are a coffee aficionado who knows their way around a percolator and wants a home-brewed cuppa for one or two people.

Filter Coffee: medium cost; medium output capacity; medium coffee quality; medium ease-of-use. Great for small or medium requirements.

Vacuum Flask: similar or slightly higher cost than the Filter Coffee Machine; highest yield of coffee; medium coffee quality output; highest ease of use; highest heat retention capability. Good choice for large complements where coffee is required quickly, easily and without a fuss.

We hope this helped you in your decision making process – or at the very least – opened your eyes to the different basic brewing types out there!