Presto Stainless Steel Percolator

12 Cup Electric Coffee Maker

Stainless Steel Percolator Presto Few brewing methods are easier than the percolating design of the Presto 12 Cup Coffee Pot. If it's been a few years since you've used one, you may need to relearn the old tricks that go along with it.

The Presto, like any percolator design, takes a little longer but does a very good job. There's no paper filter, but there is a stainless steel basket into which you pour the coffee grounds. If you grind your own beans, be sure to grind them for percolator brewing and not drip systems -- too fine a grind, and you'll have grounds in your cup.

Cleaning involves rinsing off filter basket and tube, as well as rinsing out the pot. Scrubbing the metal interior after each use is not recommended -- some buildup of coffee oil on the metal prevents the coffee from acquiring a metallic taint. Check the pores of the filter to make sure they are not clogged. The system will jet water into the basket whether it drains properly or not, resulting in a weak brew with loose grounds mixed into it.

There's no timer, so you can't awaken to a fresh pot in the morning without a little effort. If you fill the pot with water and put grounds in the basket before you go to bed, all you need to do is plug it in when you wake up. The brew rate is a cup a minute, and you'll have to wait for it to finish before you pour. The anticipation is actually a pleasant part of the morning ritual.

Presto's pot keeps the brew at an even, piping hot temperature as long as it's plugged in. Unplug it when you're done, or you may remember you didn't when you're about halfway to work.

Here's a steam-driven coffeemaker to consider from DeLonghi.