Best Camping Percolator of 2025: Top 8 Pots for Coffee Outdoors

Last updated on September 4th, 2022 by Jules Winnfield

Picture this – you are enjoying a relaxing camping trip deep in the great outdoors on the East Coast. You have spent all day hiking through rough terrain and are finally stopping for the night.

All you want is coffee – a delicious, nuanced beverage to warm your bones and give you a burst of energy. When you pull out your percolator from your pack, you notice that it has a rusty hole in it.

The years of use have finally caught up with it, and now it has little more use than being an unattractive flower pot.

You feel a pain like never before. Even worse than that embarrassing moment in high school with the girl. You are cold, it’s starting to rain, and you are coffee-less for the foreseeable future.

When you finally get back to civilization, you are tasked with getting a new percolator, so that you never go through such a traumatic experience again.

But there are so many to choose from. Where do you begin?

Well, not to worry my fellow outdoor friend. We spent over 50+ hours researching the best percolators the world has to offer. If you need a new coffee maker that will last you for years to come and makes delicious, high quality coffee, this full guide is for you.

Want the quick summary?

While most of the coffee percolators will make you a decent cup of coffee outdoors, we found the Coletti Bozeman percolator the best overall. Its built with stainless steel, durable, easy to use, handles well around a hot fire or stove, and makes a generous amounts of coffee, 9-12 cups at a time.

You may have to deal with specific filters which could be a pain. But the great price and lifetime guarantee should make this a nice percolator for any camping enthusiast beginner or pro.

Last update on 2025-01-19

To learn everything you need to know about percolators, including what they are, where they come from, what they are used for and how to use them, keep reading. We put together a list of the 8 best camping percolators you can get, as well as a buyer’s guide to help you navigate the world of percolators to find the one that is perfect for you.

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What is a Percolator?

Simply put, a percolator is a type of coffee pot or coffee maker that has a separate chamber at the bottom of it.

You have a stem and nest, where you put your ground up coffee beans or ground coffee, and the bottom where the boiling water goes. They are old-fashioned devices, but are still hugely popular in some places in the world, and for specific activities.

Most people will take percolators with them while camping. This machine brews coffee using water that is at near-boiling temperature.

The water is recycled through the coffee grounds continuously to get the flavor. The longer the percolator recycles the water through the coffee, the stronger the beverage will be.

You have two types – the electric percolator and the stovetop percolator. The electric one requires electricity to work, but they both do the same thing: percolate coffee.

To use an electric percolator, you would need to have a source of electricity and a socket to plug the device into. For a stovetop percolator, all you need is the top of a camping stove or a flame to heat it. 

Since we are focusing on camping percolators in this article, we will be paying more attention to stovetop percolators, unless you plan to carry some kind of generator with you at all times. 

The camping coffee pot is a staple item worth the money if you enjoy spending time in the outdoors. If you are camping in the great outdoors and you want a hot cup of coffee brewed, this will be the device you turn to.

Percolator vs Moka Pot

A lot of people will confuse a percolator with a Moka pot, so let’s dive into this quickly before carrying on. Both devices use a basket of coffee that sits over a chamber of water, but they have different brewing methods.

Moka pots uses pressure from steam to force water through the coffee one time. Percolators continuously recycle the water in the pot through the coffee grounds while it brews.

With Moka pots, you will use a coffee that is finely ground. It is a lot faster and the end result is a lot like an espresso – liquid energy. The coffee percolator will take a lot longer and will have more similarities with drip coffee.

However, both devices can be used to make a delicious cup of coffee. The French press is another item that can be used for making your morning coffee, but it is not always the best idea for camping.

History of the Percolator

The percolating coffee pot is thought to have been invented some time between by 1810 – 1814 by a physicist. Apparently, this invention came around because the inventor, Sir Benjamin Thompson, could not stand alcohol or tea.

As a result, the initial model of the percolator was born, but has changed a lot since then. 

The widely-known stovetop percolator was created in 1889 by Hanson Goodrich, a farmer in Illinois. This percolator design was vastly different to Sir Thompson’s, but worked using the same basic principles.

Since this design, there have been very few changes. Why fix something that isn’t broken, right?

Best Camping Percolator Reviews

#1. COLETTI Bozeman Camping Coffee Percolator (Best Overall)

The COLETTI Bozeman percolator is made with high-grade stainless steel and comes in two sizes – nine cups and twelve cups. No aluminum, plastic, or other harmful product are used within the percolator, so you can rest easy as you enjoy your coffee.

This product has its own types of filters that are needed in order to work efficiently, however. When you buy this product, you will get a lifetime replacement guarantee, too, so even if the coffee maker is damaged, you can do something about it.

In our experience using the Coletti, we found that it brewed a delicious cup of coffee. It was easy to use and clean, and better than many other coffee pots on the market. As a camping percolator, this coffee pot brewed fresh, high-quality beverages easily and quickly.

Things We Like:

• Made using high quality 18/8 stainless steel – This means that it will be resistant to corrosion and last for many years
• Handle is made of hardwood – the hardwood handle will ensure that you will not burn yourself while pouring your beverage
• Comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee – you can get a replacement item if something is wrong with your purchase, or if something breaks
• Product is lightweight – this product weighs 2 lb., so is lightweight and easy to transport
• Two sizes are available – nine (9) cups, and twelve (12) cups.

Things We Don’t Like:

• Specific Bozeman filters are required for this product to work properly – regular filters will not work on this product. This may cause problems as these filters are not always readily available on places like Amazon
• Plastic knob is easily broken – some buyers reported the knob on the product being broken or damaged after using the percolator for a brief time
• No smaller sizes available – the smallest size you get for this product is nine (9) cups. However, you can make as little as two (2) cups at a time.

Last update on 2025-01-19

#2. GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel Percolator Coffee Pot (Largest Capacity)

This GSI percolator is a coffee pot made from high quality stainless steel and weighs close to 3 lbs. This camping coffee maker has a stylish, and sleek design and comes with a 30 years guarantee – so if anything goes wrong you can pick up a new one.

It is great for brewing coffee in the wilderness with your friends, too. There are four sizes to choose from, including an 8 cup, 14 cups, 28 cups and 36 cup selection, so you can get one to fit any occasion.

It comes with a glass knob, so you will never burn yourself while removing the lid, and has a nice narrow spout, so you will never drip coffee everywhere. With this stunning and functional piece of equipment, you can brew great coffee on your next camping trip.

In our experience using the GSI Outdoors Percolator, we found that it was durable, easy to use and pleasant to look at even when it was not in use.

The percolator kept the coffee warm and was delicious, but the product did make noise when being driven in the car and carried. The fresh coffee from this coffee percolator was of great quality.

Things We Like:

• Comes in four different sizes – you can pick between percolators that can hold eight (8), fourteen (14), twenty-eight (28) or thirty-six (36) cups of coffee.
• Made of durable stainless steel – the use of stainless steel means that the product is high quality and will be durable, lasting many years. Stainless steel pots will not suffer from corrosion as they are used over the years. The pot itself is stainless steel, but it also has stainless steel rims.
• High quality product – high quality products will last you a long time, so they are worth the money.
• Attractive design – the design of this percolator is very attractive. It is both functional and a pleasure to look at.
• Dishwasher safe – you can put this coffee pot in the dishwasher, and it will not be damaged by the chemicals or process.

Things We Don’t Like

• Some buyers reported the percolator being noisy during transport – this percolator may make noise while it is being carried, which some buyers might find annoying
• This product is not American-made – this product is made in China and imported 
• Cup measurements may cause confusion – some buyers have reported that the sizes in cups are not accurate for the percolators they received, and their percolators hold fewer cups than advertised. Instructions on the product description clarify that percolators are measured using 5 oz for a cap, rather than a regular cup.    

Last update on 2025-01-19

#3. Coleman 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator (Best Value)

The Coleman twelve-cup stovetop percolator is a stainless steel pot and has a glass knob on top. This means that the product will last a long time, and you will never burn yourself while removing the lid.

The camping coffee pot weighs 2.2 lb, so is lightweight and portable for your next camping trip. This coffee maker makes delicious old coffee and, although its design is simple, it works well.

It is a stylish coffee pot and in our experience using this product, we found that it made a delicious, flavorful coffee and the basket lid held the coffee in well. 

Things We Like:

• Can hold twelve cups of coffee at a time – twelve cups (12) of coffee is the perfect size for taking this maker out on hikes and camping trips, or even at home.
• Lightweight – weighing in at 2.2 lb., this percolator will not weigh down your backpack as you move.
• Built with stainless steel – the use of stainless steel means that this product will last a long time and will not be susceptible to corrosion as it is used.
• Durable – this product will last you for many years to come
• Easy to clean and sanitize – buyers reported that the design of this percolator meant that it was easy to clean in every place, ensuring that it was properly sanitized between uses

Things We Don’t Like:

• Made in China and shipped to the US – this percolator is made in China and exported to the US. This also means that delivery times could be longer than expected
• Coffee basket may be easy to break – some buyers of this product reported that the glass cover knob either came off or broke easily after using this product. This can be fixed, but is something to consider

Last update on 2025-01-19

#4. GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Steel Percolator with Silicone Handle (Best for Small Groups)

As another GSI percolator, this camping percolator is made with high quality stainless steel and comes in four smaller sizes. It has a plastic knob on the top, and you can order a glass replacement on the site.

This coffee maker is sturdy and will resist corrosion for years to come, as well as resist and withstand rough use and varying impacts, such as dropping. The hinge of this percolator can be folded 180 degrees, so it is easy to clean and place in the dishwasher.

In our experience using this GSI percolator, we found the product a pleasure to use. The basket and stem, which is also made of stainless steel, could be removed from the pot, so the coffee could be heated without issue. This is a great pot to brew coffee in.

Things We Like:

• Made of stainless steel – the use of stainless steel means that the product is high quality and will be durable, lasting many years. Stainless steel pots will not suffer from corrosion as they are used over the years. 
• Comes in four sizes – including three (3), cups, six (6) cups, nine (9) cups, and twelve (12) cups.
• The handle has a silicone cover – silicone on the handle means that there is no risk of burning yourself when lifting the percolator, so is a great addition for safety
• Dishwasher safe – you can clean your percolator in the dishwasher and the chemicals will not negatively affect the product
• No filter is needed for this coffee maker – you can brew coffee without needed a filter for this product

    Things We Don’t Like:

• There are no larger sizes available – the largest size you can get for this product is twelve cups, and the smallest size is three cups
• Cup measurements may cause confusion –  A number of buyers suggested that beside the product being advertised as a nine cup percolator, it could only make four cups of coffee. Instructions on the product description clarify that percolators are measured using 5oz for a cap, rather than a regular cup.
• The top knob has been known to melt beside fires – some buyers reported the top knob melted while the maker was beside the fire. There are glass replacements you can buy if this happens.

Last update on 2025-01-19

#5. GSI Outdoors 8 Cup Enamelware Percolator (Best Design)

Looking for a percolator that does not look like every other maker you have seen? This GSI percolator comes in five different colors, so can match anyone’s color preferences.

Additionally, it comes in two sizes and is made from enameled steel, resulting in an attractive appearance. With a sturdy structure and a lifetime promise, this portable coffee maker is a high-quality product that is perfect for camping trips and days out in the wild.

In our experience using the GSI Enamelware Percolator, we found that it was attractive to look at and also made a great cup of coffee.

Things We Like:

• Comes in five different colors – you can get this percolator in black, white, blue, green and red. This means that you can find a color to suit your preference, no matter what it is 
• Comes in two sizes – eight (8) cups and twelve (12) cups.
• Has a lifetime promise – the manufacturer offers a lifetime promise for this product, so any damage or issues may be solved
• Made using high-quality steel – This means that this coffee pot should last a long time and be resistant to corrosion
• Attractive enamel finish – the enamel finish makes this percolator stand out from the crowd instead of being a generic stainless steel-finish product.

Things We Don’t Like:

• Plastic percolator viewer has been reported to not fit on the maker – the plastic viewer comes off easily and has been reported to not fit into the design well
• Enamel may block holes in the spout – pouring difficulties may ensue, as some buyers have reported the enamel blocking the holes in the spout. This enamel can be removed, but is something to consider before purchasing
• The knob on top can be removed very easily – some buyers reported the plastic knob coming off very easily while in use

Last update on 2025-01-19

#6. Texsport Aluminum 20 Cup Percolator Coffee Maker (Best Budget Pot)

This 20 cup percolator is perfect for the outdoor lifestyle. It is made with aluminum and has an easy pour spout to make pouring your delicious cups of coffee easier than ever.

The Texsport is affordable and will heat up quickly when you are in the mood for a beverage. In our experience using this product, we found that it was simple and easy to use, but pouring without a handle like many other percolators proved difficult.

Things We Like:

• Product is durable – this percolator will last you a long time and withstand the elements
• The percolator is easy to use – there are no complicated parts to this device, so making coffee is easier than ever
• Heats up quickly and makes delicious coffee – there is very little waiting around for this percolator to start heating up. Coffee is prepared quickly.
• Very affordable percolator – this is one of the most affordable stovetop coffee makers on the market that are appropriate for camping
• Has an easy pour spout – you are unlikely to spill coffee with this percolator’s spout.

Things We Don’t Like:

• Product is made with aluminum – aluminum is not the preferred material for percolators.
• Comes in limited sizes – this product is a twenty (20) cup percolator. There is a nine (9) cup version made with the same material. 
• Made in China and exported – shipping and delivery may take longer than expected as this percolator comes from China.

Last update on 2025-01-19

#7. Stanley Camp Percolator (Best Over Open Flame)

If you are looking for a percolator that can survive anything – the Stanley Camp percolator is the one for you. This product is made out of stainless steel and is durable enough to withstand a bullet.

Not only does it make rich, smooth coffee, but it is easy to clean and use and lightweight, so you will hardly even feel it in your backpack. The silicone grip makes pouring both more comfortable and safer, so burning yourself is a thing of the past.

In our experience using this product, we found that the Stanley camp percolator was safe and easy to use, and resulted in some incredible cups of coffee. The 18/8 stainless steel was durable and also dishwasher safe, so cleaning is quick and easy.

Things We Like:

• Silicone grip handle – This means there is little to no risk of burning yourself when you pick up the device to pour your coffee
• Made using stainless steel – stainless steel is durable, resistant to corrosion and safe to use for brewing your coffees. The use of stainless steel also ensures that this product will be easy to clean and sanitize
• Incredibly durable – statements about this product claim that it is durable enough to survive a category 5 hurricane, as well as speeding bullets and 4,000 foot drops.
  • So, if you are a storm chaser or are likely to otherwise find yourself in positions where any of those things would be a problem, this percolator won’t have a problem!
• Brews delicious coffee – users reported that the coffee they made using this percolator was delicious
• Lightweight – this coffee maker is super lightweights and is great for camping or being used while on the move

Things We Don’t Like:

• Hinge may break – a number of buyers reported that the hinges on their purchase were already broken, broke easily or were not secured to the body of the item properly
• Limited sizes available – there is only one size available for this percolator, so the selection is limited 

Last update on 2025-01-19

#8. Chinook 41110 Coffee Percolator (Lightest Weight)

To create never-ending perfect coffee pots, try the Chinook coffee percolator. This small, three cup percolator is made with a high grade stainless steel. This means that the product will last a long time and not corrode as it is used over the years.

It is lightweight, so is a great option for traveling, but due to its size, is best for a small group of people, or even just one. You can watch the coffee as it brews and remove the stem and basket when the brewing is done, giving you the chance to clean it thoroughly.

In our experience using this stainless steel percolator, we found the Chinook was easy to use and made a good cup of coffee, but the plastic knob at the top came off at various points.

Things We Like:

• Made with 18/8 stainless steel –  the use of stainless steel means that the product is high quality and will be durable, lasting many years.
• Lightweight product – this percolator weighs less than a pound, so is very lightweight. This means that it will be easy to take with you on journeys and is ideal for camping
• Dishwasher safe – you can safely wash this percolator in the dishwasher and the chemicals and process with not negatively affect the pot
• Comes with a drawstring bag – you can keep this product in the drawstring bag it comes with while it is not in use. This will prevent it from getting dirty and make it easier to carry around.   

Things We Don’t Like:

• Product comes from China – as this product comes from China, it may take a long time to ship out and arrive at your destination
• Limited sizes available to purchase – this product holds three (3) cups, so may not be a good option for larger group
• Plastic knob comes off – some buyers reported that the plastic knob on the top of the product came off easily.

Last update on 2025-01-19

Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Coffee Percolator

There are a few things you need to consider when looking for the perfect percolator for you and your individual needs. You want fresh coffee, but that goes without saying. While you will be using the percolator to make coffee, you need to consider what setting it will be used in and the elements it will be exposed to.

To help you make the right choice, we have put together a buyer’s guide to aid you in what you should and should not be focused on when shopping for your next percolator.

Percolator Size

The size of the percolator may be obvious, but many buyers overlook the size. If you are usually alone, there is no need to spend loads of money on a coffee maker that can make 20 cups of coffee when you realistically only need three.

The larger the percolator is, the more expensive it will be, so don’t waste your money on something that you will never get the full use out of.

So, ask yourself – how many cups of coffee do you need?

While on the topic of size, it should be noted that percolator sizes are not measured in the traditional cup (250ml / 8.7oz). These coffee pots measure in cups of 5oz. For this reason, you may need to do some math to figure out your perfect size, or else you could be let down like many buyers often are.

Percolator Material

When it comes to the material your percolator is made of, there are considerations. For example, for percolators made out of aluminum, there are concerns it is linked to negative health and medical conditions like Alzheimer’s, though data shows the risks may be negligible.

If you want to be as safe as possible, consider a percolator that is made out of stainless steel or glass. The flavors of your coffee may come out differently, but thats something you will have to weight out if its worth it or not.

Additionally, you need to consider the material that your percolator is made out of because of where it will be used. If you are only going to use your percolator at home, then a glass one is probably fine.

However, if you intend on going out camping and spending your days out in the woods, you will need something that is more durable.

Coffee makers made out of stainless steel are among the best as they are known to be durable. BPA free plastic percolators can also get the job done, but are often not looked upon as favorably as their stainless steel counterparts.

Value For Money

Some people may be willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a percolator depending on their needs. But are you?

Many times, you are paying for a brand name rather than the quality of the product. Instead of focusing on the company that makes the percolator, read the reviews if they are available and make a decision for yourself.

More often than not, you can get a product of equal, or even better quality, from an unknown or less popular brand than you would a famous one.

Final Verdict

A coffee percolator isn’t the most glamorous device for brewing coffee, but it can be a great tool for the hiker and outdoor camper who needs a hot cup of joe with minimum hassle. After researching the best percolators for camping, we found pots that can do a little bit of everything.

Overall the Coletti Bozeman coffee pot stood out to us as a good combo of quality materials, durability, style, ease of use, number of cups and value for the price you pay.

Last update on 2025-01-19

Of course, you can also consider other travel friendly coffee makers like battery operated machines or 12V coffee makers to accompany you on your camping trip.

Hopefully this guide helped you make a decision. So which percolator will you choose on your next great adventure outdoors?

Frequently Asked Questions