Shopper
I am trying to figured out which is better the all metal percolator or the enamel percolator and I will be using on the gas stove. Also I am concern about metal taste if I use the one all metal. Any one have answer for this? I have heard that the all metal one is easier to clean and have replacement for the plastic holder on the lid. I am thinking of going with the all metal. I am also concern about chemicals that can do harm over time. I am not sure which one is safer.
STEVEN H
I have used enameled coffee pots from forever---as a Boy Scout in my teens 40 years ago---as well as "all metal" and "Pyrex"-type glass ones. I prefer the enameled pot.
It heats evenly, it cleans as easily as the glass types, has better heat characteristics than the metal ones, and it looks nicer---especially if as the years build up! The bubble piece on the top is not a "holder", it is a means for viewing the coffee's progress---as it gets darker, it gets closer to being ready. Plus if one likes stronger coffee, one can wait for the colour to darken without risking the "burned coffee" taste. But it is HOT, so don't touch it.
I have an old glass one that I still use---I just fit it into the new pot. Also, the brewing basket and stem in this pot are not very well-made, although my experience is that this is true of all old-style brewing pots now days, regardless of their composition. You might browse Goodwill or an antique store/yard sales/estate sales and see if you can get a stronger, better-made basket and stem. I recommend using standard 4 or 8 cup brown paper filters and just cutting away the edges (keep the nice round bottom bit), but with the stock basket, you risk overflow due to the poor quality of manufacture in the drain holes.
It works, it's rugged, and it's reasonably-priced.
PHILIP B
Enamel is very easy to clean. Very durable. Plus it looks cool/retro.
STACIE D
Hi,
I have the enamel one, no funny taste and I have had no issue with the quality of the coffee pot. I can't comment on which one is safer though. I have used it on both gas stoves and directly over the open flames. I was extremely happy to see the smoke char come off the pot with minimal effort once I was back home and washed it with soap and water. It still looks like new and I have had it for over 3 years I don't use it a lot though, roughly 3 times a year we go camping.
AARON B
We used over open fire pit. No problem with taste but plastic top on lid did melt after a few uses. Also, I would not recommend the mugs that belong with this set for hot liquids. The handle on these mugs get so hot you can't hold them. Clean up with sos pad was no problem.
WYNN H
I don't really think there will be a metalic taste to the all metal one. I have the enameled one pictured here. It has been used on a camp stove as well as over the fire and cleans very easily. Works fantastic!!
MATT M
I only used a few times and never tasted like metal, made a few good batches but also burned a few, make sure you time it. I ended up going with a French press. Easy to clean.
