BESTonZON Stovetop Espresso Maker: Brew Rich Coffee at Home

How can you achieve a rich, satisfying cup of coffee at home without resorting to complicated, expensive machinery? The answer might lie in a classic brewing method that’s experiencing a well-deserved resurgence: the percolator. And the BESTonZON Stovetop Espresso Maker exemplifies the elegant simplicity and scientific principles behind this time-tested technique.

A Brief History of the Percolator

The percolator, in its various forms, has a history stretching back to the late 19th century. It was, arguably most popularized in the mid-20th century, becoming a staple in American kitchens. Its design, while simple, was a significant step forward in making coffee accessible to the masses. Before electric coffee makers became ubiquitous, percolators offered a convenient and relatively quick way to brew coffee on the stovetop. While they fell out of favor with the rise of drip coffee makers, their ability to produce a robust brew, coupled with a renewed interest in traditional methods, has led to their comeback.

The Science of Percolation: More Than Just Boiling Water

At its heart, a percolator operates on a beautifully simple principle: using the pressure created by boiling water to continuously cycle hot water through coffee grounds. But there’s more to it than just boiling; let’s delve into the thermodynamics at play.

The core of the process involves a lower chamber filled with water, a central tube extending upwards, and a coffee basket positioned near the top of the tube. As the water heats, it transitions from a liquid to a gaseous state – steam. This phase change is crucial. The steam occupies a larger volume than the liquid water, creating pressure within the lower chamber.

This increased pressure forces the hot water (which is just below boiling point at this stage) up the central tube. The design of the tube and the chamber is such that the water can only escape upwards. Once the water reaches the top, it spills out over the coffee grounds held in the basket.

The hot water then begins the crucial process of extraction. Coffee beans contain a complex mixture of water-soluble compounds, including acids, sugars, lipids, and melanoidins. These compounds are responsible for the characteristic aroma, flavor, and body of coffee. As the hot water passes through the grounds, it dissolves these compounds, carrying them along as it drips back down into the lower chamber.

This cycle repeats continuously – hence the term “percolate,” which means to filter gradually through a porous surface. With each cycle, more and more of these flavorful compounds are extracted. This is where the difference between percolation and other brewing methods, like drip coffee, becomes apparent. Drip coffee involves a single pass of water through the grounds. Immersion methods, like a French press, steep the grounds in hot water for a set period. Percolation, however, offers a continuous extraction, leading to a bolder, stronger brew.

The BESTonZON Stovetop Espresso Maker: Design Meets Science

The BESTonZON Stovetop Espresso Maker isn’t just a pretty face; its design thoughtfully incorporates the scientific principles we’ve discussed.

Stainless Steel Body: The choice of stainless steel for the body is significant. Stainless steel is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, making it a long-lasting option for kitchenware. But crucially, it also boasts excellent thermal conductivity. This means it distributes heat evenly across the base and walls of the chamber. This even heating is vital for a consistent brewing process, preventing “hot spots” that could lead to uneven extraction or scorching of the coffee grounds. Aluminum, a common material in older percolators, can sometimes impart a metallic taste and is less durable.

Glass Carafe: The transparent glass carafe isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it provides a crucial visual window into the brewing process. You can directly observe the color of the coffee as it cycles, allowing you to gauge its strength. This is a significant advantage, as it gives you control over the brewing process, letting you stop it when the coffee reaches your desired intensity.

Plastic Handle: Safety and comfort are paramount. The plastic handle is designed to be heat-resistant, ensuring you can safely handle the hot percolator without burning yourself. The design also focuses on ergonomics, providing a comfortable and secure grip.

Capacity: With its 200ml capacity, the BESTonZON is perfect for brewing a single large serving of coffee or two smaller cups. This makes it ideal for individual use or for sharing with a friend.

Brewing the Perfect Cup with Your BESTonZON

The beauty of the BESTonZON lies in its simplicity. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Fill: Add cold, filtered water to the lower chamber, filling it up to the appropriate level (usually indicated by a fill line or just below the base of the central tube).
2. Grind: Use a medium-coarse grind for your coffee beans. A grind that’s too fine can clog the filter basket and result in a bitter brew, while a grind that’s too coarse will lead to under-extraction.
3. Load: Place the filter basket into position and add the ground coffee. Don’t pack it too tightly; the water needs to flow freely through the grounds.
4. Assemble: Screw the top and bottom sections of the percolator together tightly, ensuring a good seal.
5. Heat: Place the BESTonZON on your stovetop over medium heat. Avoid high heat, which can lead to over-extraction and a burnt taste.
6. Watch: Observe the brewing process through the glass carafe. You’ll see the coffee darken as it cycles.
7. Serve: Once the coffee reaches your desired strength, remove the percolator from the heat and serve.

Percolator vs. Moka Pot: Clearing the Confusion

It’s important to distinguish between a percolator and a Moka pot, as they are often confused. While both are stovetop coffee makers, they operate on different principles. A Moka pot uses higher pressure to force water through the coffee grounds once, creating a more concentrated, espresso-like brew. A percolator, as we’ve discussed, continuously cycles the water, resulting in a different flavor profile.

Pros and Cons of Percolator Coffee
Advantages: * Simple to use and clean. * Affordable compared to electric coffee makers. * Produces a bold, full-bodied coffee. * Durable and long-lasting (especially stainless steel models).

Disadvantages: * Can be prone to over-extraction if not carefully monitored. * The continuous cycling can sometimes result in a slightly bitter taste if brewed for too long.

Tips to address Percolator’s disadvantages.
Use medium heat setting.
Don’t brew for too long. Pay attention to the color of the coffee by the Glass Carafe.

Conclusion

The BESTonZON Stovetop Espresso Maker offers a delightful blend of classic brewing technique and modern design. By understanding the science of percolation, you can appreciate the thoughtful engineering that goes into this seemingly simple device. It’s an invitation to rediscover a time-honored method of making coffee, offering a rich, flavorful brew and a satisfyingly hands-on experience.