How to Make Coffee in a CorningWare Stovetop Percolator
A Simple, Old-Fashioned Method Worth Remembering
There’s something special about making coffee the old-fashioned way that gives you a warm feeling! No buttons – No pods, just a familiar coffee pot warming on the stove with the childhood sound of coffee gently percolating. If you’ve ever wondered how to make coffee in a CorningWare stovetop percolator, you’re in the right place.
This method is simple, slow, intentional, and perfect for quiet mornings, handwritten devotionals, snow days, and kitchens filled with memories.
Quick Summary
Making coffee in a CorningWare stovetop percolator is a simple, old-fashioned process that creates rich, flavorful coffee while inviting slower, more intentional mornings. This step-by-step guide explains how to use a CorningWare percolator on the stove, including the proper coffee-to-water ratio, brewing time, and helpful tips to avoid bitterness. Perfect for anyone who loves vintage kitchen tools, nostalgic routines, and preserving traditional homemaking skills.
Childhood Memories Today
Some of my favorite childhood memories involve coffee perking on the stove. There is something about that sound that brings back warm nostalgic feelings, and who doesn’t like fresh brewed coffee? (I actually have a few friends who don’t.)
A few years ago, I set out to find my own ceramic glass CorningWare percolator like my parents used to have. I found a cute little electric percolator that was so adorable, but it was not the same. (Plus, I didn’t look for instructions, and I burnt it up the 1st time I used it!) 😩
I didn’t give up looking though. As I was perusing through one of my favorite vintage stores, there it was, and the price was RIGHT!!!
I still use my “pod” coffee maker for the most part, but on occasion, when I want an extra dose of cozy, the CorningWare comes out!
Why Use a Stovetop Percolator?
Before electric coffee makers became popular, percolators were a common staple in many homes. A CorningWare percolator, in particular, was designed to be durable, dependable, and beautiful enough to sit right on the stove.
Percolated coffee has a richer, deeper flavor, and the process invites you to slow down, which is something many of us crave more of today.
What You’ll Need
- A CorningWare stovetop percolator (Or other percolator that can go directly onto a stove top)
- Cold Water
- Medium-Coarse ground coffee
- A Stovetop burner
Step-by-Step: How to Make Coffee in a CorningWare Percolator
#1 Add Cold Water
Remove the lid and the coffee basket with its lid. Pour cold water into the pot.
- Use 1 Cup of water per serving.
- If your pot has a fill line, do not go past it. In many cases, the fill line will be inside of the pot.
#2 Add Coffee Grounds
Place the metal stem into the pot and slide the basket over the stem. Add coffee grounds to the basket.
- Start with 1 Tablespoon of coffee per cup of water.
- Do not pack the coffee down, just make it level but loose.
Using medium-coarse ground coffee helps keep the grounds out of your coffee.
#3 Put the Percolator Together
Place the basket lid over the stem and onto the basket, then put the main lid on the pot. Make sure the lid is on securely.
#4 Heat Slowly on the Stove
Set the percolator on medium to medium-low heat.
- Avoid high heat. It can scorch the coffee easily. (Personal experience)
- Letting it perk on medium to low heat will give you a smoother tasting coffee.
After a few minutes, you will start to hear the familiar perking sound as the hot water starts circulating through the grounds. This could take 25 minutes or so, depending on the heat and type of stove you are using.
#5 Let it Percolate
Once it starts percolating, let it work for 5-8 minutes, depending on how strong you like your coffee:
- 5 minutes gives you a lighter brew.
- 7-8 minutes gives you a stronger, bolder flavor.☕️
#6 Remove from Heat and Let it Rest
Once it is finished, remove the pot from the stove and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. This allows the grounds to settle.
#7 Remove Inner Parts
With a hot pad, towel, or glove, remove the stem and basket from the pot and replace the main lid.
- Removing these parts will help keep grounds out of your coffee.
- This can also keep the coffee from getting too strong.
- Be sure to use some sort of hot pad, Ove’ Glove, or towel to remove the pieces, because they will be very hot.
#8 Pour & Enjoy
Pour carefully, and enjoy the deep, nostalgic flavor!
- If you happen to have a lot of grounds in your coffee, you can pour it through a sieve. Just put a tea strainer over your coffee cup before pouring.
Helpful Tips for the Best Percolator Coffee
- Use fresh coffee grounds for the best flavor.
- Medium-coarse grind works best. It keeps the grounds out of your cup.
- Brew your coffee slowly (lower temp.) Patience makes better, smoother coffee.
- If your coffee tastes bitter, shorten the perking time.
- Clean your percolator thoroughly after each use to avoid old-coffee residue and taste.
- You may have to experiment with the amount of coffee and water to get it to the strength you prefer. (I like my coffee strong, but I had to actually decrease the amount of coffee and brew time to get it just right.)
Where to Find Percolators
Vintage stovetop percolators are pretty easy to find, just keep your eyes open. You can find them at:
- Estate Sales
- Thrift Stores
- Antique Stores
- Flea Markets
- Facebook Marketplace
- Etsy
FYI – A CorningWare percolator is not the same things as a CorningWare teapot. If you are planning on percolating, it must be the percolator.
You do not have to have a CorningWare percolator to make coffee; they just remind me of home.
You can also find electric percolators, if that is what you prefer. It is all about preference.
If you don’t want to search for a vintage percolator, they still make new ones. Here are a couple of options:
- I love the look of this camping/stovetop percolator! (My first taste of coffee that I remember was from a campfire percolator, and it was amazing!)
- There are also many options for electric percolators. Just follow the manufacturer’s directions. (I have one similar to this.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Bitterness is usually a result from:
* Using too high heat
* Letting it percolate too long
* Using a coffee that is ground too fine
* In most cases, yes. Be sure to use gentle heat and try to avoid sliding the pot around on the stove top.
* A gas stove might work a little better because of the steady heat. However, my stove is a glass-top, and it works just fine.
Wash all parts of the percolator with warm, soapy water after each use and rinse it well.
Percolator coffee is richer and bolder. However, the strength will depend on the time you let it percolate and the amount of coffee you use.
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Printable Instruction Card
How to Make Coffee in a CorningWare Stovetop Percolator
Materials
- Cold Water
- Medium-Coarse Ground Coffee
Tools
- Corningware Stovetop Percolator (or other stovetop percolator)
- Stovetop
Instructions
- Fill the percolator with cold water. (There may be a fill line.)
- Add the coffee to the basket, but do not pack it down.
- Put the percolator parts together and place it on the stove over medium-low heat.
- Watch for the coffee to start percolating. Let it percolate for 5-8 minutes, according to how strong you want it.
- Remove the percolator from the heat and let it rest for 1-2 minutes.
- With a hot pad, towel, or glove, remove the stem and basket from the pot and replace the main lid.
- Pour and enjoy!
Notes
Coffee Ratio: 1 Tablespoon of coffee per 1 Cup of water (Use less for weaker coffee and more if you like it stronger.)
Let it brew on medium-low heat to keep it from getting bitter.
A Simple Joy Worth Keeping
Making coffee in a CorningWare percolator isn’t just about the coffee, it’s about the experience. It’s the slower pace, the memories tied to kitchens past, and the comfort found in familiar routines.
Sometimes, the simplest methods are the ones most worth preserving.
If you enjoy old-fashioned kitchen traditions, simple recipes, and preserving the little things that make a house feel like home, you may enjoy exploring more posts here at Home with Grace and Joy. These everyday activities often hold the sweetest memories.
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Until next time,
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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19
Susan,
I don’t read everything you send out. So glad I read this. Growing up, my grandmother helped to raise my sister and myself. She didn’t have a Corning Ware Percolater but she had a small metal one that made 2 or 3 cups. A neighbor from across the street came over every morning and drank coffee. So, needless to say she was busy making more than 1 pot for he, my sister and I. Thanks for bringing back the memory. Joette
Such sweet memories! I think that is why I love vintage things so much!!!
I’ll grab medium-coarse grounds and try 7 minutes on medium-low for bold flavor, plus that Ove Glove tip is smart