Best Coffee for Percolator: Top 7 Brands

The best coffee for a percolator varies based on your personal preferences, price range, and how many cups you brew daily. The best ground coffee for percolators is freshly roasted Arabica with a medium to dark roast and a coarse or medium-coarse grind. However, the is no single "best" coffee brand for percolators, as preferences vary by origin, flavor, roast date, price, and size. Choose coffee that suits your drinking routine, recipes, and serving size, whether you're brewing for one or for twenty each day.

Some coffee brands for percolators are widely sold in supermarkets due to large distribution and retail deals, while smaller specialty brands are often limited to local shops or online only. Top brands include Colipse Coffee Cowboy Blend for fresh specialty beans, Airship Coffee Buffalo Blend for affordability, and Graffeo Coffee for dark, low-acid roast. Each coffee brand aligns with different percolator use cases, highlighted in the comparison that follows.

1. Colipse Cowboy Blend Coffee
2. Airship Coffee Buffalo Blend
3. Graffeo Coffee Dark Roast
4. Passenger Coffee Agaro
5. Three Keys Coffee Cafe Espresso Blend
6. Gevalia Special Reserve Guatemala Single Origin Medium Roast
7. Intelligentsia House Blend

1. Colipse Cowboy Blend Coffee

Colipse Cowboy Blend coffee is a post-roast blend of single-origin Arabica beans from Colombia and Kenya. It features specialty coarse ground coffee for percolators using Caturra, Red Catuai, and SL28 beans grown at 1,200–1,900 meters in Tolima and Othaya. Colipse Cowboy Blend is made by roasting medium and dark roast beans separately, then combining them. Medium roasts add brightness, while dark roasts provide body and smoothness without bitterness. Colipse Coffee comes with free shipping in whole bean for home grinding or coarse ground for Percolators like Stanley, Presto, or Coleman.

Taste: Colipse Cowboy Blend is bold and balanced, with rich notes of chocolate, caramel, nutmeg, and dark berries. The post-roast blend of Colombian and Kenyan beans enhances body and flavor depth. It produces a smooth, low-acid cup with minimal bitterness. The beans are wet processed and separated from fruit using water before drying for a cleaner and brighter flavor. This blend holds up well in a percolator, with a clean taste and rich flavor that works great black or with milk. It pairs perfectly with hearty breakfasts, campfire meals, or a classic buttered biscuit.

About Colipse Coffee: Colipse Coffee is a specialty coffee brand that sells freshly roasted coffee beans and grounds.

Availability: Colipse Cowboy Blend Coffee is sold online as whole bean or coarse ground for electric, stovetop, and camping percolators. This coffee comes in 12 oz to 5 lb recyclable bags for 4-cup home percolators or 30-cup event brewers. Each bag includes free U.S. shipping with no minimum, up to 40% bulk discounts, and guaranteed freshness. Prices start at $20.99 for 12 oz, with lower rates for larger sizes.

Pros: Coarse ground ready for percolator brewing, freshly roasted, subscription option, free shipping.

Cons: Online only

Recommendation: Colipse Cowboy Blend Coffee ranks among the best pre-ground coffees for percolators with unmatched freshness and flavor for those ready to upgrade from supermarket to specialty coffee.

2. Airship Coffee Buffalo Blend

Airship Buffalo Blend is a medium roast coffee blend sourced from Guatemala and El Salvador. It uses Arabica coffee washed and sun-dried natural processing methods. It ranks among the top coffees for percolators due to its percolator-specific grind, ready-to-brew format, and strong performance in glass, stainless steel, and enamel percolators.

Taste: Airship Buffalo Blend is a sweet, mild coffee with vanilla, brown sugar, and caramel notes. It offers a smooth texture and a clean finish that resembles a caramel dessert.

About Airship Coffee: Airship Coffee is an independent specialty coffee business founded and operated by Mark Bray.

Availability: Airship Buffalo Blend is sold on Airship’s website and select U.S. retailers. It is available in 8.8 oz and 1.65 lb resealable bags as whole beans only. The price is $18.99 for an 8.8 oz bag.

Pros: Large bag, whole bean and coarse ground, dual processing.

Cons: No free shipping, no roast date.

Recommendation: Airship Buffalo Blend is one of the best ground coffee for percolators at affordable price that is avaibale in most popular supermarkets like Walmart, Amazon, and more.

3. Graffeo Coffee Dark Roast

Graffeo Coffee Dark Roast is a premium coffee sourced from Colombia, Costa Rica, and Papua New Guinea, using high-quality Arabica beans. It is roasted fresh to order with a fluid bed roasting method, which ensures even roasting and a clean taste. It is suitable for percolators, drip brewers, and espresso machines, offering consistent flavor across various brewing methods.

Taste: Graffeo Coffee Dark Roast has a smooth, rich, and full-bodied flavor profile with low bitterness. It offers notes of dark chocolate and earthy undertones, which provide a balanced and robust aftertaste. It is ideal for those who prefer a bold yet clean taste in their coffee.

About Graffeo Coffee: Graffeo Coffee is a North Beach roaster operating for 90 years, independently run by Walter A. Haas III, who owns the majority stake.

Availability: Graffeo Coffee Dark Roast is sold online through graffeo.com for $25 per 1 lb bag, with free shipping on orders over $50 in the United States. It is available in whole bean or French press/Cold brew grind and can be purchased at physical locations in San Francisco (735 Columbus Ave), San Rafael, and select specialty stores like Tiny Grocer in Austin and Providore Fine Foods in Portland.

Pros: Multiple grind sizes.

Cons: One-pound only, no bulk discount.

Recommendation: Graffeo Coffee is a top dark roast ground coffee suited for all percolators, delivering a smooth, rich, full-bodied flavor.

4. Passenger Coffee Agaro

Passenger Coffee Agaro is a premium single-origin coffee sourced from the Agaro region in Ethiopia, using high-quality Arabica beans. It is roasted lightly to preserve the beans’ natural flavors and processed using a washed method, which enhances clarity and brightness.

Taste: Passenger Coffee Agaro has a bright, floral flavor with a light body and high acidity. It offers notes of jasmine, bergamot, and stone fruit, which provide a clean and complex aftertaste. It is ideal for those who enjoy vibrant, aromatic coffee.

About Passenger Coffee: Passenger Coffee is an independently operated specialty coffee roaster founded in 2015 by Kyle Sollenberger, Crystal Weaver, and another partner, all native to south-central Pennsylvania. This brand offers a selection of light roasts, including the Ethiopia Agaro, which is known for its flavor notes of apple, bergamot, and peach, and is suitable for brewing methods like pour-over and French press.

Availability: Passenger Coffee Agaro is sold online through drinkpassenger.com for $20 per 250 g bag, with free shipping on all orders in the United States. It is available in 250 g, 2 lb ($79.45–$96.50), and 5 lb ($93.50–$131.25) bags, with whole bean as the only grind option.

Pros: Multiple bag sizes, roasted to order.

Cons: Whole bean only.

Recommendation: Passenger Coffee Agaro suits percolator fans who want a bright, floral, fruit-forward single origin coffee.

5. Three Keys Coffee Cafe Espresso Blend

Three Keys Coffee Cafe Espresso Blend is a medium-dark roast crafted from Arabica beans sourced from Colombia, Ethiopia, and Brazil. It is roasted in small batches to ensure freshness and uses a washed processing method, which enhances its clean flavor.

Taste: Three Keys Coffee Cafe Espresso Blend has a bold, sweet, and decadent flavor with a full-bodied texture. It features notes of dark chocolate, stewed plums, and toast, which create a rich and enduring aftertaste.

About Three Keys Coffee: Passenger Coffee is an independently operated specialty coffee roaster founded in 2015 by Kyle Sollenberger, Crystal Weaver, and another partner, all native to south-central Pennsylvania. This brand offers a selection of light roasts, including the Ethiopia Agaro, which is known for its flavor notes of apple, bergamot, and peach, and is suitable for brewing methods like pour-over and French press.

Availability: Three Keys Coffee is a family-owned Houston roastery, named 2022 Best Coffee Roaster by Food & Wine, founded by Tio and Kenzel Fallen.

Pros:Multiple bag sizes, Roasted to order.

Cons: No subscription, no bulk discount, limited grind sizes.

Recommendation:Three Keys Espresso Blend suits percolator fans seeking bold, sweet, full-bodied coffee, but requires home grinding.

6. Gevalia Special Reserve

Gevalia Special Reserve is a single-origin medium roast ground coffee sourced from 100% Arabica beans grown in Guatemala’s high-altitude mountains. It is one of the best store-bought coffees for percolators due to its affordability, wide availability, and coarse grind suited for all percolator models.

Taste: Gevalia Special Reserve Guatemala Single Origin Medium Roast Coarse Ground Coffee has a medium-bodied flavor with earthy, smoky notes and a hint of cocoa. It offers a smooth texture and a clean aftertaste with no bitterness.

About Gevalia Coffee: Gevalia is a coffee brand that sources, roasts, and sells specialty coffees. Kraft Heinz owns it in North America; JDE Peet's owns it internationally.

Availability: Gevalia Special Reserve is sold in 10-ounce bags online and in select North American stores. Walmart prices it at $7.68, with slight variations across retailers.

Pros: Affordable price, coarse grind, ethically sourced.

Cons: Limited size, no roast date.

Recommendation: Gevalia Special Reserve is a best affordable coarse ground coffee for budget-conscious percolator users who want reliable, coarse-ground, single-origin beans without sacrificing taste.

7. Intelligentsia House Blend

Intelligentsia House Blend is a multi-origin coffee with a bright, medium roast. It uses high-quality beans that hold Intelligentsia Direct Trade certification.

Taste: Intelligentsia House Blend has a smooth, low-acidity profile with flavors of apple, citrus, and milk chocolate. It delivers a clean aftertaste and pairs well with light pastries or breakfast foods.

About Intelligentsia Coffee: Intelligentsia, acquired by Peet’s in 2015, sources multi-origin beans with Direct Trade certification.

Availability: Intelligentsia House Blend is sold on the Intelligentsia website and select U.S. retail partners and cafés. It comes in a 12 oz bag as whole bean or coarse grind for percolators for $17.50 USD.

Pros: Multiple grinds.

Cons: No bulk discount.

Recommendation: Intelligentsia House Blend is a smart choice for percolator users who want specialty-grade, direct trade coffee at an accessible price.

How to Compare the Best Coffee for Percolator?

To compare the best coffee for a percolator, evaluate each option using the steps below.

1. First, identify the key factors for comparison: roast freshness, bean quality, cost, and delivery.
2. Second, check the "roasted on" date on each package to compare which coffee is freshest.
3. Third, compare the bean quality by looking for labels like "specialty-grade" or "100% Arabica."
4. Fourth, examine the product details to compare the bean origins and listed flavor notes.
5. Fifth, use a simple chart to compare the price per pound or gram across different brands.
6. Sixth, read customer reviews to compare the experiences of other percolator users with each coffee.

Refer to the table below to compare prices, bulk options, and shipping for the best ground coffee for percolator coffee machine.

		Airship Coffee Buffalo Blend	Graffeo Coffee Dark Roast	Passenger Coffee Agaro	Three Keys Coffee Cafe Espresso Blend	Gevalia Special Reserve	Intelligentsia House Blend
Roasted to Order	Yes	No	No	Weekly	No	No	Yes
Free Shipping	Yes	No	No	With Subscription	No	No	With Subscription
Price	$20.99 / 12 oz $46.25 / 2 lb $90.25 / 5 lb	$12.00 / 8.8 oz	$25 / 1 lb	$20.00 / 250 g	$19.00 / 12 oz	$7.68 / 10 oz	$17.50 / 12 oz
Roast	Medium & Dark	Medium	Dark	Light	Medium-Dark	Medium	Medium
Quality	Specialty-grade	High-quality, direct-trade beans	Premium Arabica beans	Premium Arabica beans	Arabica beans	100% Arabica	Direct Trade
Bulk Discount	Yes Up to 40%	No	No	No	No	No	No

How to Choose the Best Coffee for a Percolator?

To select the ideal coffee for a percolator, follow these steps.

1. Ensure Coffee Freshness: For great percolator coffee, freshness is everything. Use recently roasted whole beans for vibrant flavor. Avoid pre-ground supermarket coffee—it's likely stale. Fresh beans make rich coffee; stale beans make flat coffee. Always check the roast date.
2. Select Grind Size: The optimal grind for a percolator is coarse to medium-coarse, which is coarser than espresso but finer than drip. This size enhances flavor, prevents bitterness, and avoids clogging. Too fine causes sediment while too coarse weakens the brew. Use a burr or hand grinder before brewing, or buy coarse ground coffee for percolator from brands like Colipse.
3. Choose Roast Level: Figuring out the best coffee for your percolator really just depends on what you like. If you want a strong, classic cup, go for a dark roast. If you're looking for a happy medium with rich and interesting flavors, try a medium roast. Light roasts are great for fruity tastes, but they can be tricky and need to brew a bit longer.
4. Choose Coffee Origin: The best coffee origin for percolator coffee is Colombia. Colombian beans offer balanced acidity, full body, and chocolatey-caramel notes that withstand long brew times without turning bitter. Their smooth profile makes them ideal for percolators, especially when medium roasted and coarsely ground.
5. Decide between Whole Bean or Pre-Ground: Your coffee's format determines its freshness and ease of use. Pre-ground is convenient but goes stale fast. Whole beans are fresher and taste richer but require grinding. Choose pre-ground for speed, whole beans for better flavor.
6. Select Trusted Brands: Choose reputable coffee brands that produce consistent, high-quality coarse grinds suitable for percolators. Brands like Colipse, Gevalia, and Intelligentsia offer blends that ensure bold flavor, smooth extraction, and minimal sediment during brewing.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee for a Percolator?

To buy the best coffee for percolator, choose Colipse Coffee. We offer coarse ground coffee for percolators in dark, medium, or light roasts from Colombia, Indonesia, and Brazil, with notes of chocolate, caramel, or fruit. Colipse ships free across the U.S. and provides 12 oz to 5 lb bag sizes. Subscriptions, decaf, and high-caffeine blends are also available for every taste.

Which Coffee is Not Good for Percolator?

Avoid using finely ground coffee in a percolator because it can lead to over-extraction and bitter flavor. Percolators work best with coarsely ground coffee, which prevents grinds from slipping through the filter and reduces bitterness during the repeated boiling process.

How to Use Coffee Percolator?

To use a coffee percolator, follow the six steps below to brew rich and balanced coffee.

1. Clean the percolator to remove old oils and residue that affect flavor.
2. Fill the reservoir with cold water (about 2 cups per mug) and insert the central stem.
3. Add coarsely ground coffee to the upper basket (1 tbsp per cup), using a paper filter if desired, then secure the lid.
4. Heat the percolator on medium until you see steady bubbling in the glass knob; reduce heat to maintain gentle percolation.
5. Percolate for 7–10 minutes based on preferred strength, then remove from heat and discard grounds after a 1–2 minute rest.
6. Serve the coffee into cups, adding cream or sugar if desired.