Camping had always been an outdoor activity enjoyed by many. The scenic view, the breath of fresh air, and the life away from the city’s hustle and bustle are what makes it interesting for outdoor enthusiasts. Coffee is a staple beverage perfect for giving you warmth in the cool breeze of the camping grounds. However, bringing along your handy coffee maker isn’t a great idea. Most people who both love camping and coffee bring along a camping coffee boiler.
Unlike an electric coffee maker, coffee boilers allow you to make your warm cup of joe over a fire. One of the most reliable camping coffee boilers you can find is the GSI Outdoors Enamelware Percolator. Percolators are specially designed boilers used for outdoor activities like camping and RVing. They are easy to carry around and can make instant coffee when you need a little warmth.
Percolators vs. Drip Coffee Makers
Percolators craft coffee by allowing the water to cycle multiple times. Unlike a drip coffee maker, the percolator uses an over-extraction technique to make coffee. However, most people who use percolators note that brewed coffee tends to be bitter and stronger than drip coffee makers.
To reduce the bitterness of percolator coffee, some people set a specific boiling time depending on taste preference. Additionally, leaving your coffee in the percolator for extended periods can result in unpleasant and overly bitter coffee.
Though a bit more tedious than a regular drip coffee, campers still prefer a camping coffee boiler due to its versatility. You can still enjoy a decent cup by placing it on a grate on your campfire. It can also work well on top of a stove or in your microwave. This boiler is a versatile option you can have when drip coffee might be unavailable.
How to Use a Camping Coffee Boiler
Once you’ve decided to give a percolator a try, you’ll notice that preparation and actual brewing is not too hard to do. To craft your camping coffee, here’s what you need to do:
Fill Your Percolator with Water
Most percolators can handle up to three cups of water. However, they usually have a fill line. Make sure not to go beyond the line and don’t overflow your boiler with water.
Add Your Coffee Grounds
Depending on the kind of percolator you have, you might need coarsely ground coffee if you don’t have a filter. However, for finer grounds, a filter might be necessary. Check the user manual to see what kind of grounds are required for your coffee boiler.
Add a tablespoon or two of your coffee grounds, depending on how strong you want your coffee to be. Put the lid n and place the whole filter in your pot.
Wait for the Water to Boil
Place your percolator over a heat source and wait for it to boil. If you are using a stove, keep the temperature at medium. Overheating can cause your coffee to be too bitter. When the water begins to boil, check the bubble spot frequently until you get your desired color. The longer you leave the percolator, the more bitter your coffee will be.
Pour Yourself a Cup and Enjoy
Take your pot and pour a good amount of coffee into your cup. Add a bit of sugar and cream if you like. Or you can also savor the pure fresh beans of your coffee grounds.
How to Make the Best Camping Coffee
To make the perfect cup with your camping coffee boiler, make sure to check the following:
Check the Water Temperature
The right temperature will give you the perfect cup of coffee. That’s why checking your percolator while heating up is an essential trick to prevent bitter coffee. Water boils at 212 F, but you’ll get your perfect brew at 200 F. You can achieve that by taking out your pot about 30 seconds after the water starts to boil. This way, the temperature will lower down to your preferred point.
Amount of Coffee to Water and the Brewing Time
Although the perfect coffee might differ from person to person, remember that your coffee’s strength depends on the number of coffee grounds to the amount of water and your brewing time. The more coffee grounds, the stronger the taste. The longer the exposure to heat, the more bitter the coffee becomes.
Coffee Grounds
The consistency of your coffee grounds also determines the strength of your coffee. The finer the grounds, the stronger and darker they will be. However, for percolators, coarser grounds are more suitable to prevent bits of coffee grounds from getting to your brewed coffee.
Conclusion
Camping is one of the best forms of rest most of us need to clear our minds. What goes well with this laid back life is a cup of aromatic and fresh coffee. If you think you can have a good coffee while outdoors, think again. A camping coffee boiler is a handy tool you can use to craft that cup of coffee you deserve. Know more about coffee pots.