The Simple Joy of Making Coffee in a Vintage CorningWare Percolator
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After my grandma passed away, my mom was cleaning out her kitchen cupboards when she came across this vintage CorningWare percolator. Instead of selling it, she brought it to me.
I’ve seen them many times at the thrift stores but they’ve always had pieces missing. I was thrilled that she brought this home for me to use and that it belonged to such a special woman.
My Morning Coffee Feels Slower Now
One of the things I love most about using my vintage CorningWare percolator isn’t just the coffee, it’s the slowness that comes with it.
Every morning starts the same way. I fill the pot with water, spoon fresh coffee into the basket, and place it on the stove. Then I wait.
There isn’t a button to press or a timer counting down. Instead, I listen for that familiar bubbling sound as the coffee begins to perk. Before long, the warm smell of fresh coffee starts drifting through the kitchen, filling the whole house with a cozy feeling that instantly makes the morning seem a little less rushed.
It’s such a simple process, but I think that’s exactly why I love it.
Jenn’s Tip
I know I could make coffee in about two minutes with a modern machine. But I don’t really want to anymore. There’s something about hearing this little pot start to perk that makes the whole house feel awake. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of my grandma. Maybe it’s because slowing down has become something I crave. Either way, it’s one of my favorite parts of the morning.
I Didn’t Realize How Much Plastic We Were Brewing Through
One thing I really appreciate is that I’m not pouring boiling water through a bunch of plastic every morning. The CorningWare pot is simple: glass, ceramic and metal. It feels like it was built to last, not replaced every few years.
Does Coffee Taste Better?
I can’t scientifically prove it, but I honestly think it does.
The flavor feels richer.
Maybe it’s because it brews more slowly.
Maybe it’s because I’m sitting down instead of rushing out the door.
Whatever the reason, every cup just feels a little more special.
How to Use a Vintage CorningWare Percolator
- Fill with water.
- Add coarse-ground coffee to the basket.
- Place on medium heat.
- Wait until it begins to perk.
- Lower the heat.
- Let it perk for about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour.
Where to Find One
- estate sales
- thrift stores
- antique malls
- Facebook Marketplace
- eBay
If you find one while thrifting, grab it. They’re becoming harder to find and they’re one of those kitchen pieces that somehow manages to be both beautiful and incredibly useful.
Have a percolator but missing parts? Find some on eBay HERE!
FAQs
What kind of coffee should I use in a percolator?
A coarse-ground coffee (like my favorite brand, Fabula) works best in a percolator. Using coffee that’s ground too finely can make your brew bitter and may allow grounds to slip through the basket. If you’re buying coffee specifically for a percolator, look for a coarse grind whenever possible.
Does coffee taste different in a vintage percolator?
I think it does! The flavor is a little bolder and richer than what I get from my regular drip coffee maker. I’m not sure why, but it taste so much better this way.
How long should coffee perk?
Most people say letting coffee roast for 7 to 10 minutes after it starts bubbling. I let mine go about 7 or 8 minutes because I prefer a smoother cup. If you let it perk too long, the coffee can become more bitter. I usually know it’s done when I can smell it from another room.
Can I use a CorningWare percolator on a glass-top stove?
In most cases, yes. CorningWare was designed for stovetop use, including electric ranges. If you have a glass-top stove, be sure to lift the percolator instead of sliding it across the surface to help prevent scratches. Always check the bottom of your cookware for damage before using it.
How do I clean a vintage CorningWare percolator?
After the percolator has cooled, wash the ceramic pot, lid and metal basket with warm, soapy water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the finish. If coffee stains build up over time, a paste made from baking soda and water can help remove them gently.
Where can I find a vintage CorningWare percolator?
If you’re lucky, you might stumble across one at a thrift store. They’re also worth looking for at estate sales, antique malls, flea markets, Facebook Marketplace and online marketplaces. If you spot one in good condition, I’d definitely grab it. They’ve become harder to find.
Over Coffee ☕
We spend so much time chasing the newest gadgets that we sometimes forget how well the old ones still work.
Every morning this little coffee pot reminds me that slower isn’t always worse. Sometimes the things our grandparents used every day really were built better, and sometimes they help us slow down enough to enjoy ordinary moments again.
I hope this old percolator stays in my kitchen for many years to come.
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