In-depth review
Coleman Camping Percolator Review
In-depth Coleman camping percolator review: the enamelware stovetop classic assessed on campfire use, sizes, and how it compares to the Stanley and GSI stovetop models.
Coleman Camping Percolator
The enamelware stovetop percolator built for camp stoves, grills, and campfires.
- Type: Stovetop percolator
- Sizes: 9-cup and 14-cup
- Material: Enamel-coated steel
Our verdict
The Coleman is the camp percolator against which others are measured: enamelware steel that takes camp stoves, grills, and campfires, in practical 9-cup and 14-cup sizes, at a price that lets it live permanently in the camp kit. Enamel chips if mistreated and there is no keep-warm, but those are the terms of outdoor brewing. Buy it if your coffee happens outdoors. If you want bombproof stainless for rough handling, the Stanley is tougher; if you want exact size matching, the GSI Glacier spans 3 to 14 cups. Our brewing guide covers camp technique.
What we like
- Enamelware steel body handles camp stoves, grills, and campfire heat
- 9-cup and 14-cup sizes cover small crews and big groups
- No electricity needed, brews anywhere with a flame
- Inexpensive enough to live in the camp kit permanently
What to watch out for
- Enamel can chip if knocked against rocks or grates
- No keep-warm; coffee cools once off the heat
- Requires attention to avoid over-perking on strong camp burners
Who it is for
Campers and cabin owners who brew coffee over flame and want the proven outdoor percolator.
Design and build
Enamel-coated steel is the right material for the job: it takes direct flame, distributes camp-burner heat reasonably, and the classic speckled finish looks right at a campsite. The 9-cup suits small crews and the 14-cup handles basecamp mornings. The whole unit breaks down into body, stem, basket, and lid for packing.
Brewing performance
On a camp stove, bring the water up, then back the flame down to a lazy perk for 7 to 10 minutes. Camp burners run hot, so the most common mistake is a violent boil that over-extracts; keep the flame low once percolation starts. A coarse grind keeps sediment out of the cup despite the simple basket.
How it stacks up
Against the Stanley Camp Percolator, the Coleman offers larger sizes and lower cost, while the Stanley's 18/8 stainless steel survives harder knocks. Against the GSI Glacier, the Coleman wins on price and campfire readiness, while the GSI offers five sizes and a perc view knob for precision. See our best percolators ranking for the full field.
Care and longevity
Rinse and dry thoroughly after each trip; enamel chips expose steel that can rust if left wet. Do not use metal utensils inside. Store the basket and stem inside the body with the lid ajar to prevent mustiness between trips.
Key specifications
- Type
- Stovetop percolator
- Sizes
- 9-cup and 14-cup
- Material
- Enamel-coated steel
- Heat sources
- Camp stove, grill, campfire
- Power
- None required
Sources: Coleman official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
What owners report
Owners praise
- Owners praise the enamelware steel body for handling camp stoves, grills, and campfire heat
- Many owners like having 9-cup and 14-cup sizes for small crews and big groups alike
- Owners appreciate brewing anywhere with a flame, with no electricity needed
Common complaints
- Some owners report the enamel can chip when knocked against rocks or grates
- A common complaint is the lack of keep-warm, so coffee cools once it leaves the heat
- Owners note it requires attention to avoid over-perking on strong camp burners
Also consider
Stanley Camp Percolator
A rugged 6-cup stainless steel stovetop percolator from the camp-kitchen legend.
- Type: Stovetop percolator
- Capacity: 6 cup
Sources: Stanley official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
Check current price
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Percolator
A stainless stovetop percolator in five sizes, from 3-cup solo to 14-cup basecamp.
- Type: Stovetop percolator
- Sizes: 3, 6, 9, 12, and 14 cup
Sources: GSI Outdoors official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published coffee gear reviews
Check current priceResearch-based assessment. TheBrewLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Can the Coleman go directly on a campfire?
Yes, the enamelware steel body is designed for campfire, grill, and camp stove heat. Use a grate rather than burying it in coals, and expect soot on the exterior, which is cosmetic.
9-cup or 14-cup Coleman?
The 9-cup suits two to four campers; the 14-cup is for groups of five or more. Percolators brew best near-full, so match the size to your crew rather than defaulting to the biggest.
How do I keep the enamel from chipping?
Pack it with the basket and stem nested inside, avoid knocking it against rocks and grates, and do not use metal utensils. Chips are cosmetic unless they expose steel, which should be kept dry to prevent rust.
Does percolated camp coffee taste bitter?
Only if over-perked, which camp burners encourage with their high heat. Keep the flame low for a lazy perk, time 7 to 10 minutes, and use a coarse grind. Our troubleshooting guide has the full fix list.