The traditional stove top coffee maker was sometimes also called a campfire coffee pot, since it adapted well to making coffee over an open fire. Usually this type of coffee maker was made of aluminum or stainless steel and resembled a coffee carafe. The bottom of the pot contained a reservoir for water, and the top had a round basket with a stem reaching down to the bottom of the pot. One placed ground coffee in the basket, which was then supported by the stem.
Once the water reservoir was filled, the basket was added, and the coffee was set over heat to reach a boil. As the water began to boil, it came into contact with the coffee. Often, a little glass top on the lid allowed one to see the coffee percolating upward. When the water in the top was brown, the coffee was done. One easy final task was removing the basket. Failure to remove the basket would result in coffee with a significant amount of coffee grounds in it.
Newer types of the stove top coffee makers include espresso pots, which use steam as well as boiling water to percolate the coffee. These occasionally come with a steam jet that can be used to foam milk for cappuccinos or lattes. Many coffee lovers insist that this type of coffee is far superior to drip coffee because of the available steam, and because the coffee grounds get infused with both steam and boiling water as the coffee cooks.
Some now function in a way similar to a French press. Once the coffee has been allowed to percolate, the grounds are pressed down to the bottom of the carafe, creating a much darker and richer cup of coffee. Some people, however, feel that making coffee on the stove top is too much work, because a lack of careful observation can make the coffee taste either burnt or bitter.
One can avoid making burnt or excessively strong coffee by adhering closely to the instructions that come with the coffee maker. Usually, it uses less coffee than a manual or electric drip maker. A smaller amount of coffee can help keep the beverage from becoming too strong. Additionally, it is important to remove the stove top coffee maker from the heat once the coffee is done to prevent burning. To keep it warm, many coffee experts recommend transferring the finished drink to an airtight carafe.
