Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator

If you are exploring a classic yet reliable way to brew your morning cup, the Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator may catch your attention. A 2024 coffee survey suggests that around 64% of American adults enjoy coffee daily (National Coffee Association), and many people still love the old-fashioned percolator method for its rich, full-bodied flavor. This model promises a straightforward process—just add coffee grounds, water, and plug it in. But is it the right fit for you? Below, you will find a thorough review that explores the design, brewing performance, ease of cleaning, overall value, and more. Let us walk through the details so you can feel confident about your next purchase.

Meet the Elite Gourmet EC812

You might have seen modern drip machines with digital timers or espresso makers that steam and froth at the push of a button. Yet, some coffee fans crave a simpler process that highlights the taste of the beans without too many gadgets. The Elite Gourmet EC812 aims to offer that classic approach using a percolator style.

At its core, a coffee percolator circulates hot water through the grounds multiple times. This approach can deepen the flavor of your brew and bring out bold notes. The Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator is an electric model, which means you can skip the stovetop. You fill the percolator with cold water, measure your favorite ground coffee, and then let the machine do the rest.

Good news, it is surprisingly intuitive. While some percolators demand more hands-on attention, this electric unit takes a lot of guesswork out of the process. Once brewing is complete, it enters a keep-warm cycle. That means you do not need to worry about your coffee going cold if you step away for a few minutes. However, making an informed choice goes beyond just flipping the switch. Below, you will see why a percolator might be the right method for you.

Why a coffee percolator

Percolator brewing is older than the automatic drip process. In fact, the first patents for percolators date back to the early 1800s, though electric versions (like the Elite Gourmet EC812) only became popular in the mid-20th century. Here are a few reasons people keep coming back to percolator-style coffee:

1. Rich, robust taste
   Since hot water passes repeatedly over the grounds, many drinkers notice a deeper flavor profile than with drip coffee brewers. If you love French press or a bold espresso note, you might appreciate the stronger edge a percolator delivers.

2. Nostalgic charm
   Some coffee drinkers enjoy the simpler, more hands-on approach. The gurgle and bubble of a percolator can feel comforting and reminiscent of classic family kitchens.

3. Mild learning curve
   While some connoisseurs say percolators risk over-extracting the coffee, many modern electric units reduce that concern with automated timing or a keep-warm function. Once you dial in how many tablespoons of coffee you prefer for each cup, you will get a consistently hearty brew.

4. Simplicity at heart
   You do not need a complicated setup or filters. A metal basket inside the percolator holds your grounds, and boiling water is all it takes. If you love minimal gear and want fewer replacement parts, a percolator is worth a look.

Still, a coffee percolator is not for everyone. If you prefer a lighter or more delicate flavor, or if you need advanced scheduling and remote controls, then a standard drip machine with programmability might be more your style. The Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator aims to keep things simple while offering an approachable route for those craving the deeper notes that a percolator brew can provide.

Inside its design and build

One of the first things you notice about the Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator is its polished stainless steel exterior. It has a sleek cylinder shape that can fit on most countertops without hogging space. The handle is plastic and designed to stay cool to the touch. The lid sits snugly on top, vents steam safely, and includes a transparent knob so you can watch the coffee as it perks.

Inside, you will find a metal basket that holds the grounds. Below the basket is a metal tube that channels water upward during the brewing cycle. When the water boils, it passes up the tube and seeps down through the grounds, extracting flavor on each pass. The material is mostly stainless steel, which is known for being durable and less prone to cracks or breaks than some thin glass carafes in drip machines.

Though it is an electric percolator, the unit keeps the external design fairly minimal—no digital screens or complicated controls. You have a small indicator light showing when the percolator is on, plus a simple switch or button to power it up. Once brewing finishes, it automatically switches to a keep-warm mode. This approach is convenient if you like returning to a piping hot cup without fussing with reheat cycles.

In terms of durability, the stainless steel body is a plus. Some coffee drinkers find that cheaper plastic parts on lower-end percolators crack after repeated heating. The Elite Gourmet EC812 does contain plastic in the handle, base plate, and basket top, but these parts are typically designed to withstand heat over time. Even so, it is wise to handle the components carefully—rapid temperature swings and rough handling can shorten any machine’s lifespan.

A note on capacity

This percolator advertises a 12-cup size, which is based on a standard 5-ounce cup measurement (common across many coffee brands). If you drink from a large mug, you may get fewer servings. However, for a family breakfast or an office break room, 12 (5-ounce) cups can serve several people at once. If you usually brew a single cup, this size might feel bigger than you need, though you can always brew less water without an issue.

Brewing performance and flavor

At this point, you might be thinking, “Will the Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator deliver the taste I want?” Percolator coffee can stand out for its bold, sometimes slightly smoky notes. Here is how the flavor and brewing performance typically stack up:

1. Brewing speed
   Many users report that with a full 12-cup batch, the percolator can finish in around 10 to 12 minutes. That is roughly on par with typical drip brewers for a similar volume, though exact times vary based on starting water temperature and how coarse your grind is.

2. Flavor intensity
   Since percolators recirculate the water multiple times, you can end up with a stronger brew. Some coffee fans enjoy that extra depth. If you worry about bitterness, use a medium grind and do not overfill the basket. You can also test for your preferred strength by adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio.

3. Temperature consistency
   The Elite Gourmet EC812 tries to keep the water at a hot but not scorching level during the brewing cycle. However, some people say percolator coffee can taste slightly more bitter if it is left perking too long. Fortunately, this model automatically stops the perking process and enters a keep-warm mode when it detects the coffee is ready. That helps prevent it from going over the top in extraction.

4. Customizing your brew
   Good news, you can tailor the flavor to your liking. If you prefer a milder taste, use less coffee and a medium or coarse grind. Want a bold cup that leans toward espresso-level intensity? Use a finer grind, or fill the basket closer to its maximum capacity. Experimentation is key so you land on the perfect strength for morning or late-afternoon sipping.

It is worth noting that “percolator coffee” can be polarizing among coffee enthusiasts. Some swear by it, while others prefer drip or French press. The Elite Gourmet EC812 can mitigate some typical percolator downsides—like over-extraction—by controlling the brewing cycle. Still, if you enjoy a smoother or lighter roast, you might need to fine-tune your grind size and ratio.

Ease of use and cleaning

One highlight of the Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator is the straightforward setup. You just add cold water to the reservoir, scoop coffee grounds into the basket, cover the basket with its top, and close the lid. Then, plug in the percolator and switch it on. The indicator light will show that it is brewing, and you can hear the bubbles forming as the water circulates.

Cleaning routine

• After each brew
  Empty the grounds from the metal basket once the percolator cools down. Rinse any residue from the basket and rinse the inside of the main pot. A gentle wipe with a non-abrasive cloth helps remove oils that can build up on stainless steel surfaces.

• Weekly or bi-weekly deep clean
  If you brew coffee daily, you might notice some staining inside. To deep clean, fill the percolator with a mix of water and white vinegar (roughly 1:1 ratio). Let it perk for a few minutes, then turn it off. Allow the solution to sit before rinsing thoroughly. This helps break down mineral deposits and bean oils. Remember to run a plain water cycle afterward to remove any lingering vinegar smell.

• Watch the electrical components
  As with any electric device, you will want to keep water away from the cord or base plate. Do not immerse the entire unit in water. Always confirm the percolator is cool and unplugged before cleaning.

When cleaned properly, your coffee will maintain that fresh, hearty taste. If you skip cleaning for too long, oils can accumulate, resulting in a stale or bitter flavor. Thankfully, the stainless steel surfaces are easier to wipe down than some plastic surfaces that hold onto odors.

Despite being simple to operate, a percolator requires you to pay attention to the grounds basket. If you pack grounds too tightly or use a very fine grind, they can overflow into the pot or clog the tube. A little practice helps you avoid that. Once you find a sweet spot (medium grind coffee is often recommended), you can prepare your morning brew quickly with fewer cleanup hassles than you might expect.

Cost and long-term value

Buyers often focus on the purchase price of a coffee maker, but it is also wise to consider ongoing costs—like replacement filters, potential repairs, or how long the machine will last. The Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator usually sits in the moderate price range for electric percolators. It might cost a bit more than basic drip machines in discount stores, but less than specialized espresso makers.

Here are a few financial factors to keep in mind:

1. No paper filters
   You will not need to buy paper filters as the percolator includes a permanent metal basket. That can reduce waste and save you a few dollars every month compared to drip brewers.

2. Durability
   The stainless steel body can stand up to daily use if you handle it with care. Cheap plastic coffee makers sometimes crack or break sooner, so you might get more years from a sturdy percolator. Repairs are not as common either, though the heating element is a possible failure point over time.

3. Energy usage
   Percolators heat water to a boil, which can draw a decent amount of power while running. However, once the coffee is brewed, the keep-warm cycle typically uses less energy than actively boiling the water. If you brew once or twice a day, the difference is minor. Large offices that keep the percolator running all day will have a slightly higher energy draw, but it is still generally comparable to drip coffee machines.

4. Coffee grounds
   You might use a bit more coffee per cup if you want a very robust flavor, simply because percolation can coax strong notes out of the beans. The good news is that you can adjust the ratio to what feels cost-effective and flavorful. Some folks find that they use about the same amount of coffee as they would in a drip machine, while others enjoy going heavier on grounds for a bolder taste.

Overall, the cost is reasonable for what you get—especially if you appreciate the deeper flavor notes of percolated coffee. From a purely financial angle, the difference in cost between a typical drip machine and this percolator is not dramatic. The bigger question is whether you will prefer the final taste enough to make it worth the switch.

Pros and cons

Below is a quick at-a-glance guide to help you weigh the Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator’s strengths and any limitations you might encounter:

Keep in mind, coffee preferences are highly personal. If you love the idea of a bold, nostalgic brew, you will likely appreciate the pros more and worry less about the potential downsides. If you value speed and a lighter flavor, or you rely heavily on programmable features (like waking up to a freshly brewed pot at 6 AM), a drip machine might still win out. Being honest with your own coffee rituals helps guide the best decision.

Final verdict and your next sip

So, is the Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator right for you? If you enjoy a robust, full-bodied flavor and do not mind experimenting with a slightly different brewing style, it is a strong contender. Its build quality, stainless steel body, and automatic keep-warm feature make it appealing if you want a coffee maker that bridges nostalgia and modern convenience.

On the other hand, if you prefer the hands-off approach of a programmable drip coffee machine that starts brewing before your alarm goes off, you might not gain as much from going the percolator route. The lack of advanced settings or preset timers might be a dealbreaker for some coffee drinkers. Yet, you can still count on a straightforward experience and a hearty taste.

By following a simple cleaning routine (using vinegar to descale every couple of weeks and rinsing after each use) and balancing your coffee-to-water ratio, you can reduce bitterness and highlight the best notes of your favorite beans. Good news, a little practice is usually all it takes to dial in your preferred strength. You might discover a new favorite coffee ritual in the process.

If you already appreciate a percolator’s charm or want to try something different from the drip coffee crowd, the Elite Gourmet EC812 might surprise you in how it delivers reliably flavorful cups day after day. You will have no paper filters to worry about, and you will enjoy hearing that gentle perk sound in the background while you wait for your morning jolt.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your taste buds and your routine. For many, the percolator method offers a welcome break from the standard drip machine or the complexities of an espresso setup. If that describes you, this model is worth considering. Give it a try, and with a bit of experimentation, you will soon find yourself sipping a robust cup of coffee that wakes up your morning or brightens your mid-afternoon break.

Choose what aligns with your coffee-drinking style. If the Elite Gourmet EC812 Electric 12-Cup Coffee Percolator sounds like a fit for your kitchen, then you are just a few steps away from enjoying that classic percolator aroma and taste. You have got this, and your coffee routine could gain a flavorful boost from this timeless method. Happy brewing!