Over the years, the percolator has been one of the most popular methods to brew coffee. First patented in the U.S. by James H. Mason on December 26, 1865, the percolator method forces heated water up through a tube and into a filter basket containing the coffee grounds. Albeit quick, easy, and efficient, this method violates a couple of rules for good brewing. Never boil coffee. Never pass brewed coffee back over the grounds. Of course, tasteful coffee connoisseurs of today know better. However, camp cooks and house wives of early America were eternally grateful to Mr. Mason and his percolator. It was easy to use. It didn't require constant supervision while brewing. And best of all, the grounds stayed in the the filter basket and not in your coffee cup. Mr. Mason's percolator provided a solid stepping stone for coffee enthusiasts to transform the camp-fire cup of Joe to the revered and refined lattes of today.

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