GSI Outdoors 14-Cup Glacier Coffee Pot: Long Term Review

Camping

Here’s a review of the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Coffee Percolator 14‑Cup — a classic camp coffee maker.

We bought ours back in 2012 to replace one that was too small for us.

Overview

The GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Coffee Percolator is a rugged, large-capacity percolator designed for brewing coffee over a campfire or stovetop. With the ability to make up to 14 cups of coffee, it’s ideal for group outings, basecamp mornings, or anyone who loves rich, old-school coffee in the outdoors.

Build Quality & Design

  • Durable construction: Built from marine-grade 18/8 Glacier stainless steel, this percolator is corrosion-resistant and ready to take knocks from camp travel and rough use.

  • Hinged lid: The lid stays attached so you don’t lose it at camp — a small detail that’s especially handy in windy or busy settings.

  • Glass “PercView” knob: Lets you watch the brewing process without lifting the lid, so you can monitor strength without losing heat.

  • Handles & pouring: The wire bail handle and side grip make it easy to lift and pour, though like many full-metal designs, those handles can get hot over open flames.

Brewing Performance

I am not a coffee connoisseur, an expert or even a coffee snob, but this percolator brews rich, classic percolator coffee — strong with what the experts probably call a bold flavor. The smell of percolated coffee at a campsite morning just seems to make the mornings perfect.

Joyce and I have this routine — actually it is one of the marriage rules she has come up with over the years — apparently I don’t have the authority to make any marriage rules. Each morning whoever gets up first makes coffee. The last riser has to make the bed. When we are camping I get up last most of the time, because I enjoy the aroma of freshly brewing coffee inside our travel trailer.

Other than the time it takes to brew, I prefer it over our expensive multi-function, A.I. controlled, avant-garde,  designer brand drip coffee maker at home.

Since it’s a percolator, getting the brew right takes a little bit of practice (brew too long and it can taste bitter) — but when done right, it delivers consistent results. The glass knob helps a lot with that.

If I, the kitchen idiot, can constantly make great coffee with this coffee maker, then anyone can.

Pros

  • Sturdy, long-lasting build: Can stand up to repeated outdoor use, fires, and general abuse.
  • Wide Base: The pot is very stable and difficult to accidentally tip over.
  • Huge capacity: Great for groups or for making several cups at once.
  • Easy to watch brew strength: PercView knob makes timing more precise.
  • Classic coffee flavor: Enjoy the rich, bold brew that percolators are known for.
  • Hinged lid: Practical for outdoor settings.

Cons

  • The glass "PercView" knob can break: Rough handling, such as bouncing around in our trailer while traveling can break the knob. In 13 years we have replaced the knob twice (GSI sells replacements). We just place the pot in a cupboard and do nothing special to protect it, so this isn't a flaw in the design.
  • The handle can get hot: Especially when used over a campfire. It would be better if it had some sort of wooden or other cover on the handle. However, it is not enough of a con to motivate me to modify it or even search for a different pot.
  • Can deliver grounds: You might find fine grounds in your cups unless using a filter or a slightly coarser grind. We use Melitta Percolator Wrap-Around Coffee Filters, which we buy in large quantities.
  • It is a large pot: This may not be perfect for some couples, although you do not need to brew a full pot as there are cup markings on the pot. However for us, we always brew a full pot and transfer the coffee into a coffee carafe.
Our coffee carafe

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GSI Outdoors Percolator Coffee Pot (14 cup)

GSI Outdoors Glass PercView Top

Melitta Percolator Wrap-Around Coffee Filters, White, 40 Count (Pack of 12) 480 Total Filters Count

Chef Craft Select Coffee Measurer

GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker’s Mug

You may want to use the GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker’s Mug with the coffee pot, since the mug is also a great piece of equipment for backpacking.

GSI Infinity Backpacker’s Mug: 5-year Review

Yeti Mugs

A couple years ago I bought some Yeti mugs for the camper. We liked them so much we are also using them at home! However, as frequent readers here know, it is too soon to do a product review. They come in different colors which is handy for not mixing them up since I drink my coffee black and Joyce contaminates hers with coffee condiments.

Here’s what we’ve been thrilled with:

YETI Rambler 14 oz Stackable Mug, Vacuum Insulated, Stainless Steel with MagSlider Lid

YETI Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug, Stainless Steel, Vacuum Insulated with Stronghold Lid

This is great for traveling and fits into the coffee holders in all our vehicles. Insulation is just like the Ramble Mug — excellent.

 

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