I haven't seen a percolator since I was a kid ... which was a while ago.

The standard today would be a drip coffee maker.

But I'd think about getting a french press. They don't get quite up to 12 cups, though, I don't think. But the results are nicer ... if you get good/appropriately ground coffee.

There are also pour-over coffee makers.

I take a french press when I go camping.

I would think about getting a couple French presses if you really want to save space, or get a drip coffee maker. Percolators have gone out of style over the years because the current thinking is that they don't brew coffee efficiently - they continually push brewed coffee through the grinds, and they brew at a higher temperature than optimal.

For your needs I would suggest a standard 12 cup drip coffee maker. Will satisfy your needs at the best price point and everyone knows how to use it.

The additional advantage to a drip coffee maker over a french press would be that it can be easily set up the night before, and then turned on in the morning. Many even have a timer. Since yours will be primarily used for house guests, this also makes it the most guest-friendly option.

I agree with Julie. They're simple to operate and when the guests depart, you can store it somewhere out of the way.

Another recommendation for a drip coffee maker, they're easy to use and quick. I hated my French press and gave it away.

I'd get an insulated Bodum "Columbia" french press. Why? Because I love fresh press coffee and the Bodum insulated french press is high rated by Cook's Illustrated. The largest size makes 12 cups.
{{!gwi}}

Here is a link that might be useful: Bodum insulated french press

This post was edited by francoise47 on Sat, Nov 30, 13 at 8:19

I have an old 30 cup percolator which used to be used all the time in the old days for picnics and such. Problem now is trying to get grinds that aren't so fine that they go through the holes. I don't see anyone using a percolator any more.

Drip would probably be best. They are easy to use, inexpensive and keep the coffee warm for awhile. If you want, you can get 2 and use one for decaf and one for regular.

Though I don't know if it's my coffee or not, but so few people seem to drink coffee after dinner (or tea) any more. Maybe it's not my coffee as that's true even when we eat out....

$100 for the large Bodum?!?!?

I'm all for going the extra mile for my guests, but that would be too far for me if I wouldn't use it any other time.

Yes, a 12 cup drip for guests is inexpensive and easy for anyone to use.

Regarding capacity, I think that all makers of all types of coffee makers lie about that. If you have reasonably large mugs, as opposed to those dainty teacups that come with mom' s old-fashioned china that I think they base capacity on, divide the stated capacity at least in half to find what you really need.

Speaking of mom, she swears by her percolator. But I never liked them.

Especially if you have insta hot but even if you don't, i would recommend just getting three or four 32 oz French presses if you are looking to serve 12. We have one and get two large mugs out of it. They are not expensive, they would look very pretty in your kitchen (which I love) and you could use all of them at one time. You could place several of them on the table at once which is really nice when serving.

That large Bodum is insulated. That's what you are paying for. Unnecessary and ugly in my view. I love the original Chambord. Classic and pretty.

I agree with above who recommend a drip coffee maker. And if you get the Black & Decker that is on sale this weekend at Walmart for $9.44, you won't even come close to breaking the bank. Two... one for regular and one for decaf. I saw some bad reviews for it at their website, but I have to disagree. We have 3 of these coffee makers at our beach vacation rental home (1 downstairs & 2 upstairs in the kitchen), and we haven't had any of the troubles that some of the people in the reviews are stating. I dont remember exactly what we paid but regular price on this is about $15 or $20.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Black-and-Decker-12-Cup-Programmable-Coffee-Maker/24305158

A retired Navy guy who runs a coffee store near my father-in-law in Maine, has a large sign saying "No Percolators". If you ask him about it he will explain (at length) why percolators should be banned from the world of coffee. Essentially he said they do everything wrong when it comes to coffee, and should only be used if your goal is to make a large amount of nasty, burnt, bitter, undrinkable coffee, that only become marginally palatable when you add tons of sugar and cream to mask the offensive flavor of the coffee. I think he might have tossed in a couple of "colorful adjectives" that he learned in the Navy to describe the coffee.

On he other hand (LOL), if you google "drip v perc" you'll find a lot of people who prefer percolated coffee!

Frankly, I don't think it matters - get a cheap drip machine (the Black & Decker or any other) - none of your guests is going away saying "That coffee was so bad, I'm never accepting another invitation from Alex".

12 cups is completely misleading. Every morning I pour water to the 6-cup mark and get two large mugs' worth. It's easy and the machines are relatively inexpensive. The principle is the same, but use good coffee. It's quick to brew a large pot. If you have some thermal carafes, you can easily brew up a batch for a larger group.

Not yet a coffee snob but I'm on the journey. I think a percolator is probably not the way to go. If your a Keurig user I'm assuming you don't have a grinder so your buying pre-ground coffee. If you go french press you need the coffee ground for that method (a bit courser than for drip I believe). I like coffee from a french press but you might consider going with a manual drip. Inexpensive, fairly compact, you can use pre-ground coffee (though I would suggest grinding a 1\2 lb of beans at the grocery store or better get your beans at decent coffee shop where they will grind them for you) and by heating the water in a kettle and controlling the pour you will get better extraction than from most drip machines. Transfer to an insulated carafe and you have decent coffee that some guests will probably be very grateful for.