A 30-cup percolator holds a lot of water and needs enough coffee to make a full pot taste strong without overloading the basket. A common guideline is about 1 tablespoon of coarse ground coffee per 6 oz “cup” (the percolator’s “cup” is usually 5–6 oz). For 30 cups that’s roughly 30 tablespoons (about 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons by volume, or ~150–180 g by weight). This guide gives you a starting point and how to adjust. For percolator method and timing, see our how to percolate coffee and how long do you percolate coffee guides.

Ratio and Dose

1 tbsp (5–7 g) per 6 oz is a standard percolator ratio. For 30 “cups” (30 × 6 oz = 180 oz water), that’s 30 tablespoons of coarse ground coffee. In weight: ~150–180 g. Don’t pack the basket so full that water can’t flow—if your basket is small, you may need to use slightly less and accept a slightly milder pot, or brew in two batches. Use coarse grind so the brew doesn’t over-extract. For grind details, see coarse ground coffee and best burr grinders.

Adjusting Strength

Stronger: Add more coffee (up to the basket’s capacity) or percolate a bit longer (see how long do you percolate coffee). Milder: Use less coffee. Write down what you use so you can repeat it. For the full percolator method, see how to percolate coffee and best coffee makers.

Conclusion

For a 30-cup percolator, start with about 30 tablespoons (150–180 g) of coarse ground coffee and adjust to taste. Use coarse grind and follow how to percolate coffee and how long do you percolate coffee for timing and technique.

See Also