It's really a preference on how strong you like your coffee. A non-electric percolator can be left to perk a little longer and get the coffee stronger by getting "more" out of the grounds. An electric one is usually times but normally has a strength control on it. I always put the strength control all the way to max and adjusted strength by the volume of coffee in the basket. And I always used a coffee measuring scoop so I couldn't tell you for sure how many teaspoons/tablespoons it it. When camping and using the stovetop percolator I judged it by the color in the glass top. Not much help for you I know but really it's like saying how much ketchup on a burger? A lot or a little, there's no hard and fast rule, what you have are guidelines. I'd split the difference, figure one per cup & a half and have hubby try it for strength.

The coffee itself will make a big difference too, depending on the grind. It's pretty forgiving really though.

You can also ask your brother and his wife if they use a percolator. BTW, water makes a big difference in the taste of coffee so if you start with bad water, you'll have bad coffee.

Good luck.

Wait a sec, just hit me, a tablespoon per cup? Hmm. Sounds pretty strong. I often would fill the basket about a 1/3 if I recall. It's been a long time since I used the percolator. On my drip one, to make about 10 cups I used 3.5 of the coffee measure scoops I have. Guess it's to experiment. Other percolator users can share their "formulas". Give it a try, a perked cup of coffee is IMO much better than drip most of the time.

I just did a quick search and after glancing at a few different sites, yes, they vary from 1-2 T per 6 oz cup so the info you have is right. It's just an issue of variables. How long do you cook a roast or how much salt to put in the soup, it just depends on the variables.

I'm sure you want your brother and his wife to enjoy themselves and it's nice of you to do this for them. How about having a neighbor or friend stop by to critique it for you? Oh, and be sure to clean it well before using. I usually used filters in the basket too fwiw.

I have two coffee makers-A 4 cup eledtric plug-in Mr. Coffee and a stainless or aluminum stove perculator. steel pot. as I remember, the usual "recipe" is two tablespoons coffee per six ounces of water. I have "huge" LOL mugs so it takes me 8 tablespoons of coffee and water and "4" on the water indicator to make a decent amount. I'll get two mugs out of that.

Experiment with your coffee maker before your guests arrive. Make several pots using differing amounts of coffee. Read the instructions on the COFFEE container. Brands and mixes do vary for the recommeneded amount.

The water will affect taste. Heavy mineralized water may impart a metalic or off-taste to the drink. If you go to a resturant that has pleasing coffee, ask what brand they use, and the water. Try making coffee with filtered water.

Since you don't drink coffee, maybe you can make that experimental pot of coffee and invite a neighbor over to try it for you. I'm sure she will get a kick out of it, and be very glad to help, especially if you are serving muffins with it!

A non-coffee-drinker would not like it even if it was perfect!

I wish I had a percolator, but I borrowed it out - so it's gone. I love the taste of that coffee.

Use one rounded Tbsp for each cup and 1 TBSP extra for the pot..perfect coffee........

Thanks! And good idea about practicing on the neighbours!