Perked coffee is old school, to be sure, but a well-made cup of percolated brew is robust and satisfying in a way that drip coffee isn't. Not only does the percolation process provide a deeper and fuller mouth, I think, but a percolator, bubbling away, is a lovely sight and sound. If you don't like perked coffee, don't bother with any percolator. But if you are interested in something other than drip brew, consider this Farberware percolator. I'm not one to ooh and ahh over design, but this is a darned handsome piece of kitchen equipment. Take a look and the large picture and I will spare you the adjectives. :)The stainless steel construction makes it sturdier and heftier than thin-metal percolators you might buy in the camping gear section of a chain store. While the name "Yosemite" evokes coffee bubbling over a campfire, I'd probably not use this on a wood fire to avoid blackening. I mean, this thing really is shiny and pretty. But as heavy-duty as it is, perhaps it would clean up well.It's a capacious pot, making eight cups of coffee. The interior basket and rod are well made, fitting tightly together and clamping in place with the lock-down lid. It makes more coffee than my old electric percolator, but it does take up a burner on the stove-top.Lastly, should you buy this unit, remember: Perked coffe may be good, but it's a danged sight hotter than drip brew. Of course, you'll probably figure that out for yourself... Farberware 50124 Classic Yosemite Stainless Steel Percolator
I have never had a percolator before I bought this Farberware percolator. I have always had drip coffee makers, which were ok, but expensive and I was trying to get away from plastic in the kitchen. I read all the reviews here and decided at this price I couldn't really go wrong and I was right. The Yosemite percolator makes a very smooth cup of coffee.A few things I have learned:Coarser ground coffee leaves less residue in the pot.I use a regular coffee filter and just poke a hole through the middle to stop any grounds from getting into the coffee.I turn my burner on high until it starts percolating, then down to med-low for approximately 7 minutes.I make sure my handle is not on top of the burner, but rather, just over the edge and it has never gotten hot. I have a smooth top range.After the coffee is done brewing, I pour it into a stainless steel thermos to drink throughout the day.I hand wash my percolator and have had no discoloration or scratching to the surface. You really can't go wrong with this purchase and it is really pretty sitting on the stove, too. I bought another one for camping.
During Hurricane Isabel I had no electricity and was able to make great coffee on my gas stove with this percolator. I use it daily now.
I found a replacement for the plastic top at Fantes.com -- part #11380, "Small Replacement Percolator Glass Top" for $1.99.
see:
http://fantes.com/percolators.htm#tops
If you wash it in the dishwasher, don't use the "heated dry" option as it will leave permanent water stains. Also, I found that this coffee is reheatable [once] and still tastes good, not muddy.
This is my first percolator. I originally bought it as a spacesaver. I have virtually no counterspace in my kitchen and thought it could just stay on my stove, which it does nicely (and it looks nice!). Thankfully, it comes with instructions, for those people like me who have no idea how to brew coffee this way.
I am very impressed with the flavor of the coffee, previously having only made coffee from drip makers and I enjoy not having to bother with filters. A small amount of the ground does end up in the coffee, but it sinks and doesn't affect my enjoyment of it at all... just don't drink the very last bit :) Also the handle stays nice and cool like you'd hope, but you definitely have to be careful not to touch the pot itself. It will burn, as you'd expect any steel pot that just came off the stove to do.
Now, the reason it only got four stars is due to the top. The plastic top of mine is usable, but deformed and difficult to screw in and keep screwed in. I can only assume that this is because it melted slightly early on (I don't remember receiving it that way). It hasn't gotten any worse and I have been using it for at least a year. I don't consider this a deal breaker though, since replacement tops can be bought at any kitchen store for fairly cheap. The lid, as other reviewers have noted, requires a small amount of force to take off. This actually makes me comfortable. I'm not worried that the lid may come off while the coffee is brewing, but that's me. I've never had a problem trying to get it off, but I also don't take the lid off til I'm ready to clean it, so I've never had the experience of being burned because it is on too tight.
Overall I really enjoy this product. It's a great price and as far as I'm concerned, its only shortcoming is a plastic top that can easily be replaced.
I purchased this coffee pot for my Aunt,who was unable
to find a small 6-8 cup percalator type in the stores.
She has used it for four months and is quite satisfied.
"It is very uncomplicated and brews to perfection,"she
stated.She is 93 years old and uses it daily.
I was happy I could find a gift she could use.
This would be a fantastic percolator if it weren't spoiled by the [inexpensive] plastic top that pulls off in your hand. You have to let the whole pot cool down before you can take the lid off. I was looking for great quality from Farberware. I wouldn't have minded paying a little more for a good, reliable, permanent glass top. I REALLY mind paying for a coffee pot that you have to pry the lid off of every time you use it. No good any time of day, but especially first thing in the morning. I threw mine out, and am mad every time I think about it, because I can't find a really good, basic percolator. - Coffee Maker - Coffee Pot - Great Coffee - Percolators'
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