cimarron

If anyone cares wanted to pass along my coffee-pot adventure of late. It started last year...when our drip coffee-pot died. We were ready for the first cup, Sunday a.m. and it was DOA. So, I pulled out the old Farberware Percolator I'd had since 1979...dusted it off and proceeded to enjoy best cup I'd had in years. The coffee was HOT and rich. I had forgotten what HOT coffee tasted like, except when camping and DH makes his (in)famous 'cowboy coffee' over the camp-fire. He does this thing with a extra large tin can and coat hanger (for handle) and leather gloves and grounds, etc. Pretty awful looking stuff, have to allow grounds to settle, etc. Well, it makes him happy...so...
ANYWAY, we used that old Farberware Perc till it finally died. We will never go back to drip method. So the adventure started. I searched high and low, internet/friends/everywhere for an American-made Percolator (stainless steel, not aluminum) to no avail. ONLY if I purchased a vintage model online could I get this. I did buy a nice 12 cup stainless (looked like a bullet, no names) online from Walmart with a two year warranty. I'd read folks were unhappy theirs did not last 6 mo, etc. but thought that must have been isolated events. well, mine lasted 5 months 17 days...I do keep receipts and register new stuff. Yes, Walmart refunded me...
Again, searched for American made stainless steel, electric, etc. to no avail...unless I bought vintage. I checked out the "camping" models. No reason cannot be used on stove-top, right? But most were aluminum (NOT HAPPENING!) and flimsy so would not last.
OK, I finally found a 'good-un' so am passing along my find if anyone cares: Farberware 8 cup (stove-top) Percolator. Walmart has a stainless steel (insides too, no aluminum) percolator, and it's only $20 (free to ship to store). We've been using it for a few weeks. Even took it on a camping trip...PTL-NO GROUNDS! (DH even admitted he likes it better than his 'cowboy coffee' method.) The interior grounds basket edge rolls "out" vs. "in" Yea! That "bullet" model I had to return to Wally-world had it turned in towards interior so grounds could catch inside...kinda turned me off. I like stuff CLEAN. Anyway, this ends my coffee-saga. Hope you enjoyed the journey. Come for a great cup-a-joe anytime! :thumbup:

Chasing Hawk

We drink our coffee made this way, when the power goes out during storms. My husband sets the camping stove outside and makes our coffee.

redkimba

I still use my percolator that I picked up from somewhere.

CraftsByRobin

Sounds like a bumpy ride ... but the destination ended smoothly ... nothing like a good cup of coffee :)

amandasgramma

We use percs when camping and I agree...the coffee is MUCH hotter.

One thing I found...the stainless steel one we had at first had a plastic "thing" in the lid. That plastic got cloudy after repeated use and we couldn't see what color the coffee is. :) I determine whether it's done by the color. We bought an aluminum one with a glass dome thingy and it works JUST as well as the stainless steel. We've used this one for 7 yrs now and have no complaints. But I AM spoiled...hot or not, I use the coffeemaker at home...and it's DONE when I wake up!!!! aaaaaahhhhh life is good.

Ramona Byrd

Thank you for the information. I don't like most coffee, and didn't make myself too popular in Star Bucks by commenting (to a friend when we were almost out the door) that no one made good old truck stop coffee any more, and charged 20 times what it had cost!!

But I did get to talk to two charming older men who were there and agreed with me whole heartedly. They also remembered the
old fashioned brisk taste of real, hot coffee.

cimarron

I used to have the timer/programmable one too (drip). But DH gets up for work at 4:30am...and usually makes the coffee. He leaves some in a carafe for me to enjoy when I first get up. He makes all but that little bit in his thermos for work. I still make more later. SO, HE is my programmable coffee maker. LOL! He is such a sugar-bee too....I love your picture of the little 'sugarbee!'

cimarron

One thing about the clear bubble I'd read was folks were unhappy about some breaking frequently. An 'ol timer wrote in to explain to tighten it, THEN loosen it just a little bit. This would allow for the difference in materials. I've been doing as he suggested. NO breakage has occurred. The Farberware I've got has a plastic "bubble" thingie...but same information applies...I guess. Once again, give me wisdom and experience anytime!

cimarron

I let it "brew" one minute for every cup. Guess we like it extra-strong around here...so actually use loads of coffee and let perk longer. HOT SMOOTH NUTTY flavor. I'm not just saying this, it's the best stuff. I'll NEVER use drip again.

amma

I prefer percolated coffee too, it tastes soooo much better :D:D:D